Patent Application
20240251860
The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system and a method of generating an aerosol.
Electronic aerosol generating systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, e.g. through heat vaporization. An aerosol source for an aerosol provision system may thus comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir, for example through wicking or capillary action. While a user inhales on the device, electrical power is supplied to the heating element to vaporize source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such devices are usually provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from a mouthpiece end of the system. When a user sucks on a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn in through the inlet holes and past the aerosol source. There is a flow path connecting between the aerosol source and an opening in the mouthpiece so that air drawn past the aerosol source continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the aerosol from the aerosol source with it. The aerosol-carrying air exits the aerosol provision system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.
Other aerosol provision devices generate aerosol from a solid material, such as tobacco or a tobacco derivative. Such devices operate in a broadly similar manner to the liquid-based systems described above, in that the solid tobacco material is heated to a vaporization temperature to generate an aerosol which is subsequently inhaled by a user. In most aerosol provision devices, users seek consistent delivery on a puff-by-puff basis such that each puff tastes the same and/or provides the same desired effect. However, the devices described above are not always capable of providing consistent delivery.
It is desired to provide an aerosol provision device which delivers an improved delivery of aerosol and/or which provides a user with an improved sensorial experience.
According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising:
It has been found that by allowing aerosol to form properly and by delaying the release of aerosol by, for example, a few seconds after initial activation of the heating elements that the resulting sensory experience is improved.
In particular, allowing aerosol to form within the aerosol generating chamber (or a downstream aerosol holding chamber) and delaying the release of the aerosol helps optimise the particle size of the aerosol droplets or particles when they are subsequently released.
It has also be found that holding the aerosol either in the aerosol generating chamber or in a separate aerosol holding chamber for a few seconds reduces the undesirable experience of hot puff which is when the aerosol comprises a high water content i.e. hot and humid puffs. Moreover, if the water content is too high then microbial growth may occur.
Optionally, the one or more valves may be located at an exit region of the aerosol generating chamber and may be arranged to prevent aerosol from exiting the aerosol generating chamber until a later time T1 optionally after the initial activation at time T0 of the one or more heating elements.
Various embodiments are contemplated. For example, according to an embodiment time T0 may correspond with an activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements. According to an embodiment time T0 and activation of the one or more valves at T1 may be as a function of time and may be determined by a user indicating that they wish to use the device. According to an embodiment the relationship between time T0 and time T1 may be according to a predetermined timing profile. Embodiments are also contemplated wherein the relationship between time T0 and time T1 may be set according to one or more user determined settings.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device may further comprise an aerosol holding chamber located downstream of the aerosol generating chamber.
Optionally, the one or more valves may be located at an exit region of the aerosol holding chamber. The one or more valves may be arranged to prevent aerosol from exiting the aerosol holding chamber until time T1.
The device may be provided with an indication means configured to indicate to the user that they should start puffing, timed to operate in conjunction with the valve opening or slightly before. According to various embodiments one or more of audio, visual or haptic indications may be provided to a user to indicate to the user that they should start puffing. The indication provided to the user may be defined in relation to T1 i.e. at time T1 or at a predetermined time prior to T1.
Optionally, the control system may be arranged to selectively control the one or more valves: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device may further comprise a mouthpiece.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device may further comprise one or more aerosol flow paths arranged between an exit of the aerosol generating chamber (or an exit of the aerosol holding chamber) and the mouthpiece in order to direct or transmit aerosol which has been released by the one or more valves to the mouthpiece.
The aerosol generating article may comprise a substantially planar aerosol generating article. The planar aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions.
According to embodiments an aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of aerosol generating regions may be located adjacent a plurality of heating elements.
Alternatively, the aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of aerosol generating regions may be located so that one or more aerosol generating regions are located adjacent a heating element, wherein the aerosol generating article is rotated or moved relative to the heating element so that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved into proximity to the heating element.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device may further comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions, wherein one or more or each aerosol generating region comprises at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:
Optionally, either: (i) each portion of aerosol generating material is substantially the same; or (ii) at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material are substantially different.
Optionally, the aerosol generating article may comprise a substantially planar aerosol generating article.
Optionally, the planar aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions.
Optionally, in use, the aerosol generating article is located adjacent a plurality of heating elements.
Optionally, in use, the aerosol generating article is located so that one or more aerosol generating regions are located adjacent a heating element, wherein the aerosol generating article is rotated or moved relative to the heating element so that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved into proximity to the heating element.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising:
It will be understood, therefore, that embodiments incorporating one or more valves to effect a delayed release of aerosol may provide an improve sensory experience with a reduced risk of hot puff and which avoids the risk of microbial growth being allowed to occur.
It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described above.
Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed or described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
The present disclosure relates to a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system. A “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolize”, may generally be used interchangeably.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article (sometimes referred to as a consumable) for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. However, it is envisaged that articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.
The article, part or all of which, is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction or a susceptor.
Non-combustible aerosol provision systems often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, be an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.
An aerosol generating component (aerosol generator) is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material. In some implementations, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosol generating material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.
The article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device generally comprises an aerosol generating material. Aerosol generating material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine and/or flavorants.
The aerosol generating material may be present on or in a carrier support (or carrier component) to form a substrate. The carrier support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted aerosol generating material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.
In some implementations, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol generating material or an area for receiving aerosol generating material. In some implementations, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece, or alternatively the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece which communicates with the article. The area for receiving aerosol generating material may be a storage area for storing aerosol generating material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir.
The aerosol provision device 2 comprises an outer housing 21, a power source 22, control circuitry 23, a plurality of aerosol generating components 24, a chamber 25, a mouthpiece end 26, an air inlet 27, an air outlet 28, a touch-sensitive panel 29, an inhalation sensor 30, and an end of use indicator 31.
The outer housing 21 may be formed from any suitable material, for example a plastics material. The outer housing 21 is arranged such that the power source 22, control circuitry 23, aerosol generating components 24, chamber 25 and inhalation sensor 30 are located within the outer housing 21. The outer housing 21 also defines the air inlet 27 and air outlet 28, described in more detail below. The touch sensitive panel 29 and end of use indicator are located on the exterior of the outer housing 21.
The outer housing 21 further includes a mouthpiece end 26. The outer housing 21 and mouthpiece end 26 are formed as a single component (that is, the mouthpiece end 26 forms a part of the outer housing 21). The mouthpiece end 26 is defined as a region of the outer housing 21 which includes the air outlet 28 and is shaped in such a way that a user may comfortably place their lips around the mouthpiece end 26 to engage with air outlet 28. In
The power source 22 is configured to provide operating power to the aerosol provision device 2. The power source 22 may be any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power source 22 may comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a Lithium Ion battery. The power source 22 may be removable or form an integrated part of the aerosol provision device 2. In some implementations, the power source 22 may be recharged through connection of the aerosol provision device 2 to an external power supply (such as mains power) through an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown) or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).
The control circuitry 23 is suitably configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol provision device 2 to provide certain operating functions of aerosol provision device 2. The control circuitry 23 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units or circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol provision devices' operation. For example, the control circuitry 23 may comprise a logical sub-unit for controlling the recharging of the power source 22. Additionally, the control circuitry 23 may comprise a logical sub-unit for communication, e.g. to facilitate data transfer from or to the aerosol provision device 2. However, a primary function of the control circuitry 23 is to control the aerosolization of aerosol generating material, as described in more detail below. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 23 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and/or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s), circuitry, chip(s) or chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality. The control circuitry 23 is connected to the power supply 23 and receives power from the power source 22 and may be configured to distribute or control the power supply to other components of the aerosol provision device 2.
In the described implementation, the aerosol provision device 2 further comprises a chamber 25 which is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article 4.
The aerosol generating article 4 comprises a carrier component 42 and aerosol generating material 44. The aerosol generating article 4 is shown in more detail in
The aerosol generating article 4 comprises a carrier component 42 which in this implementation is formed of card. The carrier component 42 forms the majority of the aerosol generating article 4, and acts as a base for the aerosol generating material 44 to be deposited on.
The carrier component 42 is broadly cuboidal in shape has a length l, a width w and a thickness tc as shown in
In the example shown in
The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 are separate from one another such that each of the discrete portions may be energized (e.g. heated) individually or selectively to produce an aerosol. In some implementations, the portions of aerosol generating material 44 may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, such that the amount of material to be aerosolized by a given aerosol generating component 24 at any one time is relatively low. For example, the mass per portion may be equal to or lower than 20 mg, or equal to or lower than 10 mg, or equal to or lower than 5 mg. The total mass of the aerosol generating article 4 may be greater than 20 mg.
The aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material all formed form the same aerosol generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 44 where at least two portions are formed from different aerosol generating materials.
The chamber 25 is suitable sized to removably receive the aerosol generating article 4 therein. Although not shown, the aerosol provision device 2 may comprise a hinged door or removable part of the outer housing 21 to permit access to the chamber 25 such that a user may insert and/or remove the aerosol generating article 4 from the chamber 25. The hinged door or removable part of the outer housing 21 may also act to retain the aerosol generating article 4 within the chamber 25 when closed. When the aerosol generating article 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different aerosol generating article 4, the aerosol generating article 4 may be removed from the aerosol provision device 2 and a replacement aerosol generating article 4 positioned in the chamber 25 in its place. Alternatively, the aerosol provision device 2 may include a permanent opening that communicates with the chamber 25 and through which the aerosol generating article 4 can be inserted into the chamber 25. In such implementations, a retaining mechanism for retaining the aerosol generating article 4 within the chamber 25 of the aerosol provision device 2 may be provided.
As seen in
The heating elements 24 are arranged such that, when the aerosol generating article 4 is received in the chamber 25, each heating element 24 aligns with a corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44. Hence, in this example, six heating elements 24 are arranged in a two by three array broadly corresponding to the arrangement of the two by three array of the six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 shown in
More specifically, the heating elements 24 are labelled 24a to 24f in
While the heating elements 24 are shown flush with the inner surface of the chamber 25, in other implementations the heating elements 24 may protrude into the chamber 25. In either case, the aerosol generating article 4 contacts the surfaces of the heating elements 24 when present in the chamber 25 such that heat generated by the heating elements 24 is conducted to the aerosol generating material 44 through the carrier component 42.
In some implementations, to improve the heat-transfer efficiency, the chamber may comprise components which apply a force to the surface of the carrier component 42 so as to press the carrier component 42 onto the heater elements 24, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat transfer via conduction to the aerosol generating material 44.
Additionally or alternatively, the heater elements 24 may be configured to move in the direction towards/away from the aerosol generating article 4, and may be pressed into the surface of carrier component 42 that does not comprise the aerosol generating material 44.
In use, the aerosol provision device 2 (and more specifically the control circuitry 23) is configured to deliver power to the heating elements 24 in response to a user input. Broadly speaking, the control circuitry 23 is configured to selectively apply power to the heating elements 24 to subsequently heat the corresponding portions of aerosol generating material 44 to generate aerosol. When a user inhales on the aerosol provision device 2 (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26), air is drawn into the aerosol provision device 2 through air inlet 27, into the chamber 25 where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material 44, and then to the user's mouth via air outlet 28. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through mouthpiece end 26 and air outlet 28.
As shown in
The touch-sensitive panel 29 may be a capacitive touch sensor and can be operated by a user of the aerosol provision device 2 placing their finger or another suitably conductive object (for example a stylus) on the touch-sensitive panel. In the described implementation, the touch-sensitive panel includes a region which can be pressed by a user to start aerosol generation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive signalling from the touch-sensitive panel 29 and to use this signalling to determine if a user is pressing (i.e. activating) the region of the touch-sensitive panel 29. If the control circuitry 23 receives this signalling, then the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from the power source 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. Power may be supplied for a predetermined time period (for example, three seconds) from the moment a touch is detected, or in response to the length of time the touch is detected for. In other implementations, the touch sensitive panel 29 may be replaced by a user actuatable button or the like.
The inhalation sensor 30 may be a pressure sensor or microphone or the like configured to detect a drop in pressure or a flow of air caused by the user inhaling on the aerosol provision device 2. The inhalation sensor 30 is located in fluid communication with the air flow pathway (that is, in fluid communication with the air flow path between inlet 27 and outlet 28). In a similar manner as described above, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive signalling from the inhalation sensor and to use this signalling to determine if a user is inhaling on the aerosol provision system 1. If the control circuitry 23 receives this signalling, then the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from the power source 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. Power may be supplied for a predetermined time period (for example, three seconds) from the moment inhalation is detected, or in response to the length of time the inhalation is detected for.
In the described example, both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 detect the user's desire to begin generating aerosol for inhalation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to only supply power to the heating element 24 when signalling from both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 are detected. This may help prevent inadvertent activation of the heating elements 24 from accidental activation of one of the user input mechanisms. However, in other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may have only one of a touch sensitive panel 29 and an inhalation sensor 30.
These aspects of the operation of the aerosol provision system 1 (i.e. puff detection and touch detection) may in themselves be performed in accordance with established techniques (for example using conventional inhalation sensor and inhalation sensor signal processing techniques and using conventional touch sensor and touch sensor signal processing techniques).
In some implementations, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 24.
More specifically, the control circuitry 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 23 in response to a sequence of detections of the signalling received from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30. For example, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to supply power to a first heating element 24 of the plurality of heating elements 24 when the signalling is first detected (e.g. from when the aerosol provision device 2 is first switched on). When the signalling stops, or in response to the predetermined time from the signalling being detected elapsing, the control circuitry 23 registers that the first heating element 24 has been activated (and thus the corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44 has been heated). The control circuitry 23 determines that in response to receiving subsequent signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 that a second heating element 24 is to be activated. Accordingly, when the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received by the control circuitry 23, the control circuitry 23 activates the second heating element 24. This process is repeated for remaining heating elements 24, such that all heating elements 24 are sequentially activated.
Effectively, this operation means that for each inhalation a different one of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 is heated and an aerosol generated therefrom. In other words, a single discrete portion of aerosol generating material is heated per user inhalation.
In other implementations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to activate the first heating element 24 a plurality of times (e.g. two) before determining that the second heating element 24 should be activated in response to subsequent signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, or activates each of the plurality of heating elements 24 once and when all heating elements 24 have be activated once, detection of subsequent signalling causes the heating elements to be sequentially activated a second time.
Such sequential activations may be dubbed “a sequential activation mode”, which is primarily designed to deliver a consistent aerosol per inhalation (which may be measured in terms of total aerosol generated, or a total constituent delivered, for example). Hence, this mode may be most effective when each portion of the aerosol generating material 44 of the aerosol generating article 4 is substantially identical; that is, portions 44a to 44f are formed of the same material.
In some other implementations, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power to one or more of the heating elements 24 simultaneously.
In such implementations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to supply power to selected ones of the heating elements 24 in response to a predetermined configuration. The predetermined configuration may be a configuration selected or determined by a user. For example, the touch-sensitive panel 29 may comprise a region that permits the user to individually select which of the heating elements 24 to activate when signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received by the control circuitry 23. In some implementations, the user may also be able to set the power level for each heating element 24 to be supplied to heating element 24 in response to receiving the signalling.
Accordingly, a user can set which heating elements 24 (and subsequently which portions of aerosol generating material 44) are to be heated (and optionally to what extent they are to be heated) by interacting with the touch-sensitive panel 29 in advance of generating aerosol. For example, the user may repeatedly tap the regions 29a to 29f to cycle through the different states (e.g. off, low power, high power, off, etc.). Alternatively, the user may press and hold the region 29a to 29f to cycle through the different states, where the duration of the press determines the state.
The touch-sensitive panel 29 may be provided with one or more indicators for each of the respective regions 29a to 29f to indicate which state the heating element 24 is currently in. For example, the touch-sensitive panel may comprise one or more LEDs or similar illuminating elements, and the intensity of the LEDs signifies the current state of the heating element 24. Alternatively, a colored LED or similar illuminating element may be provided and the color indicates the current state. Alternatively, the touch-sensitive panel 29 may comprise a display element (e.g. which may underlie a transparent touch-sensitive panel 29 or be provided adjacent to the regions 29a to 29f of the touch-sensitive panel 29) which displays the current state of the heating element 24.
When the user has set the configuration for the heating elements 24, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 (and more particularly region 29g of touch-sensitive panel 29) and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power to the selected heating elements 24 in accordance with the pre-set configuration.
Accordingly, such simultaneous heating element 24 activations may be dubbed “a simultaneous activation mode”, which is primarily designed to deliver a customisable aerosol from a given article 4, with the intention of allowing a user to customise their experience on a session-by-session or even puff-by-puff basis. Hence, this mode may be most effective when portions of the aerosol generating material 44 of the aerosol generating article 4 are different from one another. For example, portions 44a and 44b are formed of one material, portions 44c and 44d are formed of a different material, etc.
Accordingly, with this mode of operation, the user may select which portions to aerosolize at any given moment and thus which combinations of aerosols to be provided with.
In both of the simultaneous and sequential activation modes, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to generate an alert signal which signifies the end of use of the aerosol generating article 4, for example when each of the heating elements 24 has been sequentially activated a predetermined number of times, or when a given heating element 24 has been activated a predetermined number of times and/or for a given cumulative activation time and/or with a given cumulative activation power. In
In more detail, in implementations where the sequential mode of activation is employed, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to count the number of times signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received during a period of usage, and once the count reaches a predetermined number, the aerosol generating article 4 is determined to reach the end of its life. For example, for an article 4 comprising six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44, the predetermined number may be six, twelve, eighteen, etc. depending on the exact implementation at hand.
In implementations where the simultaneous mode of activation is employed, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to count the number of times one or each of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 is heated. For example, the control circuitry 23 may count how many times a nicotine containing portion is heated, and when that reaches a predetermined number, determine an end of life of the aerosol generating article 4.
Alternatively, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to separately count for each discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44 when that portion has been heated. Each portion may be attributed with the same or a different predetermined number and when any one of the counts for each of the portions of aerosol generating material reaches the predetermined number, the control circuitry 23 determines an end of life of the aerosol generating article 4.
In either of the implementations, the control circuitry 23 may also factor in the length of time the portion of aerosol generating material has been heated for and/or the temperature to which the portion of the aerosol generating material has been heated. In this regard, rather than counting discrete activations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to calculate a cumulative parameter indicative of the heating conditions experienced by each of the portions of aerosol generating material 44. The parameter may be a cumulative time, for example, whereby the temperature to which the material is used to adjust the length of time added to the cumulative time. For example, a portion heated at 200° C. for three seconds may contribute three seconds to the cumulative time, whereas a portion heated at 250° C. for three seconds may contribute four and a half seconds to the cumulative time.
The above techniques for determining the end of life of the aerosol generating article 4 should not be understood as an exhaustive list of ways of determining the end of life of the aerosol generating article 4, and in fact any other suitable way may be employed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
In the implementation of the aerosol provision system 1 described above, a plurality of (discrete) portions of aerosol generating material 44 are provided which can be selectively aerosolized using the aerosol generating components 24. Such aerosol generating systems 1 offer advantages over other systems which are designed to heat a larger bulk quantity of material. In particular, for a given inhalation, only the selected portion (or portions) of aerosol generating material are aerosolized leading to a more energy efficient system overall.
In heated systems, several parameters affect the overall effectiveness of this system at delivering a sufficient amount of aerosol to a user on a per puff basis. On the one hand, the thickness of the aerosol generating material is important as this influences how quickly the aerosol generating material reaches an operational temperature (and subsequently generates aerosol). This may be important for several reasons, but may lead to more efficient use of energy from the power source 22 as the heating element may not need to be active for as long compared with heating a thicker portion of material. On the other hand, the total mass of the aerosol generating material that is heated affects the total amount of aerosol that can be generated, and subsequently delivered to the user. In addition, the temperature that the aerosol generating material is heated to may affect both how quickly the aerosol generating material reaches operational temperature and the amount of aerosol that is generated.
The aerosol provision device 202 comprises an outer housing 221, a power source 222, control circuitry 223, induction coils 224a, a chamber 225, a mouthpiece end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a touch-sensitive panel 229, an inhalation sensor 230, and an end of use indicator 231.
The aerosol generating article 204 comprises a carrier component 242, aerosol generating material 244, and susceptor elements 244b, as shown in more detail in
Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object, referred to as a susceptor, is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic, or resistive heating.
A susceptor is material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.
When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule heating.
In the described implementation, the susceptors 224b are formed from an aluminium foil, although it should be appreciated that other metallic and/or electrically conductive materials may be used in other implementations. As seen in
The susceptors are shown embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other implementations, the susceptors 224b may be placed on the surface of the carrier component 242. In another implementation (not shown), the susceptor may be provided as a layer substantially covering the carrier component.
The aerosol provision device 202 comprises a plurality of induction heating elements 224a shown schematically in
The control circuitry 223 comprises a mechanism to generate an alternating current which is passed to any one or more of the induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field, as described above, which in turn causes the corresponding susceptor(s) 224b to heat up. The heat generated by the susceptor(s) 224b is transferred to the portions of aerosol generating material 244 accordingly.
As described above in relation to
Although the above has described an induction heating aerosol provision system where the induction coils 224a and susceptors 224b are distributed between an aerosol generating article 204 and an aerosol provision device 202, an induction heating aerosol provision system may be provided where the induction coils 224a and susceptors 224b are located solely within the aerosol provision device 202. For example, with reference to
Thus,
In accordance with the present disclosure however, the inventors have found that in some instances devices 2 which have an array of aerosol generating components 24 (such as heating elements 24) designed to heat different ones of the portions of aerosol generating material to generate aerosol on a puff-by-puff basis can, in some instances, lead to inconsistencies in the amount of aerosol being delivered to the user per puff even if the heating conditions are broadly the same.
This is thought to be in part down to the fact that some of the portions of aerosol generating material 44 are provided at relatively different spatial distances relative to the opening 28 of the mouthpiece 26 such that, when the aerosol is first formed at a location adjacent to the portion of aerosol generating material, the distance by which that aerosol has to travel may vary.
Generally, as a hot aerosol travels it cools and condenses. This means that aerosols generated from different portions of the aerosol generating material 44 may cool and condense by different amounts. This may lead to inconsistencies in the aerosol that is delivered from each respective portion (such as inconsistent particle size distributions etc.). As will be described in more detail below, one or more valves may be provided to retain the aerosol once generated for a short delay period so as to improve the consistency of the aerosol delivered to a user.
Shown is an internal cross section of the aerosol provision device additionally comprising a central aerosol transmission channel 50, which forms a volume arranged such that the volume encloses the entirety of the aerosol generating article, and therefore also encloses each heating element and corresponding portion of aerosol generating material i.e. the volume of the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50 encloses each of the aerosol generating regions.
The central transmission tunnel 50 is connected to the mouthpiece 26 which has an aperture defining air outlet 28. The central transmission tunnel 50 may comprise one or more air holes 52, the air holes 52 being in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere such that the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50 can facilitate the transmission of aerosol generated when the portions of aerosol generated material are heated by the respective heating elements. In this example, the air inlet 27 shown in
In examples, the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54 comprise an individual valve (not shown), configured to open and close on demand. More specifically, the control circuitry may be configured to open or close the individual valve(s) depending on whether or not a specific heating element 24 and therefore aerosol generating region is activated. It will be appreciated therefore that any of the plurality of individual valves may be opened or closed simultaneously by the control circuitry, in any combination depending on which of the plurality of heating elements 24 are activated e.g. all of the plurality of valves are in an open state or all of the valves are in a closed state, or any proportion of the plurality of valves are in an open state and the remaining proportion of the plurality of valves are in a closed state.
In examples, the volume defined by the central aerosol transmission tunnel encloses the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels, such that the plurality of aerosol transmission tunnels 54 are in fluid communication with the central transmission tunnel 50.
In use, the device (and more specifically the control circuitry) is configured to deliver power to the heating elements 24 and the individual valves (if present) in response to a user input. Broadly speaking, the control circuitry is configured to selectively apply power to the heating elements 24 to subsequently heat the corresponding portions of aerosol generating material to generate aerosol, while the heating element 24 is being heated, the control circuitry is configured to keep the respective valve closed to allow a required volume of aerosol to form. When a user inhales on the aerosol provision device 2 (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26), the control circuitry selectively opens the valve, and air is drawn into the aerosol provision device 2 through the individual air supply holes of the plurality of the aerosol transmission tunnels 54 where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material 44, and then to the user's mouth via air outlet 28 through the individual aerosol transmission tunnel 54. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through mouthpiece end 26 and air outlet 28.
In examples, when the control circuitry is configured to selectively apply power to a plurality of heating elements 24, when a user inhales on the device (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26) the control circuitry opens the corresponding valves and air is drawn into the device through the individual air supply holes of the plurality of the aerosol transmission tunnels 54, the air mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material in each of the aerosol transmission tunnels, the individual mixtures of air and aerosol then mix further in the central aerosol transmission tunnel 50, before flowing to the user's mouth via air outlet 28.
In examples, the aerosol generating article can be substantially planar and is receivable in a chamber of the aerosol provision device. The control circuitry may be configured to assign and/or change heating profiles of the heating elements 24 so that the consistency of the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material by the heating elements 24 is substantially the same when exiting the mouthpiece 26 through the air outlet 28 e.g. if a portion of aerosol generating material has to travel a further distance relative to another portion of aerosol material, the heating profile assigned to the heating element 24 of the portion that is further away from the mouthpiece, may be such that the heating temperature is increased or that the heating element 24 is activated for a longer period to generate a greater amount of aerosol.
In some examples, the control circuitry may be arranged to cause aerosolization of some portions of aerosol generating material according to a common aerosolization or heating profile, while the aerosolization or heating profiles of the remaining portions of aerosol generating material are set according to the distance of the portion from the aerosol transmission channels 54 to the outlet 28.
The aerosol provision device 902 comprises an outer housing 921, control circuitry 923, aerosol generating components 924, an aerosol generating chamber 925, a mouthpiece end 926, an air inlet 927 and an air outlet 928. Whilst not shown in
The aerosol generating components 924 may be heating elements as described with respect to
Whilst the aerosol provision device 902 of
The one or more heating elements 924 may be activated at an initial time T0 and the one or more valves 951 may be arranged to remain closed or otherwise prevent the onward transmission of aerosol until a later time T1.
Accordingly, an effective delay period may be provided between switching the one or more heating elements 924 ON and resulting aerosol being permitted to be transmitted to a user optionally via a mouthpiece 926 having an exit 928. The delay period i.e. the time difference T1−T0 may be <0.5 s, 0.5-1.0 s, 1.0-1.5 s, 1.5-2.0 s, 2.0-2.5 s or >2.5 s.
According to various embodiments the delay period may be set as short as possible but nonetheless may be of a sufficient time period in order to allow aerosol to form fully as desired within the aerosol generating chamber 925 and hence to improve the resulting sensory experience.
It has been found that by allowing aerosol to form properly within the aerosol generating chamber 925 for a few seconds before inhalation by a user improves the sensory experience. In particular, allowing aerosol to form within the aerosol generating chamber 925 for e.g. 2 s after initial or subsequent heater activation helps optimise the particle size of the aerosol droplets or particles.
It has also been found that holding the aerosol in the aerosol generating chamber 925 for a few seconds reduces the undesirable experience of hot puff which is when the aerosol comprises a high water content i.e. hot and humid puffs. Moreover, if the water content is too high then microbial growth may occur.
It will be understood, therefore, that embodiments wherein there is a delayed release of aerosol from an aerosol generating chamber 925 after heater activation at time T0 (or according to other embodiments in response to a user determined setting) provides an improved sensory experience with a reduced risk of hot puff and which avoid the risk of microbial growth being allowed to occur.
The aerosol provision device 902 further comprises control circuitry 923 which may be arranged to activate the one or more valves 951 in order to both trap aerosol within the aerosol generating chamber 925 so that it can form fully and then once the aerosol has formed fully the one or more valves 951 may be activated or opened by the control circuitry 923 in order to permit the release of aerosol which may then be directed towards the mouthpiece 926 and the air outlet 928.
The control circuitry 923 may be arranged to activate the one or more valves 951 after a period of time in order to allow aerosol held within the aerosol generating chamber 925 to be transmitted or released. The control circuitry 923 may be arranged to selectively control the one or more valves 951: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements 924; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings.
In the embodiment shown in
The aerosol provision device 902 may further comprise one or more aerosol flow paths arranged between an exit of the aerosol generating chamber 925 and the mouthpiece 926 in order to direct or transmit aerosol which has been transmitted or released from the aerosol generating chamber 925 via the one or more valves 951 to the mouthpiece 926. The aerosol generating chamber 925 may be arranged to receive an aerosol generating article 904 which may comprise a substantially planar aerosol generating article 904 comprising a plurality of aerosol generating regions.
The aerosol provision device comprise one or more heating elements 924 which may comprise either resistive or inductive heating elements. According to an embodiment in use, an aerosol generating article 904 comprising a plurality of aerosol generating regions (e.g. in a n×m array) may be located adjacent a plurality of heating elements 924 (which may also be arranged in a similar n×m array).
According to an embodiment the aerosol generating article 904 may comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions which may be located so that one or more aerosol generating regions are located adjacent a single heating element 924. The aerosol generating article 904 may then be rotated or moved relative to the heating element 924 so that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved sequentially into proximity to the heating element 924. The use of a single heating element 924 enables the cost and complexity of the aerosol provision device to be reduced.
The aerosol provision device 902 may further comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions 930 wherein one or more or each aerosol generating region 930 may comprise at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.
According to an embodiment there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device 902 and an aerosol generating article 904 comprising portions of aerosol generating material. Each portion of aerosol generating material may be substantially the same. Alternatively, at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material may be substantially different.
The aerosol provision device 902 comprises an outer housing 921, control circuitry 923, aerosol generating components 924, an aerosol generating chamber 925, a mouthpiece end 926, an air inlet 927 and an air outlet 928. Whilst not shown in
The aerosol generating components 924 may be heating elements as described with respect to
Aerosol generated in the aerosol generating region 930 (or in a plurality of aerosol generating regions) may be passed from the aerosol generating region 930 to and be held within an aerosol holding chamber 950 which is in fluid communication with the aerosol generating region(s) 930.
A partial barrier 960 may be provided between the aerosol generating chamber 925 and the aerosol holding chamber 950 so that the aerosol holding chamber 950 is separate from and downstream of the aerosol generating chamber 930. Aerosol may be prevented from reversing flow back out of the aerosol holding chamber 950 into the aerosol generating chamber 930 by one or more further valves (not shown) which may be provided between the aerosol holding chamber 950 and the aerosol generating chamber 930.
According to an embodiment an aerosol provision device 902 is disclosed which comprises an aerosol generating chamber 925 which is in fluid communication with one or more aerosol holding chambers 950. The or each aerosol holding chamber 950 may comprise one or more valves 951 for selectively transmitting or releasing aerosol held within the one or more aerosol holding chambers 950. For example, the one or more further valves may be provided between the partial barrier 960 and the chamber 925.
It has been found that by allowing aerosol to form properly within the aerosol holding chamber 950 for a few seconds before inhalation by a user improves the sensory experience.
According to an embodiment the one or more heating elements 924 may be activated at an initial time T0 and the one or more valves 951 may be arranged to remain closed or otherwise prevent the onward transmission of aerosol until a later time T1. Accordingly, there is an effective delay period between switching the one or more heating elements 924 ON and resulting aerosol being permitted to be transmitted to a user optionally via a mouthpiece 926 having an exit 928. The delay period i.e. the time difference T1-T0 may be <0.5 s, 0.5-1.0 s, 1.0-1.5 s, 1.5-2.0 s, 2.0-2.5 s or >2.5 s.
In particular, allowing aerosol to form within the aerosol holding chamber 950 helps optimise the particle size of the aerosol droplets or particles. It has also be found that holding the aerosol in the aerosol holding chamber 950 for a few seconds reduces the undesirable experience of hot puff which is when the aerosol comprises a high water content i.e. hot and humid puffs. Moreover, if the water content is too high then microbial growth may occur. It will be understood, therefore, that embodiments incorporating an aerosol holding chamber 950 provides an improved sensory experience with a reduced risk of hot puff and which avoid the risk of microbial growth being allowed to occur.
The aerosol provision device 902 further comprises control circuitry 923 which may be arranged to activate the one or more valves 951 in order to both trap aerosol within the aerosol holding chamber 950 so that it can form fully and then once the aerosol has formed fully the one or more valves 951 may be activated or opened by the control circuitry 923 in order to permit the release of aerosol which is then directed towards the mouthpiece 926 and the air outlet 928. The control circuitry 923 may be arranged to activate the one or more valves 951 after a period of time in order to allow aerosol held within the aerosol holding chamber 950 to be transmitted or released.
The control circuitry 923 may be arranged to selectively control the one or more valves 951: (i) in response to activation or deactivation of one or more heating elements 924; (ii) as a function of time; (iii) according to a predetermined timing profile; or (iv) according to one or more user determined settings. In the embodiment shown in
The aerosol provision device 902 may further comprise one or more aerosol flow paths arranged between an exit of the aerosol holding chamber 950 and the mouthpiece 926 in order to direct or transmit aerosol which has been transmitted or released from the aerosol holding chamber 950 to the mouthpiece 926. The aerosol generating chamber 925 may be arranged to receive an aerosol generating article 904 which may comprise a substantially planar aerosol generating article 904. The planar aerosol generating article 904 may comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions.
The aerosol provision device may further comprise one or more heating elements 924. The one or more heating elements 924 may comprise resistive or inductive heating elements 924. According to an embodiment in use, an aerosol generating article 904 comprising a plurality of aerosol generating regions (e.g. in a n×m array) may be located adjacent a plurality of heating elements 924 (which may also be arranged in a similar n×m array).
According to another embodiment the aerosol generating article 904 comprising a plurality of aerosol generating regions may be located so that one or more aerosol generating regions are located adjacent a single heating element 924. The aerosol generating article 904 may be rotated or moved relative to the heating element 924 so that one or more aerosol generating regions are moved into proximity to the heating element 924. The provision of a single heating element 924 enables a less expensive and less complex device 902 to be provided.
The aerosol provision device 902 may further comprise a plurality of aerosol generating regions wherein one or more or each aerosol generating regions comprise at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.
According to an embodiment there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device 902 and an aerosol generating article 904 comprising portions of aerosol generating material. According to an embodiment either: (i) each portion of aerosol generating material is substantially the same; or (ii) at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material are substantially different.
Additionally, while it has been described above that the mouthpiece 26,226,926 forms a part of the outer housing 21,221,921 and/or is coupled to the outer housing 21,221,921, it should be appreciated that in some implementations the mouthpiece 26,226,926 may form a part of the aerosol generating article 4,204,904. This may particularly be the case when the aerosol generating article 4,204,904 comprises a chamber through which air and/or aerosol may pass, where the chamber includes the aerosol generating material. In these implementations, the aerosol generating article 4,204,904 is placed into the chamber 25,225,925 and protrudes from the chamber 25,225,925 such that the mouthpiece of the article extends from the aerosol provision device 2,202,902. In these instances, the chamber 25,225,925 comprises an opening through which the mouthpiece 26,226,926 protrudes. The opening in these implementations may be referred to as the outlet 28,228,928 of the aerosol provision device 2,202,902.
Although the above has described a system in which an array of aerosol generating components 24,224,924 (e.g. heater elements) are provided to energize the discrete portions of aerosol generating material, in other implementations, the aerosol generating article 4,204,904 and/or an aerosol generating component 24,224,924 may be configured to move relative to one another. That is, there may be fewer aerosol generating components 24,224,924 than discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 provided on the carrier component 42 of the aerosol generating article 4,204,904, such that relative movement of the aerosol generating article 4,204,904 and aerosol generating components 24 is required in order to be able to individually energize each of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44. For example, a movable heating element 24,224a,924 may be provided within the chamber 25,225,925 such that the heating element 24,224a,924 may move relative to the chamber 25,225,925. In this way, the movable heating element 24,224a,924 can be translated (e.g. in the width and length directions of the carrier component 42) such that the heating element 24,224a,924 can be aligned with respective ones of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44. This approach may reduce the number of aerosol generating components 42 required while still offering a similar user experience.
Although the above has described implementations where discrete, spatially distinct portions of aerosol generating material 44 are deposited on a carrier component 42, it should be appreciated that in other implementations the aerosol generating material may not be provided in discrete, spatially distinct portions but instead be provided as a continuous sheet of aerosol generating material 44. In these implementations, certain regions of the sheet of aerosol generating material 44 may be selectively heated to generate aerosol in broadly the same manner as described above. However, regardless of whether or not the portions are spatially distinct, the present disclosure described heating (or otherwise aerosolizing) portions of aerosol generating material 44. In particular, a region (corresponding to a portion of aerosol generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol generating material based on the dimensions of the heating element 24,224a,924 (or more specifically a surface of the heating element 24,224a,924 designed to increase in temperature). In this regard, the corresponding area of the heating element 24,224a,924 when projected onto the sheet of aerosol generating material may be considered to define a region or portion of aerosol generating material. In accordance with the present disclosure, each region or portion of aerosol generating material may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, however the total continuous sheet may have a mass which is greater than 20 mg.
Although the above has described implementations where the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 can be configured or operated using the touch-sensitive panel 29 mounted on the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 may instead be configured or controlled remotely. For example, the control circuitry 23,223,923 may be provided with a corresponding communication circuitry (e.g. Bluetooth) which enables the control circuitry 23,223,923 to communicate with a remote device such as a smartphone. Accordingly, the touch-sensitive panel 29 may, in effect, be implemented using an APP or the like running on the smartphone. The smartphone may then transmit user inputs or configurations to the control circuitry 23,223,923, and the control circuitry 23,223,923 may be configured to operate on the basis of the received inputs or configurations.
Although the above has described implementations in which an aerosol is generated by energizing (e.g. heating) aerosol generating material 44 which is subsequently inhaled by a user, it should be appreciated in some implementations that the generated aerosol may be passed through or over an aerosol modifying component to modify one or more properties of the aerosol before being inhaled by a user. For example, the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 may comprise an air permeable insert (not shown) which is inserted in the airflow path downstream of the aerosol generating material 44 (for example, the insert may be positioned in the outlet 28,228,928). The insert may include a material which alters any one or more of the flavor, temperature, particle size, nicotine concentration, etc. of the aerosol as it passes through the insert before entering the user's mouth. For example, the insert may include tobacco or treated tobacco. Such systems may be referred to as hybrid systems. The insert may include any suitable aerosol modifying material, which may encompass the aerosol generating materials described above.
Although it has been described above that the heating elements 24,224a,924 are arranged to provide heat to aerosol generating material (or portions thereof) at an operational temperature at which aerosol is generated from the portion of aerosol generating material, in some implementations, the heating elements 24,224a,924 are arranged to pre-heat portions of the aerosol generating material to a pre-heat temperature (which is lower than the operational temperature). At the pre-heat temperature, a lower amount or no aerosol is generated when the portion is heated at the pre-heat temperature. In particular, in some implementations, the control circuitry is configured to supply power/energy prior to the first predetermined period starting (i.e. prior to receiving the signalling signifying a user's intention to inhale aerosol). However, a lower amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material from the pre-heat temperature to the operational temperature, thus increasing the responsiveness of the system but at an increased total energy consumption. This may be particular suitable for relatively thicker portions of aerosol generating material, e.g. having thicknesses above 400 μm, which require relatively larger amounts of energy to be supplied in order to reach the operational temperature. In such implementations, the energy consumption (e.g. from the power source 22,222) may be comparably higher, however.
It will be appreciated that, whilst each of the heating elements 24,224a,924 may provide the same heating profile to a respective aerosol generating region, one or more of the heating elements 24,224a,924 may instead be configured to provide a different heating profile to a respective aerosol generating region. For example, aerosol generating regions located further from the mouthpiece 26,226,926 may be heated according to a heating profile that generates a greater amount of aerosol than for an aerosol generating region 24 located closer to the mouthpiece 26,226,926 which may offset additional loss of aerosol due to condensation along the increased distance of travel, providing a more consistent delivery of aerosol from different aerosol generating regions.
Although the above has described implementations in which the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 comprises an end of use indicator 31, it should be appreciated that the end of use indicator 31 may be provided by another device remote from the aerosol provision device 2,202,902. For example, in some implementations, the control circuitry 23,223,923 of the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 may comprise a communication mechanism which allows data transfer between the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 and a remote device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, for example. In these implementations, when the control circuitry 23,223,923 determines that the aerosol generating article 4,204,904 has reached its end of use, the control circuitry 23,223,923 is configured to transmit a signal to the remote device, and the remote device is configured to generate the alert signal (e.g. using the display of a smartphone). Other remote devices and other mechanisms for generating the alert signal may be used as described above.
In addition, when the portions of aerosol generating material are provided on a carrier component 42, the portions may, in some implementations, include weakened regions, e.g. through holes or areas of relatively thinner aerosol generating material, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 42. This may be the case when the hottest part of the aerosol generating material is the area directly contacting the carrier component (in other words, in scenarios where the heat is applied primarily to the surface of the aerosol generating material that contacts the carrier component 42). Accordingly, the through holes may provide channels for the generated aerosol to escape and be released to the environment/the air flow through the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 rather than causing a potential build-up of aerosol between the carrier component 42 and the aerosol generating material 44. Such build-up of aerosol can reduce the heating efficiency of the system as the build-up of aerosol can, in some implementations, cause a lifting of the aerosol generating material from the carrier component 42 thus decreasing the efficiency of the heat transfer to the aerosol generating material. Each portion of aerosol generating material may be provided with one of more weakened regions as appropriate.
In some implementations, the aerosol generating article 4,204,904 may comprise an identifier, such as a readable bar code or an RFID tag or the like, and the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 comprises a corresponding reader. When the article is inserted into the chamber 25,225,925 of the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 the aerosol provision device 2,202,902 may be configured to read the identifier on the aerosol generating article 4,204,904. The control circuitry 23,223,923 may be configured to either recognise the presence of the aerosol generating article 4,204,904 (and thus permit heating and/or reset an end of life indicator) or identify the type and/or the location of the portions of the aerosol generating material relative to the aerosol generating article 4,204,904. This may affect which portions the control circuitry 23,223,923 aerosolizes and/or the way in which the portions are aerosolized, e.g. via adjusting the aerosol generation temperature and/or heating duration. Any suitable technique for recognising the aerosol generating article 4,204,904 may be employed.
While the above described embodiments have in some respects focused on some specific example aerosol generating systems, it will be appreciated the same principles can be applied for aerosol generating systems using other technologies. That is to say, the specific manner in which various aspects of the aerosol provision system function are not directly relevant to the principles underlying the examples described herein.
In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2107703.7 | May 2021 | GB | national |
The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/064470 filed May 27, 2022, which claims priority to GB Application No. 2107703.7, filed May 28, 2021, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/064470 | 5/27/2022 | WO |
