Pressure sensing for aerosol delivery device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol delivery device with functionality for sensing the pressure within an environment of the aerosol delivery devices.SOLUTION: An aerosol delivery device comprises a control component and a digital pressure sensor. The digital pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure applied thereto, and generate a corresponding signal that indicates the pressure thus measured. The control component or the digital pressure sensor is further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal, or a condition of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof determined from the corresponding signal. Control of the at least one functional element includes output of the pressure or condition for presentation by a display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as e-cigarettes) that may utilize electrically generated heat for the generation of an aerosol. The smoking article may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which may be made from tobacco, may be derived from tobacco, or may otherwise incorporate materials that may incorporate tobacco, and the precursor may form an inhalable substance for human ingestion. [Background technology]

[0002] Many devices have been proposed over the years as an improvement or replacement for smoking products that require the burning of tobacco for use. Many of these devices are purportedly designed to provide the sensations associated with smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes, but without delivering significant amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products resulting from tobacco combustion. To this end, many alternative smoking products, flavor generators and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile materials or attempt to provide the smoking sensations of cigarettes, cigars or pipes without significantly burning tobacco. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat sources described in the background art set forth in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 to Sears et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 to Ampolini et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780 to Davis et al., and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 222,615 to Watson et al., filed July 28, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. See also, for example, the various embodiments of products and heating configurations described in the background sections of U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,594 to Counts et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,371 to Robinson et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 [Patent Document 5] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,594 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it may be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery device with the functionality to sense pressure within the environment of the aerosol delivery device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of forming such devices, and elements of such devices. Accordingly, the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0006] Exemplary embodiment 1: An aerosol delivery device comprising at least one housing enclosing a reservoir configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition, a heating element, and a control component configured to operate in an active mode, wherein in the active mode a control body is configured to control the heating element to activate and vaporize a component of the aerosol precursor composition, and a digital pressure sensor configured to measure an applied pressure and generate a corresponding signal indicative of the pressure so measured, wherein the control component or the digital pressure sensor is further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal or a state of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof determined from the corresponding signal, wherein the control of the at least one functional element includes outputting the pressure or state for presentation by a display.

[0007] Exemplary embodiment 2: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component or digital pressure sensor is further configured to determine a state of the aerosol delivery device or its user from a corresponding signal, and wherein controlling at least one functional element includes outputting the state so determined for presentation by the display.

[0008] Exemplary embodiment 3: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a variometer function, and wherein the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes an altitude rate of change of the aerosol delivery device.

[0009] Exemplary embodiment 4: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a spirometer function, and wherein the condition of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes a respiratory condition of the user.

[0010] Exemplary embodiment 5: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor is or includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor or a microelectromechanical system based (MEMS) capacitive pressure sensor, and in at least one example the piezoresistive pressure sensor has a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0011] Exemplary embodiment 6: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to power the digital pressure sensor and further comprises a rechargeable power source comprising a lithium ion battery (LiB), a thin-film solid-state battery (SSB) or a supercapacitor.

[0012] Exemplary embodiment 7: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises an infinite input response (IIR) filter or ferrite bead operably coupled to the digital pressure sensor and configured to reduce detection of short-term fluctuations in the pressure measured by the digital pressure sensor.

[0013] Exemplary embodiment 8: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, wherein the digital pressure sensor is selectively operable in a dormant mode in which the digital pressure sensor is disabled, or in an active mode or a continuous mode, and in the active mode or continuous mode the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a single measurement value or multiple measurements of pressure, respectively.

[0014] Exemplary embodiment 9: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, wherein in at least one example where the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in continuous mode, the aerosol delivery device wherein the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain multiple measurements of pressure at a predetermined oversampling rate.

[0015] Exemplary embodiment 10: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, wherein in at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in a continuous mode, the aerosol delivery device is configured to continuously cycle between an active mode and a rest period.

[0016] Exemplary embodiment 11: A control body coupled or connectable with a cartridge to form an aerosol delivery device, the cartridge comprising a heating element and containing an aerosol precursor composition, the control body comprising a housing and a control component configured to operate in an active mode within the housing, wherein in the active mode the control component is configured to control the heating element to activate and vaporize a component of the aerosol precursor composition, and a digital pressure sensor configured to measure an applied pressure and generate a corresponding signal indicative of the pressure so measured, the control component or digital pressure sensor being further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal or a state of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof determined from the corresponding signal, the control of the at least one functional element including outputting the pressure or state for presentation by a display.

[0017] Exemplary embodiment 12: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, wherein the control component or digital pressure sensor is further configured to determine a state of the aerosol delivery device or its user from a corresponding signal, and wherein the control of at least one functional element includes outputting the state so determined for presentation by a display.

[0018] Exemplary embodiment 13: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a variometer function, and the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes an altitude rate of change of the aerosol delivery device.

[0019] Exemplary embodiment 14: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a spirometer function, and the status of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes the respiratory status of the user.

[0020] Exemplary embodiment 15: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, wherein the digital pressure sensor is or includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor or a microelectromechanical system based (MEMS) capacitive pressure sensor, and in at least one example the piezoresistive pressure sensor has a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0021] Exemplary embodiment 16: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, wherein the control body is configured to power the digital pressure sensor, and further comprises a rechargeable power source comprising a lithium ion battery (LiB), a thin-film solid-state battery (SSB) or a supercapacitor.

[0022] Exemplary embodiment 17: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiments, wherein the control body further comprises an infinite input response (IIR) filter or ferrite bead operably coupled to the digital pressure sensor and configured to reduce detection of short-term fluctuations in the pressure measured by the digital pressure sensor.

[0023] Exemplary embodiment 18: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, wherein the digital pressure sensor is selectively operable in a dormant mode in which the digital pressure sensor is disabled, or in an active mode or a continuous mode, and in the active mode or the continuous mode the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a single measurement value or multiple measurements of pressure, respectively.

[0024] Exemplary embodiment 19: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, in at least one example where the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in continuous mode, the control body being configured to obtain multiple measurements of pressure at a predetermined oversampling rate.

[0025] Exemplary embodiment 20: A control body of any preceding exemplary embodiment, or any combination of any preceding exemplary embodiment, wherein in at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is operable in a continuous mode, the control body is configured to continuously cycle between an active mode and a dormant mode.

[0026] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements described in the present disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined in a specific exemplary embodiment described herein or are otherwise recited. The present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole such that any separable features or elements of the present disclosure appear combinable, in any of its aspects and exemplary embodiments, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] It will therefore be understood that this summary is provided only for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. It will therefore be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are merely examples and should not be construed in any way to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Other exemplary embodiments, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Having thus described the disclosure in general terms above, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view of an aerosol delivery device including a cartridge coupled to a control body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1A-1D are partial cutaway views of an aerosol delivery device according to various exemplary embodiments. [Diagram 3] 3 illustrates various components of the aerosol delivery device of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to various exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are described so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and the like, include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, although the present specification may refer to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships, and the like, unless otherwise indicated, any one or more, if not all, of these may be absolute or approximate to account for possible permissible variations, such as those due to technical tolerances, and the like.

[0031] As described below, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery systems. Aerosol delivery systems according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat materials (preferably without significantly burning the materials) to form inhalable substances. Components of such systems most preferably have the form of items small enough to be considered handheld devices. That is, the use of preferred aerosol delivery system components does not result in the generation of smoke, in the sense that the aerosol is primarily derived from by-products of tobacco combustion or pyrolysis, but rather the use of those preferred systems results in the generation of vapors due to volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporated therein. In some exemplary embodiments, the components of the aerosol delivery system may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, which most preferably incorporate tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components, thereby delivering the tobacco-derived components in aerosol form.

[0032] The aerosol-generating components of certain preferred aerosol delivery systems may provide numerous sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation patterns, types of tastes or flavors, sensory stimulant effects, physical feel, modes of use, visual stimuli such as those provided by a visible aerosol, etc.) of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe used by lighting and burning tobacco (and thus inhaling tobacco smoke) without substantially burning any of its components. For example, a user of an aerosol-generating component of the present disclosure may hold and use the component, draw on one end of the component to inhale the aerosol generated by the component, and puff for selected time intervals in the same manner as a smoker would use a conventional type of smoking article.

[0033] The aerosol delivery system of the present disclosure can also be characterized as a vapor-generating article or a drug delivery article. Thus, such an article or device can be adapted to provide one or more substances (e.g., flavors and / or pharmacologic active ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance can be substantially in vapor form (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance can be in aerosol form (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For ease of understanding, the term "aerosol" as used herein is meant to include vapors, gases, and aerosols in any form or type suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible and in a form that can be considered smoky.

[0034] The aerosol delivery system of the present disclosure generally includes many components that are provided within an outer body or shell, which may be referred to as a housing. The overall design of the outer body or shell may vary, and the type or configuration of the outer body may define the overall dimensions and shape of the aerosol delivery device. Typically, an elongated body resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar may be formed from a single integral housing, or the elongated housing may be formed from two or more separable bodies. For example, the aerosol delivery device may include an elongated shell or body that may be substantially tubular in shape, and thus may resemble the shape of a traditional cigarette or cigar. In one example, all components of the aerosol delivery device are housed within one housing. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device may include two or more housings that are joined and separable. For example, an aerosol delivery device can have a control body at one end including a housing that houses one or more reusable components (e.g., a storage battery such as a rechargeable battery and / or a supercapacitor, and various electronics for controlling the operation of the article) and an outer body or shell at the other end that houses a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable flavor-containing cartridge) removably connectable thereto.

[0035] The aerosol delivery system of the present disclosure most preferably includes some combination of a power source (i.e., a source of electrical power), at least one control component (e.g., a means for activating, controlling, regulating, and terminating electrical power for heat generation, such as by controlling the flow of electrical current from the power source to other components of the article (e.g., a microprocessor, either individually or as part of a microcontroller)), a heater or heat generating member (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or other component, which alone or in combination with one or more additional elements, may commonly be referred to as an "atomizer"), an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid that can generate an aerosol upon application of sufficient heat, such as ingredients commonly referred to as "smoke juice," "e-liquid," and "e-juice"), and a mouth-end region or tip that allows for drawing on the aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined air flow path through the article such that the generated aerosol may be drawn upon inhalation).

[0036] More specific forms, configurations and arrangements of components within the aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure will become apparent in light of the further disclosure provided below. Moreover, the selection and arrangement of the various aerosol delivery system components can be understood in light of commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as the representative products referenced in the Background section of this disclosure. Moreover, the arrangement of components within the aerosol delivery devices can also be understood in light of commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices. Examples of products whose components, methods of operation, commercially available products, materials contained therein, and / or other attributes may be included in the devices of the present disclosure include ACCORD® from Philip Morris Incorporated, ALPHA™, JOYE 510™, and M4™ from InnoVapor LLC, CIRRUS™ and FLING™ from White Cloud Cigarettes, BLU™ from Lorillard Technologies, Inc., COHITA™, COLIBRI™, ELITE CLASSIC™, MAGNUM™, PHANTOM™, and SENSE™ from Epuffer® International Inc., DUOPRO™, STORM™, and VAPORKING® from Electronic Cigarettes, Inc., EGAR™ from Egar Australia, eGo-C™ and eGo-T™ from Joyetech, Elusion UK Ltd, ELUSION(TM), EONSMOKE(R), Eonsmoke LLC, FIN(TM), FIN Branding Group, LLC, SMOKE(R), Green Smoke Inc.USA, GREENARETTE(TM), Greenarette LLC, HALLIGAN(TM), HENDU(TM), JET(TM), MAXXQ(TM), PINK(TM) and PITBULL(TM), Smoke Stik(R), Philip Morris International,Inc.HEATBAR(TM) from Crown7, HYDRO IMPERIAL(TM) and LXE(TM) from Crown7, LOGIC(TM) and THE CUBAN(TM) from LOGIC Technology, LUCI(R) from Luciano Smokes Inc., METRO(R) from Nicotek, LLC, NJOY(R) and ONEJOY(TM) from Sottera,Inc., NO.7(TM) from SS Choice LLC, PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE(TM) from PremiumEstore LLC, RAPP E-MYSTICK(TM) from Ruyan America,Inc., RED DRAGON(TM) from Red Dragon Products,LLC, RUYAN(R) from Ruyan Group (Holdings) Ltd., SF(R) from Smoker Friendly International,LLC, GREEN SMART SMOKER(R) from The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd., SMOKE from Coastline Products LLC ASSIST®, SMOKING EVERYWHERE® by Smoking Everywhere,Inc., V2CIGS™ by VMR Products LLC, VAPOR NINE™ by VaporNine LLC, VAPOR4LIFE® by Vapor 4 Life,Inc., VEPPO™ by E-CigaretteDirect,LLC, AVIGO, VUSE, VUSE CONNECT, VUSE FOB, VUSE HYBRID, ALTO, ALTO+, MODO, CIRO, FOX+FOG and SOLO+ by RJ Reynolds Vapor Company, MISTIC MENTHOL by Mistic Ecigs and CN Creative Ltd.Still other electrically powered aerosol delivery devices, particularly those characterized as so-called electronic cigarettes, are commercially available under the trade names COOLER VISIONS™, DIRECT E-CIG™, DRAGONFLY™, EMIST™, EVERSMOKE™, GAMUCCI®, HYBRID FLAME™, KNIGHT STICKS™, ROYAL BLUES™, SMOKETIP®, and SOUTH BEACH SMOKE™.

[0037] Additional manufacturers, designers and / or assignees of components and related technology that may be employed in the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure include Shenzhen Jieshibo Technology of Shenzhen, China, Shenzhen First Union Technology, Shenzhen, China, Safe Cig of Los Angeles, California, Janty Asia Company of the Philippines, Joyetech Changzhou Electronics of Shenzhen, China, SIS Resources, B2B International Holdings of Dover, Delaware, Evolv LLC of Ohio, Montrade of Bologna, Italy, Shenzhen Bauway Technology of Shenzhen, China, Global Vapor Trademarks Inc. of Pompano Beach, Florida, Vapor Corp. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nemtra GMBH of Raschau-Markersbach, Germany, Perrigo L. Co. of Allegan, Michigan, Needs Co., Ltd., Smokefree Innotec of Las Vegas, Nevada, McNeil AB of Helsingborg, Sweden, Chong Corp, Alexza of Mountain View, California, Pharmaceuticals, BLEC, LLC, Charlotte, NC; Gaitrend Sarl, Rohrbach-les-Bitsche, France; FeelLife Bioscience International, Shenzhen, China; Vishay Electronic BMGH, Selb, Germany; and Shenzhen Smaco Technology Ltd, Shenzhen, China., Vapor Systems International of Boca Raton, Florida, Exonoid Medical Devices of Israel, Shenzhen Nowotech Electronic of Shenzhen, China, Minilogic Device Corporation of Hong Kong, China, Shenzhen Kontle Electronics of Shenzhen, China, Fuma International, LLC of Medina, Ohio, 21st Century Smoke of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Kimree Holdings (HK) Co. Limited of Hong Kong, China.

[0038] In various examples, the aerosol delivery device can include a reservoir configured to hold the aerosol precursor composition. The reservoir can be formed from, among other things, a porous material (e.g., a fibrous material) and therefore may be referred to as a porous substrate (e.g., a fibrous substrate).

[0039] Fibrous substrates useful as reservoirs in aerosol delivery devices may be woven or nonwoven materials formed from a plurality of fibers or filaments, and may be formed from one or both of natural and synthetic fibers. For example, the fibrous substrate may include a glass fiber material. In certain examples, a cellulose acetate material may be used. In other exemplary embodiments, a carbon material may be used. The reservoir may be substantially in the form of a container and may include a fibrous material contained therein.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an aerosol delivery device 100 including a control body 102 and a cartridge 104 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the control body and cartridge coupled to one another. The control body and cartridge may be removably aligned in a functional relationship. Various mechanisms may connect the cartridge to the control body to provide threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, interference fit, magnetic engagement, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, when the cartridge and control body are in an assembled configuration, the aerosol delivery device may be substantially rod-like, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol delivery device may also be substantially rectangular or diamond-shaped in cross section, which may provide good compatibility with substantially flat or thin-film power sources, such as power sources including flat batteries (e.g., lithium-ion polymer batteries). The cartridge and control body may include separate respective housings or outer bodies that may be formed from any of a number of different materials. The housings may be formed from any suitable structurally stable material. In some examples, the housings may be formed from metals or alloys, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and the like. Other suitable materials include various plastics (eg, polycarbonate), metal plating on plastic, ceramics, and the like.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the control body 102 or cartridge 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the control body may have a replaceable or rechargeable battery and may therefore be combined with any type of recharging technology, including connection to a typical wall outlet, connection to an automobile charger (i.e., cigarette lighter), connection to a computer through a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector, or the like, connection to a solar panel of photovoltaic cells (sometimes called solar cells) or solar cells (e.g., gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells with an efficiency of 28%), or connection to an RF-DC converter. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge may include a disposable cartridge as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] FIG. 2 further illustrates an aerosol delivery device 100 according to some exemplary embodiments. As seen in the cutaway view shown therein, the aerosol delivery device can again include a control body 102 and a cartridge 104, each including a number of respective components. The components shown in FIG. 2 are representative of the components that may be present in the control body and cartridge, and are not intended to limit the scope of components encompassed by the present disclosure. As shown, for example, the control body can be formed from a control body shell 206 that can include a control component 208 (e.g., a microprocessor, either individually or as part of a microcontroller), a flow sensor 210, a power source 212, and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 214, such components can be variably aligned. An LED can be one example of a suitable visual indicator that can be equipped with the aerosol delivery device. In addition to or in place of a visual indicator such as an LED, other indicators can be included, such as an audio indicator (e.g., a speaker), a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration motor), and the like.

[0043] The power source 212 may include, for example, a battery (disposable or rechargeable), a lithium ion battery (LiB), a solid state battery (SSB), a thin film SSB, a supercapacitor, etc., or any combination thereof. Some examples of suitable power sources are provided in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 918,926 to Sur et al., filed October 21, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] An example of a suitable solid-state battery is the STMicroelectronics EnFilm™ rechargeable solid-state lithium thin-film battery, which uses LiCoO 2 It features a cathode, a LiPON ceramic electrolyte, and a lithium anode. In particular, the EFL700A39 battery from STMicroelectronics has a nominal voltage of 4.1V and a thickness of only 220μm. The battery has a life of 10 years and a charge / discharge cycle life of 4000 times. The battery also has a relatively short typical charging time, charging in about 30 minutes in some instances (e.g., up to 30 minutes until the battery is fully (100%) charged or up to 10 minutes until the battery is at least 80% charged). The battery has a ceramic electrolyte, which can generate electric current by the movement of electrons, thereby reducing the risk of undesirable dendrite growth at the cathode and anode that could otherwise result in a short circuit. The ceramic electrolyte can also reduce the risk of fire when it comes into contact with fire.

[0045] The supercapacitor may be any of a number of different types of supercapacitors, such as electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs), hybrid capacitors, such as lithium ion capacitors (LICs), etc. Supercapacitors such as EDLCs may be fast charging (e.g., 3 seconds). Supercapacitors have long life spans (e.g., 32 years) and cycle life spans (e.g., 1,000,000 charge / discharge cycles), providing an environmentally friendly, low-cost solution. Supercapacitors may provide high current pulses to electrical loads. Also, because supercapacitors do not contain flammable electrolyte between the electrodes, supercapacitors may therefore operate with negligible chance of short circuiting.

[0046] Hybrid capacitors such as LICs generally have the characteristics of batteries (high voltage and high energy density) while maintaining the traditional characteristics of capacitors, such as fast charging (e.g., 3 seconds to 120 seconds). Hybrid capacitors may be rechargeable and may have the ability to operate on their own for relatively long periods of time without the need for another energy source from which the hybrid capacitor may be rechargeable. Hybrid capacitors may have a longer life span (e.g., 10 years) and cycle life than other options, making them more environmentally friendly.

[0047] The cartridge 104 can be formed from a cartridge shell 216 that encloses a reservoir 218 configured to hold the aerosol precursor composition and includes a heater 220 (sometimes referred to as a heating element). In various configurations, this structure may be referred to as a tank. Thus, the terms "cartridge," "tank," and the like may be used interchangeably to refer to a shell or other housing that encloses a reservoir of the aerosol precursor composition and includes a heater.

[0048] As shown, in some examples, the reservoir 218 may be in fluid communication with a liquid transport element 222 configured to pump or otherwise transport the aerosol precursor composition stored within the reservoir housing to a heater 220. In some examples, a valve may be disposed between the reservoir and the heater and configured to control the amount of the aerosol precursor composition pumped or delivered from the reservoir to the heater.

[0049] Various example materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied thereto may be used to form the heater 220. These example heaters may be resistive heating elements such as wire coils, micro-heaters, etc. Examples of materials from which the heating element may be formed include Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, stainless steel, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi 2 ), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al) 2 ), graphite and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns), and ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). Exemplary embodiments of heaters or heating elements useful in aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure are further described below and can be incorporated into devices such as those shown in FIG. 2 described herein.

[0050] An opening 224 may be present in the cartridge shell 216 (eg, at the mouth end) to allow the formed aerosol to be released from the cartridge 104 .

[0051] The cartridge 104 may also include one or more electronic components 226, which may include integrated circuits, memory components, sensors, etc. The electronic components may be configured to communicate with the control component 208 and / or external devices by wired or wireless means. The electronic components may be located anywhere within the cartridge or its base 228.

[0052] Although the control component 208 and the flow sensor 210 are shown separately, it should be understood that the various electronic components, including the control component and the flow sensor, may be combined on an electronic printed circuit board (PCB) that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. Furthermore, the PCB may be positioned horizontally relative to the view of FIG. 1 in that the PCB may be longitudinally parallel to the central axis of the control body. In some examples, the air flow sensor may include its own PCB or other base element to which it may be attached. In some examples, a flexible PCB may be utilized. The flexible PCB may be configured in a variety of shapes, including a substantially tubular shape. In some examples, the flexible PCB may be combined with, laminated onto, or form part or all of the heater substrate.

[0053] The control body 102 and the cartridge 104 may include components configured to facilitate fluid engagement therebetween. As shown in FIG. 2, the control body may include a coupler 230 having a cavity 232 therein. The base 228 of the cartridge may be configured to engage with the coupler and may include a protrusion 234 configured to fit within the cavity. Such engagement may facilitate a stable connection between the control body and the cartridge as well as establish an electrical connection between the power source 212 and control component 208 in the control body and the heater 220 in the cartridge. Additionally, the control body shell 206 may include an air inlet 236, which may be a notch in the shell, where the notch connects to the coupler, which allows ambient air around the coupler to pass through and into the shell, then through the cavity 232 of the coupler, and into the cartridge via the protrusion 234.

[0054] Useful couplers and bases according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, the coupler 230 may define an outer periphery 238 configured to mate with an inner periphery 240 of the base 228. In one example, the inner periphery of the base may define a radius that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the radius of the outer periphery of the coupler. Additionally, the coupler may define one or more protrusions 242 on the outer periphery that are configured to engage with one or more recesses 244 defined in the inner periphery of the base. However, various other example structures, shapes and components may be used to couple the base to the coupler. In some examples, the connection between the base of the cartridge 104 and the coupler of the control body 102 may be substantially permanent, while in other examples, the connection therebetween may be releasable, e.g., the control body may be reused with one or more additional cartridges, which may be disposable and / or refillable.

[0055] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 may be substantially rod-shaped or substantially tubular or substantially cylindrical in shape. In other examples, additional shapes and dimensions are included, such as rectangular or triangular cross-sections, polyhedral shapes, etc.

[0056] The reservoir 218 shown in FIG. 2 may be a container or a fibrous reservoir as described herein. For example, in this example, the reservoir may include one or more layers of non-woven fibers formed substantially in the shape of a tube that surrounds the interior of the cartridge shell 216. The aerosol precursor composition may be held within the reservoir. For example, a liquid component may be adsorbed and held by the reservoir. The reservoir may be fluidly connected to a liquid transport element 222. In this example, the liquid transport element may transport the aerosol precursor composition stored within the reservoir by capillary action to a heater 220, which is in the form of a metal wire coil. In this manner, the heater is in a heating arrangement with the liquid transport element. Exemplary embodiments of reservoirs and transport elements useful in aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure are further described below, and such reservoirs and / or transport elements may be incorporated into devices such as those shown in FIG. 2 described herein. In particular, certain combinations of heating members and transport elements described further below may be incorporated into devices such as those shown in FIG. 2 described herein.

[0057] In use, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device 100, airflow is detected by the flow sensor 210 and activates the heater 220 to vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. Inhalation at the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device causes ambient air to enter the inlet 236 and pass through a cavity 232 in the coupler 230 and a central opening in the protrusion 234 of the base 228. In the cartridge 104, the inhaled air combines with the formed vapor to form an aerosol. The aerosol is blown, inhaled, or otherwise drawn through the heater and exits through the opening 224 in the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device.

[0058] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include a number of additional software control functions. For example, the aerosol delivery device may include a power protection circuit configured to detect the power input, the load on the power terminals, and the charging input. The power protection circuit may include short circuit protection, low voltage lockout, and / or overvoltage charging protection. The aerosol delivery device may also include a component for ambient temperature measurement, the control component 208 of which may be configured to control at least one functional element to inhibit power charging (particularly of any battery) if the ambient temperature falls below a certain temperature (e.g., 0° C.) or exceeds a certain temperature (e.g., 45° C.) before or during charging begins.

[0059] Power delivery from the power source 212 may vary over the course of each puff with the device 100 according to a power control mechanism. The device may include a "long puff" safety timer such that if a user or a component (e.g., flow sensor 210) failure causes the device to continuously attempt puffs, the control component 208 may control at least one functional element to automatically terminate puffs after some period of time (e.g., 4 seconds). Additionally, the time between puffs with the device may be limited to less than a certain period of time (e.g., 100 seconds). A watchdog safety timer may automatically reset the aerosol delivery device if its control component or software running on the aerosol delivery device becomes unstable and does not service the timer within an appropriate time interval (e.g., 8 seconds). Further safety protection may be provided in the event of a defect or otherwise failure of the flow sensor 210, such as by permanently disabling the aerosol delivery device to prevent inadvertent heating. A puff limit switch may shut off the device if the pressure sensor fails, allowing continuous activation without shutting off the device after the maximum puff time of 4 seconds.

[0060] The aerosol delivery device 100 may include a puff tracking algorithm configured to lock out the heater once a defined number of puffs is achieved for the attached cartridge (based on the number of available puffs calculated against the e-liquid fill in the cartridge). The aerosol delivery device may include a sleep, standby or low power mode feature, whereby power delivery may be automatically cut off after a defined period of non-use. Additional safety protection may be provided in that every charge / discharge cycle of the power source 212 may be monitored by the control component 208 over its lifespan. After the power source reaches a cycle equivalent to a predetermined number (e.g., 200) of full discharge and full recharge cycles, the power source may be declared depleted, and the control component may control at least one functional element to prevent the power source from being further charged.

[0061] The various components of the aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure can be selected from those currently described in the art and commercially available. An example of a battery that can be used according to the present disclosure is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766 to Peckerar et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] The aerosol delivery device 100 can incorporate the sensor 210 or another sensor or detector for controlling the supply of power to the heater 220 when aerosol generation is desired (e.g., when inhalation occurs during use). Thus, for example, a manner or method is provided for turning off power to the heater when inhalation is not occurring with the aerosol delivery device during use, and turning on power to activate or trigger the generation of heat by the heater during inhalation. Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their construction and configuration, their components, and their general methods of operation are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., and PCT Patent Publication WO 2010 / 003480 to Flick, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Most preferably, the aerosol delivery device 100 incorporates a control component 208 or another control mechanism for controlling the amount of power to the heater 220 during inhalation. Representative types of electronic components, their structure and configuration, their characteristics, and their general methods of operation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 to Pan, U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2009 / 0230117 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collet et al., U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2014 / 0270727 to Ampolini et al., and U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2015 / 0257445 to Henry et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] Representative types of substrates, reservoirs or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780 to Davis et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of those wicking materials within certain types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0209105 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursor composition, may include a variety of components including, for example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extracts, and / or flavorants. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations are also described and characterized in U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,320 to Robinson et al., as well as U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al., U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2013 / 0213417 to Chong et al., U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collett et al., U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2015 / 0020823 to Lipowicz et al., and U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2015 / 0020830 to Koller, as well as WO 2014 / 182736 to Bowen et al. and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 222,615 to Watson et al., filed July 28, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include the aerosol precursors incorporated in VUSE® products by RJ Reynolds Vapor Company, BLU™ products by Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, MISTIC MENTHOL products by Mistic Ecigs, and VYPE products by CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are so-called "smoke juices" for e-cigarettes available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC.

[0066] Additional representative types of components or indicators that provide visual cues, such as visual indicators and related components, audio indicators, tactile indicators, etc., may be used in the aerosol delivery device 100. Examples of suitable LED components and their construction and use are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,499,766 to Newton, U.S. Patent No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216233 to Sears et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] Still other features, controls or components that may be incorporated into the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon, U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005 / 0016 to Katase, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. No. 550, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0163063 to Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192623 to Tucker et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0298905 to Leven et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0180553 to Kim et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261408 to DePiano et al.

[0068] As mentioned above, the control component 208 includes a number of electronic components and, in some examples, may be formed from a PCB. The electronic components may include a microprocessor or processor core and memory. In some examples, the control component may include a microcontroller with an integrated processor core and memory, and may further include one or more integrated input / output peripherals. In some examples, the control component may be coupled to a communication interface 246 to enable wireless communication with one or more networks, computing devices, or other appropriately enabled devices. Examples of suitable communication interfaces are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 638,562, filed March 4, 2015, to Marion et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of suitable manners in which the aerosol delivery device may be configured to wirelessly communicate are also disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0007651, to Ampolini et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0219933, to Henry, Jr. et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] According to some exemplary embodiments, the control body 102 may include a digital pressure sensor 248 configured to measure the applied pressure. The digital pressure sensor may then generate a corresponding signal indicative of the pressure so measured. Examples of suitable digital pressure sensors may be or include a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a microelectromechanical system-based (MEMS) capacitive pressure sensor, and / or a sensor having a variometer or spirometer function. For example, the digital pressure sensor may include a variometer function and the condition of the aerosol delivery device 100 or its user may include an altitude rate of change of the aerosol delivery device. In another example, the digital pressure sensor may include a spirometer function and the condition of the aerosol delivery device or its user may include a respiratory condition of the user. In some embodiments, the digital pressure sensor may include a noise cancellation function that accounts for the effects of noise variables when the pressure is measured at sea level or at a substantially higher altitude, thereby eliminating the effects of the noise variables.

[0070] Examples of suitable piezoresistive pressure sensors are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,017,420 to Kalvesten et al. and U.S. Patent No. 7,856,885 to Bhansali et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0213275 to Cobianu et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. An example of a suitable sensor having variometer functionality is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,191,792 to Gloor, which is incorporated herein by reference. An example of a suitable sensor having spirometer functionality is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,06,3669 to Brawner et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] The digital pressure sensor 248 may be selectively operable in a dormant mode in which the digital pressure sensor is disabled. The digital pressure sensor may also be selectively operable in an active mode or a continuous mode in which the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a single measurement or multiple measurements of pressure, respectively. In at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is operable in a continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor may be configured to obtain multiple measurements of pressure at a predetermined oversampling rate. Further, in at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is operable in a continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor may be configured to continuously cycle between an active mode and a standby period. In some examples, the digital pressure sensor may be coupled to the control component 208, and the control component is configured to enable the digital pressure sensor to operate in either an active mode (e.g., a single measurement mode) or a continuous mode.

[0072] 3 illustrates in further detail the aerosol delivery device 100 including a digital pressure sensor 248. As previously described, the digital pressure sensor may be configured to generate a corresponding signal indicative of a pressure measured thereby (pressure applied to the digital pressure sensor). The control component 208 or digital pressure sensor may be configured to control at least one functional element 302 of the aerosol delivery device based on (1) the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal, or (2) a state of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof determined from the corresponding signal.

[0073] In general, the functional elements 302 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be controlled in any of a number of different ways in response to the measured pressure or a state determined from a signal corresponding thereto. For example, the control of the functional elements 302 may include outputting the pressure or state for presentation by the display 304. In another example, the indicators 250 (e.g., visual indicators, audio indicators, tactile indicators) may be controlled to provide feedback (e.g., visual, audio, tactile feedback) perceptible by the user. As yet another example, the functional elements may be controlled to change a lock state of the aerosol delivery device 100. This may include, for example, disabling the operation of one or more components of the aerosol delivery device based on the measured pressure or a state determined from a signal corresponding thereto.

[0074] In some examples, the control component 208 or the digital pressure sensor 248 may be further configured to determine a status of the aerosol delivery device 100 or its user from the corresponding signal. For example, the status may include a forecast of the weather, an evaluation of the user's lungs, thereby diagnosing a condition such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions affecting breathing. In these examples, the control component or the digital pressure sensor may be configured to control the functional element 302 to output the so-determined status for presentation by the display 304. In some examples, the corresponding signal, or status, may be output for presentation in tabular or graphical form by the display.

[0075] In some examples where the control body 102 includes the communication interface 246, the control of the functional element 302 may include controlling the communication interface to wirelessly communicate a corresponding signal or a state of the aerosol delivery device or the user to a remote computing device (external computing device) external to the aerosol delivery device 100. The computing device may also be embodied as a number of different devices. For example, information may be transmitted to a medical device, a weather tracking system, a global positioning system, etc. Examples of suitable computing devices include any of a number of different mobile computers, such as portable computers (e.g., laptops, notebooks, and tablet computers), mobile phones (e.g., cellular phones, smartphones), wearable computers (e.g., smart watches), and the like. In other examples, the computing device may be embodied as something other than a mobile computer, such as a desktop computer, a server computer, and the like.

[0076] As also shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol delivery device 100, and more specifically the control body 102, may include a number of electronic components, which may include an infinite input response (IIR) filter 306, a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter 308, and the like. The IIR filter or ferrite bead may be operably coupled to the digital pressure sensor 248 and configured to reduce detection of short-term fluctuations in the pressure measured by the digital pressure sensor. The power source 212 may be configured to provide power to the digital pressure sensor and may include a LiB, SSB, or a supercapacitor. In these examples, the DC-DC converter may be operably coupled between the power source and the digital pressure sensor and configured to direct a constant voltage from the power source to the digital pressure sensor. In some examples, the DC-DC converter is a switching regulator configured to reduce errors in response to a two-way single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch toggling to change the state of the load from off to on.

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 2, in addition to or instead of the control body 102, the cartridge may also include a digital pressure sensor 252 (e.g., a capacitive, e.g., microelectromechanical system-based (MEMS) capacitive, resistive or thermal conductivity, or piezoresistive digital pressure sensor) and possibly an indicator 254. As above, the functional elements of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be controlled in any of a number of different manners in response to the measured pressure, or a state determined from a signal corresponding thereto. For example, the pressure, or a state of the aerosol delivery device or its user, may be output for presentation by a display (e.g., display 304), or the indicators 250, 254 may be controlled to provide feedback perceptible by the user.

[0078] The above description of the use of the article may be applied to various exemplary embodiments described herein through minor modifications that may be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the further disclosure provided herein. However, the above description of the use is not intended to limit the use of the article, but is provided to comply with all necessary disclosure requirements of the present disclosure. Any of the elements shown in Figures 1 to 3 or otherwise described above in the article may be included in an aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure.

[0079] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure described herein will occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the above description and the associated drawings. It is therefore to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while the above description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it is to be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, different combinations of elements and / or functions other than those expressly described above are also contemplated, for example as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: at least one housing enclosing a reservoir configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition; A heating element; a control component configured to operate in an active mode, wherein in the active mode the control body is configured to control the heating element to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition; a digital pressure sensor configured to measure an applied pressure and generate a corresponding signal indicative of the pressure so measured; Including, the control component or digital pressure sensor is further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal or a state of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof determined from the corresponding signal; An aerosol delivery device in which control of at least one functional element includes outputting a pressure or condition for presentation by a display.

2. the control component or digital pressure sensor is further configured to determine a state of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof from the corresponding signal; 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control of at least one functional element includes outputting the so determined state for presentation by a display.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a variometer function and the condition of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes an altitude rate of change of the aerosol delivery device.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 , wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a spirometer function and the condition of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes a respiratory condition of the user.

5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the digital pressure sensor is or includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor or a microelectromechanical system based (MEMS) capacitive pressure sensor, and in at least one example, the piezoresistive pressure sensor has a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

6. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable power source configured to power the digital pressure sensor and including a lithium ion battery (LiB), a thin-film solid-state battery (SSB), or a supercapacitor.

7. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising an infinite input response (IIR) filter or ferrite bead operably coupled to the digital pressure sensor and configured to reduce detection of short-term fluctuations in the pressure measured by the digital pressure sensor.

8. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the digital pressure sensor is selectively operable in a dormant mode in which the digital pressure sensor is disabled, or in an active mode or a continuous mode, wherein in the active mode or continuous mode the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a single measurement or multiple measurements of pressure, respectively.

9. 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein in at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in a continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain multiple measurements of pressure at a predetermined oversampling rate.

10. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein in at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in a continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to continuously cycle between an active mode and a rest period.

11. a control body coupled or connectable with a cartridge to form an aerosol delivery device, the cartridge comprising a heating element and containing an aerosol precursor composition, the control body comprising: A housing and, within the housing, a control component configured to operate in an active mode, wherein in the active mode, the control component is configured to control the heating element to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition; and a digital pressure sensor configured to measure an applied pressure and generate a corresponding signal indicative of the pressure so measured; Including, the control component or digital pressure sensor is further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal or a state of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof determined from the corresponding signal; A control body in which the control of at least one functional element includes outputting a pressure or state for presentation by a display.

12. the control component or digital pressure sensor is further configured to determine a state of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof from the corresponding signal; 12. A control body as claimed in claim 11, wherein the control of the at least one functional element includes outputting the so determined state for presentation by a display.

13. The control body of claim 12, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a variometer function and the condition of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes an altitude rate of change of the aerosol delivery device.

14. The control body of claim 12 , wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a spirometer function and the condition of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes a respiratory condition of the user.

15. The control body of claim 11, wherein the digital pressure sensor is or includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor or a microelectromechanical system-based (MEMS) capacitive pressure sensor, and in at least one example, the piezoresistive pressure sensor has a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

16. The control body of claim 11, further comprising a rechargeable power source configured to power the digital pressure sensor and including a lithium ion battery (LiB), a thin-film solid-state battery (SSB) or a supercapacitor.

17. The control body of claim 11, further comprising an infinite input response (IIR) filter or ferrite bead operably coupled to the digital pressure sensor and configured to reduce detection of short-term fluctuations in the pressure measured by the digital pressure sensor.

18. The control body of claim 11, wherein the digital pressure sensor is selectively operable in a dormant mode in which the digital pressure sensor is disabled, or in an active mode or a continuous mode, and in the active mode or continuous mode the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a single measurement value or multiple measurements value of pressure, respectively.

19. 20. The control body of claim 18, wherein in at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is operable in a continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain multiple measurements of pressure at a predetermined oversampling rate.

20. 20. The control body of claim 18, wherein in at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is operable in a continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to cycle continuously between an active mode and a dormant mode.

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