Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device includes: a tactile component configured to provide tactile feedback; a battery configured to supply power to the tactile component; and an electrically insulating elastic member in contact with the tactile component and located between the battery and the tactile component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an aerosol supply device. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by producing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating a material rather than burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol supply device is provided, the aerosol supply device comprising:

[0004] a haptic component configured to provide tactile feedback;

[0005] a battery configured to power the haptic component; and

[0006] An electrically insulating elastic member is located between the battery and the haptic component.

[0007] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A front view showing an example of an aerosol supply device;

[0009] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A front view of an aerosol supply device with the outer cover removed;

[0010] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device;

[0011] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 An exploded view of the aerosol supply device;

[0012] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly within an aerosol supply device;

[0013] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A A close-up view of a portion of a heating assembly;

[0014] Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of a battery support and a battery;

[0015] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A A close-up of a portion of

[0016] Figure 7 shows a side view of an exemplary elastic member;

[0017] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A perspective view of an exemplary elastic member;

[0018] Fig. 9 Shown is the haptic component engaged Figure 7 A perspective view of an exemplary elastic member of ; and

[0019] Fig.10 Shown is the battery interface Figure 7 A stereoscopic view of an exemplary elastic member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" includes materials that provide volatile components when heated, which volatile components are usually in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol generating materials include any tobacco-containing material, and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol generating materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. Aerosol generating materials may, for example, be in the form of solids, liquids, gels, waxes, etc. Aerosol generating materials may, for example, also be a combination or mixture of materials. Aerosol generating materials may also be referred to as "smokable materials".

[0021] A device is known which heats an aerosol generating material without burning or igniting the aerosol generating material so as to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material, typically forming an aerosol which can be inhaled. Such devices are sometimes described as "aerosol generating devices", "aerosol supply devices", "heating but not burning devices", "tobacco heating product devices" or "tobacco heating devices" or the like. Similarly, there are so-called electronic cigarette devices which typically vaporize an aerosol generating material in liquid form which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a rod, a cartridge or a cartridge, etc. which can be inserted into the device or may be arranged as part of a rod, a cartridge or a cartridge, etc. which can be inserted into the device. The heater for heating the aerosol generating material and volatilizing the aerosol generating material may be arranged as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0022] The aerosol supply device can receive an article containing an aerosol generating material for heating. In this article, a "article" is a component that contains or holds the aerosol generating material used, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components used. A user can insert the article into the aerosol supply device before heating the article to produce an aerosol that the user then inhales. The article can be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size, which is configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device that is designed to receive the article.

[0023] A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device comprising a tactile component and a battery, wherein the tactile component is configured to provide tactile feedback such as vibration, and the battery is configured to power the tactile component. An electrically insulating elastic member is provided between the tactile component and the battery. The elastic member electrically insulates the tactile component from the battery to avoid short circuiting the battery. Therefore, the elastic member acts as a barrier to prevent the battery (or other conductive members connected to the battery) from contacting the tactile component.

[0024] In some instances, the resilient member is in contact with the tactile component. In some instances, the resilient member is also in contact with the battery. By contacting the tactile component, the resilient member helps transfer vibrations from the tactile component to other components of the device, such as a cover gripped by a user. This helps ensure that the user of the device can feel the vibrations. For example, the resilient member can reduce vibrations transferred to the battery and increase vibrations in a direction away from the battery. By being resilient and in contact with the tactile component, the resilient member can apply a force to the tactile component to transfer vibrations away from the battery. The resilient member can be deformed.

[0025] The aerosol supply device may further include a heater assembly, which may include at least one induction coil. The heater assembly may further include a susceptor. The battery may also power the heater assembly.

[0026] In some embodiments, the elastic member is a dielectric. The elastic member may have a dielectric 15 Ohm-cm and about 6x10 15 Resistivity between Ohm-cm, such as about 5x10 15 Resistivity in Ohm-cm.

[0027] The elastic member may include silicone (ie, the elastic member may be made of polymerized siloxane). Silicone is a good electrical insulator and is elastic. Silicone is also a good thermal insulator. In a specific example, the silicone is silicone rubber.

[0028] The device may also include a conductive member that contacts a battery terminal of the battery, and the elastic member may contact the conductive member. The conductive member may be a wiring or conductive sheet that connects the battery to a PCB and / or other components of the device. The terminal may be a positive terminal or a negative terminal. Thus, the elastic member electrically insulates the tactile component from the conductive member. In some arrangements, the elastic member contacts the conductive member and the battery.

[0029] The resilient member may be positioned between the battery terminal and the tactile component. Thus, the resilient member additionally or alternatively insulates the tactile component from the battery terminal. For example, the battery terminal may be arranged at the end of the battery.

[0030] Each of the resilient member and the haptic component may include corresponding engagement features for maintaining the relative position between the resilient member and the haptic component. Thus, these engagement features help keep the resilient member and the haptic component in contact with each other, because otherwise vibrations may cause the resilient member and the haptic component to move relative to each other.

[0031] In a particular arrangement, the resilient member may include a protrusion that is one type of engagement feature, and the haptic may include a recess that receives the protrusion, which is a corresponding engagement feature. Alternatively, the haptic may include a protrusion and the resilient member includes a recess that receives the protrusion. Other types of engagement features may be used alternatively.

[0032] The resilient member may be at least partially compressed, thereby exerting a force on the haptic component to move the haptic component away from the battery. For example, the battery and the haptic component may be arranged so that the resilient member is squeezed between them, which causes the haptic component to be biased away from the resilient member or to be subjected to a force away from the resilient member. This causes the haptic component to be forced against other components of the device, which helps to transmit vibrations.

[0033] For example, the device may include an end member that defines at least a portion of the outer surface of the device, wherein the haptic is disposed between the end member and the resilient member, and the resilient member forces the haptic toward the end member. One or more other components may be disposed between the haptic and the end member.

[0034] The resilient member may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being thicker than the second portion, wherein the tactile component contacts the first portion and the second portion contacts at least one of: (i) a conductive member in contact with a battery terminal, and (ii) a battery terminal. The thicker first portion is used to provide a biasing force to the tactile component so that vibrations are transferred away from the battery and toward other components of the device. The thinner second portion can be thinner because the second portion provides electrical insulation. The thickness of the first portion and the second portion is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, which is also parallel to the direction away from the battery toward the tactile component.

[0035] The second portion may include a recess configured to receive the end of the battery. The recess may also be referred to as a receptacle. The recess may be defined by one or more side walls and a base, wherein the base receives the end of the battery and the one or more side walls abut the side surface of the battery. Preferably, the recess is shaped to conform to the shape of the battery. The recess helps to keep the elastic member in place relative to the battery. As an alternative to the recess, the second portion may include an engagement feature, and the battery may include corresponding engagement features, wherein these engagement features are used to maintain the relative position between the elastic member and the battery.

[0036] The resilient member may be at least 0.5 mm thick between the battery and the haptic. In a particular arrangement, the resilient member is less than about 6 mm thick. The thickness of the resilient member is the minimum measurable distance between the battery and the haptic. It has been found that these dimensions provide a good balance between providing adequate electrical insulation and a strong biasing force while also ensuring a suitable device size.

[0037] In one example, the first portion has a thickness between about 2 mm and about 3 mm, and the second portion has a thickness between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm. Preferably, the first portion has a thickness between about 2 mm and about 2.5 mm. The thickness of the second portion is the minimum distance between the first portion and the battery.

[0038] If the second portion defines a recess, preferably the first portion has a thickness between about 2 mm and about 3 mm, the base of the second portion has a thickness between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, and the sidewall has a thickness of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0039] If the second portion does not define a recess, the first portion may have a thickness between about 2 mm and about 3 mm, and the second portion may have a thickness between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, more preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm.

[0040] Preferably, the device is a tobacco heating device, also known as a heat-not-burn device.

[0041] Figure 1 An example of an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating medium / aerosol generating material is shown. In summary, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising an aerosol generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0042] The device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) that surrounds and contains the various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 in one end through which an article 110 can be inserted to be heated by the heating assembly. In use, the article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly, where the article can be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

[0043] The device 100 of this example includes a first end member 106 that includes a cover 108 that is movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when no article 110 is in place. Figure 1 In the figure, the cover 108 is shown as being in an open configuration, however, the cover 108 can be moved into a closed configuration. For example, a user can slide the cover 108 in the direction of arrow "A".

[0044] The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or a switch, which is pressed to operate the device 100. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 112.

[0045] The device 100 may also include an electrical component such as a socket / port 114 that may receive a cable to charge a battery of the device 100. For example, the socket 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

[0046] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The device 100 is shown with the cover 102 removed and the article 110 not present. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the first end member 106 is disposed at one end of the device 100 and the second end member 116 is disposed at the opposite end of the device 100. The first end member 106 and the second end member 116 together at least partially define an end surface of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member 116 at least partially defines the bottom surface of the device 100. The edge of the housing 102 may also define a portion of the end surface. In this example, the cover 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of the device 100.

[0048] The end of the device closest to the opening 104 may be referred to as the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device 100 because, in use, this end is closest to the user's mouth. In use, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104, operates the user control 112 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material and draws the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0049] The other end of the device farthest from the port 104 can be referred to as the distal end of the device 100 because, in use, this end is the end farthest from the user's mouth. When the user draws the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows out of the distal end of the device 100.

[0050] The device 100 also includes a power source 118. The power source 118 can be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to provide electrical energy and heat the aerosol generating material when needed and under the control of a controller (not shown). In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 120 that holds the battery 118 in place. The central support 120 may also be referred to as a battery support or battery carrier.

[0051] The device also includes at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller (e.g., a processor) and a memory. The PCB 122 may also include one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect multiple electronic components of the device 100 together. For example, a battery terminal may be electrically connected to the PCB 122 so that power may be distributed throughout the device 100. The socket 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via the electrical tracks.

[0052] In the exemplary apparatus 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and includes a plurality of components to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object (e.g., a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an induction element, such as one or more induction coils, and include means for passing a varying current (e.g., an alternating current) through the induction element. The varying current in the induction element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field passes through a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has a resistance to the eddy currents, and thus the flow of the eddy currents against the resistance causes the susceptor to be heated due to Joule heating. In the case where the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron, nickel, or cobalt), heat may also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor (i.e., by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of the alignment of the magnetic dipoles with the varying magnetic field). In induction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor, thereby allowing for rapid heating, as compared to, for example, heating by conduction. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in structure and application.

[0053] The induction heating assembly of the exemplary device 100 includes a susceptor device 132 (referred to herein as a "susceptor"), a first induction coil 124, and a second induction coil 126. The first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are made of a conductive material. In this example, the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are made of a Litz wire / cable that is wound in a spiral manner to provide a spiral induction coil 124, 126. The Litz wire includes a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. The Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the exemplary device 100, the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are made of a copper Litz wire having a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, the Litz wire may have a cross-section of other shapes, such as a circle.

[0054] The first induction coil 124 is configured to generate a first changing magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 132, and the second induction coil 126 is configured to generate a second changing magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first induction coil 124 is adjacent to the second induction coil 126 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 (i.e., the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 do not overlap). The susceptor device 132 may include a single susceptor, or may include two or more separate susceptors. The end 130 of the first induction coil 124 and the end of the second induction coil 126 may be connected to the PCB 122.

[0055] It should be understood that in some examples, the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 may have at least one characteristic that is different from each other. For example, the first induction coil 124 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second induction coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first induction coil 124 may have an inductance value that is different from the inductance value of the second induction coil 126. Figure 2 In the embodiment, first induction coil 124 and second induction coil 126 have different lengths, such that first induction coil 124 is wound around a smaller section of susceptor 132 than second induction coil 126. Thus, first induction coil 124 may include a different number of turns than second induction coil 126 (assuming that the spacing between each turn is substantially the same). In yet another example, first induction coil 124 may be made of a different material than second induction coil 126. In some examples, first induction coil 124 and second induction coil 126 may be substantially identical.

[0056] In this example, the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This may be useful when the induction coils are active at different times. For example, initially, the first induction coil 124 may be operated to heat a first section of the article 110, and later, the second induction coil 126 may be operated to heat a second section of the article 110. When used in conjunction with certain types of control circuits, winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coils. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the first induction coil 124 is a right-handed spiral, and the second induction coil 126 is a left-handed spiral. However, in another embodiment, the induction coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first induction coil 124 may be a left-handed spiral and the second induction coil 126 may be a right-handed spiral.

[0057] The susceptor 132 of this example is hollow and thus defines a receptacle in which the aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article 110 may be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example, the susceptor 120 is tubular and has a circular cross-section.

[0058] Figure 2 The device 100 also includes an insulating member 128, which can be generally tubular and at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 can be made of any insulating material (e.g., plastic). In this particular example, the insulating member is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 can help isolate the various components of the device 100 from the heat generated in the susceptor 132.

[0059] The insulating member 128 may also fully or partially support the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126. Figure 2 As shown, the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are positioned around the insulating member 128 and are in contact with the radially outward surface of the insulating member 128. In some examples, the insulating member 128 does not abut the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126. For example, there may be a small gap between the outer surface of the insulating member 128 and the inner surface of the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126.

[0060] In a particular example, the susceptor 132 , the insulating member 128 , and the first and second induction coils 124 , 126 are coaxial about a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132 .

[0061] Figure 3 A side view of a partial cross section of the device 100 is shown. In this example the housing 102 is present. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 is more clearly visible.

[0062] The device 100 also includes a support 136 that engages one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

[0063] The device may also include a second printed circuit board 138 associated with the control element 112 .

[0064] The device 100 also includes a second cover / cap 140 and a spring 142 disposed toward the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 allows the second cover 140 to open to provide access to the susceptor 132. The user can open the second cover 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and / or the support 136.

[0065] The device 100 also includes an expansion chamber 144 extending away from a proximal end of the susceptor 132 toward the opening 104 of the device. A retaining clip 146 is at least partially located within the expansion chamber 144 to abut and retain the article 110 when received within the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106.

[0066] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 1 is an exploded view of the device 100, wherein the outer cover 102 is omitted.

[0067] Figure 5A Shows Figure 1 A cross section of a portion of device 100 . Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A A close-up of an area. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe article 110 is shown received within a receptacle 132, wherein the article 110 is sized such that the outer surface of the article 110 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that heating is most effective. The article 110 of this example comprises an aerosol generating material 110a. The aerosol generating material 110a is located within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also include other components, such as filters, wrapping materials, and / or cooling structures.

[0068] Figure 5B The outer surface of the susceptor 132 is shown spaced apart from the inner surfaces of the induction coils 124, 126 by a distance 150, which is measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In a specific example, the distance 150 is about 3 mm to 4 mm, or about 3 mm to 3.5 mm, or about 3.25 mm.

[0069] Figure 5B Also shown is that the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is spaced apart from the inner surfaces of the induction coils 124, 126 by a distance 152, which is measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one specific example, the distance 152 is approximately 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance 152 is substantially 0 mm, such that the induction coils 124, 126 abut and contact the insulating member 128.

[0070] In one example, the wall thickness 154 of the susceptor 132 is approximately 0.025 mm to 1 mm, or 0.05 mm.

[0071] In one example, the length of the susceptor 132 is about 40 mm to about 60 mm, or about 40 mm to about 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.

[0072] In one example, the wall thickness 156 of the insulating member 128 is about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm, or about 0.25 mm to about 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm.

[0073] Fig. 6A Shown in more detail Figure 2 and Figure 4 The battery support 120 includes a main portion 202, a first end portion 204, and a second end portion 206. The main portion 202 defines a longitudinal axis 208 that is parallel to the axis 134 of the device 100. The first end portion 204 is disposed at a first end of the main portion 202, and the second end portion 206 is disposed at a second end of the main portion 202. The first end portion 204 and the second end portion 206 extend away from a first side of the main portion 202 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 208.

[0074] In this example, the battery 118 is shown disconnected from the battery support 120. The battery 118 can be connected to the battery support 120 by moving the battery 118 toward the battery support 120 in the direction of arrow 200. When the battery is connected to the battery support 120, the battery 118 is held between the first end portion 204 and the second end portion 206. For example, the top end 118a of the battery 118 is received by the first end portion 204, and the bottom end 118b of the battery 118 is received by the second end portion 206.

[0075] Fig. 6A Also shown is the PCB 122 engaged with the second side of the main portion 202. The PCB 122 may be adhered to the main portion 202 or may be connected via other methods such as a friction fit, a snap fit, etc. In this example, the PCB 122 defines a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 208 of the main portion 202.

[0076] As described above, the aerosol supply device 100 includes a heater assembly / heating assembly including at least one induction coil 124 , 126 . Figure 4 The arrangement of one or more induction coils 124 , 126 relative to the battery support 120 is shown.

[0077] like Fig. 6A As shown, the battery 118 includes a first conductive member 224 in contact with a first battery terminal and a second conductive member 226 in contact with a second battery terminal. For example, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal may be a positive terminal or a negative terminal. The conductive members 224, 226 may be wires or conductive sheets that connect the battery 118 to the PCB 122. The conductive members 224, 226 generally extend away from the battery 118 and toward the PCB 122.

[0078] Figure 6B Shows the Fig. 6A A close-up of a portion of. Figure 6B A haptic member 210 (such as a haptic motor) is shown that provides tactile feedback (such as vibration). The haptic member 210 can provide feedback in response to an event, such as when a user presses the control element 112 and / or when the receptor 132 has heated to the correct temperature.

[0079] The device 100 includes an electrically insulating elastic member 212 disposed between the battery 118 and the tactile component 210 to ensure that the tactile component 210 is electrically insulated from the battery 118 (such as a battery terminal or a conductive member 226). The elastic member 212 electrically insulates the tactile component from the battery 118 by acting as a barrier to prevent the battery 118 from short-circuiting. Therefore, when the battery 118 is connected to the battery support 120, the bottom end 118b of the battery (which may include a terminal) and / or the conductive member 226 are in contact with at least a portion of the elastic member 212.

[0080] The resilient member 212 may be arranged in a compressed / deformed state, which causes the resilient member 212 to exert a force on the haptic 210 in the direction of arrow 214. This biasing force will help transfer vibrations from the haptic 210 to other components of the device 100 by ensuring that the haptic 210 is pressed strongly against another component, such as the second PCB 216.

[0081] In this example, the resilient member 212 is made of silicone rubber, which is a good insulator both thermally and electrically.

[0082] exist Figure 6B In the example of , the elastic member 212 includes a first portion 212a and a second portion 212b extending beyond the first portion 212a and the tactile component 210. The first portion 212a is adjacent to the tactile component 210, and the second portion is adjacent to the battery terminal and / or the conductive member 226. The first portion 212a provides not only insulation but also biasing force. The second portion 212b mainly provides insulation, so the first portion 212a can be made thinner.

[0083] Figure 7 A side view of the resilient member 212 is shown, and Figure 8 2 shows a perspective view of the elastic member 212. As described above, the elastic member 212 includes a first portion 212a and a second portion 212b. The first portion 212a is shaped to conform to the tactile component 210, such as Fig. 9 shown.

[0084] In this example, the second portion 212b includes a base 218 that is at least partially surrounded by one or more side walls 220. Thus, the base 218 and the one or more side walls 220 define a recess / receptacle 222 to receive the end 118b of the battery 118. The one or more side walls 220 abut the outer surface of the battery 118 to help the resilient member 212 remain in position relative to the battery 118. The shape of the recess / receptacle 222 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the battery 118.

[0085] like Figure 7As shown, the first portion 212a is thicker than the second portion 212b. The first portion 212a has a thickness 228, and the second portion 212b has a thickness 232 defined by the base 218. The side wall 220 has a thickness / height 230. Therefore, the thickness of the second portion 212b is defined as the minimum distance between the battery 118 and the first portion, so the thickness / height 230 of any side wall is not included. The thickness 232 of the base 218 must be suitable for providing electrical insulation. Each of the thicknesses 228, 230, 232 is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 134, and this direction is also parallel to the axis 208.

[0086] Thus, in a direction away from the battery 118 toward the tactile component 210 (i.e., in Figure 6B These thicknesses are measured in the direction indicated by arrow 214 ).

[0087] exist Figure 7 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the first part 212a has a thickness 228 between about 2mm and about 3mm (such as 2.3mm), and the second part 212b has a thickness 232 between about 0.5mm and about 2mm (such as 0.8mm). One or more side walls 220 have a thickness / height 230 between about 1mm and about 3mm (such as 1.2mm). It has been found that these dimensions provide a good balance between providing sufficient electrical insulation and a strong bias force. In some examples, there is no side wall 220. The height / thickness 230 of one or more side walls 220 is suitable for maintaining the relative position between the battery 118 and the elastic member 212.

[0088] In some instances, such as Figure 7 As shown, the resilient member 212 includes an engagement feature 234. The engagement feature 234 engages a corresponding engagement feature of the tactile component 210 to help maintain the relative position between the resilient member 212 and the tactile component 210. In the particular arrangement shown, the resilient member 212 includes a protrusion 234, and the tactile component 210 includes a recess (not visible). The protrusion 234 is received in the recess. In another example (not shown), the tactile component 210 can include a protrusion, and the resilient member 212 can include a recess.

[0089] Fig.10 A perspective view of a battery 118, a conductive member 226, and a portion of the resilient member 212 is shown. An engagement feature 234 is positioned on the underside of the first portion 212a and extends away from the first portion 212a toward the haptic 210.

[0090] Fig.10A conductive member 226 is shown positioned between the end of the battery 118b and the resilient member 212. In this example, the end of the battery 118b includes a battery terminal to which the conductive member 226 is connected.

[0091] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention may be envisioned. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, or in combination with any combination of any other embodiment. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising: a haptic component configured to provide tactile feedback; a battery configured to power the haptic component; as well as an electrically insulating resilient member in contact with the haptic, wherein the resilient member is at least 0.5 mm thick and less than 6 mm thick, and wherein the resilient member is at least partially compressed to exert a force on the haptic to move the haptic away from the resilient member.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein: comprising a housing configured to be grasped by a user, Wherein the resilient member is arranged to transfer vibrations from the haptic component to the housing.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic member includes silicone.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The silicone resin is silicone rubber.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a conductive member, the conductive member being in contact with the battery terminal, wherein The elastic member is in contact with the conductive member.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic member is located between the battery terminal and the tactile component.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The resilient member and the haptic each include corresponding engagement features for maintaining a relative position between the resilient member and the haptic.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic member includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being thicker than the second portion, wherein the tactile component contacts the first portion.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein: The second portion includes a recess configured to receive an end of the battery.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The resilient member is less than 3 mm thick.

11. An aerosol supply system comprising: An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; as well as Articles comprising aerosol-generating materials.

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