Heating engine control circuit and nicotine electronic vaping device comprising a heating engine control circuit

Abstract

A heating engine control circuit (2127) is provided to control operation of a heater (336) of a nicotine e-vaping device (500). The heating engine control circuit (2127) includes a rail converter circuit (39020) configured to convert a power supply voltage to a power signal based on a vaping enable signal, the vaping enable signal being a pulse width modulated signal. The heating engine control circuit (2127) also includes a gate driver circuit (39040) including an integrated gate driver (U2003) configured to control application of power to the heater (336) to heat a nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from a nicotine reservoir of the nicotine e-vaping device (500) based on the power signal, a first enable signal, and a second enable signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more example implementations involve nicotine electronic vaping (nicotine e-vaping) devices. Background Technology

[0002] The nicotine e-vaporizer includes a heater that vaporizes a nicotine vapor pre-preparation material to produce nicotine vapor. The nicotine e-vaporizer may include several e-vaporizer elements, including a power source, a cylinder or e-vaporizer housing including the heater, and a nicotine reservoir capable of holding the nicotine vapor pre-preparation material. Summary of the Invention

[0003] At least one example embodiment provides a heating engine control circuit for controlling the operation of a heater in a nicotine e-vaporizer, the heating engine control circuit comprising: a track converter circuit configured to convert a power supply voltage into a power signal based on a vapor activation signal, the vapor activation signal being a pulse width modulation signal; and a gate driver circuit including an integrated gate driver configured to control the application of power to the heater based on the power signal, a first activation signal, and a second activation signal to heat nicotine vapor pre-preparation drawn from a nicotine reservoir at the nicotine e-vaporizer.

[0004] At least one other example embodiment provides a nicotine electronic vaporizer device, comprising: a heater configured to heat a nicotine vapor pre-preparation drawn from a nicotine reservoir; a track converter circuit configured to convert a power supply voltage into a power signal based on a vaporizer activation signal, the vaporizer activation signal being a pulse width modulation signal; and a gate driver circuit including an integrated gate driver configured to control the application of power to the heater of the nicotine electronic vaporizer device based on the power signal, a first activation signal, and a second activation signal.

[0005] According to one or more example embodiments, the track converter circuit may be configured to disable the power signal in response to the termination of the vapor activation signal.

[0006] The track converter circuit can be configured to output a feedback signal, wherein the feedback signal is a scaled-down form of the power signal indicating the current voltage level of the power signal. The nicotine e-vaporizer may include a controller configured to generate a vaporizer activation signal based on the feedback signal. The controller can be configured to control the duty cycle of the vaporizer activation signal based on the feedback signal.

[0007] The second enable signal may be a pulse width modulation signal; the integrated gate driver may be configured to receive the second enable signal at an input pin; and the gate driver circuit may include a filter circuit connected to the input pin, the filter circuit being configured to filter the second enable signal before it is input to the integrated gate driver.

[0008] The gate driver circuitry may include a pull-down resistor connected to an input pin of the integrated gate driver, wherein the pull-down resistor is configured to maintain the input pin at a logic low level when the second enable signal is in a floating state.

[0009] The gate driver circuit may include a bootstrap charge pump circuit connected between the input voltage pin and the boost pin of the integrated gate driver. The bootstrap charge pump circuit may also be connected to a switching node pin of the integrated gate driver.

[0010] The gate driver circuit may include a filter circuit connected between the power signal input terminal and the bootstrap charge pump circuit.

[0011] The track converter circuit may include: a first capacitor connected between a power source and ground; an inductor having a first terminal connected to a first node between the power source and the first capacitor, and a second terminal connected to a second node; a switching transistor connected between the second node and ground, the switching transistor being configured to receive the vapor activation signal; a second capacitor having a first terminal connected to the second node and a second terminal connected to a third node; a first diode having an anode connected to ground and a cathode connected to the third node; a second diode having an anode connected to the third node and a cathode connected to a fourth node; a third capacitor connected between the fourth node and ground; and a voltage divider circuit connected to the fourth node, the voltage divider circuit being configured to output a feedback signal based on the power signal.

[0012] The track converter circuit may further include a pull-down resistor connected between the gate of the switching transistor and ground, the pull-down resistor being configured to prevent the output of the power signal when the vapor activation signal has an uncertain state.

[0013] The gate driver circuit may further include: a first filter circuit configured to filter the power signal for input to the integrated gate driver; and a second filter circuit configured to filter the second enable signal for input to the integrated gate driver.

[0014] The heating engine control circuit and / or the nicotine e-vapor device may include a heating engine drive circuit configured to control power supply to the heater, wherein the heating engine drive circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground. The gate driver circuit may be configured to output a drive voltage to the gate of the first transistor to maintain the gate-source voltage of the first transistor at the voltage level of the power signal, independent of the voltage level of the power supply.

[0015] The heating engine control circuit and / or the nicotine e-vapor device may include a heating engine drive circuit configured to control power supply to the heater, wherein the heating engine drive circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground. The gate driver circuit may be configured to output a current switching signal to generate a voltage output to the heater, the level of which is independent of the voltage level of the power supply. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Various dimensions of the drawings may be enlarged for clarity.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer according to an example implementation.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Rear view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A near-end view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A view of the far end of a nicotine electronic vaporizer.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of the cigarette cartridge inlet.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the main body of a nicotine electronic vaporizer.

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Front view of the main body of the device.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged perspective view of the through hole in the image.

[0028] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Enlarged perspective view of the electrical contacts in the device.

[0029] Figure 13 It includes Figure 12 A partial exploded view of the cigarette holder.

[0030] Figure 14 It includes Figure 9 A partial exploded view of the border structure in the image.

[0031] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece, spring, retaining structure, and frame structure.

[0032] Figure 16 It includes Figure 14 Partial exploded views of the front cover, frame, and rear cover.

[0033] Figure 17 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the nicotine cartridge assembly of a nicotine electronic vaporizer.

[0034] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Another perspective view of the nicotine cartridge component.

[0035] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Another perspective view of the nicotine cartridge component.

[0036] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A perspective view of a nicotine cartridge assembly without a connector module.

[0037] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 A perspective view of the connector module in the image.

[0038] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Another perspective view of the connector module.

[0039] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 The image shows an exploded view of the core, heater, electrical leads, and contact core.

[0040] Figure 24 It includes Figure 17 Exploded view of the first housing section of the nicotine cartridge assembly.

[0041] Figure 25 It includes Figure 17 A partial exploded view of the second housing section of the nicotine cartridge assembly.

[0042] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 The exploded view of the starter pin.

[0043] Figure 27 yes Figure 22 A perspective view of a connector module without a core, heater, electrical leads, and contact core.

[0044] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 An exploded view of the connector module.

[0045] Figure 29 The electrical system of the device body and nicotine cartridge assembly of a nicotine electronic vaporizer according to one or more example embodiments is shown.

[0046] Figure 30 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating the dry suction and automatic shutdown control system according to an example implementation.

[0047] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating a dryness detection method based on an example implementation.

[0048] Figure 32The graphs show resistance versus time when dry suction is present at the start of suction (“dry suction”), when dry suction occurs during suction (“dry suction”), and when dry suction is absent (“standard suction”).

[0049] Figure 33 The flowchart illustrates an example operation method of a nicotine e-vapor device after shutting down the vaporization function in response to a detected hard fault cartridge event, based on an example implementation.

[0050] Figure 34 A heater voltage measurement circuit according to an example implementation is shown.

[0051] Figure 35 A heater current measurement circuit according to an example implementation is shown.

[0052] Figure 36 A cartridge temperature measurement circuit is shown according to some example implementations.

[0053] Figure 37 A cartridge temperature measurement circuit according to some other example implementations is shown.

[0054] Figure 38 The circuit diagram shows the heating engine control circuit based on some example implementation schemes.

[0055] Figure 39 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the heating engine control circuit based on some other example implementations.

[0056] Figure 40 A temperature sensing converter according to some example implementations is shown.

[0057] Figure 41 A temperature sensing converter according to some other example implementations is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] This document discloses several detailed example implementations. However, for the purpose of describing the example implementations, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are only representative. Furthermore, the example implementations can be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example implementations described herein.

[0059] Therefore, while the exemplary embodiments can have various modifications and alternatives, they are shown as examples in the figures and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed; on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments will encompass all their modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. Throughout the description of the figures, similarity numbers indicate similar elements.

[0060] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "on another element or layer," "connected to another element or layer," "attached to another element or layer," "near another element or layer," or "covering another element or layer," it may be directly on, connected to, attached to, attached to, or covered by another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly" on, "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element or layer, no intermediate elements or layers are present. Throughout this specification, the same numbers denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations or sub-combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] It should be understood that while the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, or segments, these elements, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, region, layer, or segment from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, region, layer, or segment.

[0062] For ease of description, spatial relative terms (e.g., “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc.) are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, then an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can include both “above” and “below” orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “described” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0064] When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specification in relation to numerical values, they mean that the relevant numerical value includes a tolerance of ±10% around the value, unless otherwise expressly indicated.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments pertain. It will be further understood that terms, including those as defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0066] As used herein, “nicotine e-vapor device” may sometimes be used with any of the following terms and is considered synonymous with: nicotine e-vapor user device and / or nicotine e-vapor device.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a front view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer according to an example implementation. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Rear view of a nicotine e-vaporizer. (Refer to...) Figure 1-3 The nicotine e-vaping device 500 includes a device body 100 configured to receive a nicotine cartridge assembly 300. The nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is a modular article configured to contain a nicotine vapor pre-preparation. A “nicotine vapor pre-preparation” is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into vapor. For example, a nicotine vapor pre-preparation can be a liquid, solid, and / or gel formulation, including but not limited to water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavorings, and / or nicotine vapor-forming agents such as glycerol and propylene glycol. During vaporization, the nicotine e-vaping device 500 is configured to heat the nicotine vapor pre-preparation to generate vapor. As used herein, “nicotine vapor” refers to any substance generated or output from any nicotine e-vaping device according to any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the nicotine electronic vaporizer 500 extends in the longitudinal direction and its length is greater than its width. Furthermore, as... Figure 2As shown, the length of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 is also greater than its thickness. Furthermore, the width of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 can be greater than its thickness. Assuming an xyz Cartesian coordinate system, the length of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 can be measured in the y-direction, the width in the x-direction, and the thickness in the z-direction. Based on its front, side, and rear views, the nicotine e-vaping device 500 can have a basically linear form with tapered ends, but the example embodiment is not limited to this.

[0069] The device body 100 includes a front cover 104, a frame 106, and a rear cover 108. The front cover 104, frame 106, and rear cover 108 form a device housing that encloses mechanical, electronic, and / or circuitry associated with the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device 500. For example, the device housing of the device body 100 may enclose power sources configured to supply current to the nicotine e-vaping device 500, which may include supplying current to the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. The device housing of the device body 100 may also include one or more electrical systems for controlling the nicotine e-vaping device 500. The electrical systems according to the example embodiment will be discussed in more detail later. Additionally, when assembled, the front cover 104, frame 106, and rear cover 108 may constitute a large portion of the visible portion of the device body 100.

[0070] A front cover 104 (e.g., a first cover) defines a main opening configured to receive a frame structure 112. The main opening may have a rounded rectangular shape, but other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the frame structure 112. The frame structure 112 defines a through-hole 150 configured to receive a nicotine cartridge assembly 300. (This is in conjunction with examples...) Figure 9 Let's discuss the through-hole 150 in more detail.

[0071] The front cover 104 also defines a second opening configured to receive the light guide device. The second opening may resemble a slot (e.g., an elongated rectangle with rounded edges), but other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the light guide device. In an example embodiment, the light guide device includes a light guide housing 114 and a button housing 122. The light guide housing 114 is configured to expose the light guide lens 116, while the button housing 122 is configured to expose a first button lens 124 and a second button lens 126 (e.g., ...). Figure 16 The upstream portion of the first button lens 124 and the button housing 122 can form the first button 118. Similarly, the downstream portion of the second button lens 126 and the button housing 122 can form the second button 120. The button housing 122 can be a single structure or two independent structures. In the latter form, the first button 118 and the second button 120 can move with more independent tactile feedback when pressed.

[0072] The operation of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 500 can be controlled by a first button 118 and a second button 120. For example, the first button 118 may be a power button, and the second button 120 may be an intensity button. Although two buttons related to the light guide device are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that more (or fewer) buttons may be provided depending on the available features and desired user interface.

[0073] Frame 106 (e.g., base frame) is the central support structure of the device body 100 (and the nicotine e-vaping device 500 as a whole). Frame 106 may be referred to as a chassis. Frame 106 includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of side sections between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal and distal ends may also be referred to as the downstream end and the upstream end, respectively. As used herein, "proximal" (and conversely, "distal") refers to the adult vapor user during vapor inhalation, while "downstream" (and conversely, "upstream") refers to the flow of vapor. To increase strength and stability, bridging sections (e.g., approximately at the midpoint along the length of frame 106) may be provided between the opposing inner surfaces of the side sections. Frame 106 may be integrally formed, thus becoming a monolithic structure.

[0074] Regarding the construction material, frame 106 may be formed of alloy or plastic. Alloys (e.g., die-casting grade, machinable grade) may be aluminum (Al) alloys or zinc (Zn) alloys. Plastics may be polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or combinations thereof (PC / ABS). For example, polycarbonate may be LUPOY SC1004A. Furthermore, for functional and / or aesthetic reasons, frame 106 may have a surface finish (e.g., to provide a superior appearance). In an example embodiment, frame 106 (e.g., when formed of an aluminum alloy) may be anodized. In another embodiment, frame 106 (e.g., when formed of a zinc alloy) may be coated with hard enamel or painted. In another embodiment, frame 106 (e.g., when formed of polycarbonate) may be metallized. In yet another embodiment, frame 106 (e.g., when formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) may be electroplated. It should be understood that the construction materials of frame 106 can also be applied to the front cover 104, rear cover 108 and / or other suitable parts of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 500.

[0075] The rear cover 108 (e.g., a second cover) also defines an opening configured to receive the frame structure 112. This opening may have a rounded rectangular shape, but other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the frame structure 112. In the example embodiment, the opening in the rear cover 108 is smaller than the main opening in the front cover 104. Furthermore, although not shown, it should be understood that a light guide (e.g., including a button) may be provided on the rear of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 to supplement (or replace) the light guide on the front of the nicotine e-vaping device 500.

[0076] The front cover 104 and rear cover 108 can be configured to engage with the frame 106 via a snap-fit ​​arrangement. For example, the front cover 104 and / or rear cover 108 may include clamps configured to interlock with corresponding mating members of the frame 106. In a non-limiting embodiment, the clamp may be in the form of a tab with an opening configured to receive a corresponding mating member of the frame 106 (e.g., a protrusion with a beveled edge). Alternatively, the front cover 104 and / or rear cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 by an interference fit (also referred to as a press fit or friction fit). However, it should be understood that the front cover 104, frame 106, and rear cover 108 can be coupled by other suitable arrangements and techniques.

[0077] The main body 100 of the device also includes a mouthpiece 102. The mouthpiece 102 can be fixed to the proximal end of the frame 106. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, in an example embodiment where the frame 106 is sandwiched between the front cover 104 and the rear cover 108, the mouthpiece 102 may be adjacent to the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 may be coupled to the device housing via a bayonet connection.

[0078] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A near-end view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 defines multiple steam outlets. In a non-limiting embodiment, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 may be elliptical. Furthermore, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 may include a first crossbar corresponding to the major axis of the elliptical outlet surface and a second crossbar corresponding to the minor axis of the elliptical outlet surface. Moreover, the first and second crossbars may intersect perpendicularly and are integral parts of the mouthpiece 102. Although the outlet surface is shown defining four steam outlets, it should be understood that the example embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the outlet surface may define fewer than four (e.g., one, two) steam outlets or more than four (e.g., six, eight) steam outlets.

[0079] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A view of the distal end of a nicotine electronic vaporizer. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The distal end of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 includes a port 110. Port 110 is configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB cable) to charge the internal power supply within the nicotine e-vaping device 500. Furthermore, port 110 may also be configured to send data to and / or receive data from another nicotine e-vaping device or other electronic device (e.g., a telephone, tablet, or computer) (e.g., via a USB cable). Additionally, the nicotine e-vaping device 500 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with another electronic device (e.g., a telephone) via an application (app) installed on that device. In this case, the adult vaper can control the nicotine e-vaping device 500 or otherwise interact with it via the application (e.g., locate the nicotine e-vaping device, check usage information, change operating parameters).

[0080] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of the cigarette cartridge inlet. (See reference...) Figure 6-7 And as briefly mentioned above, the nicotine e-vaporizer device 500 includes a nicotine cartridge assembly 300 configured to receive a pre-vaporized nicotine formulation. The nicotine cartridge assembly 300 has an upstream end (facing the light guide device) and a downstream end (facing the mouthpiece 102). In a non-limiting embodiment, the upstream end is the surface of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 opposite to the downstream end. The upstream end of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 defines a cartridge inlet 322. The device body 100 defines a through-hole (e.g., Figure 9 The through-hole 150 is configured to receive the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. In an example embodiment, the frame structure 112 of the device body 100 defines the through-hole and includes an upstream edge. As shown, particularly in Figure 7 In the middle, the upstream edge of the frame structure 112 is angled (e.g., tilted inward) so as to expose the cartridge inlet 322 when the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is placed in the through hole of the device body 100.

[0081] For example, the upstream edge of the frame structure 112 is configured as a concave scoop to guide ambient air into the cartridge inlet 322, rather than following the shape of the front cover 104 (so as to be flush with the front of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and thus obscure the cartridge inlet 322). This angled / concave scoop configuration can help reduce or prevent blockage of the air inlet (e.g., cartridge inlet 322) of the nicotine e-vapor device 500. The depth of the concave scoop allows less than half (e.g., less than a quarter) of the upstream end face of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 to be exposed. Alternatively, in a non-limiting embodiment, the cartridge inlet 322 is in the form of a slot. Furthermore, if the device body 100 is considered to extend in a first direction, the slot can be considered to extend in a second direction, wherein the second direction is transverse to the first direction.

[0082] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer. Figure 8 In the figure, the cross-section is taken along the longitudinal axis of the nicotine e-vaping device 500. As shown, the device body 100 and the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 include mechanical, electronic, and / or circuitry systems associated with the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device 500, which will be discussed in more detail herein and / or incorporated herein by reference. For example, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 may include mechanical elements configured to actuate to release a nicotine vapor pre-formulation from a sealed nicotine reservoir therein. The nicotine cartridge assembly 300 may also have mechanical features configured to engage with the device body 100 to facilitate insertion and placement of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300.

[0083] Furthermore, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 can be a "smart cartridge," comprising electronic components and / or circuitry configured to store, receive, and / or transmit information to / from the device body 100. This information can be used to verify the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 used with the device body 100 (e.g., to prevent the use of unapproved / counterfeit nicotine cartridge assemblies). Additionally, this information can be used to identify the type of nicotine cartridge assembly 300, and then associate that type with a vaporization profile based on the identified type. The vaporization profile can be designed to specify general parameters used for heating the nicotine vapor pre-preparation, and can be adjusted, refined, or otherwise modified by the adult vaporizer before and / or during vaporization.

[0084] The nicotine cartridge assembly 300 may also communicate with the device body 100 other information that may be relevant to the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device 500. Examples of such information may include the level of nicotine pre-preparation within the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and / or the length of time that has elapsed since the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 was inserted into the device body 100 and activated. For example, if the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 was inserted into the device body 100 and activated more than a certain period of time ago (e.g., more than 6 months ago), the nicotine e-vaping device 500 may not allow vaping, and the adult vaper may be prompted to replace the nicotine cartridge assembly even if the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 still contains a sufficient level of nicotine pre-preparation.

[0085] The device body 100 may include mechanical elements (e.g., complementary structures) configured to engage, hold, and / or activate the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. Furthermore, the device body 100 may include electronic elements and / or circuitry configured to receive current to charge an internal power source (e.g., a battery), which in turn is configured to supply power to the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 during vaporization. Additionally, the device body 100 may include electronic elements and / or circuitry configured to communicate with the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, different nicotine e-vaping devices, other electronic devices (e.g., telephones, tablets, computers), and / or the adult vaper. The transmitted information may include cartridge-specific data, current vaping details, and / or past vaping patterns / history. Such communication may be communicated to the adult vaper using tactile (e.g., vibration), auditory (e.g., beeping), and / or visual (e.g., colored / flashing lights) feedback. Charging and / or information transmission may be performed using port 110 (e.g., via a USB cable).

[0086] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the main body of a nicotine electronic vaporizer. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The frame structure 112 of the device body 100 defines a through-hole 150. The through-hole 150 is configured to receive a nicotine cartridge assembly 300. To facilitate insertion and placement of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 within the through-hole 150, the upstream edge of the frame structure 112 includes a first upstream protrusion 128a and a second upstream protrusion 128b. The through-hole 150 may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners. In an example embodiment, the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b are integrally formed with the frame structure 112 and located at the two rounded corners of the upstream edge.

[0087] The downstream sidewall of the frame structure 112 may define a first downstream opening, a second downstream opening, and a third downstream opening. A retaining structure including a first downstream protrusion 130a and a second downstream protrusion 130b engages with the frame structure 112 such that the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b protrude through the first downstream opening and the second downstream opening of the frame structure 112, respectively, and enter the through hole 150. Additionally, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 extends through the third downstream opening of the frame structure 112 and enters the through hole 150, positioned between the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b.

[0088] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A front view of the main body of the device. (Refer to...) Figure 10 The device body 100 includes a device electrical connector 132 disposed on the upstream side of the through-hole 150. The device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 is configured to electrically engage with a nicotine cartridge assembly 300 disposed within the through-hole 150. As a result, during vaporization, power can be supplied from the device body 100 to the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 via the device electrical connector 132. Furthermore, data can be transmitted to and / or received from the device body 100 and the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 via the device electrical connector 132.

[0089] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged perspective view of the through-hole. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The first upstream protrusion 128a, the second upstream protrusion 128b, the first downstream protrusion 130a, the second downstream protrusion 130b, and the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 protrude into the through hole 150. In an example embodiment, the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b are fixed structures (e.g., fixed pivots), while the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b are retractable structures (e.g., retractable members). For example, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b can be configured (e.g., spring-loaded) to default to an extended state, while also being configured to temporarily transition to a retracted state (and reversibly return to the extended state) to facilitate insertion of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300.

[0090] Specifically, when the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is inserted into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, the recess at the upstream end face of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 can initially engage with the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b. Subsequently, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 pivots (around the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b) until the recess at the downstream end face of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 engages with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b. In this case, the axis of rotation of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 (during pivoting) can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the device body 100. Additionally, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b can be biased for retraction, and can retract when the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 pivots into the through-hole 150 and resiliently extends to engage with the recess at the downstream end face of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. Furthermore, the engagement of the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b with the recess at the downstream end face of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 can generate tactile and / or auditory feedback (e.g., an audible click) to notify the adult vaporizer that the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is correctly positioned in the through-hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0091] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Enlarged perspective view of the device's electrical contacts. The device's electrical contacts in the device body 100 are configured to engage with the cartridge electrical contacts of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 when the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is placed within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. (Refer to...) Figure 12 The device body 100 includes a device electrical connector 132 as its electrical contacts. The device electrical connector 132 includes electrical contacts and data contacts. The electrical contacts of the device electrical connector 132 are configured to supply power from the device body 100 to the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. As shown, the electrical contacts of the device electrical connector 132 include a first pair of electrical contacts and a second pair of electrical contacts (positioned closer to the front cover 104 than the rear cover 108). The first pair of electrical contacts (e.g., the pair adjacent to the first upstream protrusion 128a) may be a single integral structure different from the second pair of electrical contacts and includes two protrusions extending into the through-hole 150 during assembly. Similarly, the second pair of electrical contacts (e.g., the pair adjacent to the second upstream protrusion 128b) may be a single integral structure different from the first pair of electrical contacts and includes two protrusions extending into the through-hole 150 during assembly. The first pair of power contacts and the second pair of power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 can be retractably mounted and biased to extend into the through hole 150 by default and retract from the through hole 150 (e.g., independently) when subjected to a force that overcomes the bias.

[0092] The data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 are configured to transmit data between the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and the device body 100. As shown, the data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 include a row of five protrusions (positioned closer to the rear cover 108 than the front cover 104). The data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 can have different structures that extend into the through-hole 150 when assembled. The data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 can also be telescopically mounted and biased (e.g., using springs) to extend into the through-hole 150 by default and retract from the through-hole 150 when subjected to a force overcoming the bias (e.g., independently). For example, when the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is inserted into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, the cartridge power contacts of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 will press against the corresponding device power contacts of the device body 100. As a result, the power and data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 will retract (e.g., at least partially) into the device body 100, but due to their resilient arrangement, they will continue to push against the corresponding cartridge power contacts, thereby helping to ensure a proper electrical connection between the device body 100 and the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. Furthermore, this connection can also be mechanically safe and have minimal contact resistance, allowing reliable and accurate transmission and / or delivery of power and / or signals between the device body 100 and the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. While various aspects have been discussed in conjunction with the device power contacts of the device body 100, it should be understood that the example embodiment is not limited thereto, and other configurations may be utilized.

[0093] Figure 13 It includes Figure 12 A partial exploded view of the cigarette holder. (Refer to...) Figure 13 The mouthpiece 102 is configured to engage with the device housing via a retaining structure 140. In an example embodiment, the retaining structure 140 is located primarily between the frame 106 and the side frame structure 112. As shown, the retaining structure 140 is disposed within the device housing such that its proximal end extends through the proximal end of the frame 106. The retaining structure 140 may extend slightly beyond or substantially flush with the proximal end of the frame 106. The proximal end of the retaining structure 140 is configured to receive the distal end of the mouthpiece 102. The proximal end of the retaining structure 140 may be concave, while the distal end of the mouthpiece may be convex.

[0094] For example, the mouthpiece 102 can be bayoneted (e.g., reversibly) to the retaining structure 140. In this case, the concave end of the retaining structure 140 can define a pair of opposing L-shaped grooves, while the convex end of the mouthpiece 102 can have opposing radial members 134 (e.g., radial pins) configured to engage with the L-shaped grooves of the retaining structure 140. Each L-shaped groove of the retaining structure 140 can have a longitudinal portion and a circumferential portion. Optionally, the end of the circumferential portion can have a serif portion to help reduce or prevent the possibility of accidental disengagement of the radial members 134 of the mouthpiece 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the longitudinal portion of the L-shaped groove extends parallel to and along the longitudinal axis of the device body 100, while the circumferential portion of the L-shaped groove extends about the longitudinal axis (e.g., the central axis) of the device body 100. Thus, in order to attach the mouthpiece 102 to the device housing, Figure 13 The mouthpiece 102 shown is initially rotated 90 degrees to align the radial member 134 with the inlet of the longitudinal portion of the L-shaped groove of the retaining structure 140. The mouthpiece 102 is then pushed into the retaining structure 140 such that the radial member 134 slides along the longitudinal portion of the L-shaped groove until it reaches engagement with each circumferential portion. At this point, the mouthpiece 102 is then rotated such that the radial member 134 passes through the circumferential portion until it reaches the end point of each. With a serif portion present at each end, tactile and / or auditory feedback (e.g., an audible click) can be generated to notify the adult vaporizer that the mouthpiece 102 has been correctly engaged with the device housing.

[0095] Mouthpiece 102 defines a vapor passage 136 through which nicotine vapor flows during vaping. Vapor passage 136 is in fluid communication with a through-hole 150 (located within the device body 100 where the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is disposed). The proximal end of vapor passage 136 may include a flared portion. Additionally, mouthpiece 102 may include an end cap 138. End cap 138 tapers from its distal end to its proximal end. The outlet surface of end cap 138 defines a plurality of vapor outlets. Although four vapor outlets are shown in end cap 138, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0096] Figure 14 It includes Figure 9 A partial exploded view of the border structure in the image. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece, spring, retaining structure, and frame structure. (Refer to...) Figure 14-15The frame structure 112 includes an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall. The upstream sidewall of the frame structure 112 defines a connector opening 146. The connector opening 146 is configured to expose or receive a device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100. The downstream sidewall of the frame structure 112 defines a first downstream opening 148a, a second downstream opening 148b, and a third downstream opening 148c. The first downstream opening 148a and the second downstream opening 148b of the frame structure 112 are configured to receive a first downstream protrusion 130a and a second downstream protrusion 130b of the retaining structure 140, respectively. The third downstream opening 148c of the frame structure 112 is configured to receive a distal end of the mouthpiece 102.

[0097] like Figure 14 As shown, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b are on the concave side of the retaining structure 140. Figure 15 As shown, the first post 142a and the second post 142b are on opposite convex sides of the retaining structure 140. The first spring 144a and the second spring 144b are respectively disposed on the first post 142a and the second post 142b. The first spring 144a and the second spring 144b are configured to bias the retaining structure 140 against the frame structure 112.

[0098] During assembly, the frame structure 112 can be secured to the frame 106 via a pair of tabs adjacent to the connector opening 146. Additionally, the retaining structure 140 will abut the frame structure 112 such that a first downstream protrusion 130a and a second downstream protrusion 130b extend through the first downstream opening 148a and the second downstream opening 148b, respectively. The mouthpiece 102 will be coupled to the retaining structure 140 such that the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 extends through the retaining structure 140 and the third downstream opening 148c of the frame structure 112. A first spring 144a and a second spring 144b will be positioned between the frame 106 and the retaining structure 140.

[0099] When the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is inserted into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, the downstream end 300 of the nicotine cartridge assembly will push against the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the retaining structure 140. As a result, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the retaining structure 140 will elastically yield and retract from the through-hole 150 of the device body 100 (by means of the compression of the first spring 144a and the second spring 144b), thereby allowing continued insertion of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. In an example embodiment, when the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b are fully retracted from the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, the displacement of the retaining structure 140 allows the ends of the first post 142a and the second post 142b to contact the inner end surface of the frame 106. Furthermore, since the mouthpiece 102 is connected to the retaining structure 140, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 will retract from the through hole 150, thus causing the proximal end of the mouthpiece 102 (e.g., including the visible portion of the end cap 138) to also be displaced a corresponding distance away from the device housing.

[0100] Once the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is fully inserted, such that the first and second downstream recesses of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 reach positions that allow engagement with the first and second downstream protrusions 130a and 130b, respectively, the energy stored by the compression of the first and second springs 144a and 144b will cause the first and second downstream protrusions 130a and 130b to elastically extend and engage with the first and second downstream recesses of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, respectively. Furthermore, engagement can generate tactile and / or auditory feedback (e.g., an audible click) to notify the adult vaporizer that the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is properly positioned within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0101] Figure 16 It includes Figure 14 A partial exploded view of the front cover, frame, and rear cover. (Refer to...) Figure 16 Various mechanical, electronic, and / or circuitry components associated with the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 can be secured to the frame 106. The front cover 104 and rear cover 108 can be configured to engage with the frame 106 via a snap-fit ​​arrangement. In an example embodiment, the front cover 104 and rear cover 108 include clamps configured to interlock with corresponding mating members of the frame 106. The clamps can be in the form of tabs with orifices configured to receive corresponding mating members of the frame 106 (e.g., protrusions with beveled edges). Figure 16In the case of the front cover 104, there are two rows of four clamps per row (a total of eight clamps for the front cover 104). Similarly, the rear cover 108 has two rows of four clamps per row (a total of eight clamps for the rear cover 108). The corresponding mating members of the frame 106 can be on the inner sidewall of the frame 106. As a result, when the front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 are fastened together, the engaging clamps and mating members can be concealed and not visible. Alternatively, the front cover 104 and / or the rear cover 108 can be configured to engage with the frame 106 via an interference fit. However, it should be understood that the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108 can be connected by other suitable arrangements and techniques.

[0102] Figure 17 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the nicotine cartridge assembly of a nicotine electronic vaporizer. Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Another perspective view of the nicotine cartridge component. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Another perspective view of the nicotine cartridge component. (Refer to...) Figure 17-19 The nicotine cartridge assembly 300 for the nicotine electronic vaporizer 500 includes a cartridge body configured to contain a nicotine vapor pre-formulation. The cartridge body has an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end of the cartridge body defines a cavity 310. Figure 20 The downstream end of the cartridge body defines a cartridge outlet 304, which is in fluid communication with a cavity 310 at the upstream end. A connector module 320 is configured to be disposed within the cavity 310 of the cartridge body. The connector module 320 includes an outer surface and side surfaces. The outer surface of the connector module 320 forms the exterior of the cartridge body.

[0103] The outer surface of connector module 320 defines cartridge inlet 322. Cartridge inlet 322 (through which air enters during vaporization) is in fluid communication with cartridge outlet 304 (through which nicotine vapor exits during vaporization). Cartridge inlet 322 is... Figure 19 The example is shown in the form of a slot. However, it should be understood that the example embodiment is not limited to this, and other forms are possible. When the connector module 320 is placed within the cavity 310 of the cartridge body, the outer surface of the connector module 320 remains visible, while the sides of the connector module 320 are mostly blurred so that they are only partially visible through the cartridge inlet 322 at a given angle.

[0104] The outer surface of connector module 320 includes at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contact may include multiple electrical contacts. For example, multiple electrical contacts may include a first electrical contact 324a and a second electrical contact 324b. The first electrical contact 324a of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is configured to connect with the first pair of electrical contacts (e.g., adjacent to) the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100. Figure 12 The first upstream protrusion 128a in the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is electrically connected to the second pair of electrical contacts of the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 (e.g., adjacent to the first upstream protrusion 128a). Similarly, the second electrical contact 324b of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is configured to connect to the second pair of electrical contacts of the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 (e.g., adjacent to the first upstream protrusion 128a in the nicotine cartridge assembly 300). Figure 12 The second upstream protrusion 128b in the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is electrically connected to the other two protrusions. Furthermore, at least one electrical contact of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 includes a plurality of data contacts 326. The plurality of data contacts 326 of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 are configured to connect with the data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 (e.g., ...). Figure 12 The five protrusions in the middle are electrically connected. Although two electrical contacts and five data contacts associated with the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 are shown, it should be understood that other variations are possible depending on the design of the device body 100.

[0105] In an example implementation, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 includes a front side, a back side opposite the front side, a first side side between the front and back sides, a second side side opposite the first side side, an upstream end face, and a downstream end face opposite the upstream end face. The corners of the sides and end faces (e.g., the corner between the first side side and the upstream end face, the corner between the upstream end face and the second side side, the corner between the second side side and the downstream end face, and the corner between the downstream end face and the first side side) may be rounded. However, in some cases, the corners may be angled. Additionally, the peripheral edge of the front side may be in the form of a flange. The outer surface of the connector module 320 may be considered part of the upstream end face of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. The front side of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 may be wider and longer than the back side. In this case, the first and second side sides may be angled inwards toward each other. The upstream and downstream end faces may also be angled inwards toward each other. Due to the angled surfaces, insertion of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 will be unidirectional (e.g., from the front side of the device body 100 (the side associated with the front cover 104)). As a result, the possibility of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 being improperly inserted into the device body 100 can be reduced or prevented.

[0106] As shown in the figure, the cartridge body of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 includes a first housing section 302 and a second housing section 308. The first housing section 302 has a downstream end defining a cartridge outlet 304. The edge of the cartridge outlet 304 may optionally be a recessed or recessed region. In this case, the region may resemble a recess, wherein the side of the edge adjacent to the back of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 can be opened, while the side of the edge adjacent to the front can be surrounded by a protrusion at the downstream end of the first housing section 302. The protrusion can act as a stop for the distal end of the mouthpiece 102. As a result, this configuration of the cartridge outlet 304 can facilitate receiving and aligning the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 (e.g., via the open side of the edge) Figure 11This facilitates placement of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 against a protrusion at the downstream end of the first housing section 302. In a non-limiting embodiment, when the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is properly inserted into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 may also include an elastic material (or be formed of an elastic material) to facilitate the formation of a seal around the cartridge outlet 304.

[0107] The downstream end of the first housing section 302 further defines at least one downstream recess. In an example embodiment, the at least one downstream recess is in the form of a first downstream recess 306a and a second downstream recess 306b. A cartridge outlet 304 may be located between the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b are configured to engage with a first downstream protrusion 130a and a second downstream protrusion 130b of the device body 100, respectively. Figure 11 As shown, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the device body 100 may be disposed on adjacent corners of the downstream sidewall of the through hole 150. The first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may each be in the form of a V-shaped notch. In this case, each of the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the device body 100 may be in the form of a wedge structure configured to engage with the corresponding V-shaped notch in the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a may abut the corner and the first side of the downstream end face, while the second downstream recess 306b may abut the corner and the second side of the downstream end face. As a result, the edges of the first and second side faces of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may be opened respectively. In this case, as Figure 18 As shown, each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b can be a three-sided recess.

[0108] The second housing section 308 has an upstream end defining the cavity 310. Figure 20 Cavity 310 is configured to receive connector module 320. Figure 21 Furthermore, the upstream end of the second housing section 308 defines at least one upstream recess. In an example embodiment, the at least one upstream recess is in the form of a first upstream recess 312a and a second upstream recess 312b. The cartridge inlet 322 may be located between the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b are configured to engage with the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100, respectively. Figure 12As shown, the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100 may be disposed on adjacent corners of the upstream sidewall of the through hole 150. The depth of each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may be greater than the depth of each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The end of each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may also be more rounded than the end of each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. For example, the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may each be in the form of a U-shaped indentation. In this case, each of the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100 may be in the form of a circular knob, configured to engage with the corresponding U-shaped indentation in the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a may be adjacent to the corner and the first side surface of the upstream end face, while the second upstream recess 312b may be adjacent to the corner and the second side surface of the upstream end face. As a result, the edges of the first and second side surfaces adjacent to the first and second upstream recesses 312a and 312b, respectively, can be opened.

[0109] The first housing section 302 may define therein a nicotine reservoir configured to contain a nicotine pre-vapor preparation. The nicotine reservoir may be configured to hermetically seal the nicotine pre-vapor preparation until the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is activated to release the nicotine pre-vapor preparation from the nicotine reservoir. As a result of the hermetically sealed design, the nicotine pre-vapor preparation may be isolated from the environment and from the internal components of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 that may potentially react with the nicotine pre-vapor preparation, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of adverse effects on the shelf life and / or sensory characteristics (e.g., taste) of the nicotine pre-vapor preparation. The second housing section 308 may include a structure configured to activate the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and, upon activation, receive and heat the nicotine pre-vapor preparation released from the nicotine reservoir.

[0110] The nicotine cartridge assembly 300 can be manually activated by an adult vaporizer before being inserted into the device body 100. Alternatively, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 can be activated as part of the insertion into the device body 100. In an example embodiment, the second housing section 308 of the cartridge body includes a perforator configured to release a nicotine vapor pre-formulation from the nicotine reservoir during activation of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. The perforator may take the form of a first activation pin 314a and a second activation pin 314b, which will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0111] To manually activate the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, an adult vaporizer can press the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b inward (e.g., simultaneously or sequentially) before inserting the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. For example, the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b can be manually pressed until their ends are substantially flush with the upstream end face of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. In an example embodiment, the inward movement of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b causes the seal of the nicotine reservoir to be punctured or otherwise damaged, thereby releasing the nicotine vapor pre-preparation therefrom.

[0112] Alternatively, as part of inserting the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 into the device body 100, in order to activate the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is initially positioned such that the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b engage with the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b, respectively (e.g., upstream engagement). Since each of the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100 can be in the form of a circular knob configured to engage with a corresponding U-shaped notch in the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 can then be relatively easily pivoted into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100 about the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b.

[0113] Regarding the pivoting of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, the axis of rotation can be considered to extend through the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b and be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the device body 100. During the initial positioning and subsequent pivoting of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, as the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 enters the through-hole 150, the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b will contact the upstream sidewall of the through-hole 150 and change from an extended state to a retracted state when the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b are pushed into (e.g., simultaneously) the second housing section 308. When the downstream end of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 reaches the vicinity of the downstream sidewall of the through hole 150 and contacts the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the positioning allowable device body 100 engage with the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 (e.g., downstream engagement), the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b will retract and then elastically extend (e.g., rebound).

[0114] As described above, according to the example embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 is secured to the retaining structure 140 (the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b are part of this retaining structure). In this case, the retraction of the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b from the through-hole 150 will cause the mouthpiece 102 to simultaneously shift by a corresponding distance in the same direction (e.g., the downstream direction). Conversely, when the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 has been fully inserted for downstream engagement, the mouthpiece 102 will rebound simultaneously with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b. When the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is properly positioned within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, in addition to the elastic engagement of the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 is also configured to be biased against the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 (and aligned with the cartridge outlet 304 to form a relatively airtight seal).

[0115] Furthermore, downstream engagement can produce an audible click and / or tactile feedback to indicate that the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is correctly positioned within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. When correctly positioned, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 will be mechanically, electrically, and fluidly connected to the device body 100. Although the non-limiting embodiments herein describe upstream engagement of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 that occurs prior to downstream engagement, it should be understood that the associated mating, activation, and / or electrical arrangements can be reversed, such that downstream engagement occurs prior to upstream engagement.

[0116] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A perspective view of the nicotine cartridge assembly without the connector module. (Reference) Figure 20 The upstream end of the second housing section 308 defines a cavity 310. As described above, the cavity 310 is configured to receive the connector module 320 (e.g., via an interference fit). In an example embodiment, the cavity 310 is located between a first upstream recess 312a and a second upstream recess 312b, and also between a first actuating pin 314a and a second actuating pin 314b. In the absence of the connector module 320, the insert 342 ( Figure 24 ) and absorbent material 346 ( Figure 25 Visible through the recessed opening in cavity 310. Insert 342 is configured to retain absorbent material 346. Absorbent material 346 is configured to absorb and contain a certain amount of nicotine vapor pre-formulation released from the nicotine reservoir upon activation of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. Insert 342 and absorbent material 346 will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0117] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 A perspective view of the connector module in the image. Figure 22 yes Figure 21Another perspective view of the connector module. (Refer to...) Figure 21-22 The overall framework of connector module 320 includes module housing 354 and panel 366. Additionally, connector module 320 has multiple faces, including an outer face and side faces, wherein the outer face is adjacent to the side face. In an example embodiment, the outer face of connector module 320 is formed by the upstream surface of panel 366, a first power contact 324a, a second power contact 324b, and a data contact 326. The side face of connector module 320 is part of module housing 354. The side face of connector module 320 defines a first module inlet 330 and a second module inlet 332. Moreover, the two side faces adjacent to the side face (also part of module housing 354) may include rib structures (e.g., compression ribs) configured to facilitate an interference fit when connector module 320 is placed within cavity 310 of cartridge body. For example, each of the two side faces may include a pair of rib structures tapering away from panel 366. As a result, when the connector module 320 is pressed into the cavity 310 of the cartridge body, the module housing 354 will encounter increasing resistance due to friction between the rib structure and the side wall of the cavity 310. When the connector module 320 is placed inside the cavity 310, the panel 366 can be substantially flush with the upstream end of the second housing section 308. In addition, the side of the connector module 320 (defining the first module inlet 330 and the second module inlet 332) will face the side wall of the cavity 310.

[0118] The panel 366 of the connector module 320 may have a recessed edge 328 that combines with a corresponding side surface of the cavity 310 to define a cartridge inlet 322. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the panel 366 of the connector module 320 may alternatively be configured to completely define the cartridge inlet 322. The side surface of the connector module 320 (defining the first module inlet 330 and the second module inlet 332) and the sidewall of the cavity 310 (facing the side) define an intermediate space therebetween. The intermediate space is located downstream of the cartridge inlet 322 and upstream of the first module inlet 330 and the second module inlet 332. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the cartridge inlet 322 is in fluid communication with both the first module inlet 330 and the second module inlet 332 via the intermediate space. The first module inlet 330 may be larger than the second module inlet 332. In such cases, when the cartridge inlet 322 receives incoming air during vaporization, the first module inlet 330 may receive the main flow (e.g., a larger flow) of incoming air, while the second module inlet 332 may receive the secondary flow (e.g., a smaller flow) of incoming air.

[0119] like Figure 22As shown, connector module 320 includes a core 338 configured to transfer a nicotine vapor pre-preparation to a heater 336. Heater 336 is configured to heat the nicotine vapor pre-preparation to generate vapor during vaporization. Heater 336 may be mounted in connector module 320 via contact core 334. Heater 336 is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of connector module 320. For example, one end of heater 336 (e.g., a first end) may be connected to a first electrical contact 324a, while the other end of heater 336 (e.g., a second end) may be connected to a second electrical contact 324b. In an example embodiment, heater 336 includes a folded heating element. In this case, core 338 may have a planar form configured to be held by the folded heating element. When the connector module 320 is placed in the cavity 310 of the cartridge body, the core 338 is configured to be in fluid communication with the absorbent material 346, such that the nicotine vapor pre-formulation in the absorbent material 346 (when the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is activated) will be transferred to the core 338 via capillary action.

[0120] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 The image shows an exploded view of the core, heater, electrical leads, and contact core. (Refer to...) Figure 23 The core 338 can be a fiber pad or other structure with pores / voids designed for capillary action. Alternatively, the core 338 can have an irregular hexagonal shape, but the example embodiments are not limited to this. The core 338 can be made into a hexagonal shape or cut from a larger sheet into such a shape. Because the lower section of the core 338 tapers towards the winding section of the heater 336, the possibility of the nicotine vapor pre-prepared agent being in a portion of the core 338 (due to its distance from the heater 336) that continuously avoids evaporation is reduced or avoided.

[0121] In an example embodiment, heater 336 is configured to undergo Joule heating (also known as ohmic / resistive heating) when an electric current is applied thereto. More specifically, heater 336 may be formed of one or more conductors and configured to generate heat when an electric current passes through them. The current may be supplied from a power source (e.g., a battery) within device body 100 and transmitted to heater 336 via a first power contact 324a and a first electrical lead 340a (or a second power contact 324b and a second electrical lead 340b).

[0122] The conductor suitable for heater 336 includes iron-based alloys (e.g., stainless steel) and / or nickel-based alloys (e.g., nickel-chromium alloys). Heater 336 may be made of a conductive sheet (e.g., metal, alloy) that is stamped to cut a winding pattern therefrom. The winding pattern may have curved segments arranged alternately with horizontal segments, allowing the horizontal segments to flex back and forth while extending in parallel. Additionally, the width of each horizontal segment of the winding pattern may be substantially equal to the spacing between adjacent horizontal segments of the winding pattern, but the example embodiments are not limited to this. To obtain the form of heater 336 shown in the figures, the winding pattern may be folded to clamp the core 338.

[0123] The heater 336 can be secured to the contact core 334 using a first electrical lead 340a and a second electrical lead 340b. The contact core 334 is formed of an insulating material and is configured to electrically isolate the first electrical lead 340a from the second electrical lead 340b. In an example embodiment, the first electrical lead 340a and the second electrical lead 340b each define a female orifice configured to engage with a corresponding male member of the contact core 334. Once engaged, the first and second ends of the heater 336 can be secured to the first electrical lead 340a and the second electrical lead 340b, respectively (e.g., soldering, tinning, brazing). The contact core 334 can then be seated in a corresponding socket in the module housing 354 (e.g., by interference fit). When the connector module 320 is assembled, the first electrical lead 340a will electrically connect the first end of the heater 336 to the first power contact 324a, and the second electrical lead 340b will electrically connect the second end of the heater 336 to the second power contact 324b. The heater and associated structure are described in more detail in U.S. Application No. 15 / 729,909, filed October 11, 2017, entitled “Folded Heater For Nicotine electronic vaping device” (Attorney General’s No. 24000-000371-US), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0124] Figure 24 It includes Figure 17 An exploded view of the first housing section of the nicotine cartridge assembly. (Refer to...) Figure 24The first housing section 302 includes a vapor passage 316. The vapor passage 316 is configured to receive nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 and is in fluid communication with the cartridge outlet 304. In an example embodiment, the size (e.g., diameter) of the vapor passage 316 gradually increases as it extends toward the cartridge outlet 304. Additionally, the vapor passage 316 may be integrally formed with the first housing section 302. A wrapper 318, an insert 342, and a seal 344 are disposed at the upstream end of the first housing section 302 to define a nicotine reservoir for the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. For example, the wrapper 318 may be disposed on the edge of the first housing section 302. For example, insert 342 may be disposed within first housing section 302 such that the peripheral surface of insert 342 engages with the inner surface of first housing section 302 along an edge (e.g., via an interference fit), such that the interface between the peripheral surface of insert 342 and the inner surface of first housing section 302 is fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and / or air-tight). Furthermore, seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of insert 342 to close the nicotine reservoir outlet in insert 342, thereby providing fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and / or air-tight) containment of the nicotine vapor pre-formulation in the nicotine reservoir.

[0125] In the example implementation, the insert 342 includes a retainer portion protruding from the upstream side (e.g., Figure 24 (as shown) and the connector portion protruding from the downstream side ( Figure 24 (Hidden and not visible). The retainer portion of the insert 342 is configured to receive absorbent material 346, while the connector portion of the insert 342 is configured to engage with the vapor passage 316 of the first housing section 302. The connector portion of the insert 342 may be configured to be disposed within the vapor passage 316 and thus engage the interior of the vapor passage 316. Alternatively, the connector portion of the insert 342 may be configured to receive the vapor passage 316 and thus engage with the exterior of the vapor passage 316. The insert 342 also defines a nicotine reservoir outlet, which, when the seal 344 is punctured during activation of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 (e.g., when...),... Figure 24 As shown in the diagram, the nicotine vapor pre-formulation flows through the nicotine reservoir outlet. The retainer portion and connector portion of the insert 342 may be located between the nicotine reservoir outlets (e.g., a first nicotine reservoir outlet and a second nicotine reservoir outlet), but the example embodiment is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the insert 342 defines a vapor conduit extending through the retainer portion and the connector portion. As a result, when the insert 342 is positioned within the first housing section 302, the vapor conduit of the insert 342 will be aligned with and in fluid communication with the vapor passage 316 to form a continuous path through the nicotine reservoir to the cartridge outlet 304 for the nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 during vaporization.

[0126] A seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of the insert 342 to cover the nicotine reservoir outlet in the insert 342. In an example embodiment, the seal 344 defines an opening (e.g., a central opening) configured to provide adequate clearance to accommodate a retainer portion (which protrudes from the upstream side of the insert 342) when the seal 344 is attached to the insert 342. Figure 24 It should be understood that the seal 344 is shown as being in a punctured state. Specifically, when punctured by the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, the two punctured portions of the seal 344 will be pushed into the nicotine reservoir as flaps (e.g., Figure 24 As shown in the diagram, this creates two punctured openings in the seal 344 (e.g., one on each side of the central opening). The size and shape of the punctured openings in the seal 344 may correspond to the size and shape of the nicotine reservoir outlet in the insert 342. Conversely, when in the unpunctured state, the seal 344 will have a planar form and only one opening (e.g., the central opening). The seal 344 is designed to be robust enough to remain intact during normal movement and / or operation of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, thus preventing premature / unintentional breakage. For example, the seal 344 may be a coated foil (e.g., Tritan with an aluminum backing).

[0127] Figure 25 It includes Figure 17 A partial exploded view of the second housing section of the nicotine cartridge assembly. See also... Figure 25 The second housing section 308 is configured to include various elements configured to release, receive, and heat the nicotine vapor preformation. For example, the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b are configured to pierce the nicotine reservoir in the first housing section 302 to release the nicotine vapor preformation. Each of the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b has a distal end extending through a corresponding opening in the second housing section 308. In an example embodiment, the distal ends of the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b are visible after assembly (e.g., Figure 17The remaining portions of the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b are concealed within the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and are not visible. Furthermore, each of the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b has a proximal end positioned adjacent to and upstream of the seal 344 prior to actuation of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. When the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b are pushed into the second housing section 308 to actuate the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, the proximal end of each of the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b will advance through the insert 342, resulting in piercing the seal 344, which will release the nicotine vapor pre-formulation from the nicotine reservoir. Movement of the first actuating pin 314a can be independent of movement of the second actuating pin 314b (and vice versa). The first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b will be discussed in more detail here.

[0128] The absorbent material 346 is configured to engage with the retainer portion of the insert 342 (e.g., Figure 24 As shown, it protrudes from the upstream side of the insert 342. The absorbent material 346 may have an annular form, but the example embodiment is not limited to this. Figure 25 As depicted, the absorbent material 346 can resemble a hollow cylinder. In this case, the outer diameter of the absorbent material 346 can be substantially equal to (or slightly larger than) the length of the core 338. The inner diameter of the absorbent material 346 can be smaller than the average outer diameter of the retainer portion of the insert 342 to create an interference fit. To facilitate engagement with the absorbent material 346, the tip of the retainer portion of the insert 342 can be tapered. Additionally, although in Figure 25 The absorbent material 346 is concealed within the cavity, but its downstream side can define a recess configured to receive and support the absorbent material 346. An example of such a recess could be a circular chamber fluidly connected to and downstream of the cavity 310. The absorbent material 346 is configured to receive and contain a quantity of nicotine vapor pre-formulation released from the nicotine reservoir upon activation of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300.

[0129] Core 338 is positioned within nicotine cartridge assembly 300 to be in fluid communication with absorbent material 346, allowing the nicotine vapor pre-formulation to be drawn from absorbent material 346 to heater 336 via capillary action. Core 338 can be based on Figure 25 The view shown is of the physical contact with the upstream side of the absorbent material 346 (e.g., the bottom of the absorbent material 346). Additionally, the core 338 may be aligned with the diameter of the absorbent material 346, but the example embodiment is not limited to this.

[0130] like Figure 25 (and those preceding) Figure 23As shown in the diagram, heater 336 may have a folded configuration to clamp the opposing surfaces of core 338 and establish thermal contact with these opposing surfaces. Heater 336 is configured to heat core 338 to generate steam during vapor extraction. To facilitate this heating, a first end of heater 336 may be electrically connected to a first power contact 324a via a first electrical lead 340a, and a second end of heater 336 may be electrically connected to a second power contact 324b via a second electrical lead 340b. As a result, current can be supplied from a power source (e.g., a battery) within the device body 100 and transmitted to heater 336 via the first power contact 324a and the first electrical lead 340a (or the second electrical contact 324b and the second electrical lead 340b). The first electrical lead 340a and the second electrical lead 340b (in...) Figure 23 (shown separately) can engage with contact core 334 (as shown in the image) Figure 25 (As shown in the diagram). For the sake of brevity, this has already been discussed above (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figure 21-22 Other details regarding the connector module 320, which is configured to be housed within the cavity 310 of the second housing section 308, will not be repeated in this section. During vaporization, nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 is drawn through the vapor conduit of the insert 342, through the vapor passage 316 of the first housing section 302, out of the cartridge outlet 304 of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, and through the vapor passage 136 of the mouthpiece 102 to one or more vapor outlets.

[0131] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 An exploded view of the starter pin. (Refer to...) Figure 26 The activation pin can be in the form of a first activation pin 314a and a second activation pin 314b. While two activation pins are shown and discussed in conjunction with the non-limiting embodiments herein, it should be understood that, alternatively, the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 may include only one activation pin. Figure 26 In this configuration, the first starting pin 314a may include a first blade 348a, a first actuator 350a, and a first O-ring 352a. Similarly, the second starting pin 314b may include a second blade 348b, a second actuator 350b, and a second O-ring 352b.

[0132] In an example embodiment, the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b are configured to be mounted or attached, respectively, to the upper portions (e.g., proximal portions) of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b. Mounting or attachment can be achieved by a snap-fit ​​connection, an interference fit (e.g., a friction fit), an adhesive, or other suitable joining techniques. The tip of each of the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b may have one or more curved or recessed edges that taper upwards to pointed tips. For example, each of the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b may have two pointed tips with a concave edge between them, and a curved edge adjacent to each pointed tip. The radii of curvature of the concave edge and the curved edge may be the same, while their arc lengths may be different. The first blade 348a and the second blade 348b may be formed from a sheet of metal (e.g., stainless steel) that is cut or otherwise shaped to have a desired profile and bent into its final form. In another case, the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b may be formed from plastic.

[0133] Based on the plan view, the dimensions and shapes of the first blade 348a, the second blade 348b, and the portions of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b on which the first and second blades are mounted correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the nicotine reservoir outlet in the insert 342. Furthermore, as... Figure 26 As shown, the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b may include protruding edges (e.g., curved inner lips facing each other) configured to push two pierced sections of the seal 344 into the nicotine reservoir when the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b are advanced into the nicotine reservoir. In a non-limiting embodiment, when the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b are fully inserted into the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, the two flaps (from the two pierced sections of the seal 344, such as...) Figure 24 The nicotine reservoir outlet of the insert 342 (as shown in the diagram) can be located between the curved sidewall of the insert 342 and the corresponding curved portions of the protruding edges of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b. As a result, the possibility of the two punctured openings in the seal 344 being blocked (by the two flaps from the two punctured sections) can be reduced or prevented. Furthermore, the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b can be configured to guide the nicotine vapor pre-formulation from the nicotine reservoir toward the absorbent material 346.

[0134] The lower portion (e.g., the distal portion) of each of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b is configured to extend through the bottom section (e.g., the upstream end) of the second housing section 308. The rod-shaped portion of each of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b may also be referred to as a shaft. The first O-ring 352a and the second O-ring 352b may be disposed in an annular groove in the respective shafts of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b. The first O-ring 352a and the second O-ring 352b are configured to engage with the inner surfaces of the shafts of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b and the corresponding openings in the second housing section 308 to provide a fluid seal. Therefore, when the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b are pushed inward to actuate the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, the first O-ring 352a and the second O-ring 352b can move together with the corresponding shafts of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b within the corresponding openings of the second housing section 308, while maintaining their respective seals. This helps to reduce or prevent leakage of the nicotine vapor pre-formulation through the openings in the second housing section 308 for the first actuating pin 314a and the second actuating pin 314b. The first O-ring 352a and the second O-ring 352b can be formed of silicone.

[0135] Figure 27 yes Figure 22 A perspective view of a connector module without a core, heater, electrical leads, and contact core. Figure 28 yes Figure 27 An exploded view of the connector module. (Refer to...) Figure 27-28 The module housing 354 and the panel 366 typically form the outer frame of the connector module 320. The module housing 354 defines a first module inlet 330 and a recessed edge 356. The recessed edge 356 of the module housing 354 exposes a second module inlet 332 (defined by a bypass structure 358). However, it should be understood that the recessed edge 356 can also be considered as defining a module inlet (e.g., in combination with the panel 366). The panel 366 has a recessed edge 328 that, together with the corresponding side surface of the cavity 310 of the second housing segment 308, defines a cartridge inlet 322. Additionally, the panel 366 defines a first contact opening, a second contact opening, and a third contact opening. The first and second contact openings may be square and configured to expose a first power contact 324a and a second power contact 324b, respectively, while the third contact opening may be rectangular and configured to expose a plurality of data contacts 326, but the example embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0136] The first power contact 324a, the second power contact 324b, the printed circuit board (PCB) 362, and the bypass structure 358 are disposed within an external frame formed by the module housing 354 and the panel 366. The printed circuit board (PCB) 362 includes, on its upstream side (in) Figure 28 Multiple data contacts 326 on the (hidden) module and a sensor 364 on its downstream side. A bypass structure 358 defines a second module inlet 332 and a bypass outlet 360.

[0137] During assembly, the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b are positioned such that they are visible through the first contact opening and the second contact opening, respectively, of the panel 366. Additionally, the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 is positioned such that a plurality of data contacts 326 on its upstream side are visible through the third contact opening of the panel 366. The PCB 362 may also overlap with the rear surfaces of the first power contacts 324a and the second power contacts 324b. A bypass structure 358 is positioned on the PCB 362 such that the sensor 364 is within an airflow path defined by the second module inlet 332 and the bypass outlet 360. During assembly, the bypass structure 358 and the PCB 362 can be considered to be surrounded on at least four sides by the tortuous structure of the first power contacts 324a and the second power contacts 324b. In an example implementation, the bifurcation ends of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b are configured to be electrically connected to the first power lead 340a and the second power lead 340b.

[0138] When the cartridge inlet 322 receives incoming air during vaporization, the first module inlet 330 may receive the primary flow (e.g., a larger flow) of incoming air, while the second module inlet 332 may receive a secondary flow (e.g., a smaller flow) of incoming air. The secondary flow of incoming air can improve the sensitivity of the sensor 364. After exiting the bypass structure 358 through the bypass outlet 360, the secondary flow rejoins the primary flow to form a combined flow, which is drawn into and through the contact core 334 to encounter the heater 336 and the core 338. In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary flow may be 60 to 95% (e.g., 80 to 90%) of the incoming air, while the secondary flow may be 5 to 40% (e.g., 10 to 20%).

[0139] The first module inlet 330 can be a draw resistance (RTD) port, while the second module inlet 332 can be a bypass port. In this configuration, the draw resistance of the nicotine e-vaporizer 500 can be adjusted by changing the size of the first module inlet 330 (rather than changing the size of the cartridge inlet 322). In an example embodiment, the size of the first module inlet 330 can be selected such that the draw resistance is between 25 and 100 mm water column (e.g., between 30 and 50 mm water column). For example, a first module inlet 330 with a diameter of 1.0 mm can produce a draw resistance of 88.3 mm water column. In another case, a first module inlet 330 with a diameter of 1.1 mm can produce a draw resistance of 73.6 mm water column. In yet another case, a first module inlet 330 with a diameter of 1.2 mm can produce a draw resistance of 58.7 mm water column. In yet another case, a first module inlet 330 with a diameter of 1.3 mm can produce a draw resistance of 43.8 mm water column. In particular, due to the internal arrangement of the first module inlet 330, its size can be adjusted without affecting the external aesthetics of the cartridge assembly 300, thereby allowing for a more standardized product design for cartridge assemblies with various draw resistances (RTDs), while also reducing the possibility of unintentionally blocking the air intake.

[0140] Figure 29 The electrical system of the device body and nicotine cartridge assembly of a nicotine electronic vaporizer according to one or more example embodiments is shown.

[0141] refer to Figure 29 The electrical system includes a main device electrical system 2100 and a nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200. The main device electrical system 2100 may be included in the main device 100, and the nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200 may be included in the above-mentioned... Figure 1-28 In the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 of the nicotine electronic vapor device 500 discussed.

[0142] exist Figure 29 In the example embodiment shown, the nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200 includes a heater 336, one or more cartridge sensors 2220, and a non-volatile memory (NVM) 2205. The NVM 2205 may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) integrated circuit (IC). The one or more cartridge sensors 2220 may include a temperature sensing converter.

[0143] The nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200 also includes a main electrical / data interface (not shown) for transmitting power and / or data between the device body 100 and the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. According to at least one example embodiment, for example... Figure 17The power contacts 324a, 324b and 326 shown can serve as the main electrical / data interface.

[0144] The main electrical system 2100 of the device includes a controller 2105, a power supply 2110, a device sensor or measurement circuit 2125, a heating engine control circuit (also known as a heating engine shutdown circuit) 2127, a vapor user indicator 2135, and an on-product controller 2150 (e.g., Figure 1 The buttons 118, 120, memory 2130, and clock circuit 2128 shown are included. The device body electrical system 2100 may also include a cartridge electrical / data interface (not shown) for transmitting power and / or data between the device body 100 and the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. According to at least one example embodiment, for example... Figure 12 The device electrical connector 132 shown can serve as the electrical / data interface for the cartridge.

[0145] Power source 2110 may be an internal power source to supply power to the device body 100 and nicotine cartridge assembly 300 of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 500. The power supply from power source 2110 may be controlled by controller 2105 via a power control circuit (not shown). The power control circuit may include one or more switches or transistors to regulate the power output from power source 2110. Power source 2110 may be a lithium-ion battery or a variant thereof (e.g., a lithium-ion polymer battery).

[0146] The controller 2105 can be configured to control the overall operation of the nicotine e-vapor device 500. According to at least some example embodiments, the controller 2105 may include processing circuitry, such as hardware including logic circuitry; a hardware / software combination, such as a processor executing software; or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuitry may more specifically include, but is not limited to: a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and so on.

[0147] exist Figure 29 In the example implementation shown, controller 2105 is illustrated as a microcontroller, including: input / output (I / O) interfaces, such as general purpose input / output (GPIO), inter-integrated circuit (I / O) interfaces, and inter-integrated circuit (I / O) interfaces. 2 C) Interfaces such as the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus; a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC); and a clock input terminal. However, the example implementation should not be limited to this instance. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may be a microprocessor.

[0148] The controller 2105 is communicatively coupled to the device sensor 2125, the heating engine control circuit 2127, the vapor user indicator 2135, the memory 2130, the on-product controller 2150, the clock circuit 2128, and the power supply 2110.

[0149] The heating engine control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via a GPIO pin. The memory 2130 is connected to the controller 2105 via an SPI pin. The clock circuit 2128 is connected to the clock input pin of the controller 2105. The vapor user indicator 2135 is connected via an I... 2 The C-interface pins and GPIO pins are connected to the controller 2105. The device sensor 2125 is connected to the controller 2105 via corresponding pins of the multi-channel ADC.

[0150] Clock circuit 2128 may be a timing mechanism, such as an oscillator circuit, to enable controller 2105 to track idle time, vaporization length, and combinations of idle time and vaporization length of nicotine e-vaping device 500. Clock circuit 2128 may also include a dedicated external clock crystal configured to generate a system clock for nicotine e-vaping device 500.

[0151] Memory 2130 may be non-volatile memory configured to store one or more shutdown logs. In one instance, memory 2130 may store one or more shutdown logs in one or more tables. Memory 2130 and the one or more shutdown logs stored therein will be discussed in more detail later. In one instance, memory 2130 may be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), such as flash memory.

[0152] Still referencing Figure 29 The device sensor 2125 may include multiple sensors or measurement circuits configured to provide signals indicative of sensor or measurement information to the controller 2105. Figure 29 In the example shown, the device sensor 2125 includes a heater current measuring circuit 21258, a heater voltage measuring circuit 21252, and a cartridge temperature measuring circuit 21250.

[0153] The heater current measurement circuit 21258 can be configured to output a signal indicating the current (e.g., voltage) passing through the heater 336. An example embodiment of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 will be described later. Figure 35 To elaborate further.

[0154] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 can be configured to output a signal indicating the voltage (e.g., voltage) across the heater 336. An example embodiment of the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 will be described later. Figure 34 To elaborate further.

[0155] The cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250 can be configured to output a (e.g., voltage) signal indicating the resistance and / or temperature of one or more components of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. (Refer to...) Figure 36 and 37 A sample implementation of the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250 is discussed in more detail.

[0156] As described above, the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250, the heater current measurement circuit 21258, and the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 are connected to the controller 2105 via pins of a multi-channel ADC. To measure the characteristics and / or parameters of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 (e.g., the voltage, current, resistance, temperature, etc. of the heater 336), the multi-channel ADC at the controller 2105 can sample the output signal from the device sensor 2125 at a sampling rate suitable for the given characteristics and / or parameters measured by the corresponding device sensor.

[0157] Despite Figure 29 As shown in the diagram, the cartridge sensor 2220 may also include... Figure 28 The sensor 364 is shown. In at least one example embodiment, the sensor 364 may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow or pressure sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure airflow, such as a hot-wire anemometer.

[0158] The heating engine control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via a GPIO pin. The heating engine control circuit 2127 is configured to control (enable and / or disable) the heating engine of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 by controlling the power supply to the heater 336. As discussed in more detail later, the heating engine control circuit 2127 can disable the heating engine based on control signals from the controller 2105 (sometimes referred to herein as device power status signals).

[0159] When the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is inserted into the device body 100, the controller 2105 also transmits via I 2 The Type-C interface is coupled to at least the NVM 2205 and the cartridge sensor 2220. In one example, the controller 2105 can obtain operating parameters of the nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200 from the NVM 2205.

[0160] The controller 2105 can control the vapor user indicator 2135 to indicate the status and / or operation of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 500 to an adult vapor user. The vapor user indicator 2135 may be at least partially transmitted via a light guide (e.g., Figure 1 The light guide device shown in the figure is implemented and may include a power indicator (e.g., an LED) that can be activated when the controller 2105 senses a button pressed by the adult vaper. The vaper indicator 2135 may also include a vibrator, a speaker, or other feedback mechanism and may indicate the current status of the vaping parameters (e.g., nicotine vapor volume) controlled by the adult vaper.

[0161] Still referencing Figure 29 The controller 2105 can control the power supply to the heater 336 to heat the nicotine vapor preform based on a heating profile (e.g., heating based on volume, temperature, flavor, etc.). The heating profile can be determined based on empirical data and can be stored in the NVM 2205 of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300.

[0162] Figure 30 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating a dry suction and automatic shutdown control system 2300 according to an example implementation. For the sake of brevity, the dry suction and automatic shutdown control system 2300 may be referred to herein as an automatic shutdown control system 2300.

[0163] Figure 30 The automatic shutdown control system 2300 shown can be implemented at the controller 2105. In one example, the automatic shutdown control system 2300 can be implemented as part of a device manager finite state machine (FSM) software implementation executed at the controller 2105. Figure 30 In the example shown, the automatic shutdown control system 2300 includes a dryness detection module 2610. However, it should be understood that the automatic shutdown control system 2300 may include various other subsystem modules.

[0164] refer to Figure 30The automatic shutdown control system 2300, and more generally, the controller 2105, can identify a dry-puff condition at the nicotine e-vaping device 500, causing the controller 2105 to control one or more subsystems of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 to perform one or more actions as a result of identifying the dry-puff condition. A dry-puff condition may sometimes be referred to as a dry-puff malfunction or a dry-puff malfunction condition. Identification of a dry-puff condition can be based on information and / or inputs, such as threshold parameters of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300, cartridge sensor information from one or more cartridge sensors 2220, sensor information from one or more sensors 2125 of the device's main electrical system 2100, or any combination thereof. A dry-puff condition is an example of a hard cartridge malfunction event at the nicotine e-vaping device 500. A hard cartridge malfunction event is an event that may require corrective action (e.g., replacement of the nicotine cartridge assembly) to re-enable the vaporization function at the nicotine e-vaping device 500.

[0165] Controller 2105 can control one or more subsystems by outputting one or more control signals (or asserting or deasserting corresponding signals), as will be discussed in more detail later. In some cases, the control signals output from controller 2105 may be referred to as device power status signals, device power status commands, or device power control signals. In at least one example embodiment, controller 2105 may output one or more control signals to heating engine control circuit 2127 to shut down the vaporization function at nicotine e-vaping device 500 in response to detecting a dry-vaping condition at nicotine e-vaping device 500.

[0166] According to one or more example embodiments, the type of action thus occurring at the nicotine e-vaping device 500 can be based on the dry puffing condition and / or current operation of the nicotine e-vaping device 500. Multiple actions thus occurring can be performed consecutively in response to a malfunction event, such as a dry puffing condition. In one instance, the actions thus occurring may include:

[0167] Automatic shutdown operation, in which the nicotine e-vapor device 500 switches to a low-power state (e.g., equivalent to turning off the nicotine e-vapor device using the power button);

[0168] The heater shutdown operation cuts off or disables the power supply to heater 336, ending the current suction, but keeps the system ready for vapor extraction; or

[0169] Vapor shut-off operation, in which the vapor subsystem is disabled (e.g., by cutting off all power to heater 336), thereby preventing vapor inhalation before corrective action (e.g., replacing the nicotine cartridge assembly) is taken.

[0170] As described above, the automatic shutdown control system 2300 includes a dryness detection subsystem 2610 (also referred to as a dryness detection subsystem module, circuit, or circuit system). Through the dryness detection subsystem 2610, the controller 2105 monitors the humidity (or dryness) of the core 338 to detect the presence of a dry vaping condition at the nicotine e-vaping device 500. As described above, when a dry vaping condition is detected, the controller 2105 can shut down or disable one or more subsystems or components of the nicotine e-vaping device 500.

[0171] In at least one example embodiment, the controller 2105 monitors the humidity of the core 338 based on the percentage change in the resistance of the heater 336 over time during vaporization. In at least one example embodiment, the controller 2105 may receive one or more signals indicating the resistance of the heater 336 from the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250.

[0172] In another example implementation, the controller 2105 may calculate the resistance of the heater 336 based on signals from the heater current measurement circuit 21258 and / or the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252.

[0173] According to one or more example embodiments, if the percentage change in resistance of heater 336 within a time window exceeds a resistance change percentage threshold, controller 2105 determines that a dry puff condition exists at nicotine e-vaping device 500 (e.g., the coil 338 is dry). Controller 2105 can obtain the resistance change percentage threshold from NVM 2205 in the nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200. The resistance change percentage threshold can be set by the manufacturer of nicotine cartridge assembly 300 based on empirical data, nicotine pre-vapor formulations, the construction of heater 336, its sub-assemblies, and combinations thereof. According to at least some example embodiments, the resistance change percentage threshold can be between about 0.1% and 25.5% (in increments of about 0.1%). In one example, for a heater constructed of 316L grade stainless steel, the resistance change percentage can be about 2.0%.

[0174] In one instance, a dry vaping condition may occur because the nicotine pre-vapor preparation is not supplied to the core 338 at a sufficient flow rate to maintain the standard temperature profile of the heater 336. Therefore, the percentage change in resistance can indicate the flow rate of the nicotine pre-vapor preparation to the core 338, and the dryness detection subsystem 2610 can be characterized as being configured to determine the presence of a dry vaping condition based on the flow rate of the nicotine pre-vapor preparation to the core 338. Furthermore, a dry vaping condition may arise due to the depletion of the nicotine pre-vapor preparation in the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. Therefore, the detection of a dry vaping condition can also indicate that the nicotine cartridge assembly is depleted and / or empty.

[0175] The controller 2105 can utilize a sliding measurement window of N samples of the resistance of the heater 336 to make the determination at the most recent time slice during vaporization. This allows the controller 2105 to adapt to relatively long negative pressures applied by adult vaporizers, while also providing faster detection of dry-vaping conditions, where the resistance of the heater 336 begins to change relatively rapidly as negative pressure is applied.

[0176] In response to the detection of a dry-vaping condition, the controller 2105 can control the heating engine control circuit 2127 to cut off the power supply to the heater 336 (heater off) and / or disable the vapor at the nicotine e-vaping device 500 (vaping off).

[0177] According to at least one example implementation, a first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory storing approximately 100 samples (N=100) can be used to set a sliding measurement window of approximately 100 milliseconds (ms), wherein the resistance of heater 336 is periodically updated (e.g., recalculated) on a 1ms 'beat'. The FIFO memory may be internal to controller 2105 or included in... Figure 29 The memory 2130 shown in the image.

[0178] According to at least some example implementations, the sliding window can not begin until the resistance measurement of heater 336 becomes relatively stable; otherwise, spurious values ​​inserted into the FIFO could cause false alarms later in the process. A resistance measurement is considered relatively stable when it meets the operating condition that the expected measurement error is less than a threshold percentage of resistance change. In one example, the resistance of heater 336 may become relatively stable once the current flowing through it exceeds a “wetting” current threshold (e.g., approximately 100 mA). Controller 2105 can determine that the “wetting” current threshold has been reached by monitoring the current flowing through heater 336 based on a signal from heater current measurement circuit 21258.

[0179] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating a dryness detection method according to an example implementation. For illustrative purposes, information regarding... Figure 29 The electrical system described in the figure Figure 31 The flowchart shown is illustrated. However, it should be understood that the example implementation is not limited to this instance. Rather, the example implementation can be applied to other nicotine e-vaping devices and their electrical systems. Furthermore, the operations performed by the controller 2105 will be described. Figure 31 The example implementation is shown. However, it should be understood that variations may exist regarding implementation. Figure 31 Example implementations are similarly described for one or more of the functions / operations shown in the automatic shutdown control system 2300 and / or dryness detection subsystem 2610.

[0180] refer to Figure 31 When the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 is inserted into the device body 100 and the nicotine electronic vapor device 500 is powered on, at step S2702, the controller 2105 obtains the resistance change percentage threshold (also known as the resistance change percentage parameter) Δ%R_THRESHOLD stored in the NVM 2205 at the nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200.

[0181] In step S2704, controller 2105 determines whether vaporization is present at the nicotine e-vaping device 500. According to at least one example embodiment, controller 2105 may determine whether vaporization is present at the nicotine e-vaping device 500 based on the output from sensor 364. In one example, if the output from sensor 364 indicates that the applied negative pressure is higher than a threshold at the mouthpiece 102 of the nicotine e-vaping device 500, controller 2105 may determine that vaporization is present at the nicotine e-vaping device 500.

[0182] If the controller 2105 detects vapor inhalation in step S2704, then in step S2705, the controller 2105 controls the heating engine control circuit 2127 to apply power to the heater 336 for vapor inhalation. (See later...) Figure 38 and 39 An exemplary control of the heating engine control circuit 2127 applying power to the heater 336 is described in more detail.

[0183] In step S2706, controller 2105 determines whether the resistance of heater 336 is stable. As mentioned above, controller 2105 can determine that the resistance of heater 336 has stabilized once the current through heater 336 reaches a “wetting” current threshold (e.g., approximately 100 mA). Controller 2105 can determine that the current through heater 336 has reached the “wetting” current threshold based on the output signal from heater current measurement circuit 21258.

[0184] If the controller 2105 determines in step S2706 that the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized, the controller 2105 begins to store the measured resistance value of the heater 336 in the FIFO memory at 1ms intervals (1ms 'beat').

[0185] In step S2710, controller 2105 determines whether the FIFO memory is full (e.g., a threshold number of samples have been collected). In one instance, the FIFO memory may be full when approximately 100 samples of the resistance of heater 336 have been stored (e.g., approximately 100 ms after it is determined at step S2706 that the resistance of heater 336 has stabilized).

[0186] If the controller 2105 determines that the FIFO memory is full, then at step S2712, the controller 2105 calculates the first resistance value R stored in the FIFO memory. t_0 (At t0) and the last (most recent) resistance value R t_N-1 (at time t) N-1 The percentage change in resistance between (points) is Δ%R.

[0187] In step S2714, the controller 2105 compares the calculated percentage of resistance change Δ%R with the percentage of resistance change threshold Δ%R_THRESHOLD obtained from the NVM 2205 in step S2702.

[0188] If the calculated percentage change in resistance Δ%R is greater than the percentage change in resistance threshold Δ%R_THRESHOLD, then in step S2716, controller 2105 controls heating engine control circuit 2127 to shut off heater 336 (e.g., cut off its power supply). In one example, controller 2105 may control heating engine control circuit 2127 to perform a vapor shut-off operation. As mentioned above, the vapor shut-off operation can disable all energy of heater 336, thereby preventing vapor inhalation before corrective action is taken (e.g., by an adult vapor user). As discussed in more detail later, controller 2105 can output a logic high level ( Figure 38 The vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN or the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM can be used by deasserting (or stopping the output). Figure 39 This is used to control the heating engine control circuit 2127 to disable all energy supplied to the heater 336. In at least one instance, the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. Example correction actions will be discussed in more detail later.

[0189] Returning to step S2714, if the calculated percentage change in resistance Δ%R is less than or equal to the percentage change in resistance threshold Δ%R_THRESHOLD, the process returns to S2708 and continues as described above.

[0190] Returning to step S2710, if the controller 2105 determines that the FIFO memory is not yet full, the process returns to step S2708 and continues as described above.

[0191] Returning to step S2706, if controller 2105 determines that the resistance of heater 336 has not yet stabilized, controller 2105 continues to monitor the resistance of heater 336. Once the resistance of heater 336 has stabilized, the process proceeds to step S2708 and continues as described above.

[0192] Returning to step S2704, if the controller 2105 determines that the vapor condition does not yet exist, the controller 2105 continues to monitor the output of the sensor 364 for vapor condition information. Once the vapor condition is detected, the process continues as described above.

[0193] Figure 32 The graphs show resistance versus time when dry suction is present at the start of suction (“dry suction”), when dry suction occurs during suction (“dry suction”), and when dry suction is absent (“standard suction”).

[0194] like Figure 32 As shown, when a dry puff condition is present at the start of puffing, the resistance increases more sharply over time. In this example, the controller 2105 can shut off the vaporization function of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 at the end of the initial sampling interval (e.g., approximately 100 ms) because the percentage change in resistance Δ%R of the heater 336 at the end of the initial time interval is greater than the resistance change percentage threshold Δ%R_THRESHOLD.

[0195] When a dry suction condition begins to appear during the suction period, the heater resistance begins to increase more sharply (the slope of the graph increases). In this case, when the percentage change Δ%R of the resistance between the earliest and most recent heater resistances in the FIFO exceeds the percentage change Δ%R_THRESHOLD of the resistance threshold, the controller 2105 at time t SHUTOFF Turn off the steam function when needed.

[0196] When there is no dry suction condition (a standard suction condition exists), suction ends, and in response to stopping the application of negative pressure or after the threshold time interval expires, the power supply to heater 336 is cut off. In this case, a heater shutdown operation can be performed instead of a steam shut-off operation.

[0197] As mentioned above, dry-vaping is an example of a hard cartridge malfunction at nicotine e-vaporizer 500.

[0198] Figure 33This is a flowchart based on an example implementation, illustrating an example method for operating the nicotine e-vaping device after detecting a hard fault cartridge event, such as shutting off the vaporizer function in a dry-vaping state (vaping shutdown operation). For illustrative purposes, the dry-vaping state will be discussed. Figure 33 The example implementation is shown. However, the example implementation should not be limited to this instance.

[0199] Also for illustrative purposes, regarding Figure 29 The electrical system described in the figure Figure 33 The flowchart shown is illustrated. However, it should be understood that the example implementation is not limited to this instance. Rather, the example implementation can be applied to other nicotine e-vaping devices and their electrical systems. Furthermore, the operations performed by the controller 2105 will be described. Figure 33 The example implementation is shown. However, it should be understood that variations may exist regarding implementation. Figure 33 Example implementations are similarly described for one or more of the functions / operations shown in the automatic shutdown control system 2300 and / or dryness detection subsystem 2610.

[0200] refer to Figure 33 At step S3804, controller 2105 records the occurrence of a dry suction condition in memory 2130. In one example, controller 2105 may store identifiers of events (dry suction condition or dry suction event) in association with the actions that occur as a result (e.g., vapor shut-off operation) and the time when the actions occur.

[0201] At step S3806, controller 2105 controls vapor user indicator 2135 to output an indication that a dry puff condition has been detected. In one example, the indication may be delivered to the adult vapor user in the form of sound, visual display, and / or tactile feedback. For example, the indication may be a flashing red LED; a software message containing an error code, which is sent (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a connected "app" on a remote electronic device, and subsequently triggers a notification in the app to provide the adult vapor user with information about corrective actions; any combination thereof, etc.

[0202] At step S3808, controller 2105 determines that the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 has been removed from device body 100 within a removal threshold time interval (before expiration) after instructing the adult vaporizer to a dry-vaping condition (e.g., in response to) (a correction action). In at least one example embodiment, controller 2105 may digitally determine that the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 has been removed from device body 100 by checking that a set of five contacts 326 of the nicotine cartridge assembly has been removed. In another example, controller 2105 may determine that the nicotine cartridge assembly has been removed from device body 100 by sensing that the electrical contacts 324a, 324b and / or 326 of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 have been disconnected from the device electrical connector 132 of device body 100. In at least one instance, the controller 2105 can sense that the power contacts 324a, 324b and / or 326 of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 have been disconnected from the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 by detecting the infinite resistance between the power contacts 324a, 324b and / or 326 of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100.

[0203] If the controller 2105 determines that the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 has been removed from the device body 100 within a removal threshold time interval following (e.g., in response to) instructing the adult vaporizer to a dry-vaping condition, then at step S3814, the controller 2105 controls the nicotine e-vaping device 500 to resume normal operation (non-fault state). In this case, although the energy to the heater 336 is still disabled because the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 has been removed, the nicotine e-vaping device 500 is again ready to vaporize once a new nicotine cartridge assembly is inserted, in response to the adult vaporizer applying negative pressure.

[0204] At step S3812, controller 2105 determines whether a new nicotine cartridge assembly has been inserted into device body 100 within an insertion threshold time interval (before its expiration) following the removal of nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and the return of nicotine e-vaping device 500 to normal operation at step S3814. In at least one instance, the insertion threshold time interval may have a length between approximately 5 minutes and approximately 120 minutes. The insertion threshold time interval may be set by an adult vaper to a length within this range. In at least one exemplary embodiment, controller 2105 may determine that a new nicotine cartridge assembly has been inserted into device body 100 by sensing the resistance (e.g., approximately 0.5 ohms to approximately 5.0 ohms) between the heater 336 and the electrical contacts 324a and 324b of nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and the device electrical connector 132 of device body 100. In another example implementation, the controller 2105 can determine that a new nicotine cartridge assembly has been inserted into the device body 100 by sensing the presence of a pull-up resistor contained in the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 between the power contact 326 of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 and the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100.

[0205] If controller 2105 determines that a new nicotine cartridge assembly has been inserted into the device body 100 within the insertion threshold time interval, then at step S3810, controller 2105 controls the heating engine control circuit 2127 to re-enable the vapor module (e.g., allow power to be applied to the heater 336). As discussed in more detail later, controller 2105 can do this by outputting a logic low level ( Figure 38 The vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN and / or the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM are deasserted. Figure 39 This is used to control the heating engine control circuit 2127 to reactivate the steam module.

[0206] Returning to step S3812, if the controller 2105 determines that the new nicotine cartridge component has not been inserted into the device body 100 within the insertion threshold time interval, then at step S3816, the controller 2105 outputs one or more additional control signals to perform an automatic shutdown operation, wherein the nicotine e-vapor device 500 is powered off or enters a low-power mode. According to at least some example embodiments, in the context of normal software automatic shutdown, the controller 2105 may output several or more GPIO control lines (signals) to shut down all or substantially all peripheral devices of the nicotine e-vapor device 500 and put the controller 2105 into a sleep state.

[0207] Now returning to step S3808, if the nicotine cartridge component 300 is not removed within the removal threshold time interval, the process proceeds to step S3816 and continues as discussed above.

[0208] Figure 34 An example implementation of heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 is shown.

[0209] refer to Figure 34 The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 includes resistors 3702 and 3704 configured as a voltage divider connected between a terminal configured to receive the input voltage signal COIL_OUT and ground. The input voltage signal COIL_OUT is the voltage input (voltage at the input terminal) of the heater 336. Node N3716 between resistors 3702 and 3704 is coupled to the positive input of an operational amplifier (Op-Amp) 3708. Capacitor 3706 is connected between node N3716 and ground to form a low-pass filter circuit (R / C filter) to stabilize the voltage input to the positive input of the Op-Amp 3708. The filter circuit also reduces inaccuracies caused by switching noise from the PWM signal used to power on the heater 336 and has the same phase response / group delay for both current and voltage.

[0210] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 also includes resistors 3710 and 3712 and capacitor 3714. Resistor 3712 is connected between node N3718 and a terminal configured to receive the output voltage signal COIL_RTN. The output voltage signal COIL_RTN is the voltage output by heater 336 (the voltage at the heater's output terminal).

[0211] Resistor 3710 and capacitor 3714 are connected in parallel between node N3718 and the output of Op-Amp 3708. The negative input of Op-Amp 3708 is also connected to node N3718. Resistors 3710 and 3712, along with capacitor 3714, are connected in a low-pass filter circuit configuration.

[0212] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 uses an Op-Amp 3708 to measure the voltage difference between the input voltage signal COIL_OUT and the output voltage signal COIL_RTN, and outputs a scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL representing the voltage across the heater 336. The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 outputs the scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL to the ADC pin of the controller 2105 for digital sampling and measurement.

[0213] The gain of the Op-Amp 3708 can be adjusted based on surrounding passive electrical components (e.g., resistors and capacitors) to improve the dynamic range of voltage measurements. In one example, the dynamic range of the Op-Amp 3708 can be achieved by scaling the voltage so that the maximum voltage output matches the maximum input range of the ADC (e.g., approximately 1.8V). In at least one example embodiment, this scaling can be approximately 267mV per V, thus the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 can measure up to approximately 1.8V / 0.267V = 6.74V.

[0214] Figure 35 It shows Figure 29 An example implementation of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 is shown in the figure.

[0215] refer to Figure 35 The output voltage signal COIL_RTN is input to a four-terminal (4T) measuring resistor 3802 connected to ground. The differential voltage across the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 is scaled by an operational amplifier (Op-Amp) 3806, which outputs a heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR indicating the current through the heater 336. The heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR is output to the ADC pin of the controller 2105 for digital sampling and measurement of the current through the heater 336 at the controller 2105.

[0216] exist Figure 35 In the example implementation shown, the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 can be used to reduce errors in current measurement using the "Kelvin current measurement" technique. In this example, separating the current measurement path from the voltage measurement path reduces noise on the voltage measurement path.

[0217] The gain of the Op-Amp 3806 can be set to improve the dynamic measurement range. In this example, the scaling of the Op-Amp 3806 is approximately 0.577 V / A, therefore, the heater current measurement circuit 21258 can measure up to approximately

[0218] For more detailed information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 35The first terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 is connected to the terminal of the heater 336 to receive the output voltage signal COIL_RTN. The second terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 is connected to ground. The third terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 is connected to a low-pass filter circuit (R / C filter) comprising resistor 3804, capacitor 3808, and resistor 3810. The output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the positive input of the Op-Amp 3806. The low-pass filter circuit reduces inaccuracies caused by switching noise from the PWM signal applied to power on the heater 336 and provides the same phase response / group delay for both current and voltage.

[0219] The heater current measurement circuit 21258 also includes resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816. Resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816 are connected in a low-pass filter circuit configuration to the fourth terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802, the negative input of Op-Amp 3806, and the output of Op-Amp 3806, wherein the output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the negative input of Op-Amp 3806.

[0220] The Op-Amp 3806 outputs the differential voltage as the heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR to the ADC pin of the controller 2105, so that the controller 2105 can sample and measure the current passing through the heater 336.

[0221] According to at least this example embodiment, the heater current measurement circuit 21258 is configured similarly to the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252, except that a low-pass filter circuit including resistors 3804 and 3810 and capacitor 3808 is connected to one terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802, and a low-pass filter circuit including resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816 is connected to the other terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802.

[0222] The controller 2105 can average multiple samples (e.g., voltage) over a time window corresponding to a “beat” time used in the nicotine e-vaping device 500 (e.g., approximately 1 ms), and convert the average value into a mathematical representation of the voltage and current on the heater 336 by applying a scaling value. The scaling value can be determined based on a gain setting implemented at the corresponding Op-Amp, which can be specific to the hardware of the nicotine e-vaping device 500.

[0223] The controller 2105 can use, for example, a three-tap moving average filter to filter the converted voltage and current measurements to reduce measurement noise. The controller 2105 can then use the filtered measurements to calculate the resistance of the heater 336. The power P applied to heater 336 HEATER (P HEATER =V HEATER *I HEATER ), power supply current in Efficiency is the power P delivered to heater 336 under all operating conditions. in The ratio. In one instance, efficiency can be at least 85%.

[0224] Adjustable based on one or more example implementations Figure 34 The gain settings of the passive components of the circuit shown in 35 and / or 35 are configured to match the output signal range with the input range of the controller 2105.

[0225] Figure 36 and 37 A cartridge temperature measurement circuit according to an example implementation is shown.

[0226] refer to Figure 36 The cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250A includes a driver stage 3902A and a measurement stage 3904A. The driver stage 3902A is configured to generate a cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER in response to a cartridge temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB to deliver power to the cartridge sensor 2220. The cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER can be a PWM signal. The measurement stage 3904A is configured to generate a cartridge temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL based on a DAC comparison signal HW_DAC from a DAC (not shown) at controller 2105 and a cartridge sensor signal SP_HW from the cartridge sensor 2220. The cartridge temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL can be a differential voltage signal indicating the temperature of one or more elements of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. The inputs and outputs of an example embodiment of the cartridge sensor 2220 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0227] about Figure 36 For further details, the driver stage 3902A receives the cartridge temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB from the controller 2105. In this example, the cartridge temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB can be a PWM signal with a duty cycle adjusted by the controller 2105 to change the power based on the cartridge sensor signal SP_HW from the cartridge sensor 2220. When the cartridge temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB is asserted (active), the driver stage 3902A can be enabled and output the cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER; otherwise, the output of the driver stage 3902A can be disabled.

[0228] The cartridge temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB is input to the enable pin EN of the low dropout voltage regulator (LDO) U10, which interprets the cartridge temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB, which is a low current drive intensity processor signal, as a cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER, which is a high current drive intensity PWM signal.

[0229] Resistor R80 is connected as a pull-down resistor between the enable pin EN of LDO U10 and ground to ensure that the output of driver stage 3902A is disabled if the cartridge temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB is in an indeterminate state.

[0230] The driver stage 3902A also includes capacitors C43 and C44. Capacitor C44 is connected to the input pin IN of the LDO U10 and the voltage source to provide nicotine storage and filtering, which improves the speed at which the cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER reaches its ON voltage. Capacitor C43 is connected between the output pin and ground to provide filtering and nicotine storage for the cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER.

[0231] Resistors R60 and R61 form a feedback network 39028 in the form of a voltage divider circuit. Feedback network 39028 outputs a feedback voltage to the adjustment or feedback terminal ADJ of LDO U10. LDO U10 sets the precise voltage output of the cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER based on the feedback voltage input to the feedback terminal ADJ. According to at least some example embodiments, by Provide the precise voltage output and feedback voltage V of the tobacco cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER. ADJ The relationship between the outputs. In this example, the resistors R60 and R61 have known resistances, and the voltage V... ADJ It is also known based on the type of LDO U10.

[0232] At measurement stage 3904A, the cartridge sensor signal SP_HW from cartridge sensor 2220 is input to the negative input of Op-Amp U11A via resistor R66 to gain-scale the voltage of the cartridge sensor signal SP_HW for measurement by the ADC at controller 2105. Op-Amp U11A is an inverting amplifier with a gain set according to the resistance of resistor R66 and the resistance of resistor R67 connected between the negative input and output of Op-Amp U11A. Capacitor C47 is connected in parallel with resistor R67 to form a low-pass filter circuit to filter out high-frequency noise from the cartridge sensor signal SP_HW.

[0233] A voltage divider circuit 39042, including resistors R63 and R64, inputs the DAC comparison signal HW_DAC from the DAC at controller 2105 to the positive input of the Op-Amp U11A. The DAC comparison signal HW_DAC sets a reference voltage level for the Op-Amp U11A, which effectively selects the differential voltage applied to the Op-Amp U11A and suppresses or prevents saturation of the Op-Amp U11A. In other words, the DAC comparison signal HW_DAC sets the operating point for the Op-Amp U11A to suppress saturation of the cartridge temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL output by the Op-Amp U11A. The voltage divider circuit 39042 reduces each DAC step in the voltage to provide finer control over the range setting. The ratio of resistors R63 and R64 can approximate the balance between the resistor and the cartridge sensor 2220 (e.g., at its highest temperature). Capacitor C46 and resistor R64 are connected in parallel to form a low-pass filter circuit to filter out noise from the DAC comparator signal HW_DAC. Resistor R69 is connected between the output of voltage divider circuit 39042 and the positive input of Op-Amp U11A.

[0234] The cartridge sensor signal SP_HW from cartridge sensor 2220 can have a relatively small voltage level (e.g., about 2mV). Therefore, the relatively high gain of the Op-Amp U11A can be used to match the cartridge temperature measurement signal HW_SIGNAL with the dynamic signal range of the ADC at controller 2105 (e.g., about 1.8V). Thus, the Op-Amp U11A amplifies the cartridge sensor signal SP_HW and outputs the amplified signal as the cartridge temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL to the ADC for sampling and measurement at controller 2105.

[0235] refer to Figure 37 The cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250B includes a driver stage 3902B and a measurement stage 3904B. Figure 37 In the example implementation shown, the driver stage 3902B and the measurement stage 3904B are respectively similar to Figure 36 The driver stage 3902A and measurement stage 3904A shown differ in that the driver stage 3902B also includes a measurement balancing resistor R93, and the capacitance value of capacitor C43 can be reduced to increase the rise / fall time of the cartridge sensor signal SP_HW. In at least one example, the measurement balancing resistor R93 may have a resistance of approximately 3 ohms and may be moved from the nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200 to the device body assembly electrical system 2100 to reduce the cost of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. Additionally, at least in... Figure 37In the example implementation shown, passive components can be arranged and adjusted to configure gain settings such that the output signal range matches the input signal range of the controller 2105.

[0236] Figure 38 The circuit diagram shows the heating engine control circuit based on some example implementation schemes. Figure 38 The heating engine control circuit shown is Figure 29 An example of the heating engine control circuit 2127 shown.

[0237] refer to Figure 38 The heating engine control circuit 2127A includes a CMOS charge pump U2, which is configured to supply a power rail (e.g., approximately 7V power rail (7V_CP)) to one or more gate driver integrated circuits (ICs) to control the power FET (heater power control circuit system, also known as the heating engine drive circuit or circuit system) that powers the heater 336 in the nicotine cartridge assembly 300. Figure 38 (Not shown in the image).

[0238] In exemplary operation, charge pump U2 is controlled (selectively started or stopped) based on the vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN (device power status signal; also known as vapor enable signal) from controller 2105. Figure 38 In the example shown, charge pump U2 is started in response to the output of the steam shut-off signal COIL_SHDN with a logic low level, and the charge pump is stopped in response to the output of the coil shut-off signal COIL_SHDN with a logic high level. Once the power rail 7V_CP has stabilized after charge pump U2 is started (e.g., after the stabilization time interval has expired), controller 2105 can supply power to the heater power control circuit and heater 336 by sending the heater start signal GATE_ON.

[0239] According to at least one example implementation, controller 2105 can perform a vapor shut-off operation by outputting (enabling) a vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN with a logic high level to disable all power supply to heater 336 until the vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN is disabled (transferred to a logic low level) by controller 2105.

[0240] Controller 2105 may output a heater start signal GATE_ON (another device power status signal) with a logic high level in response to detecting the presence of vaporization at the nicotine e-vaping device 500. In this example embodiment, when controller 2105 enables the heater start signal GATE_ON to reach a logic high level, transistors (e.g., field-effect transistors (FETs)) Q5 and Q7A' are activated. Controller 2105 may output a heater start signal GATE_ON with a logic low level to disable power supply to heater 336, thereby performing a heater shutdown operation.

[0241] If a power stage failure occurs, where transistors Q5 and Q7A' do not respond to the heater start signal GATE_ON, controller 2105 can perform a vapor shut-off operation by outputting a vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN with a logic high level to cut off the power supply to the gate driver. The vapor shut-off signal then cuts off the power supply to heater 336.

[0242] In another instance, if the controller 2105 fails to start properly, resulting in the steam shut-off signal COIL_SHDN being in an intermediate state, the heating engine control circuit 2127A automatically pulls the steam shut-off signal COIL_SHDN to a logic high level to automatically cut off the power supply to the heater 336.

[0243] For more detailed information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 38 Capacitor C9, charge pump U2, and capacitor C10 are connected in a positive voltage bipolar configuration. Capacitor C9 is connected between pins C- and C+ of charge pump U2 and acts as a nicotine accumulator for charge pump U2. The input voltage pin VIN of charge pump U2 is connected to the voltage source BATT at node N3801, and capacitor C10 is connected between ground and the output voltage pin VOUT of charge pump U2 at node N3802. Capacitor C10 provides a filter and nicotine accumulator for the output of charge pump U2, which ensures a more stable voltage output from charge pump U2.

[0244] Capacitor C11 is connected between node N3801 and ground, providing a filter and nicotine accumulator for the input voltage of charge pump U2.

[0245] Resistor R10 is connected between the positive voltage source and the shutdown pin SHDN. Resistor R10 acts as a pull-up resistor to ensure that the input of the shutdown pin SHDN is high, thereby disabling the output (VOUT) of charge pump U2 and cutting off the power supply to heater 336 when the vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN is in an indeterminate state.

[0246] Resistor R43 is connected between ground and the gate of transistor Q7A' at node N3804. Resistor R43 acts as a pull-down resistor to ensure that transistor Q7A' is in a high-impedance (OFF) state, thereby disabling the power rail 7V_CP and cutting off power supply to heater 336 when the heater start signal GATE_ON is in an indeterminate state.

[0247] Resistor R41 is connected between node N3802 and node N3803, which is between the gate of transistor Q5 and the drain of transistor Q7A'. Resistor R41 acts as a pull-down resistor to ensure that transistor Q5 is disconnected more reliably.

[0248] Transistor Q5 is configured to selectively isolate the power rail 7V_CP from the VOUT pin of charge pump U2. The gate of transistor Q5 is connected to node N3803, the drain of transistor Q5 is connected to the output voltage terminal VOUT of charge pump U2 at node N3802, and the source of transistor Q5 acts as the output terminal of the power rail 7V_CP. This configuration allows capacitor C10 to reach its operating voltage more quickly by isolating the load and provides fault protection if both the vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN and the heater start signal GATE_ON must be in the correct state to power heater 336.

[0249] Transistor Q7A is configured to control the operation of transistor Q5 based on the heater start signal GATE_ON. For example, when the heater start signal GATE_ON is a logic high level (e.g., above ~2V), transistor Q7A is in its low-impedance (ON) state, which pulls the gate of transistor Q5 to ground, causing transistor Q5 to transition to a low-impedance (ON) state. In this case, the heating engine control circuit 2127A outputs the power rail 7V_CP to the heating engine drive circuit (not shown), thereby powering the heater 336.

[0250] If the heater start signal GATE_ON is at a logic low level, transistor Q7A switches to a high-impedance (OFF) state, causing the gate of transistor Q5 to discharge through resistor R41, thereby switching transistor Q5 to a high-impedance (OFF) state. In this case, the power rail 7V_CP is not output, and the power supply to the heating engine drive circuit (and heater 336) is cut off.

[0251] exist Figure 38 In the example shown, because transistor Q5 requires a gate voltage as high as the source voltage (~7V) to be in a high-impedance (OFF) state, controller 2105 does not directly control transistor Q5. Transistor Q7A provides a mechanism for controlling transistor Q5 based on a lower voltage from controller 2105.

[0252] Figure 39 This is a circuit diagram illustrating another heating engine control circuit based on an example implementation. Figure 39 The heating engine control circuit shown is Figure 29 Another example of the heating engine control circuit 2127 shown.

[0253] refer to Figure 39 The heating engine control circuit 2127B includes a track converter circuit 39020 (also known as a boost converter circuit) and a gate driver circuit 39040. The track converter circuit 39020 is configured to output a voltage signal 9V_GATE (also known as a power signal or input voltage signal) based on a vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM (also known as a vapor turn-off signal) to power the gate driver circuit 39040. The track converter circuit 39020 can be software-defined, where the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is used to regulate the 9V_GATE output.

[0254] The gate driver circuit 39040 uses the input voltage signal 9V_GATE from the track converter circuit 39020 to drive the heating engine drive circuit 3906.

[0255] exist Figure 39 In the example implementation shown, the rail converter circuit 39020 generates the input voltage signal 9V_GATE only when the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is asserted (present). The controller 2105 can disable the 9V rail by deasserting (stopping or terminating) the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM to cut off power to the gate driver circuit 39040. Similar to... Figure 38 The vapor shut-off signal COIL_SHDN and vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM in the example embodiment shown can serve as device status power signals for performing vapor shut-off operations at the nicotine e-vaping device 500. In this example, controller 2105 can perform vapor shut-off operations by deasserting the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM, thereby disabling all power supply to the gate driver circuit 39040, the heating engine drive circuit 3906, and the heater 336. Controller 2105 can then enable vapor at the nicotine e-vaping device 500 by again asserting the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM to the track converter circuit 39020.

[0256] Similar to Figure 38The controller 2105 can output a first heater enable signal GATE_ENB with a logic high level in response to detecting the vaporization status at the nicotine e-vapor device 500, thereby enabling power supply to the heating engine drive circuit 3906 and the heater 336. The controller 2105 can also output a first heater enable signal GATE_ENB with a logic low level to disable power supply to the heating engine drive circuit 3906 and the heater 336, thus performing a heater shutdown operation.

[0257] For more detailed information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 39 In the track converter circuit 39020, capacitor C36 is connected between the voltage source BATT and ground. Capacitor C36 acts as the nicotine collector for the track converter circuit 39020.

[0258] The first terminal of inductor L1006 is connected to node 1 between voltage source BATT and capacitor C36. Inductor L1006 acts as the main storage element of track converter circuit 39020.

[0259] The second terminal of inductor L1006, the drain of transistor (e.g., enhancement-mode MOSFET) Q1009, and the first terminal of capacitor C1056 are connected at node Node2. The source of transistor Q1009 is connected to ground, and the gate of transistor Q1009 is configured to receive the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM from controller 2105.

[0260] exist Figure 39 In the example shown, transistor Q1009 acts as the main switching element of track converter circuit 39020.

[0261] Resistor R29 is connected between the gate of transistor Q1009 and ground to act as a pull-down resistor, thereby ensuring that transistor Q1009 is turned off more reliably and that the operation of heater 336 is prevented when the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is in an indeterminate state.

[0262] The second terminal of capacitor C1056 is connected at node 3 to the cathode of Zener diode D1012 and the anode of Zener diode D1013. The anode of Zener diode D1012 is connected to ground.

[0263] The cathode of Zener diode D1013 is connected at node 4 to the terminal of capacitor C35 and the input of a voltage divider circuit including resistors R1087 and R1088. The other terminal of capacitor C35 is connected to ground. The voltage at node 4 is also the output voltage 9V_GATE from the rail converter circuit 39020.

[0264] Resistor R1089 is connected to the output of the voltage divider circuit at node 5.

[0265] In the example operation, when the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is asserted and set to logic high, transistor Q1009 switches to a low-impedance state (ON), thereby allowing current to flow from voltage source BATT and capacitor C36 through inductor L1006 and transistor Q1009 to ground. This stores energy in inductor L1006, and the current increases linearly over time.

[0266] When the vapor emission enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is at a logic low level, transistor Q1009 switches to a high-impedance state (OFF). In this state, inductor L1006 maintains current (decaying linearly), and the voltage at Node2 increases.

[0267] The duty cycle of the vaporizer activation signal COIL_VGATE_PWM determines the voltage rise for a given load. Therefore, using the feedback signal COIL_VGATE_FB output from the voltage divider circuit at node Node 5 as feedback, the controller 2105 controls the vaporizer activation signal COIL_VGATE_PWM in a closed loop. The switching described above occurs at a relatively high rate (e.g., approximately 2 MHz; however, different frequencies may be used depending on the required parameters and component values).

[0268] Still referencing Figure 39 In the track converter circuit 39020, capacitor C1056 is an AC-coupled capacitor that provides a DC block to remove DC levels. When the vaporizer enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is low to conserve battery life (e.g., when the nicotine e-vaporizer 500 is in standby mode), capacitor C1056 blocks current from the voltage source BATT through inductor L1006 and diode D1013 to the gate driver circuit 39040. The capacitance of capacitor C1056 can be selected to provide a relatively low impedance path at switching frequencies.

[0269] Zener diode D1012 establishes the ground level for the switching signal. Because capacitor C1056 removes the DC level, the voltage at node Node 3 can typically be bipolar. In one example, Zener diode D1012 can clamp the negative half-cycle of the signal to approximately 0.3V below ground.

[0270] Capacitor C35 acts as the output nicotine collector for the track converter circuit 39020. When transistor Q1009 is turned on, Zener diode D1013 blocks the current from flowing from capacitor C35 through capacitor C1056 and transistor Q1009.

[0271] When the decaying current from inductor L1006 causes a voltage rise at node 4 between Zener diode D1013 and capacitor C35, current flows into capacitor C35. Capacitor C35 maintains a 9V_GATE voltage while storing energy in inductor L1006.

[0272] A voltage divider circuit, including resistors R1087 and R1088, reduces the voltage to an acceptable level measured at the ADC of controller 2105. This reduced voltage signal is output as a feedback signal COIL_VGATE_FB.

[0273] exist Figure 39 In the circuit shown, the feedback signal COIL_VGATE_FB voltage is scaled by approximately 0.25x, so the 9V output voltage is reduced to approximately 2.25V for use as input to the ADC at controller 2105.

[0274] Resistor R1089 provides current limiting for overvoltage faults at the output of track converter circuit 39020 (e.g., at node 4) to protect the ADC at controller 2105.

[0275] The 9V output voltage signal 9V_GATE is output from the rail converter circuit 39020 to the gate driver circuit 39040 to power the gate driver circuit 39040.

[0276] Referring now in more detail to gate driver circuitry 39040, gate driver circuitry 39040 particularly includes integrated gate driver U2003, which is configured to convert one or more low-current signals from controller 2105 into high-current signals for controlling the switching of transistors (e.g., MOSFETs) in heating engine drive circuitry 3906. Integrated gate driver U2003 is also configured to convert voltage levels from controller 2105 into voltage levels required by the transistors in heating engine drive circuitry 3906. Figure 39 In the example implementation shown, the integrated gate driver U2003 is a half-bridge driver. However, the example implementation should not be limited to this instance.

[0277] More specifically, the 9V output voltage from the track converter circuit 39020 is input to the gate driver circuit 39040 via a filter circuit including resistor R2012 and capacitor C2009. The filter circuit including resistor R2012 and capacitor C2009 is connected to the VCC pin (pin 4) of the integrated gate driver U2003 and the anode of the Zener diode S2002 at node 6. The second terminal of capacitor C2009 is connected to ground. The anode of the Zener diode D2002 is connected at node 7 to the first terminal of capacitor C2007 and the boost pin BST (pin 1) of the integrated gate driver U2003. The second terminal of capacitor C2007 is connected at node 8 to the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U2003 and the heating engine drive circuit 3906 (e.g., between two MOSFETs). Figure 39 In the example implementation shown, Zener diode D2002 and capacitor C2007 form part of a bootstrap charge pump circuit connected between the input voltage pin VCC and the boost pin BST of the integrated gate driver U2003. Since capacitor C2007 is connected to the 9V input voltage signal 9V_GATE from the rail converter circuit 39020, capacitor C2007 is charged through diode D2002 to a voltage approximately equal to the voltage signal 9V_GATE.

[0278] Still referencing Figure 39 The high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8), low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5), and EP pin (pin 9) of the integrated gate driver U2003 are also connected to the heating engine drive circuit 3906.

[0279] Resistor R2013 and capacitor C2010 form a filter circuit connected to the input pin IN (pin 2) of the integrated gate driver U2003. The filter circuit is configured to eliminate high-frequency noise from the input to the second heater enable signal COIL_Z on the input pin. The second heater enable signal COIL_Z can be a PWM signal from the controller 2105.

[0280] Resistor R2014 is connected to the filter circuit and input pin IN at node 9. Resistor R2014 acts as a pull-down resistor, so that if the second heater enable signal COIL_Z floats (or is indeterminate), the input pin IN of the integrated gate driver U2003 remains at a logic low level to prevent the start-up of the heating engine drive circuit 3906 and heater 336.

[0281] The first heater enable signal GATE_ENB from controller 2105 is input to the OD pin (pin 3) of integrated gate driver U2003. Resistor R2016 is connected as a pull-down resistor to the OD pin of integrated gate driver U2003, such that if the first heater enable signal GATE_ENB from controller 2105 floats (or is uncertain), the OD pin of integrated gate driver U2003 remains at a logic low level to prevent the activation of heating engine drive circuit 3906 and heater 336.

[0282] exist Figure 39 In the illustrated example embodiment, the heating engine drive circuit 3906 includes a transistor (e.g., MOSFET) circuit comprising transistors (e.g., MOSFETs) 39062 and 39064 connected in series between the voltage source BATT and ground. The gate of transistor 39064 is connected to the low-side gate driver pin DRVL (pin 5) of the integrated gate driver U2003, the drain of transistor 39064 is connected at node Node8 to the switching node pin SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U2003, and the source of transistor 39064 is connected to ground GND.

[0283] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is high, transistor 39064 is in a low-impedance state (ON), thereby connecting node 8 to ground.

[0284] As described above, since capacitor C2007 is connected to the 9V input voltage signal 9V_GATE from the track converter circuit 39020, capacitor C2007 is charged through diode D2002 to a voltage equal to or substantially equal to the 9V input voltage signal 9V_GATE.

[0285] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver pin DRVL is low, transistor 39064 switches to a high-impedance state (OFF), and the high-side gate driver pin DRVH (pin 8) is internally connected to the boost pin BST within the integrated gate driver U2003. Therefore, transistor 39062 is in a low-impedance state (ON), thereby connecting the switching node SWN to the voltage source BATT to pull the switching node SWN (node ​​8) to the voltage of the voltage source BATT.

[0286] In this configuration, node 7 is boosted to a voltage V(BST) ≈ V(9V_GATE) + V(BATT), which allows the gate-source voltage of transistor 39062 to be the same as or substantially the same as the 9V input voltage signal 9V_GATE (e.g., V(9V_GATE)), regardless of (or independent of) the voltage of voltage source BATT. Therefore, switching node SWN (node ​​8) provides a high-current switching signal that can be used to generate a voltage output to heater 336 that is substantially independent of the voltage output from battery voltage source BATT.

[0287] Figure 40 and Figure 41 Showing includes Figure 29 An example implementation of the temperature sensing converter in the cigarette cartridge sensor 2220 shown.

[0288] refer to Figure 40 The temperature sensing converter 3600A includes a resistor R3602 and a sensor converter R3604. In at least one example embodiment, the resistor R3602 may have a fixed resistance of approximately 3 ohms. The sensor converter R3604 may be a resistor with a variable resistance that varies with temperature. The resistor R3602 and the sensor converter R3604 are arranged in a voltage divider circuit such that the voltage across the sensor converter R3604 (the voltage at measurement node N3606) can be output to the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250 for scaling, and then used to measure the temperature of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 or one or more components of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300.

[0289] In the exemplary operation, the driver stage 3902A of the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250A ( Figure 36 The cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER is applied to the temperature sensing converter 3600A, and the measurement stage 3904A of the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250A scales the voltage of the cartridge sensor signal SP_HW sensed at the measurement node N3606, and outputs the scaled voltage as the cartridge temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL to the controller 2105. The controller 2105 then determines the temperature of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 or one or more components of the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 based on the cartridge temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL.

[0290] In at least one example implementation, the voltage of the cartridge temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER can be fixed, and therefore, the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250A can also calculate the current through resistors R3602 and R3604, since the resistance of resistor R3602 is a known resistance.

[0291] refer to Figure 41 The example implementation shown, the temperature sensing converter 3600B is similar to Figure 40 The temperature sensing converter 3600A in the middle is different in that, as mentioned above... Figure 37 As mentioned, resistor R3602 has been omitted from the temperature sensing converter 3600B and relocated to... Figure 37 The driver stage 3902B of the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250B. By repositioning resistor R3602 to the driver stage 3902B of the cartridge temperature measurement circuit 21250B, the cost of the nicotine cartridge assembly electrical system 2200 and / or the number of pins required for the interface between the device body 100 and the nicotine cartridge assembly 300 can be reduced. Furthermore, in Figure 41 In the example implementation shown, the resistance of the sensor converter R3606 can be greater than [value missing]. Figure 40 The resistor R3604 in the sensor converter is used to reduce the current consumption of the temperature sensing converter 3600B.

[0292] While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be made. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heating engine control circuit, the heating engine control circuit being used to control the operation of the heater of a nicotine electronic vaporizer, the heating engine control circuit comprising: A track converter circuit configured to convert a power supply voltage into a power signal based on a vapor activation signal, wherein the vapor activation signal is a pulse width modulation signal; and The circuit includes a gate driver circuit with an integrated gate driver configured to control the application of power to the heater based on the power signal, a first enable signal, and a second enable signal to heat nicotine vapor pre-preparation drawn from a nicotine reservoir at the nicotine e-vapor device.

2. The heating engine control circuit of claim 1, wherein the track converter circuit is configured to disable the power signal in response to the termination of the vapor smoke activation signal.

3. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein... Receive the vapor activation signal from the controller of the nicotine electronic vaporizer; The track converter circuit is configured to output a feedback signal to the controller, the feedback signal being a scaled form of the power signal indicating the current voltage level of the power signal; and The duty cycle of the vapor activation signal is based on the feedback signal.

4. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein... The second enable signal is a pulse width modulation signal; The integrated gate driver is configured to receive the second enable signal at the input pin; and The gate driver circuitry includes a filter circuitry connected to the input pin, the filter circuitry being configured to filter the second enable signal before the second enable signal is input to the integrated gate driver.

5. The heating engine control circuit of claim 4, wherein the gate driver circuit includes a pull-down resistor connected to an input pin of the integrated gate driver, the pull-down resistor being configured to maintain the input pin at a logic low level when the second enable signal is in a floating state.

6. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gate driver circuit comprises: A bootstrap charge pump circuit is connected between the input voltage pin and the boost pin of the integrated gate driver.

7. The heating engine control circuit of claim 6, wherein the bootstrap charge pump circuit is connected to the switching node pin of the integrated gate driver.

8. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 6, wherein the gate driver circuit comprises: A filter circuit is connected between the input terminal of the power signal and the bootstrap charge pump circuit.

9. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the track converter circuit comprises: A first capacitor is connected between the power supply and ground. An inductor having a first terminal connected to a first node between the power supply and the first capacitor, and a second terminal connected to a second node; A switching transistor connected between the second node and ground, the switching transistor being configured to receive the vapor activation signal; The second capacitor has a first terminal connected to the second node and a second terminal connected to the third node; A first diode, the first diode having an anode connected to ground and a cathode connected to the third node; A second diode, the second diode having an anode connected to the third node and a cathode connected to the fourth node; A third capacitor is connected between the fourth node and ground. as well as A voltage divider circuit, connected to the fourth node, is configured to output a feedback signal based on the power signal.

10. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 9, wherein the track converter circuit further comprises: A pull-down resistor connected between the gate of the switching transistor and ground is configured to prevent the output of the power signal when the vapor activation signal has an uncertain state.

11. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gate driver circuit further comprises: A first filter circuit is configured to filter the power signal for input to the integrated gate driver. as well as A second filter circuit is configured to filter the second enable signal for input to the integrated gate driver.

12. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A heating engine drive circuit, configured to control the power supply to the heater, includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground; and wherein... The gate driver circuit is configured to output a drive voltage to the gate of the first transistor to maintain the gate-source voltage of the first transistor at the voltage level of the power signal, independent of the voltage level of the power supply.

13. The heating engine control circuit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A heating engine drive circuit, configured to control the power supply to the heater, includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground; and wherein... The gate driver circuit is configured to output a current switching signal to generate a voltage output to the heater, the level of which is independent of the voltage level of the power supply.

14. A nicotine electronic vaporizer, comprising: A heater configured to heat a pre-prepared nicotine vapor drawn from a nicotine reservoir; A track converter circuit configured to convert a power supply voltage into a power signal based on a vapor activation signal, wherein the vapor activation signal is a pulse width modulation signal; and The device includes a gate driver circuit with an integrated gate driver configured to control the application of power to the heater of the nicotine e-vapor device based on the power signal, a first enable signal, and a second enable signal.

15. The nicotine electronic vaporizer of claim 14, wherein the track converter circuit is configured to disable the power signal in response to termination of the vaporizer activation signal.

16. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The track converter circuit is configured to output a feedback signal, which is a scaled form of the power signal indicating the current voltage level of the power signal; and The nicotine e-vapor device includes a controller configured to generate a vapor activation signal based on the feedback signal.

17. The nicotine electronic vaporizer of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to control the duty cycle of the vaporizer activation signal based on the feedback signal.

18. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The second enable signal is a pulse width modulation signal; The integrated gate driver is configured to receive the second enable signal at the input pin; and The gate driver circuitry includes a filter circuitry connected to the input pin, the filter circuitry being configured to filter the second enable signal before the second enable signal is input to the integrated gate driver.

19. The nicotine electronic vaporizer of claim 18, wherein the gate driver circuitry includes a pull-down resistor connected to an input pin of the integrated gate driver, the pull-down resistor being configured to maintain the input pin at a logic low level when the second enable signal is in a floating state.

20. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the gate driver circuit comprises: A bootstrap charge pump circuit is connected between the input voltage pin and the boost pin of the integrated gate driver.

21. The nicotine electronic vaporizer of claim 20, wherein the bootstrap charge pump circuit is connected to the switching node pin of the integrated gate driver.

22. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 20, wherein the gate driver circuit comprises: A filter circuit is connected between the input terminal of the power signal and the bootstrap charge pump circuit.

23. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the track converter circuit comprises: A first capacitor is connected between the power supply and ground. An inductor having a first terminal connected to a first node between the power supply and the first capacitor, and a second terminal connected to a second node; A switching transistor connected between the second node and ground, the switching transistor being configured to receive the vapor activation signal; The second capacitor has a first terminal connected to the second node and a second terminal connected to the third node; A first diode, the first diode having an anode connected to ground and a cathode connected to the third node; A second diode, the second diode having an anode connected to the third node and a cathode connected to the fourth node; A third capacitor is connected between the fourth node and ground. as well as A voltage divider circuit, connected to the fourth node, is configured to output a feedback signal based on the power signal.

24. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 23, wherein the track converter circuit further comprises: A pull-down resistor connected between the gate of the switching transistor and ground is configured to prevent the output of the power signal when the vapor activation signal has an uncertain state.

25. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the gate driver circuit further comprises: A first filter circuit is configured to filter the power signal for input to the integrated gate driver. as well as A second filter circuit is configured to filter the second enable signal for input to the integrated gate driver.

26. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: A heating engine drive circuit, configured to control the power supply to the heater, includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground; and wherein... The gate driver circuit is configured to output a drive voltage to the gate of the first transistor to maintain the gate-source voltage of the first transistor at the voltage level of the power signal, independent of the voltage level of the power supply.

27. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: A heating engine drive circuit, configured to control the power supply to the heater, includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground; and wherein... The gate driver circuit is configured to output a current switching signal to generate a voltage output to the heater, the level of which is independent of the voltage level of the power supply.

28. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: A nicotine reservoir for storing the nicotine vapor pre-formulation; Core, the core being configured to transfer the nicotine vapor pre-preparation from the nicotine reservoir to the heater; and wherein The heater is configured to heat the nicotine vapor pre-preparation transported by the core from the nicotine reservoir.

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