Aerosol delivery controller, system, method and storage device

Abstract

A controller for managing leakage of a liquid aerosol-generating material from a cartridge or aerosol delivery system, the cartridge or aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator, the controller configured to monitor and / or estimate a level of saturation of the aerosol generator by the liquid aerosol-generating material; and in response to the monitored and / or estimated saturation level, temporarily activating the aerosol generator to accelerate evaporation of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol generator and reduce the saturation level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as but not limited to nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes). More particularly, the present disclosure relates to controllers for aerosol delivery systems and cartridges, methods for controlling such systems and cartridges, and storage devices for aerosol delivery systems and / or cartridges. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), typically contain an aerosol generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or source liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavoring agent, from which an aerosol or vapor is generated, for example by thermal evaporation, for inhalation by a user. Therefore, an aerosol delivery system will typically include an aerosol generating region containing an aerosol generator (e.g., a heating element), which is arranged to evaporate or aerosolize a portion of a precursor material to generate a vapor or aerosol in the aerosol generating region. When a user inhales on the device and power is supplied to the vaporizer, air is drawn into the device through the inlet aperture and along an inlet air channel connected to the aerosol generating region, where the air mixes with the vaporized precursor material to form a condensed aerosol. There is an outlet channel connecting the aerosol generating region to an outlet in the mouthpiece, and the air drawn into the aerosol generating region when the user inhales on the mouthpiece continues along the outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, the air carrying the aerosol together for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavor element in the airflow path through the device to impart additional flavor. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavor element may, for example, include a tobacco portion arranged in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece, such that an aerosol / condensed aerosol drawn through the device passes through the tobacco portion before leaving the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

[0003] The leakage of aerosol generating materials from aerosol delivery systems (or cartridges for such aerosol delivery systems) remains a long-standing problem. Various designs have been tried to solve this problem, but it remains a problem. This article describes various methods that seek to help solve or mitigate the leakage of aerosol generating materials.

[0004] the term

[0005] Conveying system

[0006] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that, in use, delivers at least one substance to a user, and includes:

[0007] Combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or self-made cigarettes (based on or not based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokeable material);

[0008] non-flammable aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosol generating material without burning the aerosol generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials; and

[0009] An aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or otherwise without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gum, patches, products including inhalable powders, and oral products (e.g., oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0010] Flammable Aerosol Supply System

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) burns or ignites during use to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0012] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo, and a cigar.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, an overflow, an aerosol modifier release component (such as a capsule, a thread or a bead), or a paper (such as a plug paper, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper).

[0014] Non-flammable aerosol supply system

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) do not burn or ignite to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0016] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, for example, a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required.

[0018] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol, wherein one or more of the aerosol generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0020] Generally, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

[0022] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical source or an exothermic source. In some embodiments, the exothermic source includes a carbon matrix that may be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the exothermic source.

[0023] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving a consumable product, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0024] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material conveying component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a shell, a wrapping paper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0025] Aerosol-free delivery system

[0026] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-aerosol delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another manner without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gum, patches, products including inhalable powders, and oral products (e.g., oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0027] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Either material can include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials, as appropriate.

[0028] Active substances

[0029] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, the active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance physiological reactions. The active substance can be, for example, selected from a nutrient, a nootropic, a psychoactive substance. The active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives or combinations thereof. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other plants.

[0030] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0031] As described herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0032] As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material may include an active compound naturally present in a plant, which is obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0033] Examples of plants are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, red tea tree, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (e.g. green or black), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, Lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, holly, basil plant, turmeric, turmeric root powder, sandalwood, coriander leaf, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, nutmeg, dammarin, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, tetramethyluric acid, maca, Indian ginseng, damson, Guanna tea, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. Mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, mint cv, Egyptian mint, peppermint, basil mint cv, peppermint cv, spearmint, heart-leaf spearmint, long-leaf mint, pineapple mint, lip calyx mint, spearmint cv, and apple mint.

[0034] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and cannabis.

[0035] In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plants are selected from the group consisting of red leaf tea tree and fennel.

[0036] Flavoring

[0037] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes a flavoring agent. As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavor" refer to materials that can be used to produce a taste, fragrance, or other physical sensation desired by adult consumers in a product, where permitted by local regulations. It can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, cranberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape Grapes, durian, pitaya, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Durham, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, mint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, bitter bean peel, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, Arabic tea, sorghum, betel leaf, coriander, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, coriander, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel , mustard, green pepper, ginger, cilantro, coffee, cannabis, mint oil from any species of the mint family, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, red beans, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazelnuts, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green or black), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, mace, Damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, shallot, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners. It can be an imitation, synthetic or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It can be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0038] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises a flavoring agent component of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises a flavoring agent component extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises a flavor component extracted from cannabis.

[0039] In some embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of aroma or taste nerves, flavoring agents may include sensates that are intended to achieve somatic sensations that are typically chemically induced and sensed by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effects. Suitable thermal effect agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0040] Aerosol Generating Materials

[0041] Aerosol generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "whole solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) inside it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% amorphous solid to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% amorphous solid.

[0042] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavouring agents, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0043] Aerosol former materials

[0044] The aerosol forming agent material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetyl glycerol, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0045] Functional Materials

[0046] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer and / or an antioxidant.

[0047] Matrix

[0048] The material may be present on or in a carrier to form a substrate. The carrier may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0049] Consumables

[0050] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may, for example, include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0051] Receptors

[0052] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by being penetrated with a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor can be a conductive material such that its penetration by the varying magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heated material. The heated material can be a magnetic material such that its penetration by the varying magnetic field results in hysteresis heating of the heated material. The susceptor can be both conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this article, a device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0053] Aerosol modifiers

[0054] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of an aerosol generation region that are configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be disposed in an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. For example, the aerosol modifier may be an additive or an adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier may include one or more of a flavoring, a coloring agent, water, and a carbon adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier may be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in powder, string, or particle form. The aerosol modifier may be free of filter material.

[0055] Aerosol Generator

[0056] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0057] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system (which may also be referred to as a vapor delivery system), such as a nebulizer or an electronic cigarette. In the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that this term can be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. In addition, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "evaporation", "aerosolization" and "aerosolization" are often used interchangeably.

[0058] Aerosol delivery systems (electronic cigarettes) typically (although not always) include modular components, which include a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Typically, the replaceable cartridge part will include an aerosol generating material and a vaporizer (which can be collectively referred to as an "atomizer"), and the reusable device part will include a power source (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and a control circuit. It will be understood that these different parts may include additional elements depending on the function. For example, the reusable device part will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status features, and the replaceable cartridge device part includes a temperature sensor for helping to control the temperature in some cases. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically connected to the control unit for use, for example, using a thread, a bayonet, or a magnetic connection with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is exhausted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge can be removed from the reusable part and the replacement cartridge is attached to its appropriate position. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-piece modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-piece systems / devices.

[0059] Electronic cigarettes typically have a generally elongated shape. To provide a specific example, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be considered to include such a generally elongated two-piece system using a disposable cartridge. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may be equally applicable to different configurations, such as a one-piece system or a modular system including more than two components, a refillable device and single-use disposables, and other overall shapes, such as high-performance devices based on so-called box-shaped models that typically have a box shape. More generally, it will be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on an aerosol delivery system that is operationally configured to provide functionality according to the principles described herein, and that the structural aspects of the system configured to provide functionality according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure are not primarily important. Summary of the invention

[0060] The present invention provides a controller for managing leakage of liquid aerosol generating material from a cigarette cartridge or an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator, the controller being configured to: monitor and / or estimate the saturation level of the aerosol generator with the liquid aerosol generating material; and in response to the monitored and / or estimated saturation level, temporarily activate the aerosol generator to accelerate evaporation of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generator and reduce the saturation level.

[0061] The present invention further provides a method for controlling an aerosol generator, comprising: monitoring and / or estimating the saturation level of the aerosol generator with liquid aerosol generating material; and temporarily activating the aerosol generator in response to the monitored and / or estimated saturation level to accelerate the evaporation of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generator and reduce the saturation level.

[0062] The invention further provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0063] The claimed invention generally provides a subassembly or subsystem suitable for use or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system. The subsystem may generally form part of an aerosol delivery system, and in particular may form part of a reusable device and / or a consumable cartridge.

[0064] The inventors have recognized that leakage of aerosol generating material from a cartridge or an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator is particularly problematic if the cartridge / system has not been used for some time. The present invention provides a controller, an aerosol delivery system, a storage device, and a method for controlling an aerosol generator to mitigate leakage by minimizing and / or preventing saturation of the aerosol generator with aerosol generating material.

[0065] Thus, the claimed invention provides many benefits, in particular enabling the user to switch between cartridges and systems without risk of leakage, and not being forced to empty one cartridge / system before using another due to leakage issues. Reducing leakage further reduces waste and contamination / staining of other products by leakage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 2a and Figure 2b is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system illustrating the problem addressed herein;

[0069] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0070] Figures 4a to 4e is a schematic diagram of a storage device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Various aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that various aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any suitable conventional techniques.

[0072] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, which provides an introduction to the two-piece aerosol delivery system, the components therein, and their functions.

[0073] The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts, namely a reusable part 2 and a replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge part 4. In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably connected together at an interface 6. When the cartridge part 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part 4, the cartridge part 4 can be removed from the reusable part 2 and a replacement cartridge part 4 is attached to the reusable part 2 in its place. The interface 6 provides a structural connection, an electrical connection and an airflow path connection between the two parts 2, 4, and can be established according to conventional techniques, such as based on threaded, magnetic or bayonet fixings, with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for appropriately establishing an electrical connection and an airflow path between the two parts 2, 4. The specific manner in which the cartridge part 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable part 2 is not important to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a specific example, it is assumed here that a magnetic connector ( Figure 1 ). It will also be understood that the interface 6 may not support electrical connections and / or airflow path connections between the respective parts 2 and 4 in some implementations. For example, in some implementations, an aerosol generator may be provided in the reusable part 2 instead of in the cartridge part 4, or the power transmission from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge part 4 may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction), so that no electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is required. In addition, in some implementations, the airflow through the electronic cigarette may not pass through the reusable part 2, so that no airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is required. In some cases, when the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are connected together for use, a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the cartridge / consumable portion 4 may be generally conventional. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the cartridge part 4 includes a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastic material. The cartridge housing 42 supports the other components of the cartridge part 4 and provides a mechanical interface 6 for the reusable part 2. The cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical around a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part 4 is coupled to the reusable part 2. In this example, the cartridge part 4 has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. However, the specific geometry and overall shape and the materials used may vary.

[0075] Within the cartridge housing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 containing an aerosol generating material. Figure 1In the example of , the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape having an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall defining an airflow path 52 through the cartridge portion 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end with an end wall to contain the aerosol generating material. The reservoir 44 can be formed according to conventional techniques, for example, it can include a plastic material and be integrally molded with the cartridge housing 42.

[0076] The cartridge / consumable portion 4 further comprises an aerosol generator 48 positioned towards the end of the reservoir 44 opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50. It will be appreciated that in e.g. Figure 1 In the two-piece system shown, the aerosol generator 48 can be in either the reusable portion 2 or the cartridge portion 4. For example, in some embodiments, an aerosol generator 48 (e.g., a heater, which can be in the form of a core and coil arrangement as shown, a distiller, which can be formed of a sintered metal fiber material or other porous conductive material, or any suitable alternative aerosol generator) can be included in the reusable portion 2 and brought into proximity with a portion of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge portion 4 when the cartridge portion 4 is engaged with the reusable portion 2. In such an embodiment, the cartridge portion 4 can include a portion of the aerosol generating material, and when the cartridge portion 4 is engaged with the reusable portion 2, the aerosol generator 48 including the heater is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 5 , the core 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the cartridge airflow path 52, with its end extending into the reservoir 44 of liquid aerosol generating material through an opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. The size of the opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 is designed to broadly match the size of the core 46 to provide a reasonable seal to prevent leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without over-compressing the core 46, which may impair its fluid transfer properties.

[0078] The core 46 and the aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 so that the area of ​​the cartridge airflow path 52 around the core 46 and the heater 48 actually defines the evaporation area of ​​the cartridge portion 4. The aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 penetrates into the core 46 through the end of the core extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the core by surface tension / capillary action (i.e., wicking). In this example, the aerosol generator 48 includes a resistive wire coiled around the core 46. Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the heater 48 comprises a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, and the core 46 comprises a glass fiber bundle, but the specific aerosol generator configuration is not important for the principles described herein. In use, power can be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to evaporate a certain amount of aerosol-generating material (aerosol-generating material) drawn into the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 through the core 46. The evaporated aerosol-generating material can then be entrained in the air drawn from the evaporation region toward the mouthpiece outlet 50 along the cartridge airflow path for inhalation by the user.

[0079] As described above, the rate at which the aerosol-generating material is vaporized by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Thus, electrical power may be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge portion 4, and further, the rate of aerosol generation may be varied by varying the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example by pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

[0080] The reusable portion 2 includes a housing 12 having an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the electronic cigarette, a power source 26 (e.g., a battery) for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, a control circuit / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display 24.

[0081] The housing 12 may be formed, for example, from a plastic or metal material and in this example has a circular cross-section that generally conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts 2, 4 at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable part 2 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so the total length of the electronic cigarette is approximately 12 cm when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together.

[0082] The air inlet 28 is connected to the airflow path 51 through the reusable portion 2. When the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4 are connected together, the reusable portion airflow path 51 is in turn connected to the cartridge airflow path 52 across the interface 6. Thus, when a user inhales at the mouthpiece opening 50, air is drawn through the air inlet 28, along the reusable portion airflow path 51, across the interface 6, through the aerosol generating region near the aerosol generator 48 (where the vaporized aerosol generating material becomes entrained in the airflow), along the cartridge airflow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for inhalation by the user.

[0083] In this example, the power source 26 is rechargeable and can be of a conventional type, such as that commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring relatively high currents to be provided in relatively short periods of time. The power source 26 can be recharged via a charging connector, such as a USB connector, in the reusable portion housing 12.

[0084] Optionally, a first user input button 14 and / or a second user input button 16 may be provided, which in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring-mounted component that can be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact. In this regard, the input buttons may be considered to be input means for detecting user input, and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not important. The buttons may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off and adjusting user settings, such as the power to be supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.

[0085] A display 24 may be provided to give a user a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, such as current power setting information, remaining power of the power supply, and the like. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example, the display 24 includes a conventional pixelated LCD screen, which can be driven to display the desired information according to conventional techniques. In other implementations, the display may include one or more discrete indicators, such as LEDs, which are arranged to display the desired information, for example, by a specific color and / or flash sequence. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and the information is displayed to the user using the display is not important to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and / or may include other devices for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system to the user, for example using an audio signal, or may not include any device for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system to the user.

[0086] The controller 22 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide the functions as described herein, as well as for providing the conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1. The controller (processor circuit) 22 can be considered to logically include various subunits / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. In this example, the controller 22 includes a power control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, a user programming circuit 20 for establishing a configuration setting (e.g., a user-defined power setting) in response to user input, and other functional units / circuit related functions according to the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of the electronic cigarette, such as display drive circuits and user input detection circuits. The functions of the controller 22 can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chip sets.

[0087] According to the present disclosure, the controller 22 can be configured to manage leakage of liquid aerosol generating material from a cartridge or an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator 48, as further described below with respect to Figures 2 to 4. The controller 22 can be part of the reusable portion 2 and / or the replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge portion 4.

[0088] The controller 22 may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a microcontroller for controlling the aerosol delivery device. The microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or a microprocessor. The operation of the CPU and other electronic components is usually at least partially controlled by a software program running on the CPU (or other components). Such software programs may be stored in a non-volatile storage device, such as a ROM, which may be integrated into the microcontroller itself, or provided as a separate component. The CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs when needed.

[0089] The reusable part 2 includes an airflow sensor 30 electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a so-called "puff sensor" because the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when the user puffs on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a switch in the electrical path that provides power from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In this embodiment, the airflow sensor 30 generally includes a pressure sensor that is configured to close the switch when subjected to a specific range of pressures so that once the pressure near the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold, the current can flow from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48. The threshold value can be set to a value determined by experiment to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the start of the user's puff. In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes power from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48 according to the signal received by the controller 22 from the airflow sensor 30. The specific manner in which the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may include a measurement of capacitance, resistance, or other characteristics of the airflow sensor performed by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 may be performed according to any method known to a skilled person.

[0090] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31, but this is not required. The airflow sensor 30 may include any sensor configured to determine the characteristics of the airflow in the airflow path 51 disposed between the air inlet 28 and the mouthpiece opening 50, such as a pressure sensor or transducer (e.g., a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone sensitive to changes in air pressure including acoustic signals (e.g., an electret microphone). The airflow sensor 30 is located in a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which includes an interior space defined by one or more chamber walls 34. The sensor cavity 32 includes an area within the one or more chamber walls 34, and the airflow sensor 30 may be located in full or in part in the area. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 includes one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing, which includes the sensor chamber / cavity 32.

[0091] The deformable membrane is disposed across an opening communicating between the sensor cavity 32 containing the sensor 30 and a portion of the airflow path disposed between the air inlet 28 and the mouthpiece opening 50. The deformable membrane covers the opening and is attached to one or more chamber walls according to methods further described herein.

[0092] As further described herein, the aerosol delivery system 1 includes a communication circuit configured to enable a connection to be established with one or more additional electronic devices (e.g., a storage / charging box, and / or a refilling / charging base) to enable data transmission between the aerosol delivery system 1 and the additional electronic devices. In some embodiments, the communication circuit is integrated into the controller 22, and in other embodiments, it is implemented separately. For example, the communication circuit may include a module separate from the controller 22, which provides a dedicated data transmission function for the aerosol delivery device when connected to the controller 22. In some embodiments, the communication circuit is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more additional electronic devices via a wireless interface. The communication circuit can be configured to support wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices, such as a box, a base, a computing device such as a smart phone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communication, a relay node providing a forward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device supporting wireless communication.

[0093] The controller 22, other components within the system 1, and other devices / systems may include one or more processors, and the data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, with data transmitted via wired or wireless means.

[0094] Wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and another electronic device may be configured according to a data transmission protocol such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wifi direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless and / or wired network protocol or interface. The communications circuitry may include any suitable interface for a wired data connection, such as a USB-C, micro USB, or Thunderbolt interface, and may include a pin or contact pad arrangement configured to engage mating pins or contact pads on a base, case, cable, or other external device connectable to the aerosol delivery system 1.

[0095] Figure 2a and Figure 2b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further aerosol delivery system 1 illustrating the problems addressed herein. Figure 2a The system 1 comprises an aerosol generator 48 in the form of a distiller, and Figure 2b The system 1 comprises a core and coil arrangement. Both aerosol generator arrangements receive aerosol generating material from a reservoir 44 and then vaporize it by heating.

[0096] like Figure 2a and Figure 2bAs depicted in , aerosol generating material may leak from the system 1 , resulting in waste and mess.

[0097] The inventors have determined that saturation of the aerosol generator 48 with aerosol-generating material can result in leakage. Figure 2a and Figure 2b Only still-type and core-coil-type aerosol generators 48 are depicted in FIG. 4 , but the same principles apply to all types of aerosol generators 48 using fluid aerosol generating materials.

[0098] Figure 3 1 is a schematic flow chart showing a process for controlling an aerosol generator 48 to manage leakage of a liquid aerosol generating material according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process may be implemented by an existing or additional controller 22 forming part of a cartridge or an aerosol delivery system (e.g., in a reusable portion), or by a controller 122 forming part of a storage device for storing cartridges and aerosol delivery systems, as described later with reference to Figures 4a to 4e As discussed. Thus, the process can be introduced as a software / firmware update for an existing controller 22 in an existing cartridge and / or aerosol delivery system.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, the process includes identifying and / or estimating when the aerosol generator 48 is saturated or is likely to become saturated (close to saturation), and then temporarily activating the aerosol generator 48 to accelerate the evaporation of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generator 48 and reduce the saturation level of the aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator 48.

[0100] The process is preferably as follows Figure 3 The cyclic process shown includes monitoring and / or estimating the saturation level of the aerosol generator with liquid aerosol generating material, and then temporarily activating the aerosol generator in response to the monitored and / or estimated saturation level, for example when the monitored and / or estimated saturation level exceeds a threshold.

[0101] The monitoring and / or estimation of saturation levels may be performed cyclically / repeatedly, for example periodically at regular intervals, for example every 30 minutes, 60 minutes or 120 minutes, substantially continuously, for example every minute, or irregularly, for example when manually triggered by a user or sensor input.

[0102] The monitoring and / or estimation of the saturation level may be performed using any suitable method. Monitoring typically involves measuring (observing or checking) the saturation level, while estimation typically involves approximately calculating or predicting the saturation level. Monitoring and estimation may be combined, for example, first measuring and then estimating after the measurement, for example based on a model, which may be simplified, or vice versa. Any combination of monitoring and estimation may be used.

[0103] In embodiments of the present disclosure, monitoring and / or estimating the saturation level of the aerosol generator may be based on one or more of the following:

[0104] a) the mass of the aerosol generator; and / or

[0105] b) the time since the last activation of the aerosol generator; and / or

[0106] c) the temperature of the aerosol generator; and / or

[0107] d) the resistance of the aerosol generator; and / or

[0108] e) humidity in or near the aerosol generator; and / or

[0109] f) Detection of leaks of aerosol generating materials.

[0110] The saturation level of the aerosol generator 48 can be determined (measured) directly, for example, by measuring the mass (or weight) of the aerosol generator 48. As the aerosol generator 48 absorbs aerosol-generating material, it becomes heavier, and thus the saturation level can be determined by measuring the relative change in weight of the aerosol generator 48. By determining the maximum saturation weight of the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., via experimentation prior to assembly), the measured weight of the aerosol generator 48 in use can be compared to the maximum saturation level weight to provide the saturation level as a percentage (relative saturation).

[0111] Suitable arrangements for weighing an aerosol generator include micro-weighing solutions and strain gauges. While such direct measurement is possible, it is relatively expensive in terms of components and computations, and relatively complex to implement. Therefore, various other simpler methods for monitoring and / or estimating the saturation level of an aerosol generator are also considered.

[0112] In a first simple embodiment, the monitoring and / or estimation of the saturation level of the aerosol generator 48 is based on the time since the last activation of the aerosol generator 48. In such an embodiment, the controller 22 for the cartridge / system can be configured to track the time when the aerosol generator 48 was last used (e.g., via a timestamp or timer), and then assume or determine when the aerosol generator 48 will likely be saturated based on the time that has passed since the last use of the aerosol generator 48. Compared to existing cartridges / systems, this arrangement will not necessarily require any additional hardware, thereby minimizing costs.

[0113] The time it takes to reach saturation may depend on a number of parameters, including those that affect the evaporation rate, which typically include the type / properties of the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., the area of ​​the interface between the ambient air and the aerosol generating material), the type / properties of the aerosol generating material (e.g., the temperature, viscosity, volatility at the interface), and environmental parameters (e.g., the temperature and humidity of the ambient air and its flow rate through the aerosol generator). Typically, a suitable elapsed time will be in the range of a few hours to a few days, e.g., 1-72 hours. A suitable / customized time period can be determined experimentally, and the controller can determine the elapsed time (or adjust the default value) based on one or more of these parameters.

[0114] In its simplest form, the controller 22 may assume that the aerosol generator 48 will be saturated after a period of time has passed since the last activation, and therefore then temporarily activate the aerosol generator 48 after a period of time has passed to reduce the saturation level. Thus, in its simplest form, the process may include periodically activating the aerosol generator 48 at regular or irregular (variable) intervals, such as every 3-12 hours. The precise intervals and other parameters such as activation duration may vary, for example, depending on environmental parameters, as discussed further below.

[0115] In one specific example, the process involves activating the aerosol generator 48 for approximately 3 seconds to reach a temperature of approximately 150° C. after the aerosol generator 48 has been idle / inactive for 10 hours, before returning to idle to repeat the anti-leak cycle, i.e., reactivating again after the aerosol generator 48 has been idle / inactive for another (continuous) 10 hours. Any activation of the aerosol generator 48 between such anti-leak cycles may reset the idle timer.

[0116] Alternatively, in an embodiment of combined saturation level measurement and estimation, when the elapsed time has expired, the controller 22 can measure the current saturation level at that time, and then, if the measurement exceeds a threshold, temporarily activate the aerosol generator 48 to reduce the saturation level, or, if the measurement does not exceed the threshold, estimate when the aerosol generator 48 will likely be saturated based on the most recent measurement, and arrange to temporarily activate the aerosol generator 48 at that time, or repeat the measurement process and threshold comparison steps at that time.

[0117] In a second simple embodiment, the monitoring and / or estimation of the saturation level is based on the temperature of the aerosol generator 48, for example, as sensed by a temperature sensor, or based on the resistance of the aerosol generator 48. For example, in a modification of the first simple embodiment, the time elapsed from when the aerosol generator 48 reaches a threshold operating temperature may be calculated to more accurately indicate when the rate of evaporation of the aerosol generating material will slow and thus the aerosol generator 48 will become saturated. Compared to the first embodiment, this will filter out any puffs from the user when the aerosol generator 48 has not reached a normal operating temperature, and is therefore more cautious in predicting saturation and therefore leaks.

[0118] Likewise, for the first simple embodiment, when the elapsed time has expired, the controller 22 may assume that the aerosol generator 48 is saturated and therefore temporarily activate the aerosol generator 48 to reduce the saturation level. Alternatively, similar to the first simple embodiment, the controller 22 may measure the current saturation level or (preferably) the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 at that time, and if the measurement exceeds a threshold (e.g., the aerosol generator has cooled back to ambient temperature, or cooled to ambient temperature within a threshold), temporarily activate the aerosol generator 48 to reduce the saturation level, or if the measurement does not exceed the threshold, estimate when the aerosol generator 48 will likely be saturated based on the most recent measurement, and arrange to temporarily activate the aerosol generator 48 at that time, or repeat the measurement process and threshold comparison steps at that time.

[0119] It is known to measure the resistance of a heater in an electrically heated suction system to provide an indication of the temperature of the heater, as described, for example, in EP 3 282 871 A1. It is therefore possible to monitor and / or estimate the saturation level of the aerosol generator 48 based on the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 indicated by the resistance of the aerosol generator 48.

[0120] In a third simple embodiment, the monitoring and / or estimation of the saturation level is based on the humidity in or near the aerosol generator 48. The humidity of the air in the aerosol generator 48 (more specifically, at the interface between the air and the aerosol generating material) is one environmental parameter that affects the rate at which the aerosol generating material evaporates from the aerosol generator 48.

[0121] During puffing, the humidity in the aerosol generator 48 will be high as the aerosol generating material is evaporated to generate the aerosol. For an aerosol generator 48 that generates heat, the heat generated will also heat the air, thereby increasing its vapor capacity. After puffing is completed, the rate of vapor generation decreases as the aerosol generator cools and the air temperature also decreases. At the same time, the humidity remains relatively high because, although the rate of vapor generation decreases, the vapor capacity of the air decreases as the air temperature decreases.

[0122] Thus, high humidity of the air in the aerosol generator 48 may generally be associated with low saturation of the aerosol generator 48, as this generally implies that evaporation has occurred / is occurring, which prevents the aerosol generator 48 from becoming saturated. Conversely, low humidity of the air in the aerosol generator 48 may indicate that evaporation is occurring slowly, and thus may indicate that the aerosol generator 48 is saturated or is becoming saturated. However, this cannot be relied upon, and thus humidity-based monitoring and / or estimation is generally used in conjunction with other methods.

[0123] The relative thresholds for "high" and "low" humidity vary depending on many factors, including those outlined above for evaporation rate, and can be determined experimentally for a given aerosol delivery system, but generally, "high" humidity can be considered to be at or above 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, while low humidity can be at or below 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%.

[0124] Furthermore, by comparing the humidity of the air in the aerosol generator 48 to the humidity of the ambient air, it may be possible to predict near saturation of the aerosol generator, e.g., when the humidity inside the aerosol generator 48 is similar to the humidity of the ambient air (e.g., within + / - 2%), this again indicates that little vapor is evaporating from the aerosol generator 48. Similarly, high humidity of the ambient air outside the aerosol generator 48 may also indicate that the aerosol generator 48 may be saturated or is becoming saturated, as the ambient air has little further vapor capacity.

[0125] As with the previous embodiments, humidity may be measured and / or estimated. Humidity may be measured using a humidity sensor (hygrometer) or estimated using a model, for example assuming that the aerosol generator 48 operates under normal operating conditions, the operating humidity may be known from experiments (e.g., 95%), and the change in humidity over time may be modeled based on experiments, optionally taking into account environmental parameters that may be measured using one or more sensors.

[0126] In a fourth embodiment, the monitoring and / or estimation of the saturation level is based on detecting a leakage of aerosol generating material. Such a leakage indicates that the aerosol generator 48 has become saturated, so in response, the aerosol generator 48 should be temporarily activated to accelerate the evaporation of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generator 48 and reduce the saturation level.

[0127] Any suitable method for detecting leaks may be used. In particular, the cartridge / system may include a leak detector element, which may be in the form of a pad under the aerosol generator 48, to capture any leaks. The controller 22 may be configured to measure a parameter of the leak detector pad using a sensor that indicates whether any aerosol generating material has leaked into / onto the leak detector element.

[0128] In one example, the controller 22 is configured to measure the resistance of the leak detector pad and associate any change from the default resistance (beyond the error limit) with a leak, and temporarily activate the aerosol generator 48 to reduce the saturation level. The leak detector pad can be divided into multiple areas, and the resistance measurement is performed for each area to detect the location of the leak. Some areas may not be associated with leaks from the aerosol generator 48 (but rather with leaks from, for example, a reservoir or mouthpiece), and therefore may not trigger a saturation level response. For systems including multiple aerosol generating areas (e.g., a mesh heater with multiple independently heatable areas or multiple different aerosol generators 48), when a leak is detected in the area, the individual areas / generators can be activated (heated) to minimize power consumption. Preferably, the leak detector element is also heated, ideally heated at the same time, to evaporate the leaked aerosol generating material, and thus effectively reset the leak detector element.

[0129] As described above, the controller 22 can be configured to monitor and / or estimate the saturation level of the aerosol generator 48 based on one or more parameters of the aerosol generator 48, one or more parameters of the aerosol generating material, and / or one or more environmental parameters. The controller 22 can be located in the reusable device portion of the aerosol delivery system 1, and can therefore be used with different replaceable cartridges that can contain different aerosol generating materials and / or aerosol generators 48. Therefore, the controller 22 is preferably configured to identify one or more parameters of the aerosol generator 48 and / or the aerosol generating material to customize the operating parameters according to the aerosol generator 48 and / or the aerosol generating material in use.

[0130] Such identification can be performed in any suitable manner, such as by automatic data communication between the cartridge / system and the controller 22 when the cartridge is connected to the controller 22 (e.g., the controller 22 can be configured to read data stored in a reservoir on the cartridge), by the controller 22 receiving input from a user interface (e.g., via a user input button), or by the controller 22 receiving input from a sensor (e.g., a camera) configured to identify the cartridge from an identifier (e.g., a bar code).

[0131] As described above, the activation of the aerosol generator 48 is temporary to accelerate the evaporation of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generator and reduce the saturation level. In some examples, the process includes:

[0132] activating the aerosol generator 48 to a temperature substantially between 100-225°C, between 125-200°C, between 150-175°C, or substantially 200°C (e.g., slightly below the normal operating temperature of approximately 250°C for generating an aerosol for puffing); and / or

[0133] Activating the aerosol generator 48 for substantially 1-5 seconds, 1-4 seconds, 1-3 seconds, 1-2 seconds or 1 second; and / or

[0134] • Activating the aerosol generator 48 until the monitored or estimated saturation level drops below a threshold.

[0135] In some examples, the process further involves monitoring and / or estimating substantial depletion of the aerosol generating material, and indicating substantial depletion of the aerosol generating material to the user. While the process / controller for managing leakage of liquid aerosol generating material from the cartridge or aerosol delivery system advantageously reduces leakage, temporary activation of the aerosol generator 48 draws power and vaporizes a small amount of aerosol generating material. Thus, over time, this will deplete the reservoir of aerosol generating material, and thus the cartridge will need to be replaced / refilled.

[0136] Substantial depletion of the aerosol generating material can be determined by monitoring the temperature (or resistance) of the aerosol generator 48 during normal use. If the reservoir is depleted, no further supply will be provided to the aerosol generator 48, and thus the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 48 will rise above its normal limit, for example because heat is not transferred to the aerosol generating material and / or there is reduced evaporation of the aerosol generating material, which normally lowers the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 48.

[0137] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a storage device configured to receive one or more cartridges or aerosol delivery systems including a reservoir of liquid aerosol generating material and an aerosol generator 48 .

[0138] Figure 4aA storage device 100 is shown comprising a housing 110 and a cover 120. The housing 110 is configured to receive one or more cartridges or aerosol delivery systems 1 comprising a reservoir of liquid aerosol generating material and an aerosol generator 48. Any combination of the storage device 100, cartridge and / or aerosol delivery system 1 may include a controller 22, 122 configured to perform the steps outlined above for managing leakage of liquid aerosol generating material.

[0139] Figure 4b The front of the device 100 is shown, and it is shown that the device 100 may include one or more receptacles 130 for receiving a cartridge and / or an aerosol delivery system. Preferably, these receptacles 130 include a fixing mechanism for releasably fixing the cartridge or aerosol delivery system thereto. In some examples, the fixing mechanism includes one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic materials for magnetically fixing to the cartridge or aerosol delivery system, thereby providing secure but convenient releasable storage.

[0140] Figure 4b It is also shown that the device 100 (e.g., the cover 120 and / or the housing 110) can include an absorbent and / or adsorbent material 140 for absorbing and / or adsorbing aerosol generating materials and / or odors released from the cartridge or aerosol delivery system when the aerosol generator 48 inside it is temporarily activated and generates vapor. The absorbent and / or adsorbent material 140 can be user replaceable. Preferred materials for the adsorbent material 140 include activated carbon.

[0141] like Figure 4b As further shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100 may further include a heater 150 configured to heat the absorbent and / or adsorbent material 140 to dry the material 140 .

[0142] Figure 4c The back of the device 100 is shown, and shows that the device 100 may further include a power source 126, for example in the form of a rechargeable battery, for powering an aerosol generator in a cartridge or aerosol delivery system within the device 100. A significantly larger battery may be provided in the device 100 compared to a separate aerosol delivery system 1. The power source 126 may also be configured to recharge any power source 26 in a separate aerosol delivery system 1. Figure 4c Further shown is a controller 122 , which may be configured to manage leakage of liquid aerosol generating material from a cartridge or an aerosol delivery system in the device 100 , and / or configured to control the heater 150 according to the above examples. Figure 4c Also shown is a charging port 160 (eg, a USB Type-C port) for recharging the power source 126 .

[0143] Figure 4dA first side of the device 100 is shown, which includes a user interface (UI) 170 for providing information to a user. Figure 4d , the UI 170 includes three battery life indicators 170a, one for each power source 26 in a cartridge or aerosol delivery system in the device 100, and one for the device 100 itself. As described above, the power source 126 and / or charging port 160 may be operable to recharge the power source 26 of a cartridge or aerosol delivery system in the device 100.

[0144] Figure 4e A second side of the device 100 is shown, which includes another user interface (UI) having two status indicators 170b, one for each of the cartridges or aerosol delivery systems in the device 100, for example to indicate the volume of aerosol generating material remaining or substantially depleted in the cartridge or system in the device 100. These may be configured to illuminate when the device 100 recognizes that the volume of aerosol generating material therein has been substantially depleted (emptied) and therefore requires refilling, or may be disposable.

[0145] The various embodiments described herein are only used to help understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. Any function of a processor (e.g., a controller) can be shared between processors and / or remote servers on various devices / systems in a wider system. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be utilized and can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention claimed.

[0146] Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, contain or consist essentially of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more of the publications cited herein in conjunction with the present disclosure.

[0147] Reference numerals index

[0148] 1 Aerosol delivery system

[0149] 2 Reusable parts

[0150] 4. Cartridge part

[0151] 6 Interface between the reusable part and the cartridge part

[0152] 12 Reusable part shell

[0153] 14.16 User input button

[0154] 20 User programming circuit

[0155] 22 Controller

[0156] 24 Display

[0157] 26 Power Supply

[0158] 28 Air Inlet

[0159] 30 Air flow sensor

[0160] 31. Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0161] 32 Sensor cavity or chamber

[0162] 34 Room Wall

[0163] 42 Cartridge Shell

[0164] 44 Chamber or reservoir

[0165] 46 Core

[0166] 48 Aerosol Generator

[0167] 50 Mouthpiece outlet

[0168] 51 Airflow path through reusable part

[0169] 52 Airflow path through the cartridge

[0170] 100 Storage Devices

[0171] 110 Housing

[0172] 120 Cover

[0173] 122 Storage Device Controller

[0174] 126 Storage device power supply

[0175] 130 Accommodation

[0176] 140 Absorbent and / or adsorbent materials

[0177] 150 Heater

[0178] 160 Charging port

[0179] 170 User Interface

Claims

1. A controller for managing leakage of liquid aerosol generating material from a cartridge or an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator, the controller being configured to: a. monitoring and / or estimating the saturation level of the aerosol generator with liquid aerosol generating material; and b. In response to the monitored and / or estimated saturation level, temporarily activating the aerosol generator to accelerate evaporation of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol generator and reduce the saturation level.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to temporarily activate the aerosol generator when the monitored and / or estimated saturation level exceeds a threshold value.

3. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller is configured to periodically activate the aerosol generator.

4. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller is configured to periodically monitor and / or estimate a saturation level of the aerosol generator.

5. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller is configured to monitor and / or estimate a saturation level of the aerosol generator based on one or more of: a. the mass of the aerosol generator; and / or b. the time since the last activation of the aerosol generator; and / or c. the temperature of the aerosol generator; and / or d. the resistance of the aerosol generator; and / or e. humidity in or near the aerosol generator; and / or f. A leak of aerosol generating material is detected.

6. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller is configured to monitor and / or estimate a saturation level of the aerosol generator based on: a. one or more parameters of the aerosol generator; and / or b. one or more parameters of the aerosol generating material; and / or c. One or more environmental parameters.

7. The controller according to claim 6, wherein: The controller is configured to identify the one or more parameters of the aerosol generator, and / or the one or more parameters of the aerosol generating material, and / or the one or more environmental parameters.

8. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller is configured to receive data from the sensor, the data indicating: a. the saturation level of the aerosol generator; and / or b. the temperature of the aerosol generator; and / or c. Environmental parameters; and / or d. leakage of the aerosol generating material; and / or e. One or more parameters of the aerosol generator and / or one or more parameters of the aerosol generating material.

9. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller is configured to, in response to the monitored and / or estimated saturation level: a. activating the aerosol generator to reach a temperature substantially between 100-225°C, between 125-200°C, between 150-175°C, or substantially 200°C; and / or b. activating the aerosol generator for substantially 1-5 seconds, 1-4 seconds, 1-3 seconds, 1-2 seconds or 1 second; and / or c. Activating the aerosol generator until the monitored and / or estimated saturation level drops below a threshold.

10. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller is configured to monitor and / or estimate substantial depletion of the aerosol generating material and indicate the substantial depletion of the aerosol generating material to a user.

11. A cigarette cartridge or aerosol delivery system, comprising: a. A reservoir for liquid aerosol generating material; b. Aerosol generator; as well as c. A controller according to any preceding claim.

12. An aerosol delivery system configured to receive a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a reservoir of liquid aerosol generating material, wherein: a. The system or the cartridge comprises an aerosol generator; and b. The system or the cartridge comprises a controller according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A storage device configured to receive one or more cartridges or an aerosol delivery system, the cartridge or the aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir of liquid aerosol generating material and an aerosol generator, wherein: The storage device, the cartridge and / or the aerosol delivery system comprises a controller according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. The storage device according to claim 13, further comprising: a fixing mechanism for releasably fixing the cartridge or the aerosol delivery system to the storage device; and / or b. an absorbent material and / or an adsorbent material for absorbing and / or adsorbing aerosol-generating materials and / or odors released from the cartridge or the aerosol delivery system; and / or c. A power source for supplying energy to the aerosol generator in the cigarette cartridge or the aerosol delivery system.

15. The storage device according to claim 14, wherein: a. The fixing mechanism comprises one or more magnetic materials or ferromagnetic materials; and / or b. The adsorption material comprises activated carbon; and / or c. the absorbent material and / or the adsorbent material is configured to be heated by a heater; and / or d. The absorbent material and / or the adsorbent material is replaceable.

16. A storage device according to claim 13, 14 or 15, further comprising a user interface configured to indicate the remaining battery life of one or more of the device, the cartridge and / or the system, and / or indicate the volume or substantial depletion of aerosol generating material remaining in one or more cartridges or systems.

17. A method of controlling an aerosol generator, comprising: a. monitoring and / or estimating the saturation level of the aerosol generator with liquid aerosol-generating material; as well as b. In response to the monitored and / or estimated saturation level, temporarily activating the aerosol generator to accelerate evaporation of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol generator and reduce the saturation level.

18. A computer program product or a computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 17.

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