Electronic circuit and controller for aerosol delivery system

Abstract

An electronic circuit for an aerosol delivery system configured, in use, to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material received from a removable cartridge, the circuit comprising: a power control circuit for controlling a supply of power to an aerosol generator; a cartridge detection circuit connected in parallel with the power control circuit for detecting a removable cartridge comprising an aerosol-generating material; and an electrical contact configured to receive a corresponding electrical contact on the removable cartridge to electrically connect the cartridge in series with the power control circuit and the cartridge detection circuit in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic circuits and controllers for aerosol delivery systems, such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (eg, electronic cigarettes), and related methods. Background Art

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

[0003] It is known to provide a two-piece aerosol delivery system comprising a reusable portion and a removable / replaceable cartridge comprising an aerosol generating material, and detecting whether the removable cartridge is installed in the reusable portion. However, such existing arrangements may consume significant power. The object of the present invention is to improve the user experience by reducing power consumption and extending the use time, so as to provide an improved user experience and environmental benefits.

[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 cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol supply 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 wrap, a tipping paper, or a cigarette paper).

[0013] Non-flammable aerosol supply system

[0014] 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.

[0015] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, for example, a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor smoke 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. 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] Typically, 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. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured to be used with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as products in the present disclosure.

[0018] 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.

[0019] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. In some embodiments, consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0020] Aerosol-free delivery system

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Active substances

[0024] 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.

[0025] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0026] 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. 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In some embodiments, the active substance includes 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 includes 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. In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from black leaf tea tree and fennel.

[0029] Flavoring

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Aerosol Generating Materials

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Aerosol former materials

[0037] 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.

[0038] Functional Materials

[0039] 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.

[0040] Matrix

[0041] 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.

[0042] Consumables

[0043] 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.

[0044] Receptors

[0045] 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 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.

[0046] Aerosol modifiers

[0047] 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.

[0048] Aerosol Generator

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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

[0053] The present invention provides an electronic circuit for an aerosol delivery system, which is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material received from a removable cartridge during use, and the circuit includes: a power control circuit, which is used to control the power supply to the aerosol generator; a cartridge detection circuit, which is connected in parallel with the power control circuit and is used to detect a removable cartridge including an aerosol generating material; and electrical contacts, which are configured to receive corresponding electrical contacts on the removable cartridge to electrically connect the cartridge in series with the power control circuit and the cartridge detection circuit during use.

[0054] The present invention further provides a controller for an aerosol delivery system, which is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generator during use, the system comprising a power control circuit for controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator, and a cartridge detection circuit connected in parallel with the power control circuit to detect a removable cartridge containing an aerosol generating material, wherein the controller is configured to selectively actuate the power control circuit and the cartridge detection circuit.

[0055] The present invention further provides a method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, which is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generator during use. The system includes a power control circuit and a smoke cartridge detection circuit connected in parallel with the power control circuit. The method includes selectively actuating the power control circuit and the smoke cartridge detection circuit.

[0056] The invention further provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0057] The claimed invention generally provides a circuit, 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.

[0058] In particular, the claimed arrangement advantageously reduces power consumption, prolongs usage time, and thereby provides an improved user experience and environmental benefits. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit according to a prior art system;

[0062] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart showing a control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0064] Figure 4 is a schematic electronic circuit diagram according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] 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.

[0066] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary 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.

[0067] The aerosol delivery system 1 includes 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 appropriate position of the reusable part 2. The interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and 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 electrical connections and airflow paths 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 specific examples, 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, 4 in some implementations. For example, in some implementations, an aerosol generator may be provided in the reusable part 2 rather than 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 a portion of the reusable part 2 and a portion of the cartridge part 4 are coupled together for use, a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between these parts.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the cartridge / consumable portion 4 may be generally conventional. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the cartridge portion 4 includes a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastic material. The cartridge housing 42 supports the other components of the cartridge portion 4 and provides a mechanical interface 6 with the reusable portion 2. The cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical around a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge portion 4 is coupled to the reusable portion 2. In this example, the cartridge portion 4 has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. However, the specific geometry and the overall shape and materials used may be different.

[0069] Within the cartridge housing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 containing an aerosol generating material. Figure 1In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with 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.

[0070] 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, the 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.

[0071] exist Figure 1 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, 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 transport properties.

[0072] 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, the heater 48 comprises a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the core 46 comprises a fiberglass bundle, but the specific aerosol generator configuration is not important to the principles described herein. Figure 1 ) are core aspects of the present invention and are further described below with reference to subsequent drawings.

[0073] In use, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporize a quantity of aerosol-generating material (aerosol-generating material) drawn into proximity of the aerosol generator 48 through the core 46. The vaporized aerosol-generating material may then become entrained in the air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporization region toward the mouthpiece outlet 50 for inhalation by the user.

[0074] As described above, the rate at which the aerosol generating material is evaporated by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Therefore, power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge portion 4. In addition, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example by pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 portion 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two portions 2, 4 at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable portion 2 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so the total length of the electronic cigarette is approximately 12 cm when the cartridge portion 4 and the reusable portion 2 are coupled together.

[0077] 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 through 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.

[0078] 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 current to be provided in a relatively short period of time. The power source 26 can be recharged via a charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) in the reusable portion housing 12.

[0079] 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-loaded 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 functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off and adjusting user settings (e.g., power supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48).

[0080] A display 24 may be provided to provide a user with 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, 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.

[0081] 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 configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, and functions associated with other functional units / circuits according to the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of the electronic cigarette, such as display driver 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.

[0082] 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 memory, 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.

[0083] The reusable portion 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 an electrical path that supplies power to the aerosol generator 48 from the power supply 26. In such an embodiment, the airflow sensor 30 typically includes a pressure sensor 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, current can flow from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48. The threshold 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 a 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 those skilled in the art.

[0084] 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 (e.g., an electret-type microphone) that is sensitive to changes in air pressure including acoustic signals. The airflow sensor 30 is located within 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 cavity / cavity 32.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 housing, 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 while being 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 housing, 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.

[0087] The controller 22, other components within the system 1, and other devices / systems may include one or more processors, and data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, with data communicated by wire or wirelessly.

[0088] Wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and the further 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 substantially any other wireless and / or wired network protocol or interface. The communication 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, housing, cable, or other external device connectable to the aerosol delivery system 1.

[0089] Independent embodiments of the present disclosure include an electronic circuit for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system being configured to generate an aerosol from a received removable cartridge in use, the circuit comprising a power control circuit for controlling the supply of power to an aerosol generator; a cartridge detection circuit connected in parallel with the power control circuit for detecting a removable cartridge comprising an aerosol generating material; and electrical contacts configured to receive corresponding electrical contacts on the removable cartridge to electrically connect the cartridge in series with the power control circuit and the cartridge detection circuit in use. This arrangement reduces the power consumption of the system because the cartridge detection circuit can detect the cartridge at a lower power consumption than the power control circuit.

[0090] Additional independent embodiments include a controller for an aerosol delivery system, the controller comprising a power control circuit for controlling the supply of power to an aerosol generator and a cartridge detection circuit connected in parallel with the power control circuit for detecting a removable cartridge containing an aerosol generating material, wherein the controller is configured to selectively actuate the power control circuit and the cartridge detection circuit.

[0091] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit of an aerosol delivery system according to the prior art. Figure 2a In the embodiment, the circuit includes a power supply 26 that powers a power control circuit 120, which is controlled by the system using a control unit / controller 22 (which can be a microcontroller or MCU 22) to control the power supply to the aerosol generator 48 (thus, the power control circuit 120 can also be considered as an aerosol generator control circuit).

[0092] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of electronic circuitry for an aerosol delivery system 1 configured, in use, to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material received from a removable cartridge. Figure 2b include Figure 2a circuit and an additional cigarette cartridge detection circuit 180 connected in parallel with the power control circuit 120.

[0093] In some embodiments, the power supply 26 and the aerosol generator 48 can be broadly conventional. The power control circuit 120 can also be broadly conventional in some embodiments and can include a switch in its simplest form, thereby providing a switching circuit 120 that can control the power supply to the aerosol generator 48, for example using PWM. In other examples, the power control circuit 120 includes a transistor such as a MOSFET and / or can include, for example, a resistor in parallel with the transistor. Figure 4 A specific example is shown in FIG. 1 and will be described further later.

[0094] The cartridge detection circuit 180 is used to detect a removable cartridge that includes an aerosol generating material, and the cartridge optionally includes an aerosol generator 48 for generating an aerosol.

[0095] In some embodiments, Figure 2b As shown, the cartridge detection circuit 180 includes a digital power supply 181 that powers one or more high resistance resistors 182 connected in series with the cartridge 4 in use, and a digital ground 183. The high resistance resistor 182 reduces the operating current and minimizes the power consumption of the cartridge detection circuit 180. Figure 2b As shown, except for Figure 2a In addition to the power supply control circuit 120 shown, the controller 22 can be connected to the digital power supply 181, the digital ground 183 and the cigarette cartridge 4, wherein the Figure 2b The connection of the cigarette cartridge 4 in the embodiment is carried out via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Similarly, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can be provided as required.

[0096] The electronic circuit for the aerosol delivery system 1 further includes electrical contacts (typically a pair of electrical contacts for a DC power source) configured to receive corresponding electrical contacts on the removable cartridge 4 to electrically connect the cartridge 4 in series with the power control circuit 120 and the cartridge detection circuit 180 (which are connected in parallel with each other) during use, i.e. Figure 2b In some embodiments, between the circuits 120, 180 and the ground 183. Thus, in some embodiments, removal of the cartridge 4 may provide an open circuit.

[0097] Since the cartridge detection circuit 180 is connected in parallel with the power control circuit 120 , the system 1 (eg, the controller 22 ) can check whether the voltage across the cartridge is substantially zero (indicating the absence of a cartridge) based on either / both circuits 120 , 180 .

[0098] In some embodiments, the resistance of the cartridge detection circuit 180 is one or more orders of magnitude higher than the resistance of the power control circuit 120, thereby providing a cartridge detection circuit 180 that consumes less power than the power control circuit 120 when idle (when the aerosol generator 48 is not powered). In some embodiments, the cartridge detection circuit 180 includes one or more resistors having a total resistance of substantially 1-10 kΩ (preferably 4-6 kΩ). In some embodiments, the power control circuit 120 has a total resistance of substantially ≤1% (preferably substantially ≤0.1%, or further preferably substantially ≤0.01%) of the total resistance of the cartridge detection circuit 180, preferably substantially 0.1-10 mΩ, more preferably 0.3-0.6 mΩ.

[0099] Preferably, the cartridge detection circuit 180 is independent of the power control circuit 120, and the two circuits 120, 180 are selectively actuated (i.e., independently enabled or disabled), for example, by one or more switches or transistors that can be controlled by the system 1 (e.g., by the controller 22). In an embodiment, the cartridge detection circuit 180 consumes less idle power when used to detect a cartridge than the power control circuit 120 similarly consumes when idle (when the aerosol generator 48 is not powered) when used to detect a cartridge. Therefore, in some embodiments, the power control circuit 120 and the cartridge detection circuit 180 can be independently selectively actuated (enabled / disabled) to reduce power consumption.

[0100] Reference now Figure 3 Describing a preferred embodiment of selective actuation, it is a schematic flow chart showing a control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, showing how the controller 22 for the aerosol delivery system 1 can be configured to selectively actuate the power control circuit 120 and the cartridge detection circuit 180.

[0101] Figure 3 A cyclic process is shown in which the system 1 (e.g., controller 22) checks whether a user is smoking / puffing on the system 1 (e.g., by automatically detecting a puff, such as by using a puff or airflow sensor 30, or for example, receiving manual user input indicating that they are smoking). Figure 3 In the embodiment, when a puff / puff is detected, the system 1 or the controller 22 enables the power control circuit 120 to control the power supply to the aerosol generator 48, and optionally disables the cartridge detection circuit 180 according to the configuration. When a puff / puff is not detected, the system 1 or the controller 22 disables the power control circuit 120 to reduce power consumption, because the aerosol generator 48 does not need to be powered to generate aerosol, and the cartridge detection circuit 180 is enabled.

[0102] More specifically, the system 1 or controller 22 may be configured to determine when a user has started a puff, is taking a puff, has completed a puff, and / or has not taken a puff on the aerosol delivery system 1, and optionally:

[0103] When the user begins to draw or is drawing, enabling the power control circuit 120; and / or

[0104] disabling the power control circuit 120 when the user has completed a puff or has not puffed; and / or

[0105] When the user completes a puff or does not take a puff, enabling the cartridge detection circuit 180; and / or

[0106] When the user begins to take a puff or is taking a puff, the cartridge detection circuit 180 is disabled.

[0107] Thus, when the user is taking a puff, the power control circuit 120 is used to control the power supply to the aerosol generator 48 to generate an aerosol, and either / both the power control circuit 120 and the cartridge detection circuit 180 are operable to detect a removable cartridge. When the user is not taking a puff, the power control circuit 120 is disabled, and the separate cartridge detection circuit 180 is used to provide a cartridge detection function with lower power consumption than the (then disabled) power control circuit 120.

[0108] In one particular embodiment, the controller 22 or system 1 is configured to determine whether a user is taking a puff on the system 1; and

[0109] If the user is puffing, then:

[0110] i. Enable the power control circuit 120; and

[0111] ii. controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator 48; and / or

[0112] If the user does not puff, then:

[0113] i. Disable the power control circuit 120 and enable the cartridge detection circuit 180;

[0114] ii. Determining or detecting a voltage change on an electrical contact for the cartridge; and

[0115] iii. Based on the determined voltage, indicate to the user whether the cartridge is installed.

[0116] In some embodiments, the controller 22 or system 1 is configured to:

[0117] a. periodically determining or detecting voltage changes on the electrical contacts of the cartridge; and / or

[0118] b. Periodically perform the above steps (of a particular embodiment).

[0119] Preferably, the power control circuit 120 and the cartridge detection circuit 180 are configured to be selectively and exclusively enabled, that is, only one of the circuits 120, 180 is enabled at any given time to minimize the power consumption of the system 1 in use. Therefore, in this embodiment:

[0120] a power control circuit 120 for controlling the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48 and detecting a removable cartridge when a user is taking a puff, thereby disabling a separate cartridge detection circuit 180; and

[0121] When the user is not taking a puff, the power control circuit 120 is disabled and a separate cartridge detection circuit 180 is used to provide the cartridge detection function, which has lower power consumption than the power control circuit 120.

[0122] The above arrangement minimizes system power consumption of the circuits 120, 180 in use. It should be noted that the circuits 120, 180 may still be disabled simultaneously (ie, not necessarily selectively and exclusively).

[0123] like Figure 3 As shown, the system 1 or controller 22 is configured to use any one of the circuits 120, 180 to determine the voltage on the electrical contact for the cartridge (e.g., by detecting a relative change, comparing with a threshold value (e.g., 0V), or measuring an absolute value) because the circuits 120, 180 are connected in parallel with each other. When the cartridge 4 is not present, the connection point (at Figure 2b The voltage at the "ADC" point in the ADC will be substantially 0 V. If the voltage is substantially zero, it can be concluded that the cartridge is not (correctly) connected / installed, while if the voltage is substantially non-zero, it can be concluded that the cartridge is (probably) connected / installed.

[0124] In some embodiments, one or more thresholds are used to detect whether a cartridge is installed. For example, if the voltage is below a first threshold, the cartridge is considered not to be installed, and / or if the voltage exceeds a first or second different threshold, the cartridge is considered to be installed. Figure 3 In an example, the threshold is substantially 0V, wherein if the determined voltage is substantially zero, then no cartridge is installed, but if it is not zero, then a cartridge is considered installed. In another example, the first threshold may be substantially ≤1V, ≤0.5V, or ≤0.1V, and / or (for example, for a typical power supply providing 4.2V) the second threshold may be ≥3V or ≥4V. If the voltage is between the first and second thresholds, this may indicate an error or fault, such as an incompatible cartridge or foreign object being installed.

[0125] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, once the voltage across the contacts has been evaluated or determined, and therefore the presence of a cartridge has been determined, the cycle resets and the puff status is rechecked.

[0126] In a variation as shown in dashed lines, once no cartridge is detected, the controller 22 periodically rechecks the voltage on the cartridge contacts without first rechecking the smoking status to minimize power consumption when no cartridge is present. Once a cartridge is detected, the cycle can completely restart again, starting with the smoking status check. After a predetermined period of time or a certain number of checks for smoking or cartridge presence, the cartridge detection circuit 180 can be disconnected, optionally until a restart condition is met, such as a user interacting with the device, such as by pressing a button 14, 16 or the system 1 / controller 22 detecting movement from a sensor, etc.

[0127] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system 1 includes a communication module and / or a user interface for indicating a status to a user, such as when a cartridge is detected to be installed and / or removed / not installed. The cartridge status derived from the voltage on the cartridge contacts (which may include any combination of, for example, cartridge installed / cartridge not installed / fault) can be indicated to the user, for example, via an LED, display, or feedback (e.g., tactile) device, and / or sent to a remote device such as a user's mobile phone via the communication module. In some configurations, if the removal of the cartridge does not interrupt the system circuit and thus (automatically) prevents power supply to the aerosol generator 48, this functionality can also be provided by the system 1, for example by the controller 22 cutting off the power control circuit 120 when the cartridge is removed.

[0128] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the system 1 or the controller 22 may be further configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system 1 based on the voltage across the cartridge or the resistance of the cartridge, particularly when the cartridge comprises an aerosol generator 48 (and thus the measured voltage across the cartridge is indicative of the voltage across the aerosol generator 48). The operating parameters may include any parameters for the aerosol generator 48, such as its power curve (i.e., the voltage or current supply curve over time, which may depend on the resistance of the aerosol generator 48, particularly if a particular operating temperature of the aerosol generator 48 is desired), and / or other operating parameters, such as the rate of supply or mixing of aerosol generating material (which may be adjustable, for example, via a valve), air flow into the system / aerosol flow out of the system (either of which may be regulated by a damper), etc.

[0129] Figure 4 is a schematic electronic circuit diagram of a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, providing a working example.

[0130] For aerosol delivery system 1 Figure 4The electronic circuit of the system 1 includes a 4.2V power supply 26 connected to a power control circuit 120, which includes a NX2301P P-channel field effect transistor (FET) connected in parallel with a 10kΩ resistor R1. The power control circuit 120 is controlled by the system 1 using a microcontroller (MCU) 22 connected to a MOSFET.

[0131] exist Figure 4 In the example of , when the cartridge 4 is installed, the power control circuit 120 is connected in series with the aerosol generator 48, and the removable cartridge 4 includes both the aerosol generator 48 and the aerosol generating material. The cartridge detection circuit 180 (including a digital power supply 181 connected to a 5.1kΩ resistor 182, R2) is connected in parallel with the power control circuit 120 and is also connected in series with the aerosol generator 48, as shown. In this example, the aerosol generator 48 has a resistance of substantially 1.4Ω as shown.

[0132] The aerosol generator 48 is connected in series with a low resistance resistor connected to ground. In this example, the low resistance resistor has a resistance of substantially 0.0003Ω (0.3 mΩ), thereby providing a voltage divider for output to the MCU 22 via the ADC as shown.

[0133] For the avoidance of doubt, specific values ​​such as resistance and voltage described herein are used to provide specific examples and are not limiting: other values ​​may be used in any combination. The terms "circuit" and "circuitry" are used interchangeably. Furthermore, any specific directional flow paths between components are not limiting: both specific unidirectional and bidirectional communications between any components and / or combinations thereof are expressly contemplated.

[0134] The various embodiments described herein are intended only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. Any functionality of a processor (e.g., a controller) may be shared between processors on various devices / systems in a wider system and / or remote server. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not considered to be limitations on the scope of the invention as defined in the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and may be modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0135] In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include, contain, or essentially contain, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, methods, etc. 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 disclosed documents cited herein in conjunction with the present disclosure.

[0136] Reference numerals index

[0137] 1 Aerosol delivery system

[0138] 2 Reusable parts

[0139] 4. Cartridge part

[0140] 6 Interface between the reusable part and the cartridge part

[0141] 12 Reusable part shell

[0142] 14.16 User input button

[0143] 20 User programming circuit

[0144] 22 Controller

[0145] 24 Display

[0146] 26 Power Supply

[0147] 28 Air Inlet

[0148] 30 Air flow sensor

[0149] 31. Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0150] 32 sensor cavity or chamber

[0151] 34 chamber wall

[0152] 42 Cartridge Shell

[0153] 44 Chamber or reservoir

[0154] 46 Core

[0155] 48 Aerosol Generator

[0156] 50 Mouthpiece outlet

[0157] 51 Airflow path through reusable part

[0158] 52 Airflow path through the cartridge

[0159] 120 Power supply control circuit / circuit system

[0160] 180 Cigarette cartridge detection circuit / circuit system

Claims

1. An electronic circuit for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system being configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material received from a removable cartridge in use, the circuit comprising: a. A power control circuit for controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator; b. a cartridge detection circuit connected in parallel with the power control circuit for detecting a removable cartridge comprising an aerosol generating material; as well as c. Electrical contacts configured to receive corresponding electrical contacts on a removable cartridge to electrically connect the cartridge in series with the power control circuit and the cartridge detection circuit in use.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein The power control circuit and / or the cigarette cartridge detection circuit comprises a resistor.

3. A circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power control circuit and the cigarette cartridge detection circuit are selectively activatable.

4. A circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power control circuit and the smoke cartridge detection circuit are configured to be selectively and exclusively enabled.

5. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system being configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generator in use, the system comprising a power control circuit for controlling the supply of power to the aerosol generator, and a cartridge detection circuit connected in parallel with the power control circuit to detect a removable cartridge containing an aerosol generating material, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: a. selectively actuating the power control circuit and the cigarette cartridge detection circuit.

6. An aerosol delivery system comprising a circuit and / or a controller according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The controller or system is configured to selectively actuate the power control circuit and the cartridge detection circuit depending on whether the user is taking a puff.

8. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The controller or system is configured to selectively and exclusively enable the power control circuit and the smoke cartridge detection circuit.

9. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, comprising a puff sensor for detecting when a user puffs on the system.

10. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein: The controller or system is configured to determine when the user takes a puff on the system, and: a. When the user starts to inhale or is inhaling, enabling the power control circuit; and / or b. disabling the power control circuit when the user completes the puff or does not puff; and / or c. when the user completes the puff or does not puff, enabling the cartridge detection circuit; and / or d. When the user starts to puff or is puffing, the cartridge detection circuit is disabled.

11. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein: The controller or system is configured as follows: a. determining when a user begins to draw, is drawing, completes a draw, and / or does not draw on the aerosol delivery system; and / or b. determining or detecting a voltage change on the electrical contacts for the cartridge; and / or c. indicating to the user whether a cartridge is installed; and / or d. Controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator.

12. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein: The controller or system is configured to determine when the user takes a puff on the system, and: a. When the user starts to inhale or is inhaling, enabling the power control circuit; as well as b. When the user completes the puff or does not take a puff, the power control circuit is disabled and the cartridge detection circuit is enabled.

13. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein: The controller or system is configured as follows: a. determining or detecting a voltage change on the electrical contacts for the cartridge; and b. If the voltage is below a threshold, indicating to the user that the cartridge is not installed; and / or c. if the voltage exceeds the threshold or another threshold, indicating to the user that a cartridge is installed; and / or d. If the voltage is between a first threshold and a second, different threshold, indicating to the user that a fault has occurred.

14. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein: The controller or system is configured to determine whether a user is puffing on the system; as well as a. If the user is puffing, then: i. Enable the power control circuit; as well as ii. controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator; and / or b. If the user does not take a puff, then: i. Disable the power control circuit and enable the cigarette cartridge detection circuit; ii. determining or detecting a voltage change on the electrical contacts of the cartridge; and iii. Based on the determined voltage, indicate to the user whether a cartridge is installed.

15. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to claim 14, wherein: The controller or system is configured as follows: a. periodically determining or detecting voltage changes on the electrical contacts of the cartridge; and / or b. Periodically perform the steps according to claim 14.

16. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 15, wherein: The controller or system is configured to disable the cartridge detection circuit when the user begins to take a puff or is taking a puff.

17. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 16, wherein: The controller or system is configured such that if the user is puffing: a. determining or detecting a voltage change on the electrical contacts for the cartridge; and b. If the determined voltage is substantially zero, then an indication to the user is that no cartridge is installed.

18. A controller or aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 17, wherein: The controller or system is configured to adjust the power supply and / or one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the determined voltage on the electrical contacts for the cartridge.

19. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 6 to 18, further comprising: A communication module or user interface for indicating to the user when a cartridge is installed and / or removed.

20. The circuit, controller, or aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein: The cartridge detection circuit comprises one or more resistors having a total resistance of substantially 1 kΩ to 10 kΩ, preferably 4 kΩ to 6 kΩ.

21. A circuit, a controller, or an aerosol delivery system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The power control circuit has a total resistance of substantially ≤1%, preferably substantially ≤0.1%, or further preferably substantially ≤0.01% of the total resistance of the cartridge detection circuit, preferably substantially 0.1 mΩ to 10 mΩ, more preferably 0.3 mΩ to 0.6 mΩ.

22. The circuit, controller, or aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, comprising the removable cartridge.

23. The circuit, controller, or aerosol delivery system of claim 22, wherein: The removable cartridge includes an aerosol generator.

24. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system being configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generator in use, the system comprising a power control circuit and a cartridge detection circuit connected in parallel with the power control circuit, the method comprising: a. selectively actuating the power control circuit and the cigarette cartridge detection circuit.

25. A computer program product or computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 24.

Images