Aerosol delivery controller, system and method

Abstract

A controller for an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using a power source, the controller configured to determine a cumulative smoking duration of effective smoking within a predetermined time window, smoking is considered effective only when power is supplied to the aerosol generator and / or the airflow is detected for at least a threshold minimum period of time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as but not limited to nicotine delivery systems (eg, electronic cigarettes). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery controllers, systems and methods for preventing misuse / abuse. 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 generating region containing an aerosol generator (e.g., a heating element), which is arranged to vaporize 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 an 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 an outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, carrying the aerosol with the air for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavoring element in the airflow path through the device to impart additional flavor. 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 would be of interest to develop methods for aerosol delivery systems that include functionality that reduces the risk of user misuse and / or abuse of the system.

[0004] Various approaches are described herein that seek to help solve or alleviate at least some of the problems discussed above.

[0005] the term

[0006] Conveying system

[0007] 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:

[0008] 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);

[0009] 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

[0010] 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.

[0011] Flammable Aerosol Supply System

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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).

[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. 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 electrical power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the exothermic source.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Aerosol-free delivery system

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Active substances

[0025] 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.

[0026] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Flavoring

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Aerosol Generating Materials

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Aerosol former materials

[0038] 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.

[0039] Functional Materials

[0040] 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.

[0041] Matrix

[0042] 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.

[0043] Consumables

[0044] 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.

[0045] Receptors

[0046] 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.

[0047] Aerosol modifiers

[0048] 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.

[0049] Aerosol Generator

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 generally 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 aspects of the configuration of the system configured to provide functionality according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure are not primarily important. Summary of the invention

[0054] The present invention provides a controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using a power supply, the controller being configured to determine a cumulative puff duration of a valid puff within a predetermined time window, wherein a puff is considered valid only when power is supplied to the aerosol generator and / or airflow is detected for at least a threshold minimum time period.

[0055] The present invention further provides a method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using a power supply, the method comprising determining a cumulative puff duration of effective puffs within a predetermined time window, wherein the puff is considered effective only when power is supplied to the aerosol generator and / or airflow is detected for at least a threshold minimum time period. The present invention also provides a computer program product or a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method.

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

[0057] 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.

[0058] The claimed invention can help prevent users from smoking excessively within a specific time window, thereby helping to reduce or minimize the misuse / abuse of smoking. At the same time, the claimed invention provides a cost-effective solution that can be retrofitted into existing systems without requiring additional hardware. 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 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functionality of a controller for an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic timeline showing various stages in a smoking-based interaction according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a process for preventing misuse of an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0064] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cyclic data array storing smoking status data according to some 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 apparatus 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 comprises two main parts, namely a reusable portion 2 and a replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge portion 4. In normal use, the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4 are releasably connected together at a junction 6. When the cartridge portion 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge portion 4, the cartridge portion 4 can be removed from the reusable portion 2 and the replacement cartridge portion 4 attached to the reusable portion 2 in its appropriate position. The junction 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 portion 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable portion 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 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 passing 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.

[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 overall shape and the materials used may vary.

[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 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.

[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 wick 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 embodiments, 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 laterally across the cartridge airflow path 52, and the end of the core extends 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 delivery performance.

[0072] The core 46 and the aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the smoke cartridge airflow path 52 so that the area of ​​the smoke cartridge airflow path 52 around the core 46 and the heater 48 actually defines the evaporation area of ​​the smoke 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 become entrained in the air drawn from the evaporation region toward the mouthpiece outlet 50 along the cartridge airflow path for inhalation by the user.

[0073] 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, 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.

[0074] The reusable part 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.

[0075] 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 junction 6. In this example, the reusable part 2 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together, the total length of the electronic cigarette is approximately 12 cm.

[0076] The air inlet 28 is connected to an 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 over the mouthpiece opening 50, air is inhaled 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off and adjusting user settings, for example the power supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.

[0079] The display 24 can be set 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, etc. The display can 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 set 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, such as using audio signals, or may not include any device for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system to the user.

[0080] 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 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.

[0081] The controller 22 is preferably configured according to Figures 2 to 5 Further described are steps and processes to prevent misuse / abuse of the system.

[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 part 2 includes an airflow sensor 30 electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a so-called "smoking sensor", wherein the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when the user smokes on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a switch in an electrical path that provides power to the aerosol generator 48 from the power supply 26. 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 smoking. 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 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 arranged 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 microphone) that is sensitive to changes in air pressure including acoustic signals. The airflow sensor 30 is located in a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which includes an internal space defined by one or more chamber walls 34. The sensor cavity 32 includes an area inside the one or more chamber walls 34, and the airflow sensor 30 may be located in this area in whole or in part. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 includes one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing, which includes the sensor chamber / cavity 32.

[0085] The deformable membrane is arranged across an opening communicating between the sensor cavity 32 housing the sensor 30 and a portion of the airflow path arranged 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 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 to 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.

[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 via wired or wireless means.

[0088] Wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and another electronic device may be configured according to a data transmission protocol, such as ZigBee, Wifi direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or substantially 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.

[0089] Reference now Figures 2 to 5 The functionality of the controller 22 is described in more detail.

[0090] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functionality of the controller 22 for the aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, there are three key control aspects with subcomponents, any of which may be performed by one or more controllers 22 individually (separately) or collectively:

[0091] 1) Smoking analysis, which may include one or more of the following:

[0092] a. Detect user's smoking;

[0093] b. Determine the duration of smoking;

[0094] c. Determine whether smoking is effective; and

[0095] d. Determine the cumulative smoking duration of effective smoking.

[0096] 2) Power supply: Control or prevent power supply to the aerosol generator 48 to generate aerosol, for example, via heating

[0097] 3) Indication status: Indicates the status of the system to the user, for example via LED, tactile feedback (motor), or buzzer / speaker.

[0098] The "smoking analysis" phase is the first control aspect. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 22 is basically configured to perform 1d, that is, determine the cumulative smoking duration of effective smoking within a predetermined time window. In some embodiments, the same controller 22 can also be configured to perform one or more of 1a to 1c, that is, detect the smoking to be analyzed and / or determine whether the smoking / each smoking is effective and / or determine the smoking duration of at least effective (or optionally, all) smoking before determining the cumulative smoking duration of effective smoking, but any / all of this function 1a to 1c can be performed by another controller (e.g., using data transmitted to the controller 22), and is therefore not a necessary core function.

[0099] Puff duration defines the time between the "start" and "end" of a puff, and may be calculated in various ways, such as based on user or sensor input, or based on the duration of power supplied to generate an aerosol for the puff, and these various ways are referred to below. Figure 3 Further explanation: The cumulative smoking duration is the sum of all (valid) smoking durations within a predetermined previous time window, which may be a rolling window, preferably having a relatively short duration, such as 1-60 minutes, 1-72 hours, 1-7 days.

[0100] According to the present disclosure, smoking is considered effective only if any of the following occurs:

[0101] The aerosol generator 48 is powered for at least a threshold minimum period of time (t min ); and / or

[0102] Airflow is detected for at least a threshold minimum period of time (t min ).

[0103] Typically, any inhalation / puff on the aerosol delivery system that lasts 0.3 seconds or less will not include a significant volume of aerosol (because typically, the system cannot detect the inhalation / puff and then generate aerosol from the aerosol generator 48 within such a short time frame), and therefore a minimum threshold time period (t min ) to “verify” smoking discounts the “smoking” as being less likely to provide aerosol to the user (e.g., resulting from erroneous sensor readings, or when the user changes their mind and quickly stops inhaling), so this interaction is irrelevant for preventing / minimizing misuse.

[0104] Therefore, the controller 22 for determining the cumulative puff duration of an effective puff may be configured to ignore puffs that are less than a threshold minimum time period (t min ) within which the aerosol generator 48 is powered and / or a puff of airflow is detected. In some examples, the threshold minimum time period (t min ) is basically 50ms, 100ms, 150ms, 200ms, 250ms or 300ms.

[0105] The cumulative smoking duration of effective smoking is used to prevent misuse / abuse of the system and is Figure 2 In particular, the controller or another controller 22 may be configured to control the power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 if the cumulative puff duration within a predetermined time window is below a threshold cumulative puff duration, such as Figure 2 and / or if the cumulative puff duration within the predetermined time window is at or above a threshold cumulative puff duration, preventing power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Thus, if the cumulative puff duration within the predetermined time window is below the threshold, the controller 22 allows further puffs, or if the cumulative puff duration within the predetermined time window is at or above the threshold, the controller prevents further puffs. Figure 3 The predetermined time window and the threshold cumulative smoking duration are further explained.

[0106] The "power supply" control aspect may optionally include a pre-check to determine if the system is ready for use. The pre-check may include checking the battery status (e.g., temperature, voltage) and / or the aerosol generator temperature, and will be referenced later. Figure 4 Further description.

[0107] like Figure 2As shown, the controller 22 may also provide a third "user feedback" control aspect, which is configured to indicate the status of the system to the user. For example, the system may include a user interface (UI) or feedback device, such as an LED, a speaker / buzzer, a display, or tactile feedback. The UI / feedback device may, for example, be configured to indicate normal operation and / or temporary disabling of the power supply to the aerosol generator 48 based on the cumulative puff duration within a predetermined time window.

[0108] Figure 3 is a schematic timeline showing various stages in a puff-based interaction according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The term "puff-based interaction" encompasses all interactions of a user with the system 1 where the system is not "idle", including inhalation, thus defining the broadest "puff duration".

[0109] like Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple stages in the puff-based interaction, and there are multiple methods for calculating the puff duration according to the present disclosure. Although the terms puff / inhalation are often used interchangeably, the puff duration and the inhalation duration are not necessarily the same, because the inhalation duration specifically refers to the period of time that the user is inhaling, and the puff duration can be considered to be slightly longer or shorter, for example based on the time that power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48, or based on the user's interaction with the UI, as described below with reference to Figure 3 Further explained.

[0110] As shown in the figure, there are 4 key phases between the idle / inactive states at time t0 and t5 respectively to define the smoking-based interaction between t1-t4. These are:

[0111] t1: Start of inhalation (e.g. detected by system / controller)

[0112] t2: Power supply starts

[0113] t3: End of inhalation (e.g. detected by the system / controller)

[0114] t4: Power supply ends.

[0115] t1: Start of inhalation

[0116] The start of inhalation may be detected by the system / controller 22, for example based on data from a "puff" sensor. In particular, the sensor may be configured to detect airflow through the device as the user inhales (as described above with reference to Figure 1 Thus, data from the sensor may be used to identify or detect the start (and / or equivalently the end) of an inhalation.

[0117] In some arrangements, the system includes other sensors (e.g., a capacitive sensor can be used to detect contact with the user's lips, optionally in combination with an accelerometer to detect the device's puff orientation) or a user input (e.g., a button) to indicate their intent to puff, which can be used by the controller 22 to predict, determine or verify (e.g., cross-check with sensor data) the start of an inhalation and / or perform a pre-check to verify that the system is ready for power supply. Reference will be made later to Figure 4 Various such optional pre-checks are described further below.

[0118] t2: Power supply starts

[0119] After detecting an inhalation, the system / controller 22 may power the aerosol generator 48. In some systems, this may follow shortly (e.g., substantially immediately) after the inhalation begins, assuming all applicable conditions are met (e.g., the cumulative puff duration within a predetermined time window is below a threshold cumulative puff duration).

[0120] In other systems, particularly those without sensors to detect or without a user input (e.g., a button) to indicate the intention to smoke, an optional pre-check may be performed at this stage before power is supplied to verify that the system is ready, as described below with reference to Figure 4 described in further detail.

[0121] t3: End of inhalation

[0122] Similar to the start of an inhalation, the end of an inhalation may be detected by the system / controller 22, for example based on data from a "puff" sensor. For example, one or more of a capacitive sensor, an accelerometer, and / or airflow data may indicate that the user is no longer inhaling.

[0123] In some arrangements, the system includes a user input (eg, a button) for the user to indicate that they have finished puffing, which may be used by the controller 22 to determine or verify (eg, cross-check with sensor data) the end of inhalation.

[0124] t4: Power supply ends

[0125] After the inhalation ends, the system / controller 22 may stop supplying power to the aerosol generator 48. This typically occurs substantially immediately after the inhalation ends to minimize energy usage and consumption of aerosol generating materials.

[0126] As outlined above, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 22 is configured to determine a cumulative puff duration of active puffs within a predetermined time window, wherein a puff is only active when power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 for at least a threshold minimum time period (t min) and / or airflow is detected for at least a threshold minimum time period (t min ) is considered valid.

[0127] According to the present disclosure, there are a variety of methods for calculating the duration of a puff, including Figure 3 Those methods are shown and summarized as follows:

[0128] Puff duration based on pure airflow: t3-t1

[0129] Smoking duration based on pure electricity: t4-t2

[0130] Combined airflow and power based puff duration: t3-t2

[0131] In an example, the time period for calculating the duration of smoking and the threshold minimum time period (t min ) condition. Therefore, in some examples, the duration defined by any of the above methods must be ≥ t min , to be considered as effective smoking, otherwise it is invalid and ignored for the cumulative smoking duration.

[0132] Since the smoking duration based on pure airflow is based on the sensed airflow, the smoking duration based on pure airflow reliably indicates the user's inhalation duration (t3-t1). However, the duration of inhalation is not necessarily completely consistent with the user receiving aerosol. In particular, when the user inhales between t1 and t2 (as detected by airflow), any system pre-check can delay the start of power supply after detecting the inhalation, and therefore in this period between t1 and t2, assuming that the aerosol generator 48 is cold (cold start), no aerosol is generated until (soon after) power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Therefore, depending on the exact configuration, a more accurate smoking duration for indicating that the user consumes aerosol (which is generated by aerosol generating material) can be based on starting from t2, that is, starting the power supply to the aerosol generator 48, rather than t1.

[0133] In the opposite case for determining the end of aerosol receipt by the user, in a typical airflow detection system, the user stops inhaling at t3, and therefore the system / controller 22 stops powering substantially immediately (typically within 100-500 nanoseconds). Therefore, unless there is a significant delay in stopping the power supply after the cessation of inhalation (as detected by airflow), it is actually unimportant as to whether time t3 or t4 is used to determine the end of the puff, because t3 and t4 are substantially the same - this delay is typically several orders of magnitude smaller than the duration of the puff (typically 0.5-5 seconds), and is therefore not actually relevant.

[0134] Therefore, the puff duration based on pure power supply (t4-t2) indicates the time that power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 for a given puff, excluding the time t2-t1 when the user is inhaling but not receiving aerosol, and therefore more accurately indicates the duration of aerosol generation by the system and inhalation by the user for each puff. In addition, if the same controller 22 also controls the power supply, the controller 22 can easily determine the power supply duration (e.g., based on a timestamp) without the need to process sensor inputs, and therefore, the puff duration determination based on pure power can also be computationally cheaper than the puff duration based on airflow.

[0135] In some configurations, particularly with slower control cycles, an even more accurate puff duration may be calculated based on a combined airflow (inhalation) and power-based determination, i.e., the controller 22 may be configured to determine the duration of each effective puff based on the time that power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., as detected by the airflow sensor) between the start and end of each inhalation (i.e., t3-t2), i.e., ignoring the time t4-t3 when power is supplied, but the user does not inhale to receive an aerosol. Alternatively, if the system includes a user interface for the user to indicate when they have stopped puffing, acting as a trigger to stop the power supply, but taking a short period of time to become effective, then similarly, this indication may more accurately indicate the end of the puff than the slightly later end of the power supply at t4.

[0136] From the above, applying the threshold minimum time period condition, in some examples, the aerosol generator 48 is powered for at least the threshold minimum time period between the start and end of a puff (e.g., as indicated by the user using the UI) and / or inhalation (e.g., for an effective puff, t3-t2≥t min ) is considered effective.

[0137] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a process for preventing misuse according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 4 Some pre-checks are shown to determine whether the system 1 is ready for operation.

[0138] The first pre-check includes "cooling" and involves the controller 22 determining whether the system components (e.g., the aerosol generator 48 and / or the power supply 26) are within operating conditions (e.g., temperature). If the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 and / or the power supply 26 is at or above the temperature threshold, the controller 22 is configured to prevent power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 48, otherwise the controller 22 controls the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48.

[0139] The second pre-check includes checking whether the cumulative smoking duration in the predetermined time window is lower than the threshold cumulative smoking duration. This relates to the cumulative smoking duration of the effective smoking determined in the predetermined previous time window. The previous time window can be a rolling window, preferably with a relatively short duration, such as 1-60 minutes, 1-72 hours, 1-7 days. The threshold cumulative smoking duration can be 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% or 75% of the predetermined time window generally.

[0140] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the time window is 60 seconds (1 minute) and the threshold cumulative smoking duration is 40 seconds, wherein if the cumulative smoking duration is greater than 40 seconds, power supply to the aerosol generator 48 is prevented according to the cooling pre-check, otherwise, power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Figure 4 The process shown is cyclic and is repeated each time a puff is started or detected, so the controller 22 is configured to repeatedly determine the cumulative puff duration of effective puffs within a rolling predetermined time window. This may include the steps of measuring the duration of each puff, determining effective puffs by comparing with a threshold minimum time period, and determining the cumulative puff duration of effective puffs within the rolling predetermined time window, as shown.

[0141] Figure 5 2 is a schematic diagram of a cyclic data array for storing smoking state data according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally speaking, the predetermined time window is divided into sub-windows. For each sub-window, a binary (one-byte) "effective smoking" state is determined to indicate whether the aerosol generator 48 is supplied with power and / or whether airflow is detected to reach at least a threshold minimum time period during the sub-window. Then, the controller 22 determines the cumulative smoking duration of the effective smoking in the predetermined time window.

[0142] This circular array arrangement advantageously minimises memory usage for determining the cumulative puff duration, thereby avoiding the need to calculate and sum the exact start and end times of each puff.

[0143] In this example, the one-minute time window is divided into 60 one-second intervals, where, for each interval, a power supply or airflow duration ≥ 200ms is considered a "valid puff", where a "1" is assigned to that entry in the array, and a power supply or airflow duration < 200ms is considered ineffective, where a "0" is assigned to that entry in the array. During each time interval, the puff state is checked against a threshold.

[0144] puffing[x]=“1”or“0”,

[0145] x=x+1,while x=1if x>60

[0146] puffing accumulation=puffing[1]+puffing[2]……+puffing

[60]

[0147] At any point, if the cumulative "active puff" duration is above a certain cumulative puff duration threshold, such as 30-45 or 40 seconds, then puffing is prevented by the system / controller.

[0148] Of course, accuracy can be increased (at the expense of memory consumption) by utilizing smaller sub-windows, ideally factors / multiples of the predetermined time window and the threshold minimum time period, for example, for a 60s window with a 250ms or 125ms threshold minimum time period, utilizing sub-windows of 1s, 0.75s, 0.5s or 0.25s, or for a 60s window with a 200ms, 100ms or 50ms threshold minimum time period, utilizing sub-windows of 1s, 0.8s, 0.6s, 0.4s, 0.2s.

[0149] The various embodiments described herein are presented only 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.

[0150] In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include, contain or essentially contain appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, 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 publications cited herein in conjunction with the present disclosure.

[0151] Reference numerals index

[0152] 1Aerosol delivery system

[0153] 2 reusable parts

[0154] 4. Cartridge part

[0155] 6The junction between the reusable part and the cartridge part

[0156] 12 reusable parts housing

[0157] 14, 16 User input button

[0158] 20 user programming circuits

[0159] 22 Controller

[0160] 24 monitors

[0161] 26 Power Supply

[0162] 28 Air Inlet

[0163] 30 air flow sensor

[0164] 31Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0165] 32 sensor cavity or chamber

[0166] 34 Room Wall

[0167] 42 cartridge shell

[0168] 44 Chamber or reservoir

[0169] 46 cores

[0170] 48 Aerosol Generator

[0171] 50 mouthpieces export

[0172] 51 Airflow path through reusable portion

[0173] 52 Airflow path through the cartridge

Claims

1. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using a power supply, the controller being configured to: a. Determine the cumulative smoking duration of effective smoking within a predetermined time window, wherein, A puff is considered valid only when power is supplied to the aerosol generator and / or airflow is detected for at least a threshold minimum period of time.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: a. Determine the duration of each effective smoking of the user; as well as b. Determine the cumulative puff duration of effective puffs within the predetermined time window.

3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: a. determining a valid puff by a user on the aerosol delivery system, wherein the puff is considered valid only when the aerosol generator is powered for at least a threshold minimum period of time; b. Determine the duration of each effective puff of the user; and c. Determine the cumulative puff duration of effective puffs within the predetermined time window.

4. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The controller is configured to receive data from a puff sensor or user input to detect or determine the start and / or end of a puff.

5. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: When determining the cumulative puff duration, the controller is configured to disregard puffs in which power is supplied to the aerosol generator and / or airflow is detected for less than the threshold minimum period of time.

6. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The threshold minimum time period is substantially 50ms, 100ms, 150ms, 200ms, 250ms or 300ms.

7. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The controller is configured to determine the duration of each active puff based on the time during which power is supplied to the aerosol generator for each puff.

8. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The controller is configured to determine the duration of each active puff based on the time that power is supplied to the aerosol generator between the start and end of each puff or inhalation.

9. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: A puff is considered valid only if power is supplied to the aerosol generator for at least a threshold minimum time period between the start and end of the puff or inhalation.

10. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: a. If the cumulative smoking duration within the predetermined time window is lower than the cumulative smoking duration threshold, then controlling the supply of power to the aerosol generator; and / or b. If the cumulative puff duration within the predetermined time window is at or above a threshold cumulative puff duration, preventing power from being supplied to the aerosol generator.

11. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: a. If the temperature of the aerosol generator and / or the power supply is below a temperature threshold, controlling the supply of power to the aerosol generator; and / or b. Preventing power from being supplied to the aerosol generator if the temperature of the aerosol generator and / or power supply is at or above a temperature threshold.

12. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: The threshold cumulative puff duration is substantially 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% or 75% of the predetermined time window.

13. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The controller is configured to repeatedly determine the cumulative puff duration of active puffs within a rolling predetermined time window.

14. A controller according to claim 10 or any claim dependent therefrom, wherein: The threshold cumulative puff duration is 30-45 seconds or substantially 40 seconds within a rolling predetermined time window of substantially 60 seconds.

15. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The controller is configured as follows: a. dividing the predetermined time window into sub-windows; b. for each sub-window, determining a binary valid smoking state to indicate whether power is supplied to the aerosol generator and / or airflow is detected for at least a threshold minimum time period during the sub-window; as well as c. Determine the cumulative puff duration of effective puffs within the predetermined time window.

16. The controller according to claim 15, wherein: The sub-window is substantially 1 second and / or the predetermined time window is a rolling predetermined time window of substantially 60 seconds.

17. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein: The controller is configured to indicate a status of the system to a user.

18. An aerosol delivery system comprising a controller according to any preceding claim.

19. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using a power source, the method comprising: A cumulative puff duration of active puffs within a predetermined time window is determined, wherein a puff is considered active only when power is supplied to the aerosol generator and / or airflow is detected for at least a threshold minimum time period.

20. 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 19.

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