Cooling warning system

Abstract

A cooling system for an apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to detect when a duty cycle ends, activate a cooling timer to meter a cooling time, provide an indication of a remaining time of the cooling timer, and in response to the cooling timer ending, cause the apparatus to return to normal operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating device and a capsule, which are configured to generate an aerosol without significant pyrolysis of an aerosol-forming substrate. Background Art

[0002] Some electronic devices are configured to heat plant material to a temperature sufficient to release the components of the plant material while maintaining the temperature below the ignition point of the plant material to avoid any significant pyrolysis of the plant material. Such devices may be referred to as aerosol-generating devices (e.g., heat-not-burn aerosol-generating devices), and the plant material being heated may be tobacco. In some cases, the plant material may be directly introduced into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. In other cases, the plant material may be pre-packaged in a separate container to facilitate insertion into and removal from the aerosol-generating device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A new and useful system, apparatus, and method for a cooling warning system for an aerosol-generating device are set forth in the appended claims. Exemplary embodiments are also provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.

[0004] For example, in some exemplary embodiments, a cooling system for a device is described. The cooling system may include at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory may be configured to store instructions. The at least one processor may be configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to detect when a session ends, activate a cooling timer to measure a cooling time, provide an indication of the remaining time of the cooling timer, and in response to the end of the cooling time, cause the device to resume normal operation.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to obtain a signal from a control button. The signal may indicate that the device has been turned off and the session has ended.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to obtain a signal from a mechanism detection switch. The signal may indicate that a lid mechanism has been opened and the session has ended.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to obtain a signal from a charging connector. The signal may indicate that the device is connected to a charger and the session has ended.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to obtain a signal from a battery monitoring system. The signal may indicate that the device has entered a low battery state and the duty cycle has ended.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to detect when the device is in a fault state. The fault state may indicate that the duty cycle has ended.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to display a warning icon on the user interface if the lid mechanism of the device is opened while the cooling timer is active.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to display a cooling warning icon if the lid mechanism of the device is opened during the duty cycle and before the cooling timer is activated.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to activate a refresh timer for a refresh time and display a system icon on the user interface when the cooling timer is activated. In some exemplary embodiments, the refresh timer may be configured to measure the refresh time. Additionally, the refresh timer may be configured to reset if the cooling timer is active at the end of the refresh timing. The refresh time may be less than the cooling time. In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to refresh the timer icon at the end of the refresh time.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to display a bladder ejection icon on the user interface at the end of the cooling time. The bladder ejection icon may indicate that the bladder of the device can be removed.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to activate a delay timer for a delay time and display a system icon on the user interface when the cooling timer is activated. In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to display a cooling awareness icon after the delay time has ended.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to activate a delay timer for a delay time and, in the case where the device shuts down while the cooling timer is active, display a power-off indication. In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to display a cooling warning icon after the delay timing ends until the cooling timing ends.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the cooling time may be based on the length of the duty cycle of the device.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the cooling system may further include a temperature sensor. In some exemplary embodiments, the cooling time may be based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, if the heater of the device is heated to a minimum threshold, the cooling timer may be activated. In some exemplary embodiments, the minimum threshold may be that at least 60 joules of energy is injected into the heater. In some exemplary embodiments, the minimum threshold may be that the heater is heated for at least 10 seconds.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the cooling system to set a duty-cycle-in-progress flag when the duty cycle has started and clear the duty-cycle-in-progress flag when the duty cycle ends.

[0020] Also described herein is a non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit of a device, cause the device to perform the functions described herein. These functions may include detecting when the duty cycle ends, activating a cooling timer associated with the cooling time, providing an indication of the remaining time of the cooling timer, and, in response to the end of the cooling time, causing the device to resume normal operation.

[0021] Also described herein is a cooling system for a device. The cooling system may include a processor device and a memory device. The memory device may be coupled to the processor device and may be configured to store instructions. The processor device may be configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to detect when the duty cycle ends, activate a cooling timer associated with the cooling time, provide an indication of the remaining time of the cooling timer, and, in response to the end of the cooling time, cause the device to resume normal operation.

[0022] Also described herein is a method of operating a cooling system for a device. The method may include detecting when the duty cycle ends, activating a cooling timer associated with the cooling time, providing an indication of the remaining time of the cooling timer, and, in response to the end of the cooling time, causing the device to resume normal operation.

[0023] The objects, advantages, and preferred modes of making and using the claimed subject matter can best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] By reviewing the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein can become more apparent. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. For clarity, the various dimensions of the drawings may be enlarged.

[0025] Figure 1 is a right-side-up perspective view of a device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2A is a right-side-up perspective view of the device, where the lid is open and the device includes a bladder.

[0027] Figure 2B is a bottom perspective view of the device.

[0028] Figure 2C is a bottom view of the device.

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a cooling system of a device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figures 4A - 4H are different embodiments of icons that may be presented on a communication screen of the device.

[0031] Figure 5 is a method of operating a cooling system of a device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 is a method of operating a cooling system of a device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 is a method of analyzing the state of a device when the lid of the device is open according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Some detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0035] Accordingly, while the exemplary embodiments can have various modifications and alternative forms, the exemplary embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0036] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below can be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0038] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (e.g., “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature shown in the drawings. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation described in the drawings, the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0039] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" mean the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations and / or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0040] When the terms "about" or "substantially" are used in connection with a numerical value in this specification, it means that the associated numerical value includes manufacturing or operational tolerances around the stated numerical value (e.g., ±10%). In addition, when the terms "substantially" or "essentially" are used in connection with a geometric shape, it is intended that exact geometry is not required, but that tolerances for the shape are within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, whether or not a numerical value or shape is modified with "about", "substantially" or "essentially", it will be understood that these values and shapes should be interpreted to include manufacturing or operational tolerances around the stated numerical value or shape (e.g., ±10%).

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It should also be understood that terms (including those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0042] As used herein, "coupled" includes both removably coupled and permanently coupled. For example, when an elastic layer and a support layer are removably coupled to each other, the elastic layer and the support layer can be separated when sufficient force is applied.

[0043] Hardware can be implemented using processing or control circuitry such as, but not limited to: one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more systems on a chip (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or any other device capable of responding and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figures 2A - 2C is a diagram of an apparatus 100 according to some exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be an aerosol generating device (e.g., a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol generating device). Refer to Figure 1 , which shows a top perspective view of the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the body of the apparatus 100 may have a generally rectangular or pebble shape. The body of the apparatus 100 may include a housing 102 and a lid mechanism or lid 104. The housing 102 may have a first end 106 and a second end 108 opposite the first end 106. The lid may have a first end 110 and a second end 112 opposite the first end 110. The first end 110 of the lid 104 may be fixedly coupled to the second end 108 of the housing 102 at a first point 114 and may be releasably coupled to the second end 108 of the housing 102 at a second point 116. The first point 114 of the housing 102 may be on a first side 118 of the apparatus 100. The second point 116 of the housing 102 may be on a second side 120 of the apparatus 100.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include a mouthpiece 122. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the mouthpiece 122 may include a first end 124 and a second end 126 opposite the first end 124. The second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122 may be coupled to the second end 112 of the lid 104. In some embodiments, the second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122 may be releasably coupled to the second end 112 of the lid 104. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 122 may be tapered between the first end 124 and the second end 126. For example, the diameter or average length / width dimension of the first end 124 may be less than the diameter or average length / width dimension of the second end 126. Towards the first end 124, the tapered piece may have a slightly inwardly curved portion 128, which is configured to receive the lips of an adult consumer and improve comfort and experience. In some embodiments, the first end 124 may have a rectangular or oval shape and may include one or more outlets 130. For example, the first end 124 may include four outlets 130 such that four or more different regions or quadrants of an adult consumer's mouth may be engaged during use of the apparatus 100. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 122 may have fewer outlets than four outlets 130 or more outlets than four outlets 130.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 102 may include a consumer interface panel 132 disposed on the second side 120 of the device 100. For example, the consumer interface panel 132 may be an oval panel extending along the second side 120 of the device 100. The consumer interface panel 132 may include a latch release button 134 and a communication screen 136 and / or control buttons 138. For example, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 136 may be disposed between the latch release button 134 and the control buttons 138. As shown, the latch release button 134 may be disposed near the second end 108 of the device 100, and the control buttons 138 may be disposed near the first end 106 of the device 100. The latch release button 134 and the control buttons 138 may be adult consumer interaction buttons. The latch release button 134 and the control buttons 138 may have a generally circular shape having a central depression or concavity configured to direct an adult consumer to apply pressure, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The control buttons 138 may turn the device 100 on and off. Although only two buttons are shown, it should be understood that more or fewer buttons may be provided depending on the available features and the desired adult consumer interface.

[0047] The communication screen 136 may be a user interface such as a human-machine interface (HMI) display. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the communication screen 136 may be an integrated thin film transistor (“TFT”) screen. In other exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 136 is an organic light emitting diode (“OLED”) or light emitting diode (“LED”) screen. The communication screen 136 is configured for adult consumer engagement and may have a generally rectangular shape.

[0048] In some embodiments, the exterior of the housing 102 and / or the lid 104 may be formed of: metal (such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc.); aesthetic, food-contact grade plastics (such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastics or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); or any combination thereof. The mouthpiece 122 may similarly be formed of: metal (such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc.); aesthetic, food-contact grade plastics (such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastics or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); and / or plant-based materials (such as wood, bamboo, etc.). One or more inner surfaces of the housing 102 and / or the lid 104 may be formed of or coated with a high-temperature plastic (such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), etc.).

[0049] Figure 2AShows another top perspective view of the device 100, where the lid 104 is in the open configuration. The lid 104 can be fixedly coupled to the housing 102 at a first point 114 by a hinge 202 or other similar connector, and the hinge 202 or other similar connector allows the lid 104 to move (e.g., swing and rotate) from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the hinge 202 can be a torsion spring. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the housing 102 can include a recess 204 at the first point 114. The recess 204 can be configured to receive a portion of the lid 104 to allow for easy and smooth movement of the lid 104 from the open position to the closed position (and vice versa). The recess 204 can have a structure corresponding to the relevant portion of the lid 104. For example, as shown, the recess 204 can include a substantially arcuate portion 206 having a generally concave shape corresponding to the curved portion of the lid 104 having a generally convex shape.

[0050] The lid 104 can be releasably coupled to the housing 102 at a second point 116 by a latch 208 or other similar connector, and the latch or other similar connector allows the lid 104 to be fixed or fastened in the closed position and can be easily released to allow the lid 104 to move from the closed position to the open position. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the latch 208 can be coupled to a latch release mechanism disposed within the housing. The latch release mechanism can be configured to move the latch 208 from a first position or closed position to a second position or open position.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, when the lid 104 is in the open position, the capsule receiving cavity 210 of the housing 102 is exposed. The capsule connector 212 can define the capsule receiving cavity 210 of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the capsule connector 212 can be mounted or otherwise fixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing 102.

[0052] As Figure 2A shown, the capsule 214 can be received by the capsule receiving cavity 210. In some embodiments not depicted herein, a gasket can be provided around the capsule 214 to help secure the capsule 214 in place within the housing 102. The capsule 214 can include a housing 216 configured to accommodate an aerosol-forming substrate and a heater. In some embodiments, the housing 216 can be in the form of a cover, such as a shell or a cartridge sleeve. In some embodiments, the capsule 214 can include a first end cap 217 and a second end cap. The second end cap can be opposite the first end cap 217 such that it rests within the housing 102 when the capsule 214 is received by the capsule receiving cavity 210.

[0053] As discussed herein, an aerosol-forming substrate is a material or combination of materials that can produce an aerosol. An aerosol relates to the substance generated or output by the disclosed and claimed devices and their equivalents. The material can include a compound (e.g., nicotine), where an aerosol containing the compound is produced when the material is heated. The heating can be below the combustion temperature so as to produce an aerosol without significant pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate or substantial generation of combustion by-products (if any). Thus, in one exemplary embodiment, no pyrolysis occurs during heating and the resultant generation of the aerosol. In other cases, there may be some pyrolysis and combustion by-products, but the extent can be considered rather small and / or merely incidental.

[0054] The aerosol-forming substrate can be a fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material can be a plant-based material. The fibrous material is configured to release a compound upon heating. The compound can be a naturally occurring component of the fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material can be a plant material such as tobacco, and the released compound can be nicotine. The term "tobacco" encompasses any tobacco plant material, including: tobacco leaves from one or more tobacco plant species such as Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum, pressed tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, pressed tobacco, shaped tobacco, or powdered tobacco and combinations thereof.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material can include materials from any member of the genus Nicotiana. Additionally, the tobacco material can include a mixture of two or more different tobacco varieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that can be used include (but are not limited to) flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, and mixtures thereof, etc. The tobacco material can be provided in any suitable form, including but not limited to tobacco leaves, processed tobacco materials such as volume-expanded or puffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems such as cut-rolled or cut-puffed tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco materials, and mixtures thereof, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of a substantially dry tobacco substance. Additionally, in some instances, the tobacco material can be mixed and / or combined with at least one of propylene glycol, glycerin, sub-combinations thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0056] The compound can also be a naturally occurring component of a medicinal plant having a medically acceptable therapeutic effect.

[0057] In addition, the compound can be or can additionally include non-naturally occurring additives that are subsequently introduced into the fibrous material. In one case, the fibrous material can include at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, combinations thereof, or the like (e.g., in the form of a gauze). In another case, the fibrous material can be a cellulose material (e.g., a non-tobacco material). In either case, the introduced compound can include nicotine and / or a flavorant. The flavorant can be from natural sources such as plant extracts (e.g., tobacco extracts) and / or artificial sources. In yet another case, when the fibrous material includes tobacco, the compound can be or can additionally include one or more flavorants (e.g., menthol, mint, vanilla). Thus, the compound within the aerosol-forming substrate can include naturally occurring components and / or non-naturally occurring additives. In this regard, it should be understood that the existing levels of the naturally occurring components of the aerosol-forming substrate can be increased by supplementation. For example, the existing level of nicotine in a certain amount of tobacco can be increased by supplementing with a nicotine-containing extract.

[0058] The first end cap 217 can include a first opening 218. In some embodiments, the first opening 218 can be a series of openings disposed through the first end cap 217. Similarly, the second end cap can include a second opening, which can be a series of openings in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first end cap 217 and / or the second end cap can be transparent so as to serve as a window configured to allow viewing of the contents / components (e.g., the aerosol-forming substrate and / or the heater) within the capsule 214.

[0059] The capsule receiving cavity 210 can have a base that can be located within the housing 102. In some embodiments, the base can include at least one contact point that can be configured to couple to one or more contact points of the capsule 214 when the capsule 214 is received by the capsule receiving cavity 210. When the capsule 214 is inserted into the capsule receiving cavity 210, the weight of the capsule 214 itself may not be sufficient to compress the at least one contact point of the base of the capsule receiving cavity 210. Thus, the capsule 214 may simply rest on the exposed leads of the at least one contact point without exerting any pressure (or any appreciable pressure) on the electrical contacts of the at least one contact point. Additionally, when the lid 104 pivots to transition to the closed position, the weight of the lid itself may not compress the electrical contacts of the at least one contact point to any appreciable extent but can simply rest on the capsule 214 in an intermediate, partially open / closed position. In such a case, a deliberate action of closing the lid 104 (e.g., a downward force) will cause the surface 220 of the lid 104 to press down on the capsule 214 to provide the required seal and will also cause the capsule 214 to be pressed and thereby fully engage the electrical contacts of the at least one contact point.

[0060] In addition, the complete closure of the lid 104 can result in engagement with the latch 208, which can maintain the closed position and the required mechanical / electrical engagement involving the bladder 214 until release (e.g., via the latch release button 134). The force requirements for closing the lid 104 can help ensure and / or improve the air / aerosol seal and provide a more robust electrical connection as well as improved device and thermal efficiency and battery life by reducing or eliminating early power consumption and / or parasitic heating of the bladder 214.

[0061] The lid 104 can include a lumen 222 that can be adapted to receive the housing 102 when the lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lumen 222 of the lid 104 can include an impact or engagement member or surface 220 that is configured to engage the bladder 214 when the lid 104 pivots to transition to the closed position. The surface 220 of the lid 104 can include recesses and / or elastic material that can correspond to the size and shape of the bladder to enhance engagement with the bladder, thereby providing the required seal. In some embodiments, the lid 104 can further include an opening 224 that can be adapted to receive the second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122. The mouthpiece 122 can include at least one extension 226 that can be received by the opening 224 of the lid 104 to secure the mouthpiece 122 to the lid 104. In some embodiments, the lid 104 can further include a protrusion that can be configured to couple with a recess 228 of the housing 102. When the lid 104 is coupled to the housing 102 in the closed position, the protrusion can fit within the recess 228.

[0062] See Figure 2B, shows a bottom perspective view of the device 100. In some embodiments, the housing 102 may define a port or charging connector 250. The charging connector may be defined or provided at the first end 106 of the housing 102. The charging connector 250 may be configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB / mini-USB cable) to charge the power source inside the device 100. In some embodiments, a protective grille 252 is provided around the charging connector 250. The protective grille 252 may be configured to help reduce or prevent debris from entering and / or an unintentional blockage of the air flow. For example, the protective grille 252 may define a plurality of pores 254 along its length or path. As shown, the protective grille 252 may have an annular form around the charging connector 250. In this regard, the pores 254 may also be arranged (e.g., in a series arrangement) around the charging connector 250. Each of the pores 254 may have an oval or circular shape, but is not limited thereto. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protective grille 252 may include an approved food contact material. For example, the protective grille 252 may include plastic, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum), or a combination thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the surface of the protective grille 252 may be coated with, for example, a thin layer of plastic and / or anodized.

[0063] The pores 254 in the protective grille 252 may serve as an inlet for air inhaled into the device 100. During operation of the device 100, ambient air entering through the pores 254 in the protective grille 252 around the charging connector 170 will converge to form a combined flow, which then travels to the bladder 214. For example, the pores 254 may be in fluid communication with the bladder receiving cavity 210. In at least one exemplary embodiment, air may be suctioned out of the pores 254 and through the bladder receiving cavity 210. For example, air may be suctioned through the bladder 214 received by the bladder receiving cavity 210 and discharged from the mouthpiece 122.

[0064] See Figure 2C , which shows a bottom view of the device 100. In some embodiments, the charging connector 250 may be a component that defines a chamber 256 having a protrusion 258 located within the chamber 256. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 258 does not extend beyond the edge of the chamber 256. Additionally, the charging connector 250 may also be configured to send and / or receive data to / from another aerosol generating device (e.g., a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol generating device) and / or other electronic devices (e.g., a phone, a tablet, a computer, etc.) (e.g., via a USB / mini-USB cable). In at least one embodiment, the device 100 may alternatively or additionally be configured to wirelessly communicate with such other aerosol generating devices and / or electronic devices (e.g., via Bluetooth).

[0065] It should be understood that the device 100 and the capsule 214 include additional components (e.g., a heater and an internal airflow path) such as those described in the document with docket number No. 24000NV-000847-US, titled "HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES AND CAPSULES" (filed on the same day with application number XX / XXX,XXX), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] See Figure 3 , which shows a block diagram of a cooling system 300 of the device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cooling system 300 can be used to alert or notify a consumer that the device 100 is hot after heating a consumable (such as the capsule 214 of the device 100). More specifically, the cooling system 300 can notify the consumer how much time is left before the capsule 214 of the device 100 can be removed, and the moment when the capsule 214 can be removed. Additionally, the cooling system 300 can be configured to warn the consumer that the capsule 214 is hot if the lid 104 of the device 100 is opened before the capsule 214 has cooled to a comfortable or desired temperature. The cooling system 300 can ensure that the device 100 does not automatically shut down until the cooling system 300 has warned the consumer that the device 100 is in a state where the lid 104 can be opened to remove the capsule 214 of the device 100.

[0067] The cooling system 300 can include a processor 302, a memory 304, a control button 138, a mechanism detection switch 308, a charging connector 310, a battery monitoring system 312, a power supply 313, a communication screen 136, a haptic actuator 316, a heater 317, and a temperature sensor 318. In some embodiments, the processor 302 can include a timer 320, and the memory 304 can include a session underway flag 321. In other embodiments, the session underway flag 321 can be stored in the processor 302, such as in the local memory of the processor 302, and the timer 320 can be executed using instructions stored in the memory 304. The processor 302 can communicate with the memory 304, the control button 138, the mechanism detection switch 308, the charging connector 310, the battery monitoring system 312, the power supply 313, the communication screen 136, the haptic actuator 316, the heater 317, the temperature sensor 318, and the timer 320.

[0068] The processor 302 can be hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination configured to execute software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor 302 can include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other similar devices. The processor 302 can be configured as a dedicated machine (e.g., a processing device) to execute software or instructions stored in the memory 304. The software can be embodied as program code including instructions for performing and / or controlling any or all of the operations described herein as being performed by the processor 302.

[0069] In other exemplary embodiments, other processing circuits and / or control circuits can be used.

[0070] The memory 304 is shown external to the processor 302. In some exemplary embodiments, the memory 304 can be on the processor 302. The memory 304 can describe any one of the terms "storage medium", "computer-readable storage medium", or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium", and can represent one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, disk storage media, optical storage media, flash devices, and / or other tangible machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" can include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0071] The duty cycle in progress flag 321 can be stored in the memory 304 and can be set to indicate the state of the duty cycle of the device 100. For example, when the control button 138 is pressed to start the duty cycle of the device 100, the processor 302 can set the duty cycle in progress flag 321. When the duty cycle of the device 100 ends, such as when the control button 138 is pressed to end the duty cycle of the device 100, the processor 302 can reset the duty cycle in progress flag 321.

[0072] The timer 320 can include one or more timers configured to measure one or more times related to the device 100 and / or the cooling system 300. The timer 320 can include a cooling timer 322, which can be configured to measure a cooling time. The cooling time can be the length of time from the end of the duty cycle of the use of the device 100 until the device 100 is cooled to a temperature at which the bladder 214 can be removed from the device 100. The timer 320 can include a refresh timer 324, which can be configured to measure a refresh time. In some embodiments, the refresh time can be less than the cooling time. When the refresh time ends, the information related to the cooling time can be recalculated and refreshed on the communication screen 136. The timer 320 can include a first delay timer 326, which can measure a first delay time. The first delay time can be the amount of time that the communication screen 136 can display a first icon when the device 100 is powered off before any information related to the cooling time is displayed. The timer 320 can additionally include a second delay timer 328, which can be configured to measure a second delay time. The second delay time can be the amount of time that the communication screen 136 can display a power-off indication if the device 100 is turned off while the cooling timer 322 is active.

[0073] The control button 138 can be configured to generate a signal indicating that the consumer has switched the device 100 to the "off" state to end the ongoing duty cycle of the device 100.

[0074] The mechanism detection switch 308 can be configured to generate a signal indicating that a lid mechanism, such as the lid 104 of the device 100, has been opened. The mechanism detection switch 308 can be a push-button switch, a toggle button, a capacitive sensor, an IR sensor, a magnetic detection sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor), or other element configured to communicate to the processor 302 that the lid 104 of the device 100 has been opened. When the lid 104 of the device 100 is opened, any ongoing duty cycle of the device 100 can end. The mechanism detection switch 308 can be configured to generate a signal indicating that the lid 104 has been opened when the latch release mechanism of the device 100 releases the latch 208. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanism detection switch 308 can be coupled to the latch release button 134 and can generate a signal indicating that the lid 104 of the device 100 has been opened when the latch release button 134 is pressed. More specifically, the mechanism detection switch 308 can be located within the recess 228 such that closing the lid 104 of the device 100 actuates the mechanism detection switch 308.

[0075] The charging connector 310 can be configured to generate a signal indicating that the device 100 is connected to a charger. When the device 100 is connected to a charger, any ongoing duty cycle can end. In some embodiments, the housing 102 of the device 100 can include a charging connector or port. For example, the port can be defined / set in the first end 106 of the housing 102. The port can be configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB / mini-USB cable) to charge a power source (such as power source 313) inside the device 100. The charging connector 310 can be configured to detect when the port of the device 100 is receiving current, which can also indicate that any ongoing duty cycle has ended.

[0076] The battery monitoring system 312 can be configured to generate a signal indicating that the device 100 has entered a low battery state. In some embodiments, when the device 100 enters a low battery state, any ongoing duty cycle may end.

[0077] In some embodiments, the housing 102 of the device 100 can surround or house the power source 313. The power source 313 can include one or more batteries, such as a rechargeable dual-battery arrangement, a lithium-ion battery, and / or a fuel cell. The power source 313 can be configured to receive the current provided to the device 100 through the port to charge the power source 313. The battery monitoring system 312 can generate a signal indicating that the device 100 has entered a low battery state when the charge of the power source 313 reaches below a predetermined threshold. When the device 100 is in a low battery state, the device 100 may not have enough power to continue the normal operation of the duty cycle. However, the device 100 can have enough power to operate the cooling system 300 until the bladder 214 is at a comfortable temperature for removal by the consumer.

[0078] The communication screen 136 can display information related to the device 100. The communication screen 136 can display one or more icons to convey information related to the device 100. For example, the communication screen 136 can display a timer icon, which can indicate the remaining time of the cooling timer 322 of the device 100. The communication screen 136 can also display a warning icon, which can indicate that the lid 104 of the device 100 is opened while the cooling timer 322 is active. The communication screen 136 can also be configured to display a cooling warning icon, which can indicate that the lid 104 of the device has been opened before the cooling timer 322 is activated while the duty cycle is in progress. The communication screen 136 can also be configured to display a bladder ejection icon, which can indicate when the cooling time measured by the cooling timer 322 ends. The communication screen 136 can also be configured to display a duty cycle end icon, which can indicate that the device 100 is powered off when the cooling timer 322 is activated to measure the cooling time. The communication screen 136 can also be configured to display a first power-off icon and a second power-off icon, both of which can indicate that the control button 138 has been pressed to power off the device while the cooling timer 322 is active. The communication screen 136 can also be configured to display a cooldown aware icon, which can indicate that the cooling system 300 is still operating after the consumer presses the control button 138 to power off the device 100. The communication screen 136 can also be configured to display a fault icon, which can indicate that the device 100 is in a fault state and may not operate as expected.

[0079] The tactile actuator 316 can be a tactile motor, which can be disposed within the housing 102 of the device 100. The tactile actuator 316 can be configured to vibrate the device when the tactile actuator 316 is actuated. The tactile actuator 316 can be configured to be actuated by the processor 302 when the consumer opens the lid 104 of the device 100 during the activation of the timer 320 to measure the cooling time. In some embodiments, the tactile actuator 316 can be configured to vibrate the device 100 in a vibration mode when actuated. For example, the tactile actuator 316 can be configured to vibrate the device 100 three times when the lid 104 of the device 100 is opened during the activation of the timer 320 to measure the cooling time. The vibration mode can be unique to the cooling system 300, so that the consumer can distinguish the vibration mode from other vibrations that the tactile actuator 316 may perform during the operation of the device 100 (not when the cooling system 300 is operating).

[0080] The heater 317 can be housed within the device 100 and can be configured to heat the cartridge 214 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the heater 317 can be an element of, or can be coupled to, one or more of a heating voltage measurement circuit, a heating current measurement circuit, and / or a compensation measurement circuit substantially as described in U.S. Application No. 17 / 151,409, filed on January 18, 2021, and titled "HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES INCLUDING INTRA-DRAW HEATER CONTROL, AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING A HEATER", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] The temperature sensor 318 can be configured to measure the temperature of the device 100. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 318 can be a thermistor or a thermocouple. More specifically, the temperature sensor 318 can be disposed near the cartridge 214 of the device 100 and can be configured to measure the temperature of the area near the cartridge 214 of the device 100 to determine when the cartridge 214 can be removed from the device 100. In some embodiments, the cooling time can be determined based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 318. For example, the cooling time can be related to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 318 such that when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 318 is higher, the cooling time is longer, and when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 318 is lower, the cooling time is shorter.

[0082] See Figures 4A - 4H , which shows different exemplary embodiments of a display screen with a graphical user interface with icons. In some embodiments, the display screen can be the communication screen 136 of the device 100. The icons displayed on the display screen or the communication screen 136 can generally be referred to as system icons. In some embodiments, Figures 4A - 4H 's icons can be displayed on the communication screen 136 in a variety of colors, shades, or sizes. For example, Figures 4A - 4H 's shaded area can be displayed as orange, cyan, red, or any other suitable color. Figures 4A - 4H The dashed lines shown in Figures 4A - 4H illustrate the display screen or a portion thereof. Additionally or alternatively,

[0083] Figure 4AThe graphical user interface of the shown display screen has icons such as a timer icon 402. The timer icon 402 can indicate to the consumer how much time is left on the cooling timer 322, so that the consumer knows when the capsule 214 can be removed from the device 100. The timer icon 402 can be refreshed and updated during the cooling time to inform the consumer when the capsule 214 can be removed from the device 100. For example, if 90% of the cooling time remains on the cooling timer 322, the timer icon 402 can be substantially as Figure 4A shown, where approximately 90% of the thermometer is filled or colored. As the cooling time elapses, the timer icon 402 can be updated so that the shaded portion of the thermometer corresponds to the remaining cooling time on the cooling timer 322.

[0084] Figure 4B The graphical user interface of the shown display screen has icons such as a warning icon 404. The warning icon 404 can indicate to the consumer that the lid 104 of the device 100 has been opened while the cooling timer 322 is active or while the operating cycle of the device 100 is active. The warning icon 404 can indicate to the consumer that the capsule 214 is not cooled to a comfortable temperature for removal from the device 100.

[0085] Figure 4C The graphical user interface of the shown display screen has icons such as a capsule ejection icon 408. The capsule ejection icon 408 can indicate to the consumer that the cooling timer 322 has ended and the capsule 214 can be removed from the device 100.

[0086] Figure 4D The graphical user interface of the shown display screen has icons such as an operating cycle end icon 410. In some embodiments, the operating cycle end icon can indicate that there is no aerosol-forming substrate in the capsule 214. The operating cycle end icon 410 can indicate that a previously active operating cycle of the device 100 has ended. In some embodiments, the operating cycle end icon 410 can be briefly displayed on the communication screen 136 before the display timer icon 402.

[0087] Figure 4E The graphical user interface of the shown display screen has icons such as a first power-off icon 412. The first power-off icon 412 can indicate that the control button 138 has been pressed and held for at least three seconds while the cooling timer 322 is active. When the control button 138 is pressed for at least three seconds, the device 100 may power off after the cooling timer 322 ends. The first power-off icon 412 can be displayed when the control button 138 is pressed and when the second delay timer 328 is active.

[0088] Figure 4F The graphical user interface of the shown display screen has icons such as a second power-off icon 413. After the control button 138 is released and double-tapped a second time, the second power-off icon 413 can be displayed to confirm that the device 100 should be powered off. Once the control button 138 is pressed a second time, the processor 302 removes the first power-off icon 412 from the communication screen 136. The second power-off icon 413 can be similar to the first power-off icon 412, but the colored portion of the icon can be opposite that of the first power-off icon 412. The second power-off icon 413 can be displayed while the second delay timer 328 is active, and when the second delay timer ends, the second power-off icon 413 can be removed from the communication screen 136.

[0089] Figure 4G The graphical user interface of the shown display screen has icons such as a cooling awareness icon 414. The cooling awareness icon 414 can indicate that the cooling system 300 is still operating after the consumer presses the control button 138 to power off the device 100. More specifically, after the second delay timer has ended and the first power-off icon 412 and the second power-off icon 413 have been removed from the communication screen 136, the cooling awareness icon 414 can be displayed on the communication screen 136. The cooling awareness icon 414 can be displayed until the cooling timer 322 ends.

[0090] Figure 4H The graphical user interface of the shown display screen has icons such as a fault icon 416. The fault icon 416 can indicate that the device 100 is in a non-operating state such that the work cycle cannot start. In some embodiments, the device may be in a non-operating state or a fault state when the lid 104 of the device 100 is closed after having been previously opened while the work cycle is active or while the cooling timer 322 is active. In some embodiments, closing the lid 104 after opening it during an active work cycle or while the cooling timer 322 is active may cause the inter-electrode resistance of the capsule 214 to exceed the effective range and may force the device 100 into a fault state. In other embodiments, if the hardware or software functions of the device 100 are abnormal while the work cycle is in progress or while the cooling timer 322 is active, the device 100 can enter a fault state. If the device 100 enters a fault state due to a functional abnormality, any ongoing work cycle can be terminated, the cooling timer 322 can be started, and the processor 302 can display the fault icon 416 on the communication screen 136. When the fault icon 416 is shown on the communication screen 136, the cooling system 300 can continue to operate the cooling timer 322. The fault icon 416 can be displayed on the communication screen 136 until the fault is corrected. If the fault is corrected, the cooling system 300 can displayFigures 4A to 4G a suitable icon to indicate the status of the cooling system 300.

[0091] See Figure 5 , which shows a method 500 for operating the cooling system 300 of the operating device 100. The processor 302 is configured to cause the cooling system 300 to perform Figure 5 the method by executing instructions stored in the memory 304. In other exemplary embodiments, the processor 302 may be an ASIC and is configured to cause the cooling system 300 to perform Figure 5 the method. The method 500 may start when the duty cycle of the device 100 is in progress. The duty cycle may start when the device 100 is turned on and preheated so that the consumer can use the device 100. In some embodiments, the duty cycle may start when the control button 138 is pressed to power on the device 100. When the bladder 214 is heated so that the consumer can use the device 100, the device 100 may be in the duty cycle of operation. The method 500 may proceed to step 502, in which the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended.

[0092] If the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the control button 138 indicating that the consumer has turned off the device 100 (e.g., the consumer presses the control button 138), the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended. Additionally or alternatively, if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the mechanism detection switch 308 indicating that the lid 104 of the device has been opened, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended. Additionally or alternatively, if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the charging connector 310 indicating that the device 100 has been connected to a charger, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended. Additionally or alternatively, if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the battery monitoring system 312 indicating that the device 100 has entered a low battery state, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended. Additionally or alternatively, if the cooling system 300 detects that the device 100 is in a fault state, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended. Additionally or alternatively, if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the duty cycle control system of the device 100 indicating that a duty cycle threshold has been met, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended. In some embodiments, the duty cycle threshold may be met if the duty cycle has exceeded a time threshold and / or a suction threshold.

[0093] It should be understood that the duty cycle control system includes additional components and functions as described in the application entitled "SESSION CONTROL SYSTEM" filed on the same day (Application No. XX / XXX, XXX), docket No. 24000NV-000859-US, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] After the cooling system 300 detects at step 502 that the duty cycle has ended, the method can proceed to step 504. At step 504, the cooling system 300 can activate a timer 320. The timer 320 can be a cooling timer 322, and the cooling timer 322 can be configured to measure the cooling time. As referenced above Figure 3 The cooling time can be the length of time from the end of the duty cycle until the device 100 has cooled to a temperature at which the bladder 214 can be removed from the device 100.

[0095] In some embodiments, the cooling time can be approximately 120 seconds. In other embodiments, the cooling time can be based on the length of the just-ended duty cycle. In some embodiments, the longer the duty cycle, the longer the cooling time. For example, if the duty cycle is less than 10 seconds, the cooling time can be 30 seconds. If the duty cycle is longer than 10 seconds, the cooling time can be 120 seconds, or longer based on the duty cycle length.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, the cooling time can be based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 318 of the device 100.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, the cooling system 300 can activate the cooling timer 322 only if the heater 317 of the device 100 has been heated to a minimum threshold. In some embodiments, the minimum threshold can be when the heater 317 has been heated for at least a certain amount of time. For example, if the heater 317 has been heated for at least 10 seconds, the cooling system 300 can activate the cooling timer 322 at the end of the duty cycle. In other embodiments, the minimum threshold can be when a threshold amount of energy has been injected into the heater 317. For example, when at least 60 joules of energy has been injected into the heater 317, the cooling system 300 can activate the cooling timer 322.

[0098] After activating the timer 320 at step 504, the method 500 can proceed to step 506, where the cooling status is displayed on the communication screen 136. In some embodiments, the communication screen 136 can display a timer icon 402 to indicate the remaining time that the timer 320 is measuring. More specifically, the timer icon 402 can be configured to indicate the amount of remaining time until the cooling time measured by the cooling timer 322 reaches zero.

[0099] After displaying the cooling status on the communication screen 136 at step 506, method 500 may proceed to conditional step 508, where the cooling system 300 determines whether the timer 320 has ended. If the timer 320 has not ended, method 500 may return to step 506 and may continue to display the cooling status of the device 100 on the communication screen 136. If the timer 320 has ended, method 500 may proceed to the end of method 500.

[0100] When method 500 ends, device 100 may resume normal operation. When method 500 ends, device 100 may have a low enough temperature to allow the consumer to comfortably remove the bladder 214. In some embodiments, normal operation may allow the consumer to remove the bladder 214 to replace or refill the bladder 214 for continued use of device 100.

[0101] See Figure 6 which shows a block diagram of a method 600 of operating the cooling system 300 of device 100. Method 600 is more detailed than Figure 5 the method 500 shown. Method 600 may begin at the start of the duty cycle of device 100. Once the duty cycle begins, method 600 may proceed to step 602, where the in-duty-cycle flag 321 is set by the processor 302 and / or the memory 304. The in-duty-cycle flag 321 may indicate that the duty cycle is in progress.

[0102] Then method 600 may proceed to step 604, where the communication screen 136 may display a duty cycle progress indicator or icon. In some embodiments, the duty cycle progress indicator may notify the consumer of the total amount of time that the duty cycle is in progress. In other embodiments, the duty cycle progress indicator may be configured to indicate the remaining battery life of device 100, or how long the duty cycle can continue based on the amount of material contained in the bladder 214. In other embodiments, the duty cycle progress indicator may be another indicator of the status of the duty cycle of device 100.

[0103] The method 600 may then proceed to conditional step 606 where the cooling system 300 determines whether the duty cycle has ended. As described above, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the control button 138 indicating that the consumer has turned off the device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the mechanism detection switch 308 indicating that the lid 104 of the device has been opened. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the charging connector 310 indicating that the device 100 has been connected to a charger. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling system 300 may detect that the duty cycle has ended if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the battery monitoring system 312 indicating that the device 100 has entered a low battery state. If the device 100 has entered a low battery state, the device 100 can have sufficient battery power to complete the method 600 and can ensure that the consumer is informed when the device 100 is in a state where the capsule 214 can be removed from the device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling system 300 can detect that the duty cycle has ended if the cooling system 300 detects that the device 100 is in a fault state. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling system 300 can detect that the duty cycle has ended if the cooling system 300 receives a signal from the duty cycle control system of the device 100 indicating that the duty cycle threshold has been met.

[0104] If the work cycle has not yet ended, the method 600 can return to step 604 and continue to display the work cycle progress indicator. If the work cycle has ended, the method 600 can proceed to step 608.

[0105] At step 608, the cooling system 300 may start the timer 320. The timer 320 may be a cooling timer 322, and the cooling timer 322 may be configured to measure the cooling time. Figure 3 As described, the cooling time may be the length of time from the end of the working cycle until the device 100 cools to a temperature at which the capsule 214 can be removed from the device 100 .

[0106] Additionally or alternatively, the cooling time may be based on a temperature measured by a temperature sensor 318 of the device 100 .

[0107] Additionally or alternatively, the cooling system 300 may activate the cooling timer 322 only if the heater 317 of the device 100 is heated to a minimum threshold. In some embodiments, the minimum threshold may be when the heater 317 has been heated for at least a certain amount of time. For example, if the heater 317 has been heated for at least 10 seconds, the cooling system 300 may activate the cooling timer 322 at the end of the duty cycle. In other embodiments, the minimum threshold may be when a threshold amount of energy has been injected into the heater 317. For example, when at least 60 joules of energy has been injected into the heater 317, the cooling system 300 may activate the cooling timer 322.

[0108] After activating the timer 320 at step 608, the method 600 may proceed to step 610. At step 610, the processor 302 and / or the memory 304 of the cooling system 300 may clear the in-duty-cycle flag 321 set at step 602. Since the cooling system 300 has determined that the duty cycle has ended, the in-duty-cycle flag 321 may be cleared.

[0109] After clearing the in-duty-cycle flag 321 at step 610, the method 600 may proceed to step 612. At step 612, the processor 302 may start a first delay timer 326 of the timer 320. The first delay timer 326 may be configured to measure a first delay time. In some embodiments, the first delay time may be the amount of time before any information related to the cooling time, an indication, or information is displayed on the communication screen 136. In some embodiments, the first delay time may be approximately 3 seconds.

[0110] After the delay timer is started, the method 600 may proceed to step 614. At step 614, the cooling system 300 may display an end-of-duty-cycle icon 410. For example, when the device 100 is powered off, the communication screen 136 may display the end-of-duty-cycle icon 410 before any information related to the cooling time is displayed. The end-of-duty-cycle icon 410 may be displayed on the communication screen 136 for the duration of the first delay timer 326. The end-of-duty-cycle icon 410 may indicate to the consumer that the duty cycle is ending and the cooling timer 322 is being activated. The end-of-duty-cycle icon 410 may be displayed on the communication screen 136 before any information indicating the status of the cooling timer 322.

[0111] After activating the first delay timer 326 at step 612 and displaying the duty cycle end icon 410 at step 614, method 600 can proceed to conditional step 616. At conditional step 616, the cooling system 300 can determine whether the first delay timer 326 has ended. If the first delay timer 326 has not ended, method 600 can return to step 614, and the processor 302 can continue to display the duty cycle end icon 410. If the first delay timer 326 has ended, method 600 can proceed to step 618.

[0112] At step 618, the cooling system 300 can be configured to calculate the percentage of time remaining on the cooling timer 322. In some embodiments, the cooling system 300 can additionally display an icon on the communication screen 136 corresponding to the percentage of time remaining on the cooling timer 322, such as the timer icon 402.

[0113] After displaying an icon on the communication screen 136 corresponding to the percentage of time remaining on the cooling timer 322, method 600 can proceed to step 620. At step 620, the refresh timer 324 can be started. The refresh timer 324 can be configured to measure the refresh time. After the refresh time has ended, the icon corresponding to the percentage of time remaining on the cooling timer 322 can be updated to reflect the new percentage of time remaining on the cooling timer 322. In some embodiments, the refresh time can be approximately 6 seconds, such that the timer icon 402 can be updated approximately 20 times while the cooling timer 322 is active.

[0114] After starting the refresh timer 324 in step 620, method 600 can proceed to conditional step 622. Conditional step 622 can determine whether the refresh timer 324 has ended. If the refresh timer 324 has ended, method 600 can proceed to conditional step 624, where the cooling system 300 determines whether the cooling timer 322 has ended. If the cooling timer 322 has not ended, method 600 can return to step 618, where the percentage of time remaining on the cooling timer 322 can be recalculated, and the icon corresponding to the percentage of time remaining on the cooling timer 322 can be updated and displayed on the communication screen 136. If the cooling timer 322 has ended, method 600 can proceed to step 626, where the cooling system 300 is configured to display the bladder ejection icon 408 on the communication screen 136. The bladder ejection icon 408 can indicate to the consumer that the bladder 214 can be removed from the device 100 because the device 100 has reached a comfortable or predetermined temperature close to the bladder 214. After step 626, method 600 can end with the device 100 resuming normal operation.

[0115] If the cooling system 300 determines at conditional step 622 that the refresh timer 324 has not ended, method 600 can proceed to conditional step 628, where the cooling system 300 determines whether device 100 is shutting down. In some embodiments, device 100 can be shut down by a consumer pressing control button 138 to manually power off device 100. Additionally or alternatively, if the battery monitoring system 312 determines that device 100 has entered a low battery state, device 100 can be shut down. If the cooling system 300 determines that device 100 is not shut down, method 600 can return to conditional step 622, where the cooling system 300 determines whether the refresh timer 324 has ended.

[0116] If the cooling system 300 determines at conditional step 628 that device 100 is shutting down, method 600 can proceed to step 630, where processor 302 starts a second delay timer 328. The second delay timer 328 can be configured to measure a second delay time. The second delay time can be the amount of time that the communication screen 136 can display the first power-off icon 412 and the second power-off icon 413 or indicate after the control button 138 is pressed to manually power off device 100.

[0117] After starting the second delay timer 328 at step 630, method 600 can proceed to step 632, where the cooling system 300 is configured to display at least one power-off icon on the communication screen 136, such as the first power-off icon 412 and the second power-off icon 413. The first power-off icon 412 and / or the second power-off icon 413 can be symbols or messages that can be displayed to let the consumer know that the control button 138 has been pressed to turn off device 100. More specifically, the first power-off icon 412 can be displayed when the consumer presses the control button 138. After the consumer presses the control button 138 a second time to confirm that device 100 should be powered off, the second power-off icon 413 can be displayed.

[0118] After displaying the first power-off icon 412 and the second power-off icon 413 at step 632, method 600 can proceed to conditional step 634. At conditional step 634, the cooling system 300 can determine whether the second delay timer 328 has ended. If the second delay timer 328 has not ended, method 600 can return to step 632, where the power-off icon 412 or the second power-off icon 413 continues to be displayed.

[0119] If the cooling system 300 determines that the second delay timer 328 has ended, method 600 can proceed to step 636, where the cooling system 300 is configured to display a cooling awareness icon 414. The cooling awareness icon 414 can indicate that the cooling system 300 is still operating after the control button 138 is pressed. The cooling awareness icon 414 can also indicate to the consumer that the bladder 214 should not be removed from the device 100 because the device 100 may still be too hot to remove the bladder 214.

[0120] After displaying the cooling awareness icon 414 at step 636, method 600 can proceed to conditional step 638, where the cooling system 300 is configured to determine whether the cooling timer 322 has ended. If the cooling timer 322 has not ended, method 600 can return to step 636 and can continue to display the cooling awareness icon 414.

[0121] If the cooling system 300 determines that the cooling timer 322 has ended, method 600 can proceed to step 640, where the communication screen 136 is turned off. When the communication screen 136 is turned off, there may no longer be light, icons, or other indications displayed on the communication screen 136. Once the communication screen 136 is turned off, method 600 can end with the device 100 being powered off.

[0122] In some embodiments, at any time during method 600, if the device 100 enters a fault state, a fault icon 416 can be displayed on the communication screen 136. When the fault icon 416 is shown on the communication screen 136, the cooling system 300 can continue to operate the cooling timer 322. The fault icon 416 can be displayed on the communication screen 136 until the fault is corrected. If the fault is corrected, the cooling system 300 can return to the normal operation of method 600 and can display Figures 4A to 4G appropriate icons to indicate the status of the cooling system 300 and method 600.

[0123] See Figure 7 , which shows an operating method 700 of the device 100 when the lid 104 is open. Method 700 can start when the lid 104 of the device 100 is open. When the lid 104 is open, method 700 can proceed to conditional step 702 to determine whether a work cycle is in progress. In some embodiments, it can be determined whether a work cycle is in progress by determining whether the processor 302 and / or the memory 304 of the cooling system 300 have set a work cycle in progress flag 321. If the work cycle in progress flag 321 is set, the work cycle of the device 100 may be in progress, and if the work cycle in progress flag 321 is not set, the device 100 may not have an active work cycle.

[0124] If, at conditional step 702, the processor 302 determines that there is no active duty cycle in the ongoing activities, method 700 may proceed to conditional step 704 to determine whether the cooling timer 322 of the cooling system 300 is active. If the cooling timer 322 is active, it may not be desirable to have the lid 104 of the device 100 in the open position because the bladder 214 may be too hot for the consumer to touch. If the cooling timer 322 is not active, method 700 may end with the processor 302 returning the device 100 to normal operation, which may maintain the device 100 in the state it was in when method 700 began.

[0125] If the cooling timer 322 is active, method 700 may proceed to step 706. At step 706, the cooling timer 322 or any other timer of the cooling system 300 may be stopped. The cooling timer 322 and any other timers associated with the cooling system 300 may be stopped because these timers are used to track the optimal time for the consumer to open the lid 104 of the device. If the lid 104 of the device 100 is opened, no additional timers of the cooling timer 322 and timer 320 are needed because the lid 104 has been opened.

[0126] After stopping the cooling timer 322 and any additional timers at step 706, method 700 may proceed to step 708, where the haptic actuator 316 is actuated. Additionally, if at conditional step 702, the processor 302 determines that a duty cycle is in progress, method 700 may proceed to step 708. In some embodiments, the haptic actuator 316 may be configured to vibrate in a vibration mode, such as vibrating three times continuously, when the lid 104 is opened while the cooling timer 322 is active. When the consumer feels the device 100 vibrate when the haptic actuator 316 is actuated, the consumer may be warned that the device 100 may not be in an ideal state to open the lid 104. When the haptic actuator 316 is actuated, the consumer may receive a warning not to touch the bladder 214 because the lid 104 of the device 100 has been opened.

[0127] After actuating the haptic actuator 316 at step 708, the method may proceed to step 710, where a warning icon 404 is displayed on the communication screen 136. The warning icon 404 may indicate to the consumer that the device 100 may not be at a proper or comfortable temperature for the consumer to touch the bladder 214, but the cooling system 300 has stopped the cooling timer 322 and any additional timers of the cooling system 300.

[0128] After displaying the cooling warning at step 710, method 700 may end by returning device 100 to normal operation. In some embodiments, returning device 100 to normal operation may be maintaining device 100 in the state it was in when method 700 began.

[0129] The systems, devices, and methods described herein may provide significant advantages. Cooling system 300 may provide additional communication to an adult consumer regarding the status of device 100. For example, cooling system 300 may display one or more icons on communication screen 136 to the consumer indicating when the bladder 214 of device 100 may be removed from device 100. Cooling system 300 may warn the consumer when device 100 is too hot to handle comfortably, such that the consumer may enjoy device 100 comfortably.

[0130] The appended claims set forth novel and inventive aspects of the foregoing subject matter, but the claims may also cover additional subject matter that is not specifically recited in detail. For example, certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if they need not be distinguished from features, elements, or aspects known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Features, elements, and aspects described in the context of some embodiments may also be omitted, combined, or replaced with alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling system for a device, the cooling system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to: detect when a duty cycle ends; activate a cooling timer associated with a cooling time; provide an indication of the remaining time of the cooling timer; and in response to the end of the cooling time, cause the device to resume normal operation.

2. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to obtain a signal from a control button, the signal indicating that the device has been turned off and the duty cycle has ended.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to obtain a signal from a mechanism detection switch, the signal indicating that a lid mechanism has been opened and the duty cycle has ended.

4. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to obtain a signal from a charging connector, the signal indicating that the device is connected to a charger and the duty cycle has ended.

5. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to obtain a signal from a battery monitoring system, the signal indicating that the device has entered a low battery state and the duty cycle has ended.

6. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to detect when the device is in a fault state, the fault state indicating that the duty cycle has ended.

7. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to display a warning icon on a user interface of the device in the case where the lid mechanism of the device is opened while the cooling timer is active.

8. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to display a cooling warning icon in the case where the lid mechanism of the device is opened during the duty cycle and before the cooling timer is activated.

9. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to activate a refresh timer after the cooling timer is activated.

10. The cooling system according to claim 9, wherein, The refresh timer is configured to measure a refresh time and, if the cooling timer is active at the end of the refresh time, reset, the refresh time being shorter than the cooling time.

11. The cooling system according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to refresh a timer icon at the end of the refresh time.

12. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to display a bladder ejection icon on a user interface of the device at the end of the cooling time, the bladder ejection icon indicating that a bladder of the device can be removed.

13. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to display a system icon on a user interface of the device when the cooling timer is activated and activate a delay timer for a delay time.

14. The cooling system according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to display a cooling awareness icon after the end of the delay time.

15. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to activate a delay timer for a delay time and display a power-off indication if the device is turned off and the cooling timer is active.

16. The cooling system according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to display a cooling awareness icon after the end of the delay time until the cooling timer ends.

17. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling time is based on the length of the duty cycle of the device.

18. The cooling system according to claim 1, further comprising: A temperature sensor.

19. The cooling system according to claim 18, wherein, The cooling time is based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

20. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, If the heater of the device or the consumable of the device is heated to a minimum threshold, the cooling timer is activated.

21. The cooling system according to claim 20, wherein, The minimum threshold is that the heater is heated for at least 10 seconds.

22. The cooling system according to claim 20, wherein, The minimum threshold is that at least 60 joules of energy is injected into the heater.

23. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooling system to: Set a duty cycle in progress flag at the start of the duty cycle; and Clear the duty cycle in progress flag at the end of the duty cycle.

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