Charging system for aerosol-generating device

Abstract

A charging system for an aerosol-generating device includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor and configured to store instructions. The instructions define at least one of a disabled mode, an intra-duty cycle mode, or a duty cycle mode. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to: detect when the apparatus is connected to a charging device; enabling a power charger in response to connection with the charging device; identifying the selected mode; enabling or disabling a heater of the capsule according to the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, displaying a first display indicating that the charging device is connected; if the heater is enabled, detecting whether a duty cycle of the aerosol-generating device is ongoing; and if the duty cycle is ongoing, initiating or suspending charging in response to the identification of the selected mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] At least some example embodiments relate to aerosol generating devices, such as heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol generating devices configured to generate an aerosol without substantial pyrolysis of an aerosol-forming substrate, and more specifically but not limited to relate to a charging system for an aerosol generating device (such as a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol generating device). 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 keeping the temperature below the ignition point (or ignition temperature) of the plant material to avoid any substantial pyrolysis of the plant material (e.g., self-sustaining smoldering or self-sustaining combustion). Such devices may be referred to as aerosol generating devices (e.g., heat-not-burn aerosol generating devices and / or heat-not-burn 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] Novel and useful systems, devices, and methods for a charging system for an aerosol generating device are set forth in the appended claims. Illustrative embodiments are also provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.

[0004] A charging system according to various aspects of the present disclosure may allow an aerosol generating device to be used while physically connected to a charger (e.g., a charging cable).

[0005] For example, in some exemplary embodiments, a charging system may include a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to store instructions. The instructions may define at least one of a disable mode, an in-duty-cycle mode, or an inter-duty-cycle mode. The processor may be configured to: execute the instructions to cause the charging system to detect when an aerosol generating device is connected to a charging device; enable a power charger in response to the connection to the charging device; identify a selected mode among at least one of the disable mode, the in-duty-cycle mode, or the inter-duty-cycle mode; enable or disable a heater of a cartridge according to the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, display a first display indicating the connection of the charging device; if the heater is enabled, detect whether a duty cycle of the aerosol generating device is in progress; and if the duty cycle is in progress, enable or pause charging in response to the identification of the selected mode.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the selected mode may be a disabled mode, and the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to disable the heater and display a second icon indicating the active charging state.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, when no duty cycle is in progress, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to initiate charging and also display a second display indicating the charging state.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the selected mode may be an in-duty-cycle mode, and the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to initiate charging and also display a second display indicating the progress of the cartridge duty cycle.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the selected mode may be an between-duty-cycles mode, and the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to pause charging and also display a second display indicating the progress of the cartridge duty cycle.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to pause charging by reducing the charging current to 0 mA.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the first display may be a lightning icon.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the first display may be set above the second icon.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the second icon may be a cartridge duty cycle progress indicator.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the second icon may be a charging status icon.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to further cause the charging system to determine whether a cartridge is present; if a cartridge is present, identify the selected mode; and if a cartridge is not present, display a second display indicating the charging state on the user interface.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to send one or more signals to the user interface, where the one or more signals indicate that a cartridge is not present and prompt the user interface to display the second display.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to detect and obtain one or more signals from the charger, where the one or more signals may indicate that the aerosol generating device has been connected to the charging device.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to send one or more signals to a heating engine controller to enable or disable the heater.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to obtain one or more signals from a control button, where the one or more signals indicate that the user has turned off the device, resulting in the end of the duty cycle.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to obtain one or more signals from a control button, where the one or more signals indicate that the user has turned on the device to start the duty cycle.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to send one or more signals to a user interface, where the one or more signals indicate the charging status and prompt the user interface to display a second display.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to cause the charging system to activate power charging if the charging system obtains one or more signals from a power monitoring system, where the one or more signals indicate that the power source is not fully charged.

[0023] Also described herein is a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. When the processing circuit executes the instructions, the instructions may cause the system to: detect when an aerosol-generating device is connected to a charging device; enable a power charger in response to the connection to the charging device; identify a selected mode, including at least one of a disabled mode, an in-duty-cycle mode, or an inter-duty-cycle mode; enable or disable a heater of a cartridge according to the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, display a first display indicating the connection of the charging device; if the heater is enabled, detect whether the duty cycle of the aerosol-generating device is in progress; and if the duty cycle is in progress, enable or pause charging in response to the identification of the selected mode.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, the system may include a processing device configured to: detect when an aerosol-generating device is connected to a charging device; enable a power charger in response to the connection to the charging device; identify a selected mode, including at least one of a disabled mode, an in-duty-cycle mode, or an inter-duty-cycle mode; enable or disable a heater of a cartridge according to the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, display a first display indicating the connection of the charging device; if the heater is enabled, detect whether the duty cycle of the aerosol-generating device is in progress; and if the duty cycle is in progress, start or pause charging in response to the identification of the selected mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent by reading the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless expressly stated, the drawings should not be regarded as being drawn to scale. For clarity, the various dimensions of the drawings may be enlarged.

[0026] Figure 1 is a right-side top-front perspective view of an exemplary aerosol-generating device according to aspects of the present disclosure, which includes a lid and a housing.

[0027] Figure 2 is according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 right-side top-front perspective view of the exemplary aerosol-generating device shown in, wherein the lid is in an open position relative to the housing and the housing includes a capsule.

[0028] Figure 3 is according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 right-side bottom-front perspective view of the exemplary aerosol-generating device shown in.

[0029] Figure 4 is according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 bottom view of the exemplary aerosol-generating device shown in.

[0030] Figure 5 shows an exemplary charging system for an exemplary aerosol-generating device (such as the aerosol-generating device shown in Figures 1-4 ) according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figures 6A-6I are different embodiments of icons that can be presented on a communication screen of an exemplary aerosol-generating device (such as the aerosol-generating device shown in Figures 1-4 ) according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 shows an exemplary method of operating Figure 5 the charging system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 shows a charger detection circuit according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 shows a battery voltage circuit according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 10 shows a battery current circuit according to aspects of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0036] This disclosure presents some detailed exemplary embodiments. 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.

[0037] Accordingly, while the exemplary embodiments are capable of 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 there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0038] 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. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals represent like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items.

[0039] 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, 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, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, region, layer, or section.

[0040] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (such as, "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", and "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 include 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 "located below" can include 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.

[0041] 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" specify 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.

[0042] 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 the manufacturing or operating tolerances around the stated value (e.g., ±10%). In addition, when the terms "substantially" or "essentially" are used in connection with a geometry, it is intended that the geometry not require precision but that the overall shape be 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 as including the manufacturing or operating tolerances around the stated value (e.g., ±10%).

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the 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 relevant technical context and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 / or executing instructions in a prescribed manner.

[0046] Figures 1-3 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device (e.g., a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol generating device) according to at least one exemplary embodiment. For example, Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an aerosol generating device 100 including a housing 102 and a lid 104, where the lid 104 is in a closed position relative to the housing 102; Figure 2 is another top perspective view of the aerosol generating device 100, where the lid 104 is open relative to the housing 102, and the capsule 200 is received by a capsule receiving portion 212 defined in the housing 102; Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the aerosol generating device 100, where the lid 104 is in a closed position relative to the housing 102; and Figure 4 is a bottom view of the aerosol generating device 100, where the lid 104 is in a closed position relative to the housing 102.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, as Figure 1 best shown in, the aerosol generating device 100 has a generally oval or oblong or pebble shape. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a housing 102 and a lid 104 (which may also be referred to as a door), the lid 104 being configured to open / close relative to the housing 102 (e.g., compare Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The housing 102 may have a first (or bottom) 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 position 114 and may be releasably coupled to the second end 108 of the housing 102 at a second position 116. The first position 114 of the housing 102 may be located on a first side 118 of the aerosol generating device 100. The second position 116 of the housing 102 may be located on a second side 120 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the lid 104 may be fixedly coupled to the housing 102 at the first position 114 by a hinge 202 or other similar connector, the hinge 202 or other similar connector allowing the lid 104 to move (e.g., swing and rotate) from an open position (see Figure 2 ) to a closed position (see Figure 1)。In some exemplary embodiments, the hinge 202 can be a torsion spring. In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 102 can include a recess 204 at the first position 114. The recess 204 can be configured to receive a portion of the lid 104, thereby allowing 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 opposing portion of the lid 104. For example, as shown, the recess 204 can include a generally curved portion 206 having a generally concave shape that corresponds to the curvature of the lid 104 having a generally convex shape.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the lid 104 can be releasably coupled to the housing 102 at the second position 116 by means of a latch 208 or other similar connector, which allows the lid 104 to be fixed or fastened in the closed position and can be easily released to allow the lid 104 (see Figure 1 ) to move to the open position (see Figure 2 ). In some exemplary embodiments, the latch 208 can be coupled to a latch release mechanism disposed within the housing 102. The latch release mechanism can be configured to move the latch 208 from a first (or closed) position (see Figure 1 ) to a second (or open) position (see Figure 2 ).

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a mouthpiece 122 extending from the body of the aerosol generating device 100. The mouthpiece 122 can be coupled to the lid 104. For example, the mouthpiece 122 can include a first end 124 and a second end 126 opposite the first end 124. The second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122 can be coupled to the second end 112 of the lid 104. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the second end 126 of the mouthpiece 122 can be releasably coupled to the second end 112 of the lid 104.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown, the mouthpiece 122 may taper between a first end 124 and a second end 126. For example, the diameter or average length / width dimension of the first end 124 may be smaller than the diameter or average length / width dimension of the second end 126. Towards the first end 124, the taper 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 exemplary embodiments, the first end 124 may have an oblong 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 can be engaged during use of the device 100. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 122 may have fewer outlets than four outlets 130, or may have more outlets than four outlets 130.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 102 may include a consumer interface panel 132 disposed on the second side 120 of the aerosol-generating 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, as well as a communication (or display) screen 136 and / or control buttons 138. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the consumer interface panel 132 may include a communication screen 136 disposed between the latch release button 134 and the control buttons 138.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, 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. In any case, the communication screen 136 is configured for use by an adult consumer and has a generally oblong shape.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown, the latch release button 134 may be disposed towards the second end 108 of the device 100, and the control buttons 138 may be disposed towards the first end 106 of the device 100. The latch release button 134 and the control buttons 138 may be adult consumer interaction buttons. For example, the control button 138 may turn the aerosol-generating device 100 on and off. The latch release button 134 may be configured to enable a latch release mechanism that is configured to move the latch 208 from a first (or closed or fixed) position to a second (or open) position, as further detailed below.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the latch release button 134 and / or the control button 138 may have a generally circular shape with a central recess or pit configured to direct the pressure applied by an adult consumer, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. 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 as well as the aerosol generating device 100.

[0056] When the lid 104 is in the open position as shown Figure 2 the cartridge receiving chamber 210 of the housing 102 may be exposed. The cartridge connector 212 may define the cartridge receiving chamber 210 of the housing 102. In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge connector 212 may be mounted or otherwise secured to a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing 102. In some exemplary embodiments, as shown Figure 2 the cartridge 214 may be received by the cartridge receiving cavity 210. In some exemplary embodiments, a gasket (not shown) may be provided around the cartridge 214 to help secure the cartridge 214 in place within the housing 102.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown, the cartridge 214 may include a housing 216 configured to contain an aerosol-forming substrate and a heater (e.g., an electric heater). In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 216 may be in the form of a cover, such as a shell or a sleeve. In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge 214 may include a first end cap 217 that defines the first (or top) end (or is disposed thereon) of the cartridge 214, and a second end cap (not shown) that defines the second (or bottom) end (or is disposed thereon) of the cartridge 214 that is opposite (or remote from) the first end. For example, the second end cap may be opposite the first end cap 217 such that when the cartridge 214 is received by the cartridge receiving cavity 210, the second end cap is disposed within the housing 102. In some exemplary embodiments, the first end cap 217 may include a first opening 218. In other exemplary embodiments, the first opening 218 may be a series of openings extending through the first end cap 217. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the second end cap may include a second opening or a series of openings in some embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, the first end cap 217 and / or the second end cap may 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 cartridge 214.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol - forming substrate can be a material or combination of materials that can generate an aerosol. An aerosol refers to the substance generated (or output) by the disclosed and claimed aerosol - generating devices and their equivalents. The material can contain a compound (e.g., nicotine), where when the material is heated, an aerosol containing the compound is produced. The heating can be below the combustion temperature so as to produce an aerosol without involving significant pyrolysis of the aerosol - forming substrate or significant generation of combustion by - products (if any). Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, no pyrolysis occurs during the heating and aerosol - generation process. In other exemplary embodiments, there may be some pyrolysis and combustion by - products, but the extent can be considered relatively small and / or merely incidental.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, 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 when heated. The compound can be a component naturally present in 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" includes any tobacco plant material, which includes tobacco leaves, leaf plugs, reconstituted tobacco, compressed tobacco, shaped tobacco, or powdered tobacco and combinations thereof from one or more tobacco plant species such as Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum.

[0060] 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, which includes but is not limited to tobacco sheets, processed tobacco materials (e.g., volume - expanded or puffed tobacco), processed tobacco stems (e.g., 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, glycerol, their sub - combinations, or their combinations.

[0061] In some embodiments, the compound can also be a natural component of a medicinal plant having a medically acceptable therapeutic effect.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, the compound may be or may additionally include a non-naturally occurring additive that is subsequently introduced into the fibrous material. In one case, the fibrous material may include at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, combinations thereof, etc. (e.g., in the form of gauze). In another case, the fibrous material may be a cellulose material (e.g., a non-tobacco material). In either case, the introduced compound may include nicotine and / or a flavorant. The flavorant may 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 may be or may additionally include one or more flavorants (e.g., menthol, mint, vanilla). Thus, the compound within the aerosol-forming substrate may include naturally occurring components and / or non-naturally occurring additives. In this regard, it should be understood that the existing levels of the natural components of the aerosol-forming substrate may be increased by supplementation. For example, the level of nicotine present in a certain amount of tobacco may be increased by supplementing with a nicotine-containing extract.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, the capsule receiving chamber 210 may have a base disposed inside the housing 102. In some exemplary embodiments, the base may include at least one contact point that may be configured to couple to one or more contact points of the capsule 214 when the capsule 214 is received by the capsule receiving chamber 210. When the capsule 214 is inserted into the capsule receiving chamber 210, the weight of the capsule 214 itself may not be sufficient to compress at least one contact point of the base of the capsule receiving chamber 210. Thus, the capsule 214 may simply rest on the exposed leads of at least one contact point without exerting any pressure (or any significant pressure) on the electrical contacts of at least one contact point. In some exemplary embodiments, when the lid 104 itself pivots to transition to the closed position, in an intermediate, partially open / closed position, the weight of the lid 104 may not exert any significant pressure on the electrical contacts of at least one contact point, but may simply rest on the capsule 214. In such embodiments, an intentional action (e.g., a downward force) should be taken on the lid 104 to close the lid 104 and thereby cause the inner-facing surface 220 of the lid 104 to press down onto the capsule 214, thereby providing the desired seal and also causing the capsule 214 to be compressed, thereby fully engaging the electrical contacts of at least one contact point. In some exemplary embodiments, the fully closed lid 104 may also result in engagement with the latch 208, which may maintain the closed position and the desired mechanical / electrical engagement (including the capsule 214) until released (e.g., via the latch release button 134). The force required to close the lid 104 may help ensure and / or improve the air / aerosol seal and provide a more robust electrical connection, as well as improve the device and thermal efficiency and battery life by reducing or eliminating early power consumption and / or parasitic heating of the capsule 214.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the lid 104 may include an inner cavity 222 that may be adapted to receive the outer shell 102 when the lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the inner cavity 222 of the lid 104 may 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 may include recesses and / or elastic materials that may correspond to the size and shape of the bladder to enhance the engagement with the bladder to provide a desired seal. In some exemplary embodiments, the lid 104 may further include an opening 224 that may be adapted to receive the second end 126 of the mouthpiece member 122. The mouthpiece member 122 may include at least one extension 226 that may be received by the opening 224 of the lid 104 to secure the mouthpiece member 122 to the lid 104. In some exemplary embodiments, the lid 104 may further include a protrusion (not shown) that may be configured to couple with a recess 228 of the outer shell 102. When the lid 104 is coupled to the outer shell 102 in the closed position, the protrusion may fit within the recess 228.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the outer shell 102 defines a charging connector (or port) 170. For example, as Figure 3 best shown, the charging connector 170 may be defined / set in the bottom end (or first end) 105 of the outer shell 120, away from the bladder receiving chamber 210. The charging connector 170 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 aerosol generating device 100. The power source may include one or more batteries, such as a rechargeable dual battery device, a lithium-ion battery, and / or a fuel cell. In some exemplary embodiments, the charging connector 170 may further be configured to send data and / or receive data 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 some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 may alternatively or additionally be configured to communicate wirelessly with such other aerosol generating devices and / or electronic devices (e.g., via Bluetooth).

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, as Figure 4As best shown, the charging connector 170 can be a component that defines a chamber 171, within which there is a protrusion 175. In some exemplary embodiments, the protrusion 175 does not extend beyond the edge of the chamber 171. In some exemplary embodiments, the charging connector 170 includes a protective grille 172 that surrounds at least a portion of the chamber 171. As shown, the protective grille 172 can have an annular form around the chamber 171. The protective grille 172 can be configured to help reduce or prevent debris from entering and / or inadvertently blocking the incoming air flow. For example, the protective grille 172 can define a plurality of pores 173 along its length or path. For example, the pores 173 can also be arranged (e.g., in series) around the chamber 171. Each pore 173 can be oval or circular, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, the pores 173 in the protective grille 172 can be used as an air inlet for the aerosol-generating device 100. During operation of the aerosol-generating device 100, the ambient air entering through the pores 173 in the protective grille 172 can converge to form a combined flow, which then travels to the capsule 200. For example, the pores 173 can be in fluid communication with the capsule receiving chamber 210. In some exemplary embodiments, air can be suctioned through the pores 173 through the capsule receiving chamber 210. For example, air can be suctioned through the capsule 200 received by the capsule receiving chamber 210 and discharged from the mouthpiece 122.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the protective grille 172 can include an approved food-contact material. For example, the protective grille 172 can comprise plastic, metal (such as stainless steel, aluminum), or any combination thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the surface of the protective grille 172 can be coated with a thin layer of plastic and / or anodized. In some exemplary embodiments, the exterior of the housing 102 and / or the lid 104 can be formed of: metal (such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc.); aesthetic, food-contact grade plastic (such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, and / or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); or any combination thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the mouthpiece 122 can similarly be formed of: metal (such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc.); aesthetic, food-contact grade plastic (such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), copolyester plastic, and / or any other suitable polymer and / or plastic); plant-based materials (such as wood, bamboo, etc.); or any combination thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more inner surfaces of the housing 102 and / or the lid 104 can be formed or coated with a high-temperature plastic (such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and / or the like).

[0069] As should be understood, the device 100 and the cartridge 214 include additional components (e.g., a heater and an internal air flow path), such as described in the application filed on the same day as this application with application number XX / XXX,XXX and title "Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) Aerosol Generating Device and Cartridge" (whose law firm docket number is 24000NV-000847-US), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary charging system 500 for an aerosol generating device (such as Figures 1-4 the aerosol generating device 100 shown therein). The charging system 500 can be used to accommodate a variety of usage scenarios. For example, a charging device (e.g., a charger or a charging cable) is connected to (or received by) the charging connector (or port) 170 and charging is being performed using the charging device connected to (or received by) the charging connector (or port). In some exemplary embodiments, the variety of usage scenarios include, for example, a first (or disabled) mode, a second (or in-duty-cycle) mode, and a third (or between-duty-cycle) mode. The first mode describes a state (or indicates such a situation) where the aerosol generating device 100 is unavailable (or not permitted) when the charging device is connected to (or received by) the charging connector (or port) 170. The second mode describes a state (or indicates such a situation) where the aerosol generating device 100 can be used (e.g., aerosol can be generated) even though charging of the aerosol generating device 100 is in progress (e.g., the charging connector (or port) 170 is in communication with the charging device). The second mode describes a state (or indicates such a situation) where the aerosol generating device 100 can be charged during and / or between aerosol generating duty cycles. The third mode describes a state (or indicates such a situation) where the aerosol generating device 100 can be used (e.g., aerosol can be generated) when the charging device is connected to (or received by) the charging connector (or port) 170 (but can only be used when charging is paused (or stopped)). In the third mode, charging occurs only when the aerosol generating device 100 is not in use (i.e., when the aerosol generating device 100 is not actively being used for heating). The third mode describes a state (or indicates such a situation) where the aerosol generating device 100 can be charged only between aerosol generating duty cycles. In some exemplary embodiments, the selection of a particular mode (i.e., the first mode instead of the second or third mode, the second mode instead of the third mode, etc.) can be a preselected factory setting.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the charging system 500 includes a processor 502, a charger detection (or connection) circuit 510, a heating engine controller 520, a battery charger 530, a battery monitoring system (or battery voltage / current measurement circuit) 540, a battery temperature measurement circuit 550, and a memory 560, as well as a control button 138 and a communication screen 136. For example, the processor 502 can communicate with the charger detection circuit 510, the heating engine controller 520, the battery charger 530, the battery monitoring system 540, the battery temperature measurement circuit 550, and the memory 560, as well as the control button 138 and the communication screen 136. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 502 includes a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 504 and / or an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface 506. The battery monitoring system 540 can communicate with the multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 504 and the inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface 506. The battery temperature measurement circuit 550 can communicate with the multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 504.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 502 includes hardware (including logic circuits), a hardware / software combination that can be configured to execute software, or any combination thereof. For example, the processor 502 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. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 302 is configured as a dedicated machine (e.g., a processing device) that is designed to execute software (or instructions) stored, for example, in the memory 560. In some exemplary embodiments, the software (or instructions) 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 502. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 502 can include other processing circuits or control circuits.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, the charger detection circuit 510 can be configured to generate a signal indicating that the aerosol generating device 100 has been connected to a charging device (e.g., a charger or a charging cable, such as a USB cable) or has been disconnected from the charging device. Figure 8An exemplary embodiment of the charger detection circuit 510 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the charger detection circuit 510 includes a detection line 802 and a voltage divider. The voltage divider may include resistors 805 and 810. Resistors 805 and 810 may be connected in series. A first end of the first resistor 805 may be connected to the detection line 802, while a second end of the first resistor 805 may be connected to a first end and an output terminal 820 of the second resistor 810. The output terminal 820 may be connected to / provided to the processor 802. A second end of the second resistor 810 may be grounded. When a charging device is connected to the aerosol generating device 100, the charging device may provide a voltage (e.g., VBus, 5V) on the detection line 802, and this voltage may be divided by the resistors 805 and 810. A detection signal USB_present may be output at the output terminal 820 and provided to the processor 502.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 502 receives a signal indicating that the aerosol generating device 100 has been connected to a charging device (and other battery charging checks are satisfactory), and initiates the battery charging process.

[0075] In some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine controller 520 may be configured to supply energy to a heater 522 disposed in a housing 216 that defines a capsule 214. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 502 may determine the energy supplied to the heater based on a selected mode of the charging system 500. For example, during a first (or disabled) mode, the processor 502 controls the heating engine controller 520 such that no energy is supplied to the heater when a charging device is detected, while during a second (or duty cycle) mode, the processor 502 controls the heating engine controller 520 such that energy may be supplied to the heater during active charging, and during a third (or duty week) mode, the processor 502 controls the heating engine controller 520 such that energy is supplied to the heater only when no active charging is occurring. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine control 520 may be as described in the U.S. application filed on January 18, 2022, with application number 17 / 151,406 and title "Heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol generating device including internal draw heater control, and method of controlling a heater" (Atty.Dkt.No. 24000NV-000670-US), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, the battery charger 530 may be configured to control a physical battery charger chipset and associated electrical protection circuitry to provide a charging current to the power source 532. In some exemplary embodiments, the charging system 500 may be used to pause the battery charger 530. In some exemplary embodiments, the battery charger 530 may include a TEXAS INSTRUMENTS BQ25302 battery charger chipset that includes an #EN (enable) pin, where the #EN (enable) pin may be used to enable or disable the battery charger 530. In other exemplary embodiments, the battery charger 530 may include a LINEAR TECHNOLOGIES LTC4095 battery charger chipset that includes a SUSP pin, where the SUSP pin of the chipset may be used to enable or disable the battery charger 530.

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, the battery monitoring system (or battery voltage / current measurement circuitry) 540 may be configured to measure critical battery parameters. For example, the battery monitoring system 540 may use a voltage divider to provide the battery voltage as a direct measurement and a physical fuel gauge chipset to provide the battery current. In some exemplary embodiments, the battery monitoring system 540 may be configured to generate a signal indicating that the aerosol generating device 100 has entered a low battery state. In some exemplary embodiments, when the processor 502 determines that the aerosol generating device 100 has entered a low battery state, any ongoing duty cycle may end. When the power source 532 reaches a charge level below a threshold indicating that the aerosol generating device 100 is in a low battery charge state and the aerosol generating device 100 cannot continue to operate until it has been connected to a charging device and / or recharged according to the mode of the charging system 500, the battery monitoring system 312 may generate a signal indicating that the aerosol generating device 100 has entered a low battery charge state.

[0078] Figure 9An exemplary embodiment of the battery voltage circuit 540A is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the battery voltage circuit 540A includes a resistor R47, an enable control transistor Q5, a resistor R43, a battery transistor Q5B, resistors R46 and R48, and a capacitor C25. The first end of the resistor R47 and the gate of the transistor Q5 can be connected to the battery voltage enable input terminal BATT_VOL_EN. The battery voltage enable input terminal BATT_VOL_EN can be a GPIO line from the processor 502. The second end of the resistor R47 and the source of the transistor Q5A can be grounded. The first end of the resistor R43 and the source of the transistor Q5B can be connected to the battery voltage Batt. The gate of the transistor Q5B can be connected to the second end of the resistor R43 and the drain of the resistor Q5A. The drain of the transistor Q5B can be connected to the first end of the resistor R46. The second end of the resistor R46 can be connected to the first end of the resistor R48, the first end of the capacitor C25, and an output terminal that outputs the battery measurement output voltage BATT_VOL provided to the processor 502. The battery measurement output voltage BATT_VOL can be the voltage read by the processor 502. The second ends of the resistor R48 and the capacitor C25 can be grounded. The resistors R46 and R48 can form a voltage divider that performs the measurement. The enable control transistor Q5A and the battery voltage transfer transistor Q5B can prevent / reduce the leakage current path to GND during storage from depleting the battery. The positive terminal of the power supply (e.g., battery) can be connected to the "Batt" signal. In some exemplary embodiments, BATT_VOL can be measured by a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 504.

[0079] Figure 10 An exemplary embodiment of the battery current circuit 540B is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the battery current circuit 540B can include a battery fuel gauge chip U1, which can be a Maxim Integrated MAX17260. The chip can receive data from the serial data input terminal BATT_GAUGE)SDA and the clock input terminal BATT_GAUGE_SCL. The serial data input terminal BATT_GAUGE)SDA and the clock input terminal BATT_GAUGE_SCL can be respectively connected to pull-up resistors R2 and R1 before being input to the chip U1. The battery current across the resistor R3 can be measured. The processor can read the current value using the I2C interface. The first end of the resistor R3 can be connected to the ground pin of the chip U1, and the second end of the resistor R3 can be connected to the chip select not (CSN) pin. The positive terminal of the power supply (e.g., battery) can be connected to the "Batt" signal (e.g., connected to the BATT pin on the fuel gauge chip). In some exemplary embodiments, the battery current can be read from the fuel gauge through the I2C interface.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the battery temperature measurement circuit 550 can be a thermistor measurement circuit, where the thermistor is placed near the power supply 532. In some exemplary embodiments, the battery temperature measurement circuit 550 can be a thermistor measurement circuit, where the thermistor is placed near the power supply 532.

[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, the multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 504 can be configured to convert the analog voltage measurement values from the battery measurement voltage / current measurement circuit 540 and the battery temperature measurement circuit 550 into digital power supply (e.g., battery) voltage and / or power supply (e.g., battery) temperature measurement values. In some exemplary embodiments, a voltage divider can be used to directly read the power supply (e.g., battery) voltage from the battery voltage to match the dynamic range with the measurement range of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 504. In some exemplary embodiments, a thermistor measurement circuit placed near the surface of the power supply 532 can be used for power supply (e.g., battery) temperature measurement.

[0082] In some exemplary embodiments, the inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface 506 is a standard serial communication module that is configured to read the power supply (e.g., battery) current measurement value from the hardware fuel gauge chipset via a register interface.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the memory 560 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, e.g., 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.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, the control button 138 can be configured to generate a signal indicating that an adult consumer has switched the aerosol generating device 100 to the "off" state, thereby ending the working cycle (e.g., aerosol generating event) of the device 100.

[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 136 may be configured to display information related to the aerosol-generating device 100. The communication screen 136 may be configured to display one or more icons to convey information related to the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 136 may be configured to display a charging icon to an adult consumer. In some exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 136 may be configured to display two icons. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the communication screen 136 may be configured to display a symbol or icon (e.g., a "lightning" modifier icon) near (e.g., above or on top of) the current pod progress indicator to indicate to an adult consumer that the charging device is active while still conveying the duty cycle progress indicator.

[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, the icons displayed on the communication screen 136 may generally be referred to as system icons. The system icons may have various colors, hues, and / or sizes. Figures 6A-6I Different embodiments of icons that the communication screen 136 may display are shown.

[0087] For example, Figure 6A An example of the communication screen 136 including a pod icon 137 is shown. The pod icon 137 may include an oval (or oblong) shape, for example, including an overlaid shape such as the illustrated circular arrow. The communication screen 136 may also include a modifier icon 139 disposed near (e.g., above) the pod icon 137. In some exemplary embodiments, the modifier icon 139 may be a lightning bolt. The pod icon 137 and the modifier icon 139 may together indicate that the aerosol-generating device 100 is connected to a charging device and is in use simultaneously.

[0088] For example, Figure 6B An example of the communication screen 136 including a timer icon 402 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the timer icon 402 may indicate to an adult consumer how much cooling timer time remains so that the consumer knows when to remove the pod 214 from the aerosol-generating device 100. The timer icon 402 may be refreshed and updated during the cooling time so that the consumer knows when to remove the pod 214 from the aerosol-generating device 100. For example, if 90% of the cooling time remains on the cooling timer, the timer icon 402 may appear substantially as Figure 4 shown in A, where approximately 90% of the thermometer is filled or shaded. As the cooling time elapses, the timer icon 402 may be updated such that the shaded portion of the thermometer corresponds to the remaining cooling time on the cooling timer.

[0089] For example, Figure 6CAn example of a communication screen 136 including an alert icon 404 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the alert icon 404 may indicate to an adult consumer that the lid 104 of the aerosol-generating device 100 has been opened while the cooling timer is active or the operating cycle of the aerosol-generating device 100 is active / has not ended. The alert icon 404 may indicate to an adult consumer that the cartridge 214 has not cooled to a comfortable temperature and thus cannot be removed from the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0090] For example, Figure 6D An example of a communication screen 136 including a cartridge ejection icon 408 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge ejection icon 408 may indicate to an adult consumer that the cooling timer has elapsed and the cartridge 214 can be removed from the device 100.

[0091] For example, Figure 6E An example of a communication screen 136 including an operating cycle end icon 410 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the operating cycle end icon may indicate to an adult consumer that there is no aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge 214. The operating cycle end icon 410 may indicate that a previous active operating cycle of the device 100 has ended. In some exemplary embodiments, the operating cycle end icon 410 may be briefly displayed on the communication screen 136 before the timer icon 402 is displayed.

[0092] For example, Figure 6F An example of a communication screen 136 including a first shutdown icon 412 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the first shutdown icon 412 may indicate to an adult consumer that the control button 138 has been pressed and held for at least three seconds while the cooling timer is active. When the control button 138 is pressed for at least three seconds, the aerosol-generating device 100 may be turned off after the cooling timer has elapsed. The first shutdown icon 412 may be displayed when the control button 138 is pressed and the second delay lock timer 328 is active.

[0093] For example, Figure 6G An example of a communication screen 136 including a second shutdown icon 413 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the second shutdown icon 413 may be displayed after the control button 138 is released and tapped again to confirm that the device 100 should be shut down. Once the control button 138 is pressed again, the processor 502 may remove the first shutdown icon 412 from the communication screen 136. The second shutdown icon 413 may be similar to the first shutdown icon 412, but the colored portion of the icon may be inverted from the first shutdown icon 412. The second shutdown icon 413 may be displayed when the second delay lock timer 328 is active and may be removed from the communication screen 136 when the second delay lock timer has elapsed.

[0094] For example, Figure 6H An example of a communication screen 136 including a cooling awareness icon 414 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the cooling awareness icon 414 may indicate to an adult consumer that the cooling system 300 is still operating after the consumer presses the control button 138 to turn off the aerosol-generating device 100. More specifically, after the second delay lock timer has expired and the first shutdown icon 412 and the second shutdown icon 413 have been removed from the communication screen 136, the cooling awareness icon 414 may be displayed on the communication screen 136. The cooling awareness icon 414 may be displayed until the cooling timer 322 expires.

[0095] For example, Figure 6I An example of a communication screen 136 including a fault icon 416 is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the fault icon 416 may indicate to an adult consumer that the aerosol-generating device 100 is in an inoperable state such that the duty cycle cannot be started. In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol-generating device 100 may be in an inoperable state or a fault state when the lid 104 of the device 100 is opened and then closed while the duty cycle is active or the cooling timer 322 is active.

[0096] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method 600 for controlling a charging system. The processor 503 may execute Figure 7 the method. When a charging device (e.g., a charger or a charger cable) event is detected, the processor 502 may initiate method 600. For example, the processor 502 may receive one or more signals indicating that a status change event has occurred. The charger detection circuit 510 may initiate one or more signals indicating that a status change event has occurred. The processor 502 may continuously monitor the charger detection circuit 510. In some exemplary embodiments, when the processor 502 detects a status change, method 600 may proceed to conditional step 602, in which it is determined whether one or more signals from the charger detection circuit 510 indicate that the charging device has been connected to (e.g., inserted into) the charging connector 170 or has been removed from contact with the charging connector 170.

[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, if the processor 502 determines that the charging device has been removed from contact with the charging connector 170, method 600 proceeds to step 604, where the charging system 500 stops the battery charger 530. Then, method 600 may proceed to conditional step 606, where it is determined whether the cartridge 214 has been received by the cartridge receiving chamber 210. The charging system 500 may use an integrity check function and / or a cartridge detection switch to determine whether the cartridge 214 has been received by the cartridge receiving chamber 210. In some exemplary embodiments, the integrity check function may be as described in U.S. Application No. ## / , (Attorney Docket No. 24000NV-000932-US) entitled "Cartridge Monitoring System for an Aerosol Generating Device" filed on the same date, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, when the processor 502 determines that the cartridge 214 is not present, method 600 proceeds to step 614, where the processor instructs the communication screen 136 to display an icon representing the current battery level. For example, a standard "ON" icon may be displayed. In other exemplary embodiments, if the processor 502 determines that the cartridge 214 is present, method 600 proceeds to step 608, where the processor 502 instructs the communication screen 136 to remove a modifier icon (e.g., a "lightning" modifier icon) - the modifier icon being added, for example, in step 644 as described below. Then, method 600 may proceed to step 610, where the processor 502 instructs the heating engine controller 520 to supply energy to a heater disposed in the housing 216 that defines the cartridge 214. Then, method 600 may proceed to step 612, where the processor 502 instructs the communication screen 136 to display a cartridge icon (e.g., Figure 6A )

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, if the processor 502 determines that the charging device has been connected to the charging connector 170, method 600 proceeds to step 620, where the processor 503 causes the charging system 500 to start the battery charger 530. In some exemplary embodiments, starting the battery charger 530 may include starting all system behaviors related to the charging process. After step 620, method 600 may then proceed to conditional step 622, where (as at conditional step 606) it is determined whether the cartridge 214 has been received by the cartridge receiving chamber 210. As described above, the charging system 500 may use an integrity check function and / or a cartridge detection switch to determine whether the cartridge 214 has been received by the cartridge receiving chamber 210.

[0100] In some exemplary embodiments, if the processor determines that the bladder 214 is not present, method 600 proceeds to step 624, where the processor 502 instructs the communication screen 136 to display a charging indicator (e.g., a standard charging indicator). In other exemplary embodiments, when the processor 502 determines that the bladder 214 is present, method 600 proceeds to step 630, where the charging mode setting during use is restored / retrieved from the memory 560. Then, method 600 may proceed to conditional step 632, where it is determined whether the charging mode setting during use is the first (or disabled) mode.

[0101] In some exemplary embodiments, if the processor 502 determines that the charging mode setting during use is the first (or disabled) mode, method 600 may proceed to step 634, where the processor 502 instructs the heating engine control 520 to terminate (or disable) the heating of the heater disposed in the outer shell 216 defining the bladder 214 (e.g., stop supplying energy to it). Then, method 600 may proceed to step 624, where, as described above, the processor 502 instructs the communication screen 136 to display a charging indicator. In other exemplary embodiments, if the processor 502 determines that the charging mode during use is not the first (or disabled) mode, method 600 may proceed to step 640, where (as in step 610) the processor 502 instructs the heating engine controller 520 to supply energy to the heater disposed in the outer shell 216 defining the bladder 214. Then, method 600 may proceed to step 642, where the processor 502 instructs the communication screen 136 to display a bladder icon (e.g., Figure 6A )

[0102] In some exemplary embodiments, after step 642, method 600 may proceed to step 644, where the processor 502 instructs the communication screen 136 to display a symbol or icon (e.g., a "lightning" modifier icon) near (e.g., above or on top of) the current bladder progress display (e.g., Figure 6A ) to indicate to the adult consumer that the charging device is active while still displaying the duty cycle progress indicator. That is, the "lightning" modifier icon indicates that the charging device is in a connected state, rather than indicating that charging current is being supplied to the power supply 532.

[0103] In some exemplary embodiments, after step 644, method 600 may proceed to conditional step 646, where it is determined whether a duty cycle (e.g., an aerosol generation event) is in progress. In some exemplary embodiments, if processor 502 determines that no duty cycle (e.g., aerosol generation event) is in progress, method 600 may proceed to step 650, where charging is enabled (e.g., charging system 500 activates battery charger 530). Then, method 600 returns to step 644. In other exemplary embodiments, if processor 502 determines that a duty cycle (e.g., aerosol generation event) is in progress, method 600 may proceed to conditional step 648, where it is determined whether the during-use charging mode setting is the second (or within-duty-cycle) mode or the third (or between-duty-cycle) mode.

[0104] In some exemplary embodiments, if processor 502 determines that the during-use charging mode setting is the second (or within-duty-cycle) mode, method 600 proceeds to step 650, where processor 502 causes charging to be initiated (e.g., charging system 500 activates battery charger 530). In some exemplary embodiments, initiating step 650 enables a charging current. After step 650, method 600 then returns to step 644, forming a continuous loop. In other exemplary embodiments, if processor 502 determines that the during-use charging mode setting is the third (or between-duty-cycle) mode, method 600 proceeds to step 652, where processor 502 instructs battery charger 530 to pause charging during the duty cycle. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor instructs battery charger 530 to pause the charging current.

[0105] After step 652, charging is restarted and method 600 returns to step 644, forming a continuous loop. In some exemplary embodiments, pausing and restarting charging do not start or stop the charging process, but rather pause charging by setting the charging current to 0 mA, e.g., by indicating a "pause" input on the charging device chipset.

[0106] In some exemplary embodiments, when processor 502 determines that a duty cycle is in progress (i.e., conditional step 646) and the second (or within-duty-cycle) mode is active, a power source that is nearly fully charged may reach a fully charged state during the duty cycle (e.g., by reaching the battery floating voltage). In such cases, battery monitoring system (or battery voltage / current measurement circuit) 540 will automatically end the charging cycle regardless of the during-use charging function. In such cases, the "lightning" modifier icon may continue to be displayed by communication screen 136, since as described above, the "lightning" modifier icon indicates that a charging device is connected, rather than indicating that charging is in progress.

[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, when the processor 502 determines that a duty cycle is in progress (i.e., conditional step 646) and the second (or in-cycle) mode is active and the power supply is depleted due to the heating energy used during the duty cycle, the energy usage will cause the power supply voltage to drop to such an extent that the battery monitoring system (or battery voltage / current measurement circuit) 540 will restart charging to "replenish" the power.

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, when the processor 502 determines that a duty cycle is in progress (i.e., conditional step 646) and the second (or in-cycle) mode is active, the charging current flowing to the power supply 532 can be reduced by an amount approximately equal to the current flowing to the heater disposed in the housing 216 defining the capsule 214. In such cases, the current from the charging circuit (i.e., from the charger) can bypass the power supply, and the processor 502 can use the current from the charging circuit to directly power the heater.

[0109] The systems, devices, and methods described herein can provide significant advantages. For example, the charging system 500 can adapt to a variety of usage scenarios in which it may not be possible to physically disconnect the charging device from the aerosol-generating device 100, and can reduce the usage time and heat rise when a fully discharged aerosol-generating device 100 is connected to the charging device.

[0110] The appended claims set forth the novel and inventive aspects of the above subject matter, but the claims may also cover other subject matter not specifically recited. For example, certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if it is not necessary to distinguish the novel and inventive features from features known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Features, elements, and aspects described in the context of certain embodiments may also be omitted, combined, or replaced by alternative features having the same, equivalent, or similar purpose without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charging system for an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device receives a cartridge, the charging system comprising: a processor; and a memory, the memory communicating with the processor and configured to store instructions that define at least one of a disable mode, an in-duty-cycle mode, or an between-duty-cycles mode; the processor being configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to: detect when the aerosol generating device is connected to a charging device; enable a power charger in response to the connection to the charging device; identify a selected mode among at least one of the disable mode, the in-duty-cycle mode, or the between-duty-cycles mode; enable or disable a heater of the cartridge according to the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, display a first display indicating the connection of the charging device; if the heater is enabled, detect whether the duty cycle of the aerosol generating device is in progress; and if the duty cycle is in progress, start or pause charging in response to the identification of the selected mode.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein The selected mode is the disable mode, and the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to: disable the heater; and display a second icon indicating an active charging status.

3. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, When no duty cycle is in progress, the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to start charging and display a second display indicating the charging status.

4. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, The selected mode is the in-duty-cycle mode, and the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to start charging and display a second display indicating the progress of the cartridge duty cycle.

5. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, The selected mode is the between-duty-cycles mode, and the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to pause charging and display a second display indicating the progress of the cartridge duty cycle.

6. The charging system according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to pause charging by reducing the charging current to 0 mA.

7. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein The first display is a lightning icon.

8. The charging system according to claim 7, wherein, The first display is set above the second icon.

9. The charging system according to claim 8, wherein, The second icon is a cartridge duty cycle progress indicator.

10. The charging system according to claim 8, wherein, The second icon is a charging status icon.

11. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the instructions to further cause the charging system to: determine whether the cartridge is present; if the cartridge is present, identify the selected mode; and if the cartridge is not present, display a second display indicating the charging status on the user interface.

12. The charging system according to claim 11, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to send one or more signals to the user interface, the one or more signals indicating that the cartridge is not present and prompting the user interface to display the second display.

13. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to obtain one or more signals from a charger detector, the one or more signals indicating that the aerosol generating device has been connected to the charging device.

14. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to send one or more signals to the heating engine controller to enable or disable the heater.

15. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to obtain one or more signals from a control button, the one or more signals indicating that the user has turned off the device, thereby causing the end of the duty cycle.

16. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to obtain one or more signals from a control button, the one or more signals indicating that the user has turned on the device, thereby causing the start of the duty cycle.

17. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to send one or more signals to a user interface, the one or more signals indicating a charging state and prompting the user interface to display a second display.

18. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to activate the power charger when obtaining one or more signals from a power monitoring system, the one or more signals indicating that the power source is not fully charged.

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