Aerosol supply device

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol supply device comprising: a housing comprising an elongate longitudinal portion, the housing being arranged to contain a consumable in use; a communication element disposed on the elongated longitudinal portion; wherein the communication element is arranged to provide an indication to a user regarding a status of a consumable arranged in the aerosol supply device in use.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol generating system, a method of providing an aerosol for a user to draw on and an aerosol provision means. BACKGROUND

[0002] Aerosol generating systems are known. Common systems use a heater (that is activated by a user) to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by an aerosol provision device, which is then provided to a user to draw on. The device can be activated by a user pressing a button or simply by a draw action. Modern systems can use a consumable element that houses the aerosol generating material. It can be desirable for a manufacturer to have user control over the activation of the system. This can avoid the system being activated in undesired circumstances.

[0003] Modern electronic aerosol generating systems and the like have been introduced as alternatives to other, older or more traditional systems, such as systems that rely on the combustion of material to provide an aerosol.

[0004] The present invention aims to address some of the problems described above. SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of the invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0006] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing comprising an elongate longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable in use; a communication element arranged on the elongate longitudinal portion; wherein the communication element is arranged to provide an indication to a user regarding a status of a consumable arranged in the aerosol provision device in use.

[0007] Such a system is able to provide an indication to a user regarding an operational issue. This can include a visual, tactile and / or audible indication. While any indication can be implemented, these indications are extremely user friendly for hand held devices and have been found to integrate well into such devices.

[0008] Consumables are used to provide aerosol generating material to an aerosol provision device. Consumables can be popular due to the simple and easy way in which they insert aerosol generating material into a variety of aerosol provision devices and can already have a predetermined amount of aerosol generating material in them. A user can insert (or provide in any other way) the consumable into the aerosol provision device before use. This process can be difficult as the user can not be able to fully see the consumable enter and move into the device.

[0009] The status of the consumable can be at least one of: an insertion status; a life span; a temperature; a location; a type; a geolocation; and an authenticity.

[0010] Informing the user of the remaining useful life of the consumable is particularly useful as the user can know how much time is left before the consumable needs to be replaced. This provides some advance warning before the device ceases to work due to the consumable being depleted and is particularly useful.

[0011] Informing the user of the temperature of the consumable is particularly useful as it can inform the user when the aerosol provision device will provide aerosol (from a pre-use position) and when the aerosol provision device can be safely returned to a storage state (e.g. in a pocket after a use session). The user can be informed if there is a problem with the heating hardware, for example, if the temperature of the consumable is too low or too high at any point during use or storage (when the heater should not be active).

[0012] Informing the user of the location of the consumable is particularly useful for users who cannot see where the consumable is located in the device. This can be the case in examples where the device has a cavity for the consumable but does not have a window for tracking the movement of the consumable into the cavity. This can be the case when the user is using the device in low light conditions or when the user has partial impairment of vision. Providing this functionality allows the user to ensure that the consumable is safely provided to the aerosol provision device before use and therefore reduces the likelihood of damage to the consumable due to incorrect insertion. This also provides the user with an update as to why the device can not provide aerosol when expected. The user understands the reason why the device is not providing aerosol and how to correct the issue, thereby improving the overall user experience of the device.

[0013] Informing the user of the type of consumable is beneficial to improve the user experience of the device by reducing the likelihood of unwanted activation of the consumable and / or aerosol generating material.

[0014] In a restrictive use case, informing the user of the geolocation status can be useful. In an example, the user can intend to use the device at a restricted location but not realise this. The user can be informed by an indication of the communication element that it is not possible to use a particular consumable for smoking in this case. For example, at a location where it is not possible to use a nicotine containing vapour but it is possible to use a non-nicotine containing vapour, the user can be informed accordingly and can take action accordingly.

[0015] The user can be informed of the authenticity of the consumable. The authentic consumable is contrasted with a non-authentic consumable. The non-authentic consumable can be produced by an unlicensed third party and can not have been rigorously tested for compatibility with the aerosol provision device, and so it is advantageous for the user to be aware of this before use. The manufacturer can control the quality of the aerosol provided by the device by increasing the likelihood of authentic consumables being used and not non-authentic consumables. Non-authentic consumables can affect the lifespan of the device and the safety of the user. The user can therefore wish to know the authenticity of the consumable. The device need not prevent activation in the event of a non-authentic consumable being used, but the device can do so. The indication allows the user to make an informed decision when activating the device.

[0016] The user is therefore fully prepared for the action that can need to be taken (replacement of the consumable, receiving an aerosol containing a particular component, activation or otherwise, moving the consumable within the device to correct the position of the consumable, inspection, replacement of the heater, use or non-use of the aerosol provision device due to geo-location based restrictions, etc.).

[0017] The communication element can be an interactive screen. This can provide a human machine interface (HMI) or the like for interacting with the device. This can provide information to the user via a visual display. The user can be able to interact with these visual indications via touching the interactive screen.

[0018] The communication element can be elongate. This can increase the familiarity of the device to users of older or more traditional systems. In particular, the communication element can display an illustration of the progressive burn down of the consumable during use (providing the user with the lifespan of the consumable). The remaining use time of the consumable in the device (which can be referred to herein as the “lifespan”) can be represented on the communication element. As this remaining use time decreases, a progressive burn down visual indication can be displayed. This increases the familiarity of older combustible system users to newer aerosol provision device systems. The confidence of these users is therefore increased by providing this information in a way that mimics existing habits or rituals that these users are accustomed to when using these products. Users of older systems can not be familiar with, for example, checking e-liquid levels, and so the system can be beneficial to such users.

[0019] In an example, the communication element is arranged to provide to the user: a plurality of visual indications; a plurality of tactile indications; and at least one audible indication. This can be a particularly advantageous arrangement as the one audible indication can be used for an emergency warning indication. Thus, while the visual indications can be used for general use cases of the device (such as showing a gradual burn down when the aerosol generating material of a consumable in the device is running out), the tactile indications can be used to indicate whether the temperature of the consumable is within an acceptable region (e.g. providing a tactile indication when the temperature is not at an acceptable level so that the user knows that the device needs to be handed over to a technician), and the audible indication can be used to indicate a geo- location based restriction so that the user is aware that the device should not be used at this time, either with a particular consumable or completely.

[0020] As such, the indications can be used to clearly provide a large amount of important data to the user in order for them to deal with it accordingly. This can improve the user’s confidence in the device and improve the lifespan of the device as the user can actively respond to, for example, situations where maintenance is required.

[0021] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol generating system for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing comprising an elongate longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable in use; a communication element arranged on the elongate longitudinal portion; wherein the communication element is arranged to provide to the user an indication relating to a status of a consumable arranged in the aerosol provision device in use.

[0022] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: providing an aerosol provision device having a housing comprising an elongate longitudinal portion, a communication element arranged on the elongate longitudinal portion; providing to the user, by the communication element, at least one indication relating to a status of a consumable arranged in the aerosol provision device in use.

[0023] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing comprising an elongate longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable in use; a communication device arranged on the elongate longitudinal portion; wherein the communication device is arranged to provide to the user an indication relating to a status of a consumable arranged in the aerosol provision device in use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The present teachings will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol provision device according to an example; Figure 2It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device based on an example; and Figure 3 It is a flowchart based on the example.

[0025] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description of the embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This document discusses / describes aspects and features of certain examples and implementations. Some aspects and features of certain examples and implementations can be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented using any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0027] This disclosure relates to aerosol supply systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol supply systems, such as electronic cigarettes. In the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used; however, it should be understood that these terms are used interchangeably with aerosol supply systems / devices and electronic aerosol supply systems / devices. Furthermore, and as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "evaporation," "atomization," and "aerosolization," are generally used interchangeably.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device 100 according to the present invention is shown. The aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol supply device housing 110. The aerosol supply device housing 110 has an elongated longitudinal portion 112. The housing 110 is arranged to contain consumables and / or aerosol generating materials during use. The housing 110 may be generally cylindrical, having a longitudinal portion 112 longer than the corresponding transverse portion. The housing 110 may have a non-circular cross-section, which can be any cross-section, while maintaining the elongated longitudinal portion 112. The elongated longitudinal portion 112 may have a communication element 115 disposed thereon. The communication element 115 may be a series of elements or a continuous element having multiple operating portions. The communication element 115 is arranged to provide the user with at least one indication of the status of consumables disposed in the aerosol supply device 100 during use.

[0029] This arrangement can provide information to users in a non-intrusive yet informative manner. Communication from communication element 115 can increase the familiarity of users more accustomed to older combustible systems with the newer system, thereby increasing their confidence in using the newer system.

[0030] The elongated communication element 115 can provide a visual indication, reminiscent of a cigarette burning out, as the aerosol-generating material in the consumables of device 100 is depleted. Linear visual communication along the length of device 100 allows for the display of depletion, as seen in common disposable combustible products. In an example, the consumable can be shown as a rod or similar object, reminiscent of older combustible systems (shown as if burned during use), the rod turning a darker color with use. The remaining visual indication of the consumable indicates the remaining (use) life of the consumable in device 100, as is the case with conventional combustible products. Encouraging users of such older systems to switch to newer reusable systems can also reduce the total number of discarded devices and thus provide environmental benefits.

[0031] Providing data along an elongated portion of the casing is a user-friendly location for delivering information because the user is highly likely to view it. A location along another part of the device might make the information less visible to the user. Therefore, using, for example, visual indicators and locations along elongated portions of the device has a synergistic effect in easily providing data to the user and in enhancing the confidence of users of older systems by mimicking the effects associated with older or conventional combustible products, thus simulating existing habits or rituals that users are accustomed to when using these products.

[0032] Communication elements can provide users with visual, tactile, and / or auditory indications. Each of these has its advantages. The use of vision has been described and discussed above. Tactile indications are useful for users in low-light conditions, where visual indications may be less effective. Furthermore, tactile indications are useful for users with visual impairments where visual communication is not a feasible data transmission mechanism. Tactile indications can occur tactilely, providing a burnout effect along the length of the device from the distal to the proximal end. This also provides a clear indication of the remaining time (e.g., the remaining lifespan of the consumable) by letting the user know where the indication occurs relative to the proximal end. Other tactile indications are also possible, such as a buzzing sound emanating from the entire device when the consumable is positioned appropriately for device activation. A series of tactile indications (such as a series of five short buzzing sounds) can be used to indicate that the device needs checking because the heater is not providing the consumable to the intended temperature. A similar warning buzzing sound can be provided to the user in the event that an incorrect consumable has been inserted into the device.

[0033] Auditory cues can also be useful in low-light conditions or for users with visual impairments. Audio can also be used in scenarios such as cold weather, where users may wear extra layers on their hands that could diminish tactile cues. Therefore, auditory cues are particularly useful. Emergency instructions can be given via audio, as auditory cues can be the most reliable form of instruction. Users may not be in the same room as the device and are therefore less likely to notice tactile or visual cues, but they can receive auditory cues. Therefore, auditory cues are very useful for instructions that may occur during periods of non-use, such as the heater reaching the end of its lifespan, requiring urgent repairs, or other similar emergencies such as geolocation problems preventing the device from being used.

[0034] Generally, communication elements can provide indications for each of the different matters or aspects of data. Tactile indications can be used to indicate to the user that aerosol-generating materials or consumables have been correctly / incorrectly inserted into the device, that the consumables are being or are not being heated as intended, and that the consumables are ready to release vapor. Visual indications can be used to indicate the type of consumables or aerosol-generating materials present in the device, such as red indicating nicotine and green indicating no nicotine. Other lighting options can be made for any of the following: age-restricted; not age-restricted; tobacco-containing; menthol-containing; and herbal. Visual indications can also indicate the lifespan of consumables, such as a series of red lights that turn off according to the remaining lifespan of the consumables. Auditory indications can be used for power-on (as opposed to accidental power-on when the device is not in the user's hands, thus improving safety) or other similar potentially dangerous moments during use, such as consumables overheating due to heater or power source problems. As mentioned above, audio can be used for geolocation-related matters where users may urgently need to know in situations where restrictive policies exist in a particular area. Taken together, a communication device can be an efficient and reliable system for communicating problems to users.

[0035] Each of these can be programmed by the user, allowing the user to have a device with its preferred instruction system.

[0036] In the example, the communication element could be an interactive screen. The screen could provide instructions that the user can interact with. For example, the screen could display the gradual burning out of a flammable product during use, and the user could flick the screen to remove the burning end of the flammable product displayed on it. The screen detects the user's interaction and replicates that interaction in an image displayed on the screen. This further enhances the familiarity of users of older flammable systems with the new reusable system by simulating existing habits or rituals that users are accustomed to when using these products. As mentioned above, increased familiarity leads to increased confidence in using the newer system.

[0037] Communication elements can be human-machine interfaces, etc., used to allow users to interact with data providers on the device. This can provide various data to users in a user-friendly manner.

[0038] Figure 1 The communication element 115 is elongated. The communication element is matched to a certain extent to the portion of the housing 110 where it is arranged. The elongated nature of the communication element 115 enhances the similarity to older combustible mechanisms, which can be imitated to some extent. The technical consideration for this is to increase new users' confidence in these devices. Linear visual communication, by simulating existing habits or rituals that users are accustomed to when using these products, enables a high degree of familiarity for new users of modern devices, and thus enhances confidence.

[0039] A communication element can be a single, extended communication element or comprise a series of communication elements. Examples are shown in... Figure 2 As shown in the figure. Device 200 has a housing 210, which has an elongated portion 212. Communication elements are shown in portions 215a, 215b, 215c, and 215d along this portion 212.

[0040] Each part can illuminate when the consumable is full (providing a visual indication). Alternatively or additionally, each part can provide a tactile indication when the consumable is full. When the consumable is 25% depleted, the last part of the communication element 215d can stop illuminating (or stop vibrating; there is no requirement for the element to provide only a visual indication). Thus, in this example, a visual indication is used to inform the user of the consumable's remaining life in a manner similar to the burning out of a cigarette. This again enhances the similarity between modern devices and older combustible devices.

[0041] The device can have LEDs arranged along its length, illuminating according to various technical considerations. For example, the entire length of the device can be illuminated when the consumable is full, and the LEDs can stop illuminating as the consumable is depleted. This provides the user with a clear visual indication of when the consumable will need to be replaced. When 75% of the LEDs are lit, the user still has a considerable amount of remaining usage time. When 10% are lit, the user can begin looking for a replacement. The color of the LEDs can also change accordingly, so that when the consumable is full (i.e., unused and fresh), the light is white; when it is 80% full, the LED can be blue; when it is 40% full, the LED can be green; and when it is 10% full, the LED can be red, providing further indication that the consumable may need to be replaced soon.

[0042] The device can be a series of LEDs, tactile emitters, or audio emitters arranged in a ring around the device's housing. Each can emit light to indicate gradual changes in the use of the consumable, such as its lifespan or insertion status.

[0043] Any combination of visual, tactile, and auditory cues can be used, as long as it is useful to the user. As mentioned above, one type of indication can be retained (e.g., audio) to provide emergency notification to the user. In this way, the user always associates one form of indication with the need to take certain actions immediately. This improves the user's interaction with the alarm functions disclosed herein, and the user is less likely to ignore this type of indication, which might be ignored if the indication (e.g., tactile) is used regularly and if a slightly different form of the indication (e.g., 5 buzzing sounds) indicates a serious or significant problem.

[0044] The display screen can show a heat-sensitive pigment along the length of the consumable, changing to a used color as the consumable is inserted into the device and as it is depleted. The consumable initially appears white and its color can change to black or transparent as it is consumed during use within the device. The indicator on the display screen for the consumable can be changed (or alternatively) to turn brown during use to mimic the indicators of older or traditional flammable products, thus simulating existing habits or rituals that users are accustomed to when using these products.

[0045] The system can detect the location where consumables are inserted into device 200. The system may include detectors or a series of detectors to detect data transmitted to the user. Detectors can be any of the following: timers; gyroscopes; magnetometers; capacitors located in the housing; thermal sensors; accelerometers; altimeters; shutters; and pressure sensors. Each of these can help provide an assessment of relevant aspects to be conveyed to the user.

[0046] Figure 2An example is shown where consumable 250 is inserted into housing 210 through opening 218 in the direction of arrow A. Consumable 250 can be inserted into a dedicated chamber or cavity within housing 210. A detector or detector array can detect the insertion of consumable 250 and report it to control circuitry, which provides guidance to the user via tactile, visual, or auditory indications or prompts.

[0047] In the example, when consumable 250 is correctly inserted into housing 210, communication element 215 provides this indication to the user. For example, using visual means, communication element 215d can indicate that consumable 250 has been successfully inserted into the first part of housing 210. Communication element 215c can indicate that consumable 250 has been successfully inserted into the next part of housing 210 as successful insertion continues. The visual indication could be an indication of the consumable bar or similar item entering the cavity, so as to be most familiar to users of older devices, thus simulating existing habits or rituals that users are accustomed to when using these products. Alternatively (or additionally), as the consumable is successfully inserted into that part of housing 210, the LED can simply emit light in a specific color. Thus, in Figure 2 In the example, indicators 215c and 215d can illuminate in white, while indicators 215a and 215b do not. If consumable 250 subsequently moves further in the direction indicated by arrow A but gets stuck on a component within housing 210, the next indicator 215b can illuminate in red to indicate the problem to the user. The user will then become aware of the problem and can try removing and reinserting consumable 250 until all lights illuminate and display white.

[0048] The same system as described above can be configured, using tactile and / or auditory cues from indicator 215. For example, the tactile cue could be that each indicator 215a to 215d emits a buzzing sound as the consumable 250 is successfully inserted through the relevant portion of housing 210. Once the consumable 250 is successfully and fully inserted, the tactile system could provide a series of short buzzing sounds to confirm to the user that the consumable 250 has been successfully inserted. Alternatively (or additionally), the system could emit buzzing sounds more frequently as the consumable approaches full insertion. Once the system provides a continuous buzzing sound (lasting for a period of time), the user is aware that the consumable 250 has been successfully inserted. This can be particularly useful in low-light conditions or in particularly cold weather, where the user can insert the consumable into the housing from inside their pocket, so their hands are not exposed to the cold. Each of these examples provides the user with important functional data, and the user can act accordingly to ensure the proper functioning of device 200.

[0049] Therefore, device 200 can provide the user with information about the insertion status of consumable 250, i.e., whether it is not inserted (LEDs are off or there is no tactile feedback), not inserted correctly (some LEDs are red or some tactile feedback indicates an error), and inserted correctly (all LEDs are white, or there is continuous tactile feedback for a predetermined period of time).

[0050] Users can also derive satisfaction from this insertion mechanism, which provides feedback on the successful insertion of consumables.

[0051] In this example, the device features a display screen that provides visual indications to the user during use. The screen can indicate the status of the consumable. Control circuitry can manage the status display on the screen. The device may also include audio components to provide audible indications to the user. The screen can be OLED or include LEDs, among other things. This provides a more user-friendly device and enhances its overall safety.

[0052] Users can physically interact with the instructions. For example, while the device is running, the display can show smoke. Users can then use movement detected by the detector to disperse the smoke.

[0053] In this example, the display screen could be a wraparound display. The device could be generally cylindrical in shape, and the screen could partially or completely enclose a portion of the housing. This arrangement improves the indications provided by the screen because it is easier for the user to view. Therefore, the indications are more likely to be seen.

[0054] Figure 3 A method of using an aerosol supply device 300 is shown. Method 300 is illustrated as a flowchart. In method 300, the device may begin in a default state 302, which may be that a consumable is located within the device. Alternatively, the default operating state may be that a consumable is not located within the device. The consumable's service life may be full or partially used.

[0055] The device detects the status of consumables when the user attempts to use, is using, or is not using the device. This can be as described above. The device uses detectors (which may contain multiple individual sensors / detectors) to detect the status (or the status of a device containing multiple consumables). The detectors can detect a 404 status via any standard mechanism.

[0056] The detectors accordingly send signals to control circuitry 406. Control circuitry can receive routine signals from one or more detectors regarding one or more states, but can provide indications to the user when deemed relevant. The user does not need to be constantly informed that the consumable is correctly positioned within the housing. Instead, a preferred approach is to inform the user when the consumable is initially correctly positioned, and then again when that state changes to incorrect. However, the user can be continuously (or semi-continuously, i.e., at regular short intervals) informed of the consumable's remaining lifespan and remaining usage time, allowing the user to be informed of the remaining use of the device in a timely manner.

[0057] When such an instruction is deemed appropriate to be conveyed to the user, the control circuit may provide the instruction to the user 308 via a communication element, which itself may be any or all of the visual, tactile, or auditory instructions as described above.

[0058] This method provides a user-friendly instruction process that avoids information overload and keeps users informed throughout the consumable's lifespan within the device. It strikes a balance between overburdening users and providing minimal warnings before relevant usage events, such as aerosol-generating material depletion or heater malfunction due to excessive or insufficient heat supply to the consumable. Providing clear instructions in various situations ensures users are fully informed and prepared during device use. Furthermore, the method enhances user familiarity with older or more traditional flammable products by simulating existing habits or rituals users have developed when using them.

[0059] The detectors described above can be a series of detectors. A detector can be a single instrument or an array of instruments. Detectors disclosed herein can include a series of instruments that operate simultaneously or together to provide an accurate and reliable assessment of the status of various consumables within the device at any given time. These are used to ensure that correct and relevant instructions are provided to the user.

[0060] The aerosol supply device may include heating equipment, etc., for supplying aerosols from consumables, which may contain aerosol-generating materials, etc. A control circuit may control the heating equipment (etc.) based on usage requests from the user. The activation and lifespan of the consumables are detected by detectors in the device and provided to the control circuit, which is linked to a communication element on the device to inform the user.

[0061] The apparatus and system described herein are described as comprising multiple components capable of achieving several advantages. These components may be disclosed as being on the apparatus or within the system. These components may be distributed and therefore not necessarily located on the apparatus. The functionality of the apparatus may be provided by communicatively connected components, and such communication may be wireless, thereby enabling such distribution. It is reasonable to foresee that the distributed array of components will operate in the manner of the apparatus and system disclosed herein. The components of the apparatus or system may be contained in additional devices such as smartphones, computers, or remote servers.

[0062] The methods and apparatus disclosed herein enable users to properly monitor the status of consumables within the device. This improves the user experience, lifespan, and safety of the device in general use.

[0063] The apparatus and systems disclosed herein can be used with consumables that include aerosol-generating materials. Such consumables can be solid or liquid, and can be cartridges or sticks, etc. The consumables can be refillable or replaceable.

[0064] In a specific example, the apparatus disclosed herein may operate using a replaceable flavoring sac, which may be referred to as a consumable. The flavoring can be any of tobacco and ethylene glycol, and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, herbs, holly, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Tolingo, bourbon, Scotch whisky, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, bitter bean husk, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cinnamon, coriander, dried...). Peppermint oil (from any species of peppermint), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclosulfonates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, herbal ingredients, or breath fresheners. They can be artificial, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof.

[0065] When combined with an aerosol generating medium, an aerosol supply device, such as the one disclosed herein, may be referred to as an aerosol supply system.

[0066] Therefore, an aerosol supply device is described, comprising: a housing including an elongated longitudinal portion arranged to contain consumables during use; and a communication element arranged on the elongated longitudinal portion; wherein the communication element is arranged to provide a user with an indication of the status of the consumables arranged in the aerosol supply device during use.

[0067] Aerosol supply systems can be used in tobacco industry products, such as non-flammable aerosol supply systems.

[0068] In one embodiment, tobacco industry products include one or more components of a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable matrix.

[0069] In one implementation, the aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette (also known as a vaporizer).

[0070] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette includes a heater, a power source capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable matrix (such as a liquid or gel), a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0071] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable matrix is ​​contained in or on a matrix container. In another embodiment, the matrix container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0072] In one embodiment, the tobacco industrial product is a heated product that releases one or more compounds by heating but not burning a matrix material. The matrix material is an aerosolizable material, which may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0073] In one implementation, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0074] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product includes a heater, a power source capable of supplying power to the heater, and an aerosolizable matrix (such as a solid or gel material).

[0075] In one implementation, the heating product is a non-electronic product.

[0076] In one embodiment, the heating product includes an aerosolizable matrix (such as a solid or gel material) and a heat source capable of supplying heat to the aerosolizable matrix without any electronic devices, such as by burning a combustible material (such as charcoal).

[0077] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter tip capable of filtering aerosols generated by heating an aerosolizable matrix.

[0078] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable matrix material may include an aerosol or aerosol generating agent or wetting agent, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0079] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a mixing system that generates an aerosol by heating but not burning a combination of matrix materials. The matrix materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the mixing system includes a liquid or gel matrix and a solid matrix. The solid matrix may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the mixing system includes a liquid or gel matrix and tobacco.

[0080] To address various problems and advance the field, this disclosure illustrate multiple embodiments in which the claimed invention can be practiced and provides a high-quality electronic aerosol supply system. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented only to aid understanding and teaching of the claimed features. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of this disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include, constitute, or substantially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, tools, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure includes other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising: A housing, including an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing being arranged to accommodate consumables during use; A communication element is arranged on the elongated longitudinal portion; The communication element is arranged to provide the user with an indication of the status of the consumables arranged in the aerosol supply device during use.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The consumables include aerosol-generating materials.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The communication element is arranged to provide the user with at least one of visual, tactile, and / or auditory instructions.

4. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The status of the consumable includes at least one of the following: insertion status; service life; temperature; location; type; geolocation; and authenticity.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein, The insertion state includes at least one of the following: not inserted; not inserted correctly; and inserted correctly.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The type includes at least one of the following: age-restricted; not age-restricted; tobacco-containing; menthol-containing; and herbal.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The communication element is elongated.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The communication element includes a series of communication elements arranged on the elongated longitudinal portion.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The communication element is arranged to provide the user with: Multiple visual indicators; Multiple tactile indicators; and At least one auditory indication.

10. An aerosol generation system for providing aerosols to be inhaled by a user, the aerosol generation system comprising: Aerosol supply device, including: A housing, including an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing being arranged to accommodate consumables during use; A communication element is arranged on the elongated longitudinal portion; The communication element is arranged to provide the user with an indication of the status of the consumables arranged in the aerosol supply device during use.

11. The aerosol generation system according to claim 10, wherein, The consumables include aerosol-generating materials.

12. The aerosol generation system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The communication element is arranged to provide the user with at least one of visual, tactile, and / or auditory instructions.

13. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The status of the consumable includes at least one of the following: insertion status; service life; temperature; location; type; geolocation; and authenticity.

14. The aerosol generation system according to claim 13, wherein, The insertion state includes at least one of the following: not inserted; not inserted correctly; and inserted correctly.

15. The aerosol generation system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The type includes at least one of the following: age-restricted; not age-restricted; tobacco-containing; menthol-containing; and herbal.

16. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein, The communication element is elongated.

17. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein, The communication element includes a series of communication elements arranged on the elongated longitudinal portion.

18. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein, The communication element is arranged to provide the user with: Multiple visual indicators; Multiple tactile indicators; and At least one auditory indication.

19. A method for providing an aerosol inhaled by a user, the method comprising: An aerosol supply device is provided, the aerosol supply device having a housing, the housing including an elongated longitudinal portion on which communication elements are arranged; The communication element provides the user with at least one indication of the status of consumables arranged in the aerosol supply device during use.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Providing at least one indication includes at least one of the following: providing a visual indication; providing a tactile indication; and providing an auditory indication.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: in, The state of the consumable includes at least one of the following: insertion state; service life; temperature; location; type; and authenticity.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein, The communication element is an interactive screen, and wherein the communication element is elongated.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein, Providing at least one instruction includes: Provides a variety of visual indicators; Provides multiple haptic indicators; and Provide an auditory indication.

24. An aerosol supply device, comprising: A housing, including an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing being arranged to accommodate consumables during use; A communication device is arranged on the elongated longitudinal portion; The communication device is configured to provide the user with an indication of the status of the consumables arranged in the aerosol supply device during use.

Images