Power controller for aerosol delivery system

Abstract

A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the controller configured to: supply a first constant power to the aerosol generator for a first time period; and after the first time period, repeatedly measuring a parameter of the aerosol generator or aerosol-generating material and, in response, dynamically controlling a second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator in accordance with the measured parameter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as but not limited to nicotine delivery systems (e.g. e-cigarettes and the like). BACKGROUND

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally comprise a chamber of aerosol generating material, such as a source solid or liquid which can comprise an active substance and / or a flavourant, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated, for example by thermal evaporation, for inhalation by a user. Accordingly, an aerosol delivery system will typically comprise an aerosol generating region comprising an aerosol generator (e.g. a heating element) arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of the precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generating region. When a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an air inlet passage connected to the aerosol generating region, where it mixes with the vaporised precursor material to form a condensed aerosol. There is an outlet passage which connects the aerosol generating region to an outlet in a mouthpiece, and when a user inhales on the mouthpiece, the air drawn into the aerosol generating region continues along an outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, carrying the aerosol with it, for inhalation by the user. Some e-cigarettes can also comprise a flavour element in the airflow path through the device to impart additional flavour. Such devices can sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavour element may, for example, comprise a portion of tobacco arranged in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece, so that the aerosol / condensed aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

[0003] WO2022064172 and WO2015 / 100361 disclose aerosol provision systems.

[0004] As electronic aerosol delivery systems become more refined in the properties of the vapour provided for inhalation by a user, the experience of such systems by a user is continually improving, for example in terms of deep lung delivery, mouthfeel and performance consistency, among other aspects. However, approaches to further improving these aspects remain of interest. In particular, it is of interest to develop an approach in which an aerosol delivery system has functionality to maintain consistent and / or adjustable operating properties of the system to achieve certain operating properties that a user can desire. Furthermore, it is also of interest to develop approaches that can improve power efficiency.

[0005] Described herein are various approaches that seek to help address or mitigate at least some of the problems discussed above. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention provides a controller for an aerosol delivery system and a method of controlling an aerosol delivery system as claimed. The present invention also provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0007] The claimed invention generally provides sub-assemblies or subsystems suitable for use in or configured for use in aerosol delivery systems. The subsystems can generally form part of an aerosol delivery system and in particular can form part of a reusable device and / or a consumable cartridge.

[0008] In particular, the claimed arrangements can improve performance consistency while simplifying control, thereby optimising power efficiency. More particularly, the claimed arrangements with dynamic first stage control compensate for the unknown state of the system, which can for example be unused, such as brand new, or dormant and therefore cold, or recently used and therefore hot, or anything in between - the dynamic control accommodates for this and stabilises the system. Thereafter, once the system is at or near steady state, a second stage is applied which includes steady state control, reducing computational complexity and thereby power consumption. Furthermore, the application of constant power in the second stage means that if the aerosol generating material is depleted, the system will produce a slight burnt taste, thereby clearly informing the user that the aerosol generating material has been depleted and is ready to be replaced / replenished. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic showing the temperature and power of an aerosol generator in an aerosol delivery system including a proportional controller versus time.

[0011] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic showing the temperature and power of an aerosol generator in an aerosol delivery system including a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller with pulse width modulation (PWM) versus time.

[0012] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic showing the temperature and power of another aerosol generator in an aerosol delivery system including a proportional controller versus time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Various aspects and features of certain examples and implementations are described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and implementations can be implemented conventionally and are not described in detail for the sake of brevity. It will be understood, therefore, that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented according to any suitable conventional techniques.

[0014] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 according to certain implementations of the present disclosure, which provides an introduction to the two-piece aerosol delivery system, components therein, and their functionality.

[0015] The aerosol delivery system 1 includes two main portions, namely a reusable portion 2 and a replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge portion 4. In normal use, the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4 are releasably coupled together at an interface 6. When the cartridge portion 4 is depleted or the user simply wishes to change to a different cartridge portion 4, the cartridge portion 4 can be removed from the reusable portion 2 and a replacement cartridge portion 4 attached in place on the reusable portion 2. The interface 6 provides structural, electrical, and airflow path connections between the two portions 2, 4, and can be established in accordance with conventional techniques, such as based on threads, magnetic or bayonet fixing structures with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing electrical connections and airflow paths between the two portions 2, 4 as appropriate. The specific manner in which the cartridge portion 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable portion 2 is not important to the principles described herein, but for the specific example it is assumed here to include magnetic coupling (as shown in Figure 1 not shown in the Figures). It will also be understood that in some implementations the interface 6 can not support electrical connections and / or airflow path connections between the respective portions 2, 4. For example, in some implementations the aerosol generator can be provided in the reusable portion 2 rather than the cartridge portion 4, or electrical power transfer from the reusable portion 2 to the cartridge portion 4 can be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction), such that no electrical connection is required between the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4. Further, in some implementations airflow through the electronic cigarette can not pass through the reusable portion 2, such that no airflow path connection is required between the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4. In some cases, when the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4 are coupled together for use, a portion of the airflow path can be defined at the interface between a portion of the reusable portion and a portion of the cartridge portion.

[0016] According to certain implementations of the present disclosure, the cartridge / consumable portion 4 can be generally conventional. In some implementations, the cartridge portion 4 can include a replaceable battery, and in some implementations the cartridge portion 4 can include a replaceable or refillable reservoir of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In some implementations, the cartridge portion 4 can include a replaceable or refillable reservoir of a solid aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or a tobacco-based material. Figure 1In this embodiment, the cartridge portion 4 includes a cartridge shell 42 made of plastic material. The cartridge shell 42 supports other components of the cartridge portion 4 and provides a mechanical interface 6 for connection to the reusable portion 2. The cartridge shell 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge portion 4 is connected to the reusable portion 2. In this example, the cartridge portion 4 has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. However, it should be understood that in different implementations, the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shape and materials used, may differ.

[0017] A chamber or reservoir 44 containing aerosol-generating materials is located within the cartridge casing 42. Figure 1 In the schematic example shown, the reservoir 44 stores supplied liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape and has an outer wall defined by the cartridge shell 42 and an inner wall defining an airflow path 52 through the cartridge portion 4. Each end of the reservoir 44 is closed by an end wall to accommodate the aerosol generating material. The reservoir 44 can be formed according to conventional techniques; for example, the reservoir can comprise a plastic material and be molded integrally with the cartridge shell 42.

[0018] The cartridge / consumable section 4 also includes an aerosol generator 48 positioned toward the end of the reservoir 44 opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50. It should be understood that, in situations such as... Figure 1 In the two-piece system shown, the aerosol generator 48 can be located in either the reusable portion 2 or the cartridge portion 4. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., a heater (which may be in the form of a core and coil arrangement as shown), a distillation apparatus (which may be made of sintered metal fiber material or other porous conductive material), or any suitable alternative aerosol generator) can be included in the reusable portion 2 and, when the cartridge portion 4 is engaged with the reusable portion 2, is close to a portion of the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge portion 4. In this embodiment, the cartridge portion 4 may include a portion of the aerosol-generating material, and when the cartridge portion 4 is engaged with the reusable portion 2, the aerosol generator 48, including the heater, is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds that portion of the aerosol-generating material.

[0019] exist Figure 1In this example, the core 46, which contacts the aerosol generator 48, extends laterally across the cartridge airflow path 52, with both ends of the core extending through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 into the reservoir 44 containing the liquid aerosol generating material. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to substantially match the dimensions of the core 46 to provide a reasonable seal to prevent liquid from leaking from the reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without excessively compressing the core 46 (which could negatively impact its fluid transfer performance).

[0020] The core 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that the region of the cartridge airflow path 52 surrounding the core 46 and heater 48 effectively defines the vaporization region of the cartridge portion 4. Aerosol-generating material in the reservoir 44 permeates into the core 46 through the extensions of the core into the reservoir 44 at both ends, and is drawn along the core by surface tension / capillary action (i.e., wicking). In this example, the aerosol generator 48 comprises a resistance wire wound around the core 46. Figure 1 In this example, heater 48 comprises a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, and core 46 comprises a glass fiber bundle; however, it should be understood that the specific aerosol generator configuration is not important to the principles described herein. In use, electricity can be supplied to aerosol generator 48 to vaporize a certain amount of aerosol-generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn into the vicinity of aerosol generator 48 via core 46. The vaporized aerosol generating material can then be entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporization area toward mouthpiece outlet 50 for inhalation by the user.

[0021] As mentioned above, the rate at which the aerosol generator 48 vaporizes the aerosol generating material will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Therefore, electrical power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge portion 4, and furthermore, the aerosol generation rate can be changed by altering the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques).

[0022] The reusable part 2 includes: an outer housing 12 with an opening (the opening defines an air inlet 28 for the electronic cigarette), a power source 26 (e.g., a battery) for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, a control circuit / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display 24.

[0023] The outer casing 12 may be made of, for example, plastic or metal, and in this example, has a circular cross-section that is substantially consistent with the shape and size of the cartridge portion 4, so as to achieve a smooth transition between the two portions 2 and 4 at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable portion 2 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so when the cartridge portion 4 and the reusable portion 2 are joined together, the total length of the electronic cigarette is approximately 12 cm. However, and as already mentioned, it should be understood that the overall shape and size of the electronic cigarette implementing the embodiments of this disclosure are not important to the principles described herein.

[0024] Air inlet 28 is connected to airflow path 51 via reusable portion 2. When reusable portion 2 and cartridge portion 4 are connected together, airflow path 51 of reusable portion then crosses interface 6 and connects to cartridge airflow path 52. Therefore, when a user inhales at mouthpiece opening 50, air is drawn in through air inlet 28, along airflow path 51 of reusable portion, through interface 6, through aerosol generation area near aerosol generator 48 (in which vaporized aerosol generation material is entrained in airflow), along cartridge airflow path 52, and out through mouthpiece opening 50 for the user to inhale.

[0025] In this example, the power source 26 is rechargeable and can be of a conventional type, such as those commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring a relatively high current for a relatively short period of time. The power source 26 can be recharged via a charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) in the reusable portion of the housing 12.

[0026] A first user input button 14 and / or a second user input button 16 may be provided. In this example, these user input buttons are conventional mechanical buttons, such as those including spring-loaded components that can be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact. In this respect, the input buttons can be considered as input devices for detecting user input, and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not important. The buttons may be assigned functions such as turning the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings (such as supplying power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48). However, including user input buttons is optional, and in some embodiments, buttons may not be included.

[0027] Display 24 can be configured to provide a user with visual indications of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, such as current power setting information, remaining power source power, etc. The display can be implemented in various ways. In this example, display 24 includes a conventional pixelated LCD screen that can be driven according to conventional techniques to display the desired information. In other implementations, the display may include one or more discrete indicators, such as LEDs, arranged to display the desired information, for example, through a specific color and / or flashing sequence. More specifically, the manner in which display 24 is configured and how information is displayed to the user using the display is not critical to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and / or may include other means for providing the user with information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example, using audio signals, or may not include any means for providing the user with information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.

[0028] Controller 22 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, and to provide routine operational functions of aerosol delivery system 1 according to established techniques for controlling such devices. Controller (processor circuitry) 22 can be considered as logically including various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of aerosol delivery system 1. In this example, controller 22 includes: power source control circuitry for controlling the power supply from power source 26 to aerosol generator 48 in response to user input; user programming circuitry 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input; and other functional units / circuits associated with functionality according to the principles described herein and routine operational aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It should be understood that the functionality of controller 22 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computers configured to provide the desired functionality and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets.

[0029] The functionality of controller 22 will be further described herein. For example, controller 22 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller for controlling the aerosol delivery device. The microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or microprocessor. The operation of the CPU and other electronic components is typically controlled, at least in part, by a software program running on the CPU (or other component). This software program may be stored in non-volatile memory (such as ROM), which may be integrated into the microcontroller itself or provided as a separate component. The CPU can access the ROM to load and implement individual software programs as needed and as required.

[0030] The reusable portion 2 includes an airflow sensor 30 electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a so-called "puff sensor" because it is used to detect when a user puffs on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a switch located in the electrical path supplying power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In this embodiment, the airflow sensor 30 typically includes a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a specific range of pressure, such that current can flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 when the pressure near the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold. This threshold can be set to a value determined experimentally to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the onset of user puffing. In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 based on signals received by the controller 22 from the airflow sensor 30. The controller 22 uses a signal output from the air flow sensor 30 (which may include the capacitance, resistance or other characteristics of the air flow sensor measured by the controller 22) to control the power supply from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in a manner that may be implemented in any way known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31, but this is not mandatory. The airflow sensor 30 may include any sensor configured to determine the characteristics of airflow in an airflow path 51 disposed between the air inlet 28 and the nozzle opening 50, such as a pressure sensor or transducer (e.g., a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone sensitive to changes in air pressure (including acoustic signals) (e.g., an electret microphone). The airflow sensor 30 is located within a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which includes an internal space defined by one or more chamber walls 34. The sensor cavity 32 includes a region located within one or more chamber walls 34, in which the airflow sensor 30 may be located wholly or partially. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 includes one of a plurality of chamber walls of a sensor housing that includes the sensor cavity / cavity 32.

[0032] A deformable membrane is provided across an opening that connects a sensor cavity 32, including sensor 30, to a portion of an airflow path disposed between air inlet 28 and nozzle opening 50. The deformable membrane covers the opening and is attached to one or more chamber walls according to a method further described herein.

[0033] As further described herein, the aerosol delivery system 1 includes communication circuitry configured to establish connectivity with one or more other electronic devices (e.g., storage / charging housings, and / or refill / charging docks) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more other electronic devices. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is integrated into the controller 22, and in other embodiments, the communication circuitry is implemented separately (including, for example, one or more separate application-specific integrated circuits / one or more circuits / one or more chips / one or more chipsets). For example, the communication circuitry may include a separate module connected to the controller 22, which provides dedicated data transfer functionality for the aerosol delivery device when connected to the controller 22. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more other electronic devices via a wireless interface. The communication circuitry may be configured to support wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices, such as housings, docking stations, computing devices (e.g., smartphones or PCs), cellular-enabled base stations, relay nodes providing forward connectivity to base stations, wearable devices, or any other portable or fixed device supporting wireless communication.

[0034] Wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices can be configured according to a data transmission protocol, such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee, WiFi®, Wi-Fi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless and / or wired network protocol or interface. The communication circuitry may include any suitable interface for wired data connectivity, such as USB-C, micro USB, or Thunderbolt, and may include pin or contact pad arrangements configured to engage mating pins or contact pads on a docking station, housing, cable, or other external device that can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1. Individual sub-components may include one or more processors, and data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, with data communicated via wired or wireless means.

[0035] The further functions of controller 22 will now be described in more detail. Specifically, controller 22 is capable of providing dynamic and steady-state control for a single suction cycle, and switching between these control modes based on parameters (e.g., temperature) of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material during suction. Controller 22 is also capable of empirically determining a steady-state approximation for power control, as described later.

[0036] Dynamic, variable power supply followed by constant power supply

[0037] In one embodiment, the controller 22 is configured to: repeatedly measure parameters of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material during a first time period, and in response, dynamically control a first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 based on the measured parameters; and after the first time period, supply a second constant (steady-state) power to the aerosol generator 48. The controller 22 can thus provide dynamic control followed by steady-state control for a single pumping operation.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram showing the temperature and power of the aerosol generator 48 in the aerosol delivery system 1, including the proportional controller 22, in relation to time. Figure 2 The aerosol generator 48 is shown at time t0 from the initial temperature T. 初始 At the start (before the user begins the first aspiration), after the user begins the first aspiration, the aerosol generator 48 is heated under dynamic proportional control, receiving full power / maximum power P. 最大 (This power can be determined or limited by controller 22, power supply 26, aerosol generator 48, or aerosol generating material) until t1 (approximately half the time of t2), after which controller 22 is based on T 目标 The power is reduced proportionally to the temperature difference to slow down the heating curve until t2, at which point the aerosol generator 48 has reached T. 目标-Δ The temperature.

[0039] After time t2, controller 22 switches from dynamic (proportional) control to steady-state control and supplies constant power P to aerosol generator 48. 恒定 This constant power continues until T is reached. 目标 The required final heating, then T 目标 The steady state remains essentially within acceptable limits, for example, within tolerances of + / -5℃, 10℃, or 20℃, or + / -2.5%, 5%, or 10%. In this figure, P 恒定 Approximately P MAX 40% of it can be pre-programmed, but it can be adjusted within limitations based on various factors. More generally, P 恒定 Depending on the system design P 最大 And an aerosol generator (which may be a heater), and typically within the range of 30% to 70%, for example, basically ≤70% of maximum power, ≤60% of maximum power, ≤50% of maximum power, ≤40% of maximum power, or ≤30% of maximum power.

[0040] Figure 3This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the temperature and power versus time relationship of the aerosol generator 48 in the aerosol delivery system 1, which includes a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller 22 using pulse width modulation (PWM). The relationship between temperature and power and time is outlined here. Figure 2 The key difference. In principle, Figure 3 Controller 22 and Figure 2 The main difference between the controllers in these systems lies in the inclusion of PID controllers that use PWM to regulate power output. Figure 3 In this example, the PID controller 22 supplies maximum power at approximately 80% of its maximum duty cycle until t1 (about half the time of t2). Afterward, the PID controller reduces the duty cycle to slow the heating curve until t2, at which point the aerosol generator 48 has reached T. 目标-Δ The temperature. More generally, because the "off" period required to measure resistance is very short, the maximum duty cycle can approach 100%, for example, >95%.

[0041] Next, after time t2, controller 22 switches from dynamic (PID) control to steady-state control and supplies constant power P to aerosol generator 48. 恒定 This constant power continues until T is reached. 目标 The required final heating, then T 目标 The steady state remains essentially within the aforementioned acceptable range. In this figure, P 恒定 Approximately P again 最大 40%. More generally, the second constant (steady-state) power can be substantially, for example, ≤70%, ≤60%, ≤50%, ≤40%, or ≤30% of the maximum power; or ≤70%, ≤60%, ≤50%, ≤40%, or ≤30% of the maximum duty cycle; or ≤70%, ≤60%, ≤50%, ≤40%, or ≤30% of the absolute duty cycle.

[0042] The conditions or triggers for switching from dynamic control to steady-state control are critical and can be based on any suitable parameter indicating that the system is in or near a steady state, and can be determined by controller 22.

[0043] If a switch occurs at time t2, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first time interval from t0 to t2 defines the time at which the initial state at t0 changes, and can be any one or more of the following: A predetermined (pre-known) time period, such as the time it takes for the system to be properly warmed up and ready for aspiration, for example, generally in the range of 0.1 to 5 seconds, 0.25 to 2.5 seconds, 0.3 to 1.5 seconds, or 0.5 to 1.0 seconds; The measured parameter may optionally reach the target value for at least a threshold time period, such as reaching a predetermined temperature (e.g., T) of the aerosol generator 48. 目标 or T 目标-Δ (or similarly achieve its predetermined resistance, which can be temperature-dependent, as is known in the art); Until the predetermined difference between the target value and the measured parameter (e.g., T) is reached. 目标-Δ (The time period)

[0044] The period of time until a predetermined first supply power or duty cycle is reached (e.g., substantially ≤ 70%, ≤ 60%, ≤ 50%, ≤ 40%, or ≤ 30% of the maximum supply power; or substantially ≤ 70%, ≤ 60%, ≤ 50%, ≤ 40%, or ≤ 30% of the maximum supply power (e.g., 95%) of the maximum duty cycle; or substantially ≤ 70%, ≤ 60%, ≤ 50%, ≤ 40%, or ≤ 30% of the maximum duty cycle); or substantially ≤ 70%, ≤ 60%, ≤ 50%, ≤ 40%, or ≤ 30% of the absolute duty cycle), or the period of time during which the predetermined first supply power or duty cycle has been supplied for at least a threshold time length or number of cycles.

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when approaching the target temperature T 目标 At this time, the required power input typically decreases exponentially from its maximum value, and therefore once the supply power drops below the predetermined first supply power or duty cycle, T is reached and maintained within the same pumping period. 目标 The required power increases very little. Nevertheless, fluctuations can still be addressed and premature switching can be avoided, for example, by requiring a minimum supply time or number of cycles at (or above / below) a threshold.

[0046] In some implementations, the first time period and / or steady-state second constant power can be determined by the controller 22, for example, based on a previous suction by the user, optionally using a calibration process, or based on the user's suction pattern, the latter including curves of suction parameters (e.g., suction duration, suction pressure and / or profiles, aerosol generator temperature) from multiple suctions configured to be analyzed and / or monitored by the controller 22. For example, the controller 22 can be calibrated using a calibration process in which the user uses the system for a typical single suction or a suction session involving multiple suctions, wherein dynamic control is applied throughout the process, and the controller 22 subsequently analyzes the suction / suspension session and determines where dynamic control is not necessary and can be replaced by steady-state control to simplify calculations and save power for future suctions. Alternatively, the controller 22 can receive suction pattern data input by the user or transmitted from another device for similar analysis. The system may include a suction sensor 30 to determine suction parameters.

[0047] In the first simple example, the first time period is determined as a predetermined proportion or fixed percentage of the duration of the user's previous aspiration, such as essentially 25%, 50%, or 75%, optionally limited to the minimum time period required for device stabilization, such as 0.25 s to 0.5 s. Generally, for at least the latter half or the last quarter of the aspiration, it can be assumed that the aerosol generator 48 is in a steady state, and therefore can be switched to constant power with minimal negative impact on the user. This score can be based on any average (mean / median / mode) of the user's aspiration patterns (e.g., all monitored aspirations), any single aspiration (e.g., shortest / longest / average aspiration duration), or any intermediate range (e.g., all aspirations excluding extreme values).

[0048] In the second example, controller 22 is configured to determine a second constant (steady-state) power by applying a steady-state approximation to at least a portion of the dynamic supply power from a single previous pump or multiple pump sessions, for example by identifying a pump time window with minimal power supply variation. For example, controller 22 may determine that, for a single or multiple pump, after time t1 seconds, the PWM duty cycle remains within a small variation window (e.g., an average of ≤10%, ≤5%, or ≤2.5%, such as a duty cycle of 39% to 43% with a time-weighted average of 41.8%), thus allowing steady-state control to be used instead of dynamic control.

[0049] Controller 22 can be determined empirically: Steady-state power can be applied after time t1, so the first time period can be set to t1, optionally with an error margin (e.g., + / - 5%); or alternatively, based on a PWM threshold. The first time period is set to last until the PWM duty cycle drops below, for example, the upper limit (43%), lower limit (39%), or average value (41.8%) of the variation window, and an error margin is optionally applied again; and / or The steady-state power supplied can be set to, for example, the time-weighted duty cycle average (41.8%), the median / mode of the session, or a standard default fixed condition (e.g., 40% duty cycle), and again optionally an error margin (e.g., + / -5%, which can be calculated based on the time-weighted duty cycle average).

[0050] In some implementations, controller 22 is configured to apply an error margin of ≤2.5%, ≤5%, ≤10%, ≤15%, or ≤20% to determined parameters based on the user's previous suction or suction mode.

[0051] In another implementation, a linear approximation can be used instead of a steady-state approximation, and controller 22 is configured to supply constant power at two levels or stages. For example, controller 22 is configured to supply a second constant power to aerosol generator 48 during a second time period, and thereafter supply a third constant power to aerosol generator 48. In yet another implementation, the power can be linearly reduced at a fixed rate (e.g., 1 watt per second) after t2. This can help prevent excessive temperature rise when the user is pumping very slowly and also encourages the user to perform shorter pumping sessions as the vapor volume gradually decreases.

[0052] In another embodiment, the system includes sensors for identifying aerosol-generating materials. The controller 22 can also be configured to adjust any parameters dependent on the identification, such as a first time period; a range of a first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 during the first time period; and / or a second constant power supplied after the first time period. Therefore, these parameters can be adjusted based on the aerosol-generating materials in use, thereby tailoring the experience to optimize consistency across different aerosol-generating materials. The system may include a lookup table of parameters for various aerosol-generating materials, or be capable of transmitting data wirelessly (e.g., connected to a smartphone) to retrieve suitable parameters.

[0053] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Proportional control and PID PWM control are illustrated respectively. In another embodiment, controller 22 provides a simplified dynamic controller that utilizes a threshold to determine one of two possible predetermined outputs. This advantageously provides more control than a steady-state system and avoids the computational complexity and latency of PID control. Here, the first variable power is determined as follows: If the target value is higher than the measured parameter, and the difference is greater than or equal to a first predetermined amount, then a first predetermined power is supplied to the heater; and If the target value is higher than the measured parameter, but the difference is less than the first predetermined amount, then a second predetermined power lower than the first power is supplied to the heater.

[0054] In some implementations, the controller 22 has a cycle time of 1 ms to 10 ms and is configured to measure parameters every 1 ms to 10 ms and control the first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 based on the measured parameters to provide a highly responsive system during dynamic control.

[0055] In some implementations, the controller 22 has an overheat safety protection function and monitors the measured parameters. Optionally, the detection interval is significantly reduced for the steady-state phase compared to the detection interval during the dynamic control phase (e.g., every 100 ms, 250 ms, 500 ms, or 1000 ms). Then, if the measured parameters are higher than the overheat threshold, the second constant power is reduced or the power is completely cut off.

[0056] The measured parameter can be any suitable parameter of the system, specifically the parameter of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the target value of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material and the measured parameter are related to the temperature or resistance of the aerosol generator 48, or to the temperature or viscosity of the aerosol generating material.

[0057] Constant power supply followed by dynamic, variable power supply

[0058] In another embodiment, the controller 22 is configured to: supply a first constant power to the aerosol generator 48 during a first time period; and after the first time period, repeatedly measure parameters of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material, and, in response, dynamically control a second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 based on the measured parameters. The controller 22 can thus provide steady-state control followed by dynamic control for a single suction cycle, wherein, during the initial heating phase, a constant power is supplied when the aerosol generator 48 heats to the operating temperature, rather than adjusting the supplied power during this initial phase.

[0059] Optionally, controller 22 may then provide (further) steady-state (constant power) control after dynamic variable control, as described above, for example, for a third time period after the second variable power has been supplied to aerosol generator 48 during the second time period. As in the foregoing examples, the respective time periods may be predetermined or dependent on various conditions. In some instances, the third time period is the period until the maximum suction length is reached, which may be, for example, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, or 8 seconds, and / or based on the duration of the previous suction.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the temperature and power versus time relationship of the aerosol generator 48 in the aerosol delivery system 1, including the proportional controller 22. Although not shown, in another embodiment, the controller 22 may include a PID controller that uses PWM to regulate the power output, similar to... Figure 3 Examples.

[0061] and Figure 2 compared to, Figure 4 This effectively illustrates the initial heating phase of the previous cycle, in which constant power is supplied before controller 22 switches to dynamic proportional control.

[0062] Figure 4 The aerosol generator 48 is shown at time t0 from the initial temperature T. 初始 At the start (before the user begins the first aspiration), the aerosol generator 48 is then supplied with a first constant power P. 恒定-A Used to heat until t1 (approximately half of t2). In this example, P 恒定-A Approximately P 最大 90% of this is applied during the first time interval t1-t0. This first constant power P 恒定-A Simple control is provided during the initial heating phase from t0 to t1, during which the aerosol generator 48 is heated to its operating temperature.

[0063] At time t1, that is, in the first time interval ( Figure 4 After t1-t0, controller 22 switches to dynamic proportional control, providing a second variable power for the second time period from t1 to t3. Here, controller 22 repeatedly measures the parameters of aerosol generator 48 or aerosol generating material, and in response, dynamically controls the second variable power supplied to aerosol generator 48 based on the measured parameters (e.g., based on the difference between the parameter and the target value).

[0064] exist Figure 4 In the first stage from t1 to t2, aerosol generator 48 receives full power / maximum power P. 最大 Because the aerosol generator 48 is significantly lower than T目标 After t2, controller 22 is based on T 目标 The power is reduced proportionally to the temperature difference to slow down the heating curve until t3, at which point the aerosol generator 48 has reached T. 目标-Δ The temperature.

[0065] In the second time period ( Figure 4 After t1 to t3, controller 22 switches from dynamic (proportional) control back to steady-state control, and in this example, a third constant power P is supplied to aerosol generator 48. 恒定-B This constant power continues until T is reached. 目标 The required final heating, then T 目标 The steady state remains essentially within acceptable limits, for example, within + / -5°C, 10°C, or 20°C, or within tolerances of + / -2.5%, 5%, or 10%, until the user stops suction at t4 (e.g., detected by a suction sensor). Therefore, a third constant power P is supplied during the third time period t4-t3. 恒定-B .

[0066] contrast Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen from the examples, due to P 恒定-A Less than P 最大 Aerosol generator 48 Figure 4 In the example, T is reached 目标-Δ (and T) 目标 The required time is slightly longer than Figure 2 Instances (i.e.) Figure 4 t3-t0> Figure 2 (t2-t0 in the middle), due to the application of a simpler control method in the initial heating phase from t0 to t1, the battery life is extended. However, if P 恒定-A = P 最大 This will provide with Figure 2 The same heating curve, and therefore provides the same aerosol generation time, but with lower power consumption.

[0067] More generally, constant power (P) 恒定-A P 恒定-B () can be any suitable value, including those referenced above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The scope outlined in the examples, especially for P 恒定-B And P 恒定-A More likely to be close to maximum power / duty cycle (e.g., P) 最大 (80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%). Similarly, constant power (P) 恒定-A P 恒定-BIt can be determined, for example, based on a steady-state approximation of at least a portion of the user’s previous suction or suction pattern.

[0068] In another instance, controller 22 is configured to determine parameters of aerosol generator 48 (e.g., related to its temperature or resistance) or parameters of the aerosol generating material (e.g., related to its temperature or viscosity), and in response, supply a first constant power P to aerosol generator 48. 恒定-A The first constant power P 恒定-A and / or the first time period ( Figure 4 The parameters t1-t0 in the equation can depend on the measured parameters of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material. This advantageously allows the initial heating phase to be customized according to the current conditions of the system, while avoiding the overhead of dynamic control during this phase. Preferably, when the parameters of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material are below a threshold, P... 恒定-A Set to P 最大 And therefore can be applied to the first time period (which itself may also depend on the measured parameters of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material).

[0069] Similar to the previous example, the time period can be predetermined or dependent on various conditions. In a simple example, the first time period (t1-t0, in...) Figure 4 China Supply P 恒定-A The period is based on a predetermined proportion or fixed percentage, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the user's pumping duration (e.g., based on the previous pumping session or the average of the user's pumping patterns). In another instance, during the third time period ( Figure 4 The third constant power P is supplied during the period t4-t3. 恒定-B This time period can begin, for example, based on a predetermined proportion or percentage of the user's inhalation duration, such as substantially 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the user's previous or average inhalation duration, and / or end based on detecting the end of inhalation, for example, by airflow or inhalation sensors. Therefore, the third time period can be based on substantially 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the user's inhalation duration, and can have its supplementary duration (i.e., 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5% of the user's inhalation duration). Of course, the second time period ( Figure 4 In this context, t3-t1) is the time interval between the first time interval and the third time interval, and therefore, if they are properly predefined, the second time interval can be determined from these time intervals.

[0070] In some implementations, the first time period ( Figure 4 (t1-t0) and / or the second time period (Figure 4 The time intervals t3-t1 are within the ranges of 0.05 seconds to 1 second, 0.1 seconds to 0.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds to 0.5 seconds, or 0.3 seconds to 0.4 seconds. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Compared to the examples, Figure 4 The first time period in the middle is usually significantly shorter. Figure 4 In the equation, t1-t0 is approximately Figure 2 (25% of t2-t0 in the middle), because Figure 4 The first time period in the process is the period during which the aerosol generator 48 can be reasonably considered to be significantly below the operating temperature, so dynamic control is usually not required, thereby improving battery life.

[0071] In some instances, the first time period ( Figure 4 The time interval t1-t0 in the middle plus the second time interval ( Figure 4 The sum of t3-t1 in (i.e. Figure 4 The t3-t0 intervals are generally 0.1 to 5 seconds, 0.25 to 2.5 seconds, 0.3 to 1.5 seconds, or 0.5 to 1.0 seconds, which are essentially equal to the first time interval (t2-t0) in the aforementioned example.

[0072] As referenced above Figure 2 and Figure 3 The conditions or triggers for switching between dynamic control and steady-state control are critical and can be based on, for example, any suitable parameter indicating that the system is in or near a steady-state or operating (dynamic) state, and can be determined by the controller 22.

[0073] In order to switch from steady-state control to dynamic control (at the end of the first time period), Figure 4 (t1-t0 in the text) can be applied to the above-mentioned... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The examples outline any triggering conditions, such as reaching or differing from a measured parameter value, but do not include triggering conditions based on variable power or duty cycle (because the power supplied is constant during the first time period).

[0074] For any situation where the dynamic control switches back to steady state (at the end of the second time period) Figure 4 (t3-t1 in the text), the above refers to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Any triggering conditions outlined in the examples can be applied, including those based on (variable) supply power or duty cycle.

[0075] To avoid ambiguity, this disclosure expressly considers any and all combinations of the described features. Specifically, any and all combinations of the features disclosed for an example of a dynamic variable power supply followed by a constant power supply are expressly considered for an example of a constant power supply followed by a dynamic variable power supply. Specifically, any time period may be predetermined or until certain conditions are met and / or determined by controller 22 (e.g., based on a previous suction or suction mode) and / or adjusted, for example, based on sensor inputs as described above. Similarly, any supplied power may be a portion of the maximum power / duty cycle and / or determined by controller 22 (e.g., based on a previous suction or suction mode) and / or adjusted, for example, based on sensor inputs as described above.

[0076] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of implementation and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on its equivalents, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0077] In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. Protection may also be sought for any feature disclosed in any one or more disclosures referenced herein in connection with this disclosure.

[0078] Terminology

[0079] Delivery system

[0080] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to cover systems that deliver at least one substance to a user during use, and includes: Combustible aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for self-rolled or self-made cigarettes (based on or not based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokeable materials); Non-flammable aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without combustion, such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and mixing systems, to generate aerosols using combinations of aerosol-generating materials; and An aerosol-free delivery system delivers at least one substance to a user via mouth, nose, skin, or other means without forming an aerosol. This includes, but is not limited to, tablets, chewing gum, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0081] Combustible aerosol provision system

[0082] According to this disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is burned or ignited during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0083] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a filter tip, filter rod, filter segment, tobacco stick, spill, aerosol modifier release component (such as a capsule, thread, or bead), or paper (such as forming paper, tipping paper, or cigarette paper).

[0084] Non-combustible aerosol provision system

[0085] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is non-flammable or non-ignitable in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0086] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporizer or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not necessary. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0087] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system for generating aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in, for example, solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0088] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0089] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device) may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon matrix that can be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to aerosol-generating or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat source.

[0090] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, nozzles, filters, and / or aerosol modifiers. In some embodiments, consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, packaging paper, filters, nozzles, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0091] Aerosol-free delivery system

[0092] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, dermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol. This includes, but is not limited to, tablets, chewing gum, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0093] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Where appropriate, any material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0094] Active substance

[0095] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. Active substances can be, for example, selected from nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Active substances can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another plant.

[0096] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In other embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0097] As described herein, active substances may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, pods, etc. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring active compounds found in plants, obtained through synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, fine particles, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0098] Example plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, red tea tree, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. Lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, holly, perilla, turmeric, turmeric root powder, sandalwood, coriander leaves, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, nutmeg, damarin, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, tetramethyluric acid, maca, Indian ginseng, damiin, kaempferia galanga, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, mint CV, Egyptian mint, peppermint, basil mint CV, peppermint CV, spearmint, heartleaf spearmint, longleaf mint, pineapple mint, lip mint, spearmint CV, and apple mint.

[0099] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, and cocoa. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is selected from red tea tree and fennel.

[0100] Flavourant

[0101] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes flavoring agents. As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "spice" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in a product to produce a taste, aroma, or other bodily sensation desired by an adult consumer. These can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plant materials, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, Eurasian licorice (licorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese peppermint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, raspberries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, fire). Dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Turin Label, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whisky, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, mint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, bitter bean husk, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, areca leaf, shisha, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway seeds, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage. Fennel, wild chili, pimento, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any type of peppermint, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, red beans, flax, ginkgo leaves, hazelnuts, hibiscus, bay leaves, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, chili peppers, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander leaves, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, nutmeg seed coat, and more. Damien, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, leek, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene; flavor enhancers, bitter 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, botanical materials, or breath fresheners. They can be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as liquids (e.g., oils), solids (e.g., powders), or gases.

[0102] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0103] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of aroma or taste receptors, flavoring agents may include sensory agents designed to achieve somatic sensations typically induced and perceived by chemical stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0104] Aerosol generating material

[0105] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or powered in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may include “amorphous solids,” which may alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solids.

[0106] Aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0107] Aerosol former material

[0108] Aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl octanoate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of glyceryl diacetate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, glyceryl tribocate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0109] Functional material

[0110] The other or more functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0111] Matrix

[0112] The material may be present on or within the support to form a matrix. The support may be, for example, or may include, paper, cardboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a receptor. In some embodiments, the receptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the receptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0113] Consumable

[0114] Consumables are articles comprising or composed of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by a user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging paper, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater may include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor.

[0115] Susceptor

[0116] A sensor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field (such as an alternating magnetic field). A sensor can be a conductive material, causing induction heating of the heating material by the penetration of the changing magnetic field. A heating material can be a magnetic material, causing hysteresis heating of the heating material by the penetration of the changing magnetic field. A sensor can be both conductive and magnetic, allowing it to be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this paper, a device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0117] Aerosol modifier

[0118] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of the aerosol generation region, configured to modify the generated aerosols, for example, by altering their taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties. Aerosol modifiers can be disposed in aerosol modifier release components operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. For example, aerosol modifiers can be additives or adsorbents. For example, aerosol modifiers may include one or more of fragrances, colorants, water, and carbon adsorbents. For example, aerosol modifiers can be solid, liquid, or gel. Aerosol modifiers can be in powder, filament, or granular form. Aerosol modifiers may not contain filter material.

[0119] Aerosol generator

[0120] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0121] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems), such as aerosol sprayers or electronic cigarettes. In the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that these terms are used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery 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.

[0122] Aerosol delivery systems (electronic cigarettes) typically (though not always) comprise modular components, including a reusable device section and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge section. Typically, the replaceable cartridge section will include aerosol generating material and an vaporizer (which may be collectively referred to as an "atomizer"), while the reusable device section will include a power source (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be understood that these different sections may include additional components depending on their function. For example, the reusable device section will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operational status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge section may include, in some cases, a temperature sensor to aid in temperature control. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically connected to the control unit for use, for example, using threads, bayonet connections, or magnetic connections with suitably arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is depleted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge can be removed from the reusable section, and a replacement cartridge can be attached to its appropriate position. Systems and devices that conform to this type of two-piece modular configuration can generally be referred to as two-piece systems / devices.

[0123] Electronic cigarettes typically have a generally elongated shape. For the sake of providing concrete examples, certain embodiments of this disclosure will be considered to include such a generally elongated two-piece system employing a disposable cartridge. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein can be equally applied to different configurations, such as a single-piece system or a modular system comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposable items, and other overall shapes, such as high-performance devices based on a so-called box-shaped pattern that typically has a box-like shape. More generally, it will be understood that certain embodiments of this disclosure are based on an aerosol delivery system operationally configured to provide the functionality according to the principles described herein, and the construction aspects of the system configured to provide the functionality according to certain embodiments of this disclosure are not particularly important.

[0124] Index of drawings

[0125] 1. Aerosol Delivery System

[0126] 2 Reusable parts

[0127] 4. Smoke cartridges

[0128] 6. Interface between the reusable part and the cartridge part

[0129] 12 Reusable portion of the housing

[0130] 14, 16 User Input Buttons

[0131] 20 User Programming Circuits

[0132] 22 Controllers

[0133] 24 monitors

[0134] 26 Power Supply

[0135] 28 Air Inlet

[0136] 30. Airflow sensor

[0137] 31 Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0138] 32. Sensor cavity or chamber

[0139] 34 chamber wall

[0140] 42. Smoke cartridge casing

[0141] 44. Chambers or storage containers

[0142] 46 cores

[0143] 48 Aerosol Generator

[0144] 50 parts exported

[0145] 51. Airflow path through reusable section

[0146] 52. Airflow path through the smoke cartridge

[0147] Representative features

[0148] 1. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating material, the controller being configured to: a. During a first time period, parameters of the aerosol generator or aerosol-generating material are repeatedly measured, and in response, a first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator is dynamically controlled based on the measured parameters; and b. After the first time period, a second constant power is supplied to the aerosol generator.

[0149] 2. The controller according to Clause 1, wherein the first time period is a predetermined time period.

[0150] 3. The controller according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first time period is in the range of 0.1 seconds to 5 seconds, 0.25 seconds to 2.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds to 1.5 seconds or 0.5 seconds to 1.0 seconds.

[0151] 4. A controller pursuant to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the first time period is: a. The time period until the measured parameter reaches the target value; or b. The time period during which the measured parameter reaches the target value for at least the threshold duration; or c. The time period until the predetermined difference between the target value and the measured parameter is reached.

[0152] 5. A controller pursuant to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the first time period is: a. The period of time until the predetermined first supply power or duty cycle is reached; b. The period of time until the predetermined first supply power or duty cycle has been supplied for at least the threshold time length or number of cycles.

[0153] 6. The controller according to Clause 5, wherein the predetermined first supply power or duty cycle is: a. ≤70% of maximum power, ≤60% of maximum power, ≤50% of maximum power, ≤40% of maximum power, or ≤30% of maximum power; or b. ≤70% of maximum duty cycle, ≤60% of maximum duty cycle, ≤50% of maximum duty cycle, ≤40% of maximum duty cycle, or ≤30% of maximum duty cycle; or c. ≤70% of absolute duty cycle, ≤60% of absolute duty cycle, ≤50% of absolute duty cycle, ≤40% of absolute duty cycle, or ≤30% of absolute duty cycle.

[0154] 7. A controller according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the second constant power is: a. ≤70% of maximum power, ≤60% of maximum power, ≤50% of maximum power, ≤40% of maximum power, or ≤30% of maximum power; b. ≤70% of maximum duty cycle, ≤60% of maximum duty cycle, ≤50% of maximum duty cycle, ≤40% of maximum duty cycle, or ≤30% of maximum duty cycle; or c. ≤70% of absolute duty cycle, ≤60% of absolute duty cycle, ≤50% of absolute duty cycle, ≤40% of absolute duty cycle, or ≤30% of absolute duty cycle.

[0155] 8. A controller according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the controller is configured to determine a first time period and / or a second constant power based on the user’s previous suction or suction mode.

[0156] 9. The controller according to Clause 8, wherein the controller is configured to determine the first time period as a predetermined proportion of the user's suction duration.

[0157] 10. The controller according to Clause 9, wherein the predetermined proportion is 25%, 50% or 75%.

[0158] 11. The controller according to Clause 8, wherein the controller is configured to determine the second constant power based on a steady-state approximation of at least a portion of the user’s previous suction or suction mode.

[0159] 12. The controller according to any of the foregoing provisions further includes a sensor for identifying aerosol-generating materials, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the following based on the identification: a. The first time period; and / or b. The range of the first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator during the first time period; and / or c. The second constant power supplied after the first time period.

[0160] 13. A controller according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to repeatedly determine the difference between a parameter and a target value, and in response, dynamically control the first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator based on the difference.

[0161] 14. A controller according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the parameters of the aerosol generator or aerosol generating material relate to: a. The temperature or resistance of the aerosol generator; or b. The temperature or viscosity of the material that generates the aerosol.

[0162] 15. A controller according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first variable power is determined by: a. If the target value is higher than the measured parameter, and the difference is greater than or equal to a first predetermined amount, then a first predetermined power is supplied to the heater; and b. If the target value is higher than the measured parameter, but the difference is less than the first predetermined amount, then a second predetermined power lower than the first power is supplied to the heater.

[0163] 16. A controller according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller includes a proportional controller or a PID controller configured to repeatedly measure parameters and dynamically control the power supplied during a first time period.

[0164] 17. A controller according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to measure parameters every 1 ms to 10 ms and control the first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator accordingly.

[0165] 18. A controller according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to: supply a second constant power to the aerosol generator during a second time period; and thereafter supply a third constant power to the aerosol generator.

[0166] 19. An aerosol delivery system, comprising a controller according to any of the preceding provisions, and further comprising: a. Aerosol generator; and / or b. A cartridge or atomizer containing aerosol-generating material for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user; and / or c. Power source.

[0167] 20. A controller or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0168] 21. A controller or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured as follows: a. During the first time period of a single aspiration cycle, parameters of the aerosol generator or aerosol-generating material are repeatedly measured, and in response, the first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator is dynamically controlled based on the measured parameters; and b. After the first time period and during the same suction cycle, a second constant power is supplied to the aerosol generator.

[0169] 22. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, comprising: a. During a first time period, parameters of the aerosol generator or aerosol-generating material are repeatedly measured, and in response, a first variable power supplied to the aerosol generator is dynamically controlled based on the measured parameters; and b. After the first time period, a second constant power is supplied to the aerosol generator.

[0170] 23. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to perform the method pursuant to clause 22.

Claims

1. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating material, the controller being configured to: a. During the first time period, a first constant power is supplied to the aerosol generator; and b. After the first time period, the parameters of the aerosol generator or aerosol generating material are repeatedly measured, and in response, the second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator is dynamically controlled according to the measured parameters.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured as follows: a. After the first time period and during the second time period, the parameters of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material are repeatedly measured, and in response, the second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator is dynamically controlled according to the measured parameters; and b. After the second time period, a third constant power is supplied to the aerosol generator.

3. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: a. The first time period and / or the second time period are predetermined time periods; and / or b. The first time period and / or the second time period are in the range of 0.05 seconds to 1 second, 0.1 seconds to 0.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds to 0.5 seconds, or 0.3 seconds to 0.4 seconds.

4. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The sum of the first time period and the second time period is within the range of 0.1 seconds to 5 seconds, 0.25 seconds to 2.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds to 1.5 seconds, or 0.5 seconds to 1.0 seconds.

5. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first time period and / or the second time period are: a. The time period until the measured parameter reaches the target value; or b. The time period during which the measured parameter reaches the target value for at least the threshold duration; or c. The time period until the predetermined difference between the target value and the measured parameter is reached.

6. The controller according to claim 2 or any claim dependent on claim 2, wherein, The second time period is: a. The period of time until the predetermined supply power or duty cycle is reached; or b. The period of time until the predetermined power supply or duty cycle has been supplied for at least the threshold time length or number of cycles.

7. The controller according to claim 6, wherein, The predetermined supply power or duty cycle is: a. ≤70% of maximum power, ≤60% of maximum power, ≤50% of maximum power, ≤40% of maximum power, or ≤30% of maximum power; or b. ≤70% of maximum duty cycle, ≤60% of maximum duty cycle, ≤50% of maximum duty cycle, ≤40% of maximum duty cycle, or ≤30% of maximum duty cycle; or c. ≤70% of absolute duty cycle, ≤60% of absolute duty cycle, ≤50% of absolute duty cycle, ≤40% of absolute duty cycle, or ≤30% of absolute duty cycle.

8. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: a. The first constant power is the maximum power; or b. The first constant power and / or the third constant power are i. ≤70% of maximum power, ≤60% of maximum power, ≤50% of maximum power, ≤40% of maximum power, or ≤30% of maximum power; or ii. ≤70% of maximum duty cycle, ≤60% of maximum duty cycle, ≤50% of maximum duty cycle, ≤40% of maximum duty cycle, or ≤30% of maximum duty cycle; or iii. ≤70% of absolute duty cycle, ≤60% of absolute duty cycle, ≤50% of absolute duty cycle, ≤40% of absolute duty cycle, or ≤30% of absolute duty cycle.

9. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the first time period and / or the second time period and / or the first constant power and / or the third constant power based on the user's previous suction or suction mode.

10. The controller according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the first time period, the second time period, and / or the third time period based on a predetermined proportion of the user's suction duration.

11. The controller according to claim 10, wherein: a. The first time period is based on a predetermined percentage of approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the user's inhalation duration; and / or b. The second time period is based on a predetermined proportion of approximately 25%, 50%, or 75% of the user's suction duration; and / or c. The third time period is based on approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the user's suction duration.

12. The controller according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the first constant power and / or the third constant power based on a steady-state approximation of at least a portion of the user's previous suction or suction mode.

13. The controller according to any preceding claim further includes a sensor for identifying aerosol-generating materials, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the following based on the identification: a. The first time period, the second time period, and / or the third time period; and / or b. The range of the second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator; and / or c. The first constant power and / or the third constant power.

14. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to repeatedly determine the difference between the parameter and the target value, and in response, dynamically control the second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator based on the difference.

15. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to determine parameters of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material, and in response, supply the first constant power to the aerosol generator.

16. The controller according to claim 15, wherein, The first constant power and / or the first time period depend on the parameters of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material.

17. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The parameters of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material involve: a. The temperature or resistance of the aerosol generator; or b. The temperature or viscosity of the aerosol-generating material.

18. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The second variable power is determined in the following way: a. If the target value is higher than the measured parameter, and the difference is greater than or equal to a first predetermined amount, then a first predetermined power is supplied to the heater; and b. If the target value is higher than the measured parameter, but the difference is less than the first predetermined amount, then a second predetermined power lower than the first predetermined power is supplied to the heater.

19. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller includes a proportional controller or a PID controller configured to repeatedly measure the parameter and dynamically control the second variable power.

20. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to measure the parameter every 1 ms to 10 ms and control the second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator accordingly.

21. An aerosol delivery system, comprising a controller according to any of the preceding claims, and further comprising: a. Aerosol generator; and / or b. A cartridge or atomizer containing aerosol-generating material for generating an aerosol for the user to inhale; and / or c. Power source.

22. The controller or system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol generator is configured to heat the aerosol generating material.

23. The controller or system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured as follows: a. During a first time period of a single aspiration cycle, the first constant power is supplied to the aerosol generator; and b. After the first time period and during the same suction cycle, the parameters of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material are repeatedly measured, and in response, the second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator is dynamically controlled based on the measured parameters.

24. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, comprising: a. During the first time period, a first constant power is supplied to the aerosol generator; as well as b. After the first time period, the parameters of the aerosol generator or aerosol generating material are repeatedly measured, and in response, the second variable power supplied to the aerosol generator is dynamically controlled according to the measured parameters.

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

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