Aerosol delivery device sensing systems including infrared sensors and related methods

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device sensing system is provided. The system may include an outer body, a nebulizer, and an infrared sensor. The atomizer may be received in the outer body, and may include a heating element. The infrared sensor may be configured to measure infrared radiation generated by the atomizer. The infrared sensor may be located inside or outside the outer body. In this regard, as an example, the infrared sensor may be configured to provide feedback for the control use, or the infrared sensor may be used for the test use. A fiber optic cable may extend from the infrared sensor to the component to sense radiation emitted therefrom.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on December 8, 2017, with application number "201780085542.5" and invention title "Aerosol Delivery Device Sensing System and Related Method Including Infrared Sensor". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such as electronic cigarettes, and more specifically to aerosol delivery devices including an atomizer. The atomizer may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor composition to form an inhalable substance for human consumption, said aerosol precursor composition being made from or derived from tobacco or otherwise combined with tobacco. Background Technology

[0003] Over the years, numerous smoking devices have been proposed as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco for consumption. Many of these devices have been designed to provide the sensations associated with smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, but without delivering the large amounts of incomplete combustion products and pyrolysis byproducts of tobacco combustion. For this purpose, numerous smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile materials, or attempt to provide the sensations of smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes to a large extent without burning tobacco. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat generation sources described in the background art of, for example, U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 to Sears et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 to Ampolini et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780 to Davis et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. See also, for example, the various embodiments of products and heating configurations described in the background sections of U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 to Counts et al. and U.S. Patent No. 8,079,371 to Robinson et al., which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] However, it may be necessary to monitor the conditions inside the aerosol delivery device during its operation. Therefore, improvements to the sensors in the aerosol delivery device are expected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device configured to generate an aerosol, and in some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device may be referred to as an electronic cigarette. In one aspect, the invention provides an aerosol delivery device sensing system. The aerosol delivery device sensing system may include an outer body. Further, the aerosol delivery device sensing system may include an atomizer comprising a heating element and housed within the outer body. The aerosol delivery device sensing system may also include an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor may be configured to measure infrared radiation generated by the atomizer.

[0006] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device sensing system further includes an optical fiber cable, a first end of which is located near an infrared sensor, and a second end of which is located near an atomizer. The infrared sensor is configured to measure infrared radiation received from the atomizer via the optical fiber cable. The aerosol delivery device sensing system may also include a shielding device coupled to the infrared sensor and extending around a sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor. The first end of the optical fiber cable may be coupled to the shielding device. When the first end of the optical fiber cable is engaged with the infrared sensor, the shielding device may be substantially completely closed to substantially prevent infrared radiation not penetrating the optical fiber cable from entering the sensor aperture. The optical fiber cable may include a shielding layer configured to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the optical fiber cable at locations other than the second end.

[0007] In some embodiments, the infrared sensor may be housed within an external body. The aerosol delivery device sensing system may include an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device sensing system may also include a controller configured to control the current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from the infrared sensor. The aerosol delivery device sensing system may also include electronic components and a power source. The electronic components are located within the cartridge. The power source and controller may be located within a control body configured to be detachably engaged with the cartridge. When the cartridge is engaged with the control body, the power source communicates with the controller. The controller receives the signal from the infrared sensor via the electronic components.

[0008] In some embodiments, the infrared sensor may be located outside the outer body. The aerosol delivery device sensing system may include a temperature testing unit that includes an infrared sensor and an aerosol delivery device that includes an outer body and an atomizer.

[0009] In another aspect, a method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device is provided. The method may include providing an outer body and an atomizer equipped with a heating element. The atomizer may be housed within the outer body. The method also includes providing an infrared sensor. Additionally, the method may include measuring infrared radiation generated by the atomizer using the infrared sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method may further include positioning a first end of the fiber optic cable near an infrared sensor. The method may also include positioning a second end of the fiber optic cable near an atomizer. Measuring infrared radiation generated by the atomizer using the infrared sensor includes measuring infrared radiation received from the atomizer via the fiber optic cable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method may further include coupling a shielding device to the sensor assembly such that the shielding device extends around a sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor. Additionally, the method includes connecting the shielding device to a first end of an optical fiber cable. Coupling the shielding device to the sensor assembly and the first end of the optical fiber cable may include substantially completely sealing the shielding device, thereby substantially preventing infrared radiation not penetrating the optical fiber cable from entering the sensor aperture. Furthermore, the method also includes substantially preventing infrared radiation from entering the optical fiber cable at a location other than the second end having a shielding layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning an infrared sensor within the outer body. Measuring infrared radiation generated by the atomizer using the infrared sensor includes controlling the current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from the infrared sensor. The method further includes providing a controller. Controlling the current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from the infrared sensor includes controlling the current supplied to the atomizer using the controller.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method may further include positioning an infrared sensor outside the outer body. Positioning the second end of the fiber optic cable near the atomizer may include inserting the fiber optic cable into the outer body.

[0014] This disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary implementation methods.

[0015] Example Implementation 1: An aerosol delivery device sensing system includes an outer body; an atomizer including a heating element and housed within the outer body; and an infrared sensor configured to measure infrared radiation generated by the atomizer.

[0016] Example Implementation 2: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the aerosol delivery device sensing system further includes an optical fiber cable with a first end located near an infrared sensor and a second end located near an atomizer, the infrared sensor being configured to measure infrared radiation received from the atomizer through the optical fiber cable.

[0017] Example Implementation 3: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the aerosol delivery device sensing system further includes a shielding device coupled to an infrared sensor and extending around a sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor, wherein a first end of an optical fiber cable is coupled to the shielding device.

[0018] Example Implementation 4: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein when the first end of the fiber optic cable is engaged with the infrared sensor, the shielding device is substantially completely closed, thereby substantially preventing infrared radiation that has not passed through the fiber optic cable from entering the sensor aperture.

[0019] Example Implementation 5: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the fiber optic cable includes a shielding layer configured to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end.

[0020] Example Implementation 6: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein an infrared sensor is housed in an outer body.

[0021] Example Implementation 7: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the aerosol delivery device sensing system includes an aerosol delivery device.

[0022] Example Implementation 8: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the aerosol delivery device sensing system further includes a controller configured to control the current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from an infrared sensor.

[0023] Example Implementation 9: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination thereof, wherein the aerosol delivery device sensing system further includes electronic components and a power source, the electronic components being positioned in a barrel, the power source and a controller being positioned in a control body, the control body being configured to be detachably engaged with the barrel, the power source communicating with the controller when the barrel is engaged with the control body, the controller receiving signals from an infrared sensor via the electronic components.

[0024] Example Implementation 10: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein an infrared sensor is positioned outside the outer body.

[0025] Example Implementation 11: An aerosol delivery device sensing system of any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, comprising a temperature testing unit including an infrared sensor and an aerosol delivery device having an outer body and an atomizer.

[0026] Example Implementation 12: A method for monitoring temperature of an aerosol delivery device, comprising: providing an outer body and an atomizer having a heating element, the atomizer being housed within the outer body; providing an infrared sensor; and using the infrared sensor to measure infrared radiation generated by the atomizer.

[0027] Example Implementation 13: A method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the method further includes positioning a first end of an optical fiber cable near an infrared sensor and a second end of an optical fiber cable near an atomizer, wherein measuring the infrared radiation generated by the atomizer using the infrared sensor includes measuring the infrared radiation received from the atomizer through the optical fiber cable.

[0028] Example Implementation 14: A method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the method further comprises: coupling a shielding device to a sensor assembly such that the shielding device extends around a sensor aperture defined by an infrared sensor; and coupling the shielding device to a first end of an optical fiber cable.

[0029] Example Implementation 15: A method for temperature monitoring of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein coupling a shielding device to a first end of a sensor assembly and an optical fiber cable includes substantially completely sealing the shielding device to substantially prevent infrared radiation that does not pass through the optical fiber cable from entering the sensor aperture.

[0030] Example Implementation 16: A method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the method further includes using a shielding layer to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the optical fiber cable at a location other than the second end.

[0031] Example Implementation 17: A method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the method further includes positioning an infrared sensor in the outer body.

[0032] Example Implementation 18: A method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein measuring the infrared radiation generated by the atomizer using an infrared sensor includes controlling the current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from the infrared sensor.

[0033] Example Implementation 19: A method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the method further includes providing a controller, wherein controlling the current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from an infrared sensor includes controlling the current supplied to the atomizer using the controller.

[0034] Example Implementation 20: A method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein the method further includes positioning an infrared sensor on the outside of the outer body.

[0035] Example Implementation 21: A method for monitoring the temperature of an aerosol delivery device according to any of the foregoing example implementations or any combination of the foregoing example implementations, wherein positioning the second end of the fiber optic cable near the atomizer includes inserting the fiber optic cable into the outer body.

[0036] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be apparent from reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. This disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined or otherwise referenced in the particular exemplary embodiments described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read as a whole such that any separable feature or element of this disclosure, in its aspects and exemplary embodiments, should be considered composable unless the context of this disclosure clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] Therefore, it will be understood that the content of this invention is provided merely for the purpose of outlining some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. It will also be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of this disclosure in any way. Other embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of some of the described embodiments by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Therefore, this disclosure has been described in the foregoing summary manner, and now refers to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: Figure 1The figure shows a side view of an aerosol delivery device including a barrel and a control body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 The illustrations are based on exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A diagram showing the decomposed configuration of the control entity; Figure 3 The illustrations are based on exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A diagram showing the exploded configuration of the barrel; Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates a sensing system of an aerosol delivery device including an external infrared sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates a sensing system of an aerosol delivery device including an external infrared sensor and an optical fiber cable according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6A The illustrations are based on exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the fiber optic cable; Figure 6B The illustrations are based on exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the optical fiber in the fiber optic cable; Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates a sensing system of an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, including an external infrared sensor, a shielding device, and an optical fiber cable. Figure 8 The diagram schematically illustrates a sensing system of an aerosol delivery device including an internal infrared sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This diagram schematically illustrates a sensing system of an aerosol delivery device including an internal infrared sensor and an optical fiber cable, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 10 A diagram schematically illustrates a temperature monitoring method for an aerosol delivery device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to embodiments thereof. These embodiments are described so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In fact, the disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a / an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] This disclosure provides a description of an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device can use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without burning the material to any significant extent) to form an inhalable substance, and such an article is most preferably compact enough to be considered a "handheld" device. The aerosol delivery device can provide some or all of the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., inhalation and exhalation habits, taste or flavor type, sensory effects, bodily sensations, usage habits, visual cues, such as those provided by visible aerosols, etc.) without any significant degree of combustion of any component of the article or device. The aerosol delivery device may not produce smoke in the aerosol sense produced by the combustion or pyrolysis byproducts of tobacco; however, the article or device most preferably produces vapors (including vapors within an aerosol that can be considered and described as smoke-like) produced by the volatilization or evaporation of certain components of the article or device, although in other embodiments the aerosol may not be visible. In a more preferred embodiment, the aerosol delivery device may contain tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components. Thus, aerosol delivery devices can be characterized as electronic smoking products, such as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes.

[0041] Although these systems are generally described herein in connection with embodiments of aerosol delivery devices such as so-called "electronic cigarettes," it should be understood that the mechanisms, components, features, and methods can be embodied in many different forms and associated with a wide variety of articles. For example, the description provided herein can be combined with conventional smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.), heated tobacco products, and related packaging of any articles disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the descriptions of the mechanisms, components, features, and methods disclosed herein are discussed by way of example only in connection with embodiments related to aerosol delivery devices and can be embodied and used in a variety of other products and methods.

[0042] The aerosol delivery device disclosed herein can also be characterized as a vapor-generating article or a pharmaceutical delivery article. Therefore, such an article or device can be used to deliver one or more inhalable forms or states of a substance (e.g., flavoring agents and / or pharmaceutical active ingredients). For example, the inhalable substance can be substantially in vapor form (i.e., a substance that is in the gas phase at temperatures below a critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance can also be in aerosol form (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). For simplicity, the term "aerosol" as used herein is intended to include vapors, gases, and aerosols in forms or types suitable for human inhalation, regardless of whether they are visible or not and regardless of whether they can be considered as smoke-like forms.

[0043] In use, the aerosol delivery device of this disclosure can withstand many of the physical actions an individual takes when using a conventional type of smoking product (e.g., a cigarette, cigar, or pipe used by lighting and inhaling tobacco). For example, a user of the aerosol delivery device of this disclosure can hold the product as if it were a conventional type of smoking product, inhale from one end of the product to inhale the aerosol produced by the product, and inhale at selected time intervals, etc.

[0044] The aerosol delivery device disclosed herein generally comprises multiple components disposed within a housing or outer body. The overall design of the housing or outer body can vary, and the type or configuration of the outer body that defines the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device can vary. Typically, an elongated body resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be formed from a single integral housing, or the elongated housing can be formed from two or more separable bodies. For example, the aerosol delivery device may include an elongated housing or body that is substantially tubular, much like the shape of a conventional cigarette or cigar. However, various other shapes and configurations (e.g., rectangular or fob-shaped) may be employed in other embodiments.

[0045] In one embodiment, all components of the aerosol delivery device are contained within a single body or housing. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device may comprise two or more joined and separable housings. For example, the aerosol delivery device may have a control body at one end, comprising a housing that houses one or more reusable components (e.g., a rechargeable battery and various electronic devices for controlling the operation of the article), and a housing removably attached thereto at the other end, containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable fragrance cartridge). Given the further disclosure provided herein, more specific types, configurations, and arrangements of components within a single housing type unit or within a multi-piece separable housing type unit will become apparent. Furthermore, various aerosol delivery device designs and component arrangements can be applied when considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices.

[0046] The aerosol delivery device disclosed herein most preferably includes a combination of the following: a power source (i.e., an electrical power supply), at least one controller (e.g., means for actuating, controlling, regulating, and stopping the power used to generate heat, such as by controlling the current from the power source to other components of the aerosol delivery device), a heater or heating element (e.g., a resistance heating element or component, which is generally referred to as a "vaporizer"), and an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid that is generally capable of generating an aerosol when sufficient heat is applied, such as the components commonly referred to as "smoke juice," "e-liquid," and "e-juice"), and a mouthpiece end region or tail end that allows the aerosol delivery device to be drawn in to inhale the aerosol (e.g., a predetermined airflow path through the article so that the generated aerosol can be drawn from there during inhalation).

[0047] The arrangement of components within the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein can vary. In a particular embodiment, the aerosol precursor composition may be located near the end of the aerosol delivery device, configured to be positioned close to the user's mouth to maximize aerosol delivery to the user. However, other configurations are not excluded. Typically, a heating element may be positioned sufficiently close to the aerosol precursor composition such that heat from the heating element causes the aerosol precursor (and one or more fragrances, drugs, etc., also delivered to the user) to volatilize, thereby forming an aerosol for delivery to the user. When the heating element heats the aerosol precursor composition, the aerosol is formed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable for inhalation by the consumer. It should be noted that the foregoing terms are interchangeable, such that references to release, releasing, releases, or released include form or generate, forming or generating, forms or generates, and formed or generated. In particular, the inhalable substance is released in the form of vapor or aerosol or a mixture thereof, wherein these terms may also be used interchangeably herein unless otherwise stated.

[0048] As described above, the aerosol delivery device may include a battery or other power source (e.g., a capacitor) to provide sufficient current to power various functions of the aerosol delivery device, such as powering the heater, the control system, and the indicators. The power source can take various forms. Preferably, the power source is capable of delivering sufficient power to rapidly heat the heating element for aerosol formation and to power the aerosol delivery device for the desired duration of use. Preferably, the power source is sized for easy integration into the aerosol delivery device, allowing for easy operation of the device. Additionally, the preferred power source is lightweight enough not to compromise the desired smoking experience.

[0049] More specific types, configurations, and arrangements of the components within the aerosol delivery apparatus of this disclosure will become apparent from the further disclosure provided below. Furthermore, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol delivery apparatus components are understandable when considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery apparatuses. Furthermore, the arrangement of components within the aerosol delivery apparatus can also be considered in the context of commercially available electronic aerosol delivery apparatuses. Examples of components in the apparatus of this disclosure, their operation methods, and the materials and / or other properties included therein, which are commercially manufactured and commercially available, are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 15 / 222615 to Watson et al., dated July 28, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] An example implementation of the aerosol delivery device 100 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown. Specifically, Figure 1 The illustrated aerosol delivery device 100 includes a control body 200 and a cartridge 300. The control body 200 and the cartridge 300 can be functionally permanently or detachably configured. Various mechanisms can connect the cartridge 300 to the control body 200 to create threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, interference fit, magnetic engagement, etc. When the cartridge 300 and the control body 200 are assembled together, in some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 may be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical. However, as described above, various other configurations, such as rectangular or fob shapes, can be employed in other embodiments. Furthermore, while the aerosol delivery device is generally described herein as being similar in size and shape to conventional smoking products, in other embodiments, different configurations and larger capacity reservoirs, which may be referred to as “canisters,” can be employed.

[0051] In certain embodiments, one or both of the cartridge 300 and the control body 200 may be described as disposable or reusable. For example, the control body 200 may have a replaceable or rechargeable battery and / or capacitor that can be combined with any type of charging technology, including connection via Universal Serial Bus (USB) to a conventional AC outlet, connection to a car charger (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket), and connection to a computer. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cartridge 300 may include a single-use cartridge as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 8,910,639 by Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] Figure 2 An aerosol delivery device 100 according to an example embodiment disclosed in this invention is illustrated (see Figure 100). Figure 1 An exploded view of the control body 200. As shown, the control body 200 may include a coupler 202, an outer body 204, a sealing member 206, and an adhesive member 208 (e.g., KAPTON). ® The device includes a tape, a flow sensor 210 (e.g., a smoke sensor or pressure switch), a controller 212, a separator 214, a power source 216 (e.g., a rechargeable capacitor and / or battery), a circuit board with an indicator 218 (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)), a connector circuit 220, and an end cap 222. Examples of power sources are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766 by Peckerar et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] Regarding the flow sensor 210, representative current regulation components and other current control components for various microcontrollers, sensors, and switches used in aerosol delivery devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Patent Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875 to Brooks et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., and U.S. Patent No. 8,205,622 to Pan, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Reference is also made to the control scheme described in U.S. Patent No. 9,423,152 to Ampolini et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0054] In one example, indicator 218 may include one or more light-emitting diodes. For example, when a user inhales onto the cartridge coupled to coupler 202, as detected by flow sensor 210, indicator 218 may be illuminated via connector circuitry 220 in communication with controller 212. End cap 222 may make the illumination provided by indicator 218 visible beneath it. Thus, indicator 218 may be illuminated during use of aerosol delivery device 100 to simulate the lit end of a smoking article. However, in other embodiments, indicator 218 may be provided in different numbers, may be in different shapes, and may even be an opening in the outer body (such as for sound release when such an indicator is present).

[0055] More components can be utilized in the aerosol delivery devices disclosed herein. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al. discloses an indicator for a smoking article; U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr. discloses a piezoelectric sensor that can be associated with the mouthpiece of the device to detect user lip movements associated with inhalation and then trigger heating of the heating device; U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al. discloses a smoke sensor for controlling the flow of energy into a heated load array in response to a pressure drop through the mouthpiece; U.S. Patent No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al. discloses a receptacle in a smoking device that includes an identifier for detecting non-uniformity of infrared transmittance of an inserted component and a controller for executing a detection routine when the component is inserted into the receptacle; U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al. describes a defined executable power cycle with multiple differential phases; and U.S. Patent No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al. discloses... Photonic-optoelectronic components; U.S. Patent No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al. discloses a means for altering the suction resistance of a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 6,803,545 to Blake et al. discloses a specific battery configuration for use in a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 7,293,565 to Griffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. discloses a computer interface means for a smoking device to facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; U.S. Patent No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al. discloses an identification system for a smoking device; and WO2010 / 003480 to Flick discloses a fluid flow sensing system for indicating the amount of smoke in an aerosol generation system; all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Further examples of components related to electronic aerosol delivery articles and materials or components disclosed herein that may be used include U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 to Felter et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Nichols et al. US Patent No. 6,854,461; Hon's US Patent No. 7,832,410; Kobayashi's US Patent No. 7,513,253; Hamano's US Patent No. 7,896,006; Shayan's US Patent No. 6,772,756; Hon's US Patent Nos. 8,156,944 and 8,375,957; Thorens et al.'s US Patent No. 8,794,231; Oglesby et al.'s US Patent No. 8,851,083; Monsees et al.'s US Patent Nos. 8,915,254 and 8,925,555; DePiano U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to Hon et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publications 2006 / 0196518 and 2009 / 0188490 to Hon et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010 / 0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010 / 0307518 to Wang; WO 2010 / 091593 to Hon; and WO 2013 / 089551 to Foo, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The various materials disclosed in the foregoing documents may be incorporated into this device in various embodiments, and all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0056] Figure 3 An exploded view of the aerosol delivery device 100 is shown (see figure). Figure 1 The feed cylinder 300 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base 302, electronic component terminals 304, electronic components 306 such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a diffuser 308, an atomizer 310, a reservoir 312 (e.g., a reservoir substrate), an outer body 314, a mouthpiece 316, a label 318, and first and second heating elements 320, 321.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first and second heating elements 320, 321 may be embedded or otherwise coupled to the flow guide 308. For example, the first and second heating terminals 320, 321 may be injection molded in the flow guide 308. Thus, the flow guide 308 and the first and second heating terminals are collectively referred to herein as flow guide assembly 322. Further description of the first and second heating terminals 320, 321 and the flow guide 308 is set forth in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0335071 to Brinkley et al., and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0058] Atomizer 310 may include liquid delivery element 324 and heating element 326. The cartridge may additionally include a base transport plug that engages with the base and / or a mouthpiece transport plug that engages with the mouthpiece, to protect the base and mouthpiece and to prevent contaminants from entering them before use, for example in U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to Depiano et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] The base 302 may be coupled to a first end of the outer body 314, and the mouthpiece 316 may be coupled to the opposite second end of the outer body to substantially or completely enclose other components of the cartridge 300 therein. For example, electronic component terminals 304, electronic components 306, a diffuser 308, atomizer 310, and reservoir 312 may be substantially or completely retained within the outer body 314. A label 318 may at least partially surround the outer body 314, and optionally also surround the base 302, and includes information such as a product identifier thereon. The base 302 may be configured to engage with a coupler 202 of the control body 200 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 In some embodiments, the base 302 may have anti-rotation features that substantially prevent relative rotation between the barrel and the control body, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 by Novak et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] The reservoir 312 can be configured to hold the aerosol precursor composition. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations are also described and characterized in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent No. 9,254,002 to Chong et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020823 to Lipowicz et al., and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020830 to Koller, and WO No. 2014 / 182736 to Bowen et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include those already incorporated into RJ Reynolds Vapor's VUSE® product, Lorillard Technologies' BLU product, Mistic Ecigs' MISTIC MENTHOL product, and CN Creative Ltd's VYPE product. Also desirable are so-called "tobacco" products for e-cigarettes, available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Examples of foaming materials can be used in conjunction with aerosol precursors, and are described by way of example in Hunt et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055494, which is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, the use of foamed materials is described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,639,368 to Niazi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,178,878 to Wehling et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,223,264 to Wehling et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,974,590 to Pater et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,381,667 to Bergquist et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,424,541 to Crawford et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 8,627,828 to Strickland et al., and U.S. Patent No. 9,307,787 to Sun et al. and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0018,539 to Brinkley et al.; and PCT WO 97 / 06786 to Johnson et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Further descriptions of aerosol precursor compositions, including tobacco or tobacco-derived components, are provided in U.S. Patent Application Serials 15 / 216582 and 15 / 216590, filed July 21, 2016, by Davis et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] like Figure 3As shown, the reservoir 312 may include multiple layers of nonwoven fibers formed into a tubular shape surrounding the interior of the outer body 314 of the cartridge 300. Thus, for example, liquid components can be adsorbently retained by the reservoir 312. The reservoir 312 is fluidly connected to a liquid delivery element 324. Therefore, the liquid delivery element 324 may be configured to deliver liquid from the reservoir 312 to the heating element 326 via capillary action or other liquid delivery mechanisms. In a further embodiment, the reservoir 312 may be formed in the form of a wall-mounted container that is substantially impermeable to e-liquid. See, for example, the container described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0144145 by Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In other examples, the cartridge 300 may be replaced substantially by a can-like component, wherein the e-liquid may be stored in an annular space between the outer wall of the can and an internal flow tube passing through the can. An exemplary device is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 202947, dated July 6, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid delivery element 324 can directly contact the heating element 326. For example... Figure 3 Further illustration shows that heating element 326 may include wires that form a plurality of coils wound around liquid delivery element 324. In some embodiments, heating element 326, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,210,738 to Ward et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, may be formed by winding wires around liquid delivery element 324. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wires may define a variable coil spacing, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,277,770 to DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Various embodiments of materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied therethrough may be used to form heating element 326. Example materials that may form coils include Kanthal (FeCrAl), nickel-chromium alloys, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)2), graphite and graphite-based materials, and ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics).

[0063] However, various other embodiments of the method can be used to form the heating element 326, and various other embodiments of the heating element can be used in the atomizer 310. For example, a stamped heating element, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0270729 by DePiano et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, can be used in the atomizer. In addition to the above, other representative heating elements and materials used are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,093,894 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,224,498 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,228,460 to Sprinkel Jr. et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,498,850 to Das; U.S. Patent No. 5,659,656 to Das; U.S. Patent No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol; U.S. Patent No. 5,665,262 to Hajaligol; U.S. Patent No. 5,573,692 to Das et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, chemical heating may be employed in other embodiments. As described above, various other embodiments of the heater and the materials used to form the heater are described in Collett et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0064] Various heater components can be used in this aerosol delivery device. In various embodiments, one or more microheaters or similar solid-state heaters may be used. Embodiments of microheaters and atomizers incorporating microheaters suitable for the device of this disclosure are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0065] The first heating terminal 320 and the second heating terminal 321 (e.g., a negative heating terminal and a positive heating terminal) are configured to engage the opposite end of the heating element 326 when the barrel 300 is connected to the control body 200, thereby electrically connecting it to the control body 200 (see example...). Figure 2 Furthermore, when the control unit 200 is coupled to the barrel 300, the electronic component 306 can be electrically connected to the control unit via the electronic component terminal 304. The control unit 200 can therefore employ a controller 212 (see...). Figure 2This determines whether the barrel 300 is actually present, thereby controlling the direction of current flow to the barrel 300 and / or performing other functions. Furthermore, various examples of electronic components and the functions they perform are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 by Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0066] During use, the user can inhale through the nozzle 316 of the aerosol delivery device 100's cartridge 300 (see...). Figure 1 Thus, the openings in the main body 200 can be controlled (see, for example...). Figure 2 Air can be drawn in through an opening in the barrel 300. For example, in one embodiment, an opening may be defined between the coupler 202 and the outer body 204 of the control body 200 (see example...). Figure 2 As described in U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to DePiano et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, in other embodiments, the airflow may be received by other parts of the aerosol delivery device 100. As described above, in some embodiments, the cartridge 300 may include a flow deflector 308. The flow deflector 308 may be configured to direct the airflow received from the control body 200 to the heating element 326 of the atomizer 310.

[0067] In the aerosol delivery device 100 (e.g., flow sensor 210 in control unit 200, see...), see... Figure 2 The sensor in the device can detect smoke emission. When smoke emission is detected, the control unit 200 can direct current to the heating element 326 via a circuit including a first heating terminal 320 and a second heating terminal 321. Accordingly, the heating element 326 can cause the aerosol precursor composition, which is guided from the reservoir 312 to the atomization zone via the liquid delivery element 324, to evaporate. Thus, the mouthpiece 326 can allow air and accompanying vapor (e.g., components of the aerosol precursor composition in inhalable form) to pass from the cartridge 300 to the consumer who is inhaling it.

[0068] Various further details regarding components that may be included in barrel 300 are provided, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 by DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other details regarding other components that may be included in barrel 300 are provided, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0335071 by Brinkley et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0069] The various components of the aerosol delivery device according to this disclosure can be selected from those described in the art and commercially available. For example, reference is made to the reservoir and heater system for the controlled delivery of a variety of aerosolizable materials in electronic smoking articles described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 by Sebastian et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0070] In another embodiment, the entire barrel can be formed from one or more carbon materials, which can offer advantages in terms of biodegradability and the absence of wires. In this regard, the heating element may include carbon foam, the reservoir may include carbonized fabric, and graphite may be used to form electrical connections with the power supply and controller. Example embodiments of carbon-based barrels are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 by Griffith et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0071] Therefore, as described above, the aerosol delivery device 100 (see Figure 1 The atomizer 310 can be used to generate heat and atomize the aerosol precursor composition retained in the reservoir 312. As further described above, the controller 212 (see...) Figure 2 It can respond to the flow sensor 210 (see...) Figure 2 The signal used to indicate the suction performed on the aerosol delivery device controls the power supply 216 (see [link]). Figure 2 The current flows to the atomizer 310. However, it may be necessary to monitor the condition within the aerosol delivery device 100 in other ways during its development and / or during normal use.

[0072] In this regard, Figure 4 A diagram of an aerosol delivery device sensing system 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the aerosol delivery device sensing system 400 may include an aerosol delivery device, such as the aerosol delivery device 100 described above, or a portion thereof such as only the cartridge 300. As schematically illustrated, the cartridge 300 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may include an atomizer 310 housed within an outer body 314. Thus, as an example, the atomizer 310 may include a heating element 326 and a liquid delivery element 324 (see [link to original document]). Figure 3 ).

[0073] Furthermore, the aerosol delivery device sensing system 400 may include a temperature testing unit 402. This temperature testing unit 402 may include an infrared sensor 404. The infrared sensor 404 may be configured to measure infrared radiation. Thus, for example, the infrared sensor 404 may be configured to measure infrared radiation generated by the atomizer 310. An example embodiment of the infrared sensor is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,169,234 to Böhm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, the infrared sensor is commercially available from RAYTEK GmbH & Co. KG of Santa Cruz, California; OMEGAENGINEERING GmbH & Co. KG of Norwalk, Connecticut; and MICRO-EPSILON MESSTECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG of Oldenburg, Germany.

[0074] It is understood that the infrared radiation detected by the infrared sensor 404 can be received directly from the atomizer 310 or indirectly from the atomizer through other components of the aerosol delivery device 100 heated by the atomizer. Thus, the infrared sensor 404 can be set up or otherwise configured as needed to receive infrared radiation from one or more components of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0075] In this regard, the infrared sensor 404 can define a sensor aperture 406. Thus, the sensor aperture 406 can target multiple components from which infrared radiation emitted needs to be measured. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor aperture 406 targets the atomizer 310. Therefore, the infrared sensor 404 can directly detect the infrared radiation received from the atomizer 310. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the infrared sensor can be specifically pointed at components of the atomizer 310, such as the heating element 326 or the liquid delivery element 324 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 This determines how much heat is radiated from a specific part of the atomizer. Alternatively, as described above, the infrared sensor 404 can be targeted by one or more components of the atomizer-heated aerosol delivery device 100.

[0076] To detect infrared radiation emitted from components within the outer body of the aerosol delivery device 100 (e.g., within the outer body 314 of the barrel 300), in embodiments where the infrared sensor 404 is located outside the aerosol delivery device 100 (e.g., partially or completely outside it), the infrared sensor can sense infrared radiation emitted through defined apertures in the aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include pre-existing apertures aligned with one or more of its internal components. For example, the mouthpiece 316 may include a through-hole 316A that may be aligned with some internal components of the aerosol delivery device. However, other components may not be directly aligned with pre-existing apertures in the aerosol delivery device 100. Thus, there is a need to form apertures in the aerosol delivery device 100 to open channels to one or more components from which infrared radiation needs to be sensed. For example, as shown, aperture 314A may be formed (e.g., drilled) in the outer body 314 of the barrel 300.

[0077] Thus, the infrared sensor 404 can detect infrared radiation emitted through an aperture such as aperture 314A. The signal generated by the infrared sensor 404 can correspond to the received infrared radiation. In some embodiments, the temperature testing unit 402 may further include a controller 408. The controller 408 can be configured to receive a signal from the infrared sensor 404 corresponding to infrared radiation received from one or more components of the aerosol delivery device 100, and the controller can convert this signal into a temperature reading. Thus, the temperature of one or more components of the aerosol delivery device 100 can be monitored and / or recorded, allowing adjustment of the operating parameters of the aerosol delivery device and / or design or redesign of its components to adapt to temperature conditions.

[0078] However, infrared radiation travels essentially in a straight line. Thus, infrared radiation originates from a given source. Therefore, it may be difficult or impossible to receive infrared radiation from some components remotely located within and / or surrounded by other components of the aerosol delivery device 100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outer body 314 may be defined in a tubular configuration, and its ends may be partially surrounded by the nozzle 316 and the base 302. Consequently, most of the internal components directly accessible to the aerosol delivery device 100 may require modification of the aerosol delivery device, for example, by drilling holes in its outer body and / or otherwise disassembling and / or modifying components. And, as a result of modifications required for testing, the infrared radiation monitored under test conditions may not reflect the actual usage conditions associated with the aerosol delivery device. Additionally, as mentioned above, it may not be possible to establish a direct, unobstructed path between the infrared sensor 404 and each component of the aerosol delivery device 100, resulting in emitted infrared radiation potentially not being received through the sensor aperture 406, and thus the infrared sensor may be unable to detect infrared radiation emitted from each component of the aerosol delivery device 100. Therefore, it is desirable to provide additional features for the sensing system of aerosol delivery devices, which are configured to address the aforementioned issues regarding the "line-of-sight" sensory capabilities of infrared sensors.

[0079] In this regard, Figure 5 It shows something that is basically similar to Figure 4 An embodiment of the aerosol delivery device sensing system 400' is described. However, the aerosol delivery system 400' also includes an optical fiber cable 410. The optical fiber cable 410 may extend between a first end 410A and a second end 410B. The first end 410A of the optical fiber cable 410 may be positioned near an infrared sensor 404, and the second end 410B of the optical fiber cable 410 may be positioned near a component of the aerosol delivery device 100 that needs to measure infrared radiation emitted from it. Infrared radiation may enter the optical fiber cable 410 at the second end 410B and pass through the optical fiber cable 410 substantially without loss to reach the infrared sensor 404. It should be noted that although the optical fiber cable 410 is shown extending through a through-hole 316A defined in the mouthpiece 316, it should be understood that the optical fiber cable 410 may not completely block the through-hole so as not to impede the passage of aerosols therethrough, or the optical fiber cable may extend through different apertures.

[0080] In this regard, such as Figure 6A As shown, the fiber optic cable 410 may include one or more optical fibers 412. Each optical fiber 412 is as follows: Figure 6BThe fiber may include a core 412A and a cladding 412B. Due to the difference in refractive index between the core and the cladding, total internal reflection may occur within each fiber 412, resulting in substantially no loss of infrared radiation as described above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the fiber optic cable 410 may further include a shielding layer 414 configured to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end 410B (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 Therefore, infrared sensor 404 (see...) Figure 5 It can basically receive essentially the same amount of infrared radiation as if the infrared sensor were directly close to the component without using a fiber optic cable 410 to ensure accurate readings.

[0081] like Figure 5 In the embodiment of the aerosol delivery device sensing system 400' shown, the first end 410A of the fiber optic cable 410 is directly coupled to the sensor aperture 406 of the infrared sensor 404. However, as Figure 7 As shown, in another embodiment, the temperature testing unit 402 of the aerosol delivery device sensing system 400” may further include a shielding device 416. The shielding device 416 may be coupled to an infrared sensor 404. In this regard, the shielding device 416 may extend around a sensor aperture 406 defined by the infrared sensor. Furthermore, a first end 410A of the fiber optic cable 410 may be coupled to the shielding device 416. When the first end 410A of the fiber optic cable 410 is coupled to the infrared sensor 404, the shielding device 416 may be substantially completely closed to substantially prevent infrared radiation not passing through the fiber optic cable from entering the sensor aperture 406. Therefore, the shielding device 416 can convert an infrared sensor 404 that is not configured to be used with the fiber optic cable 410 for use. And, by providing an aperture of an appropriate size for each shielding device to accept the first end 410A of the fiber optic cable, the shielding device 416 can enable the infrared sensor 404 to be used with various fiber optic cables 410 of different sizes and / or shapes. Thus, the shielding device 416 can be characterized as a size and / or shape adapter.

[0082] Therefore, the infrared sensor 404 can be used to detect infrared radiation emitted from one or more components of the aerosol delivery device 100. As described above, while the infrared sensor 404 can be configured to directly receive infrared radiation, in other embodiments, the fiber optic cable 410 can be used to receive and direct infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. The use of the fiber optic cable 410 provides the advantage of allowing access to various components within the aerosol delivery device 100, which may be inaccessible or may only be accessible by modifying the aerosol delivery device in a way that is irreversible, potentially affecting sensor readings and / or preventing testing of other components. Furthermore, the use of the fiber optic cable 410 allows for precise control over the target from which infrared radiation is received. In this regard, the fiber optic cable 410 can target a single component or portion thereof by positioning its second end 410B near that component, so that the radiation received by the infrared sensor 404 can be emitted substantially only from that single component or portion thereof, thus providing more accurate readings. Conversely, using infrared sensor 404 without fiber optic cable 410 may result in the reception of infrared radiation from other components or sources, potentially affecting the accuracy of the readings provided by the infrared sensor. However, it is worth noting that in some embodiments, if a temperature reading over a wider area (e.g., the area around the atomizer) is desired, rather than a temperature reading at a specific point, the fiber optic cable 410 and / or infrared sensor 404 may be configured to receive infrared radiation from such a wider area, for example, by using a lens. In this regard, for example, it may be useful to know the temperature of the area around the atomizer, given the rapid heating and cooling of the atomizer, where a peak temperature significantly lower than the atomizer's peak temperature can be defined. In this regard, the conditions in this area around the atomizer can be monitored to ensure that the temperature remains below a desired safe threshold.

[0083] Therefore, infrared radiation can be received from one or more components so that, for example, the temperature of the component can be determined by the controller 408. For example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, sensor hole 406 can target atomizer 410, or as... Figure 5 and 7 As shown, the second end 410B of the fiber optic cable 410 can be positioned near the atomizer 310 to detect the infrared radiation emitted by it. Thus, the infrared sensor 404 can measure the infrared radiation from the atomizer 310. In this regard, it may be desirable to obtain and store temperature information about the atomizer 310 during its operation, thereby improving the operation of the atomizer. For example, insufficient heating of the atomizer 310 may result in less aerosol being produced than needed. Conversely, overheating of the atomizer 310 may waste current, leading to an unnecessary rapid depletion of the power supply 216 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2Furthermore, overheating can damage components of the aerosol delivery device 100 and / or cause other problems. Additionally, the heating and cooling rates of the atomizer 310 can be monitored to ensure that each puff produces the required duration of aerosol. Excessive heat may also lead to a decrease in the quality of the aerosol precursor composition and / or the resulting aerosol and / or adversely affect its flavor. Therefore, monitoring the atomizer 310 can be used to ensure that the atomizer 310 generates the required heat and heats / cools at the desired rate.

[0084] Therefore, as described above, the infrared sensor 404 can be included in the temperature testing unit 402 as an external device separate from the aerosol delivery device 100, which can be used to analyze its operation. Thus, the temperature testing unit 402 can be used to analyze the operation of the aerosol delivery device 100 for purposes such as research and development and quality control of the aerosol delivery device. Therefore, for example, the controller 212 (see...) Figure 2 The device can be operated according to a heating profile configured to generate the required heat from the atomizer 310 based on infrared radiation received by an infrared sensor during testing. However, variations in the components of the aerosol delivery device, environmental conditions, and residual charge in the power supply 216 (see [link to relevant documentation]) can also affect the heating process. Figure 2 (And / or various other factors may cause the actual heat generated by the atomizer 310 to differ from the heat monitored in a laboratory environment.)

[0085] so, Figure 8 According to another embodiment of this disclosure, an aerosol delivery device sensing system 500 is shown. As shown, in one embodiment, the aerosol delivery device sensing system 500 may include an aerosol delivery device, which may include some or all of the components of the aerosol delivery device 100 as described above. For example, the aerosol delivery device sensing system 500 may include a cartridge 300 and a control body 200. As shown, the control body 200 may include a controller 212 and a power source 216. The cartridge 300 may include an atomizer 310 housed in an outer body 314.

[0086] Additionally, the cartridge 300 may include an infrared sensor 404 housed within the outer casing 314. Therefore, the infrared sensor can measure infrared radiation received from components within the aerosol delivery device sensing system 500. For example, the infrared sensor 404 may be configured to measure infrared radiation received from components within the cartridge 300. As a further example, the infrared sensor 404 may be configured to measure infrared radiation generated by and received from the atomizer 310.

[0087] like Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, the infrared sensor 404 may be positioned such that the sensor aperture 406 directly faces the component from which infrared radiation emitted is to be measured, such as the atomizer 310. However, in other embodiments, the structure of the component contained in the cartridge 300 may not allow the sensor aperture 406 to directly face the component from which infrared radiation emitted is to be measured.

[0088] As an example, Figure 9 An embodiment of an aerosol delivery device sensing system 500' is shown, particularly in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, where the reservoir 312 is positioned between the infrared sensor 404 and the atomizer 310. Therefore, the sensor aperture 406 does not need to directly face the atomizer 310 to receive infrared radiation from it. However, the aerosol delivery device sensing system 500' may further include an optical fiber cable 410. Thus, a first end 410A of the optical fiber cable can be positioned near the infrared sensor 404, and a second end 410B can be positioned near the atomizer 310. Therefore, the optical fiber cable 410 can be suitably positioned such that the second end 410B faces the component from which infrared radiation needs to be detected. In this regard, the flexibility and relatively small cross-sectional size of the optical fiber cable 410 allow the infrared sensor 404 to sense some or all of the components of the cartridge 300, regardless of their relative positions within the outer body 314. In one embodiment, the diameter of the optical fiber cable 410 may be limited to about 0.25 mm to about 10 mm.

[0089] Regardless of whether the sensor aperture 406 is directly facing the atomizer 310 or whether the infrared radiation is guided to the infrared sensor 404 via the fiber optic cable 410, the operation of the atomizer 310 can be controlled using information received from the infrared sensor. In this regard, the controller 212 can receive signals corresponding to the received infrared radiation from the infrared sensor 404. These signals can be received by the controller 212 directly from the infrared sensor 404 or via the electronic component 306. Providing the signal from the infrared sensor 404 to the controller 212 via the electronic component 306 simplifies the connection between the cartridge 300 and the control unit 200, eliminating the need for additional connectors. In this regard, signals can be transmitted via the electronic component terminals 304 (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0090] Therefore, controller 212 can control the current supplied from power source 216 to atomizer 310 in response to a signal from infrared sensor 404. For example, controller 212 can increase or decrease the current supply to atomizer 310 in response to a signal from infrared sensor 404. As another example, when the signal from infrared sensor 404 corresponds to a predetermined amount of infrared radiation emitted by atomizer 310, and thus corresponds to a predetermined temperature being reached by atomizer, the current supply to atomizer can be reduced or stopped.

[0091] Therefore, the problem of insufficient or excessive current supply to the atomizer 310 can be avoided. In this respect, the current supply to the atomizer 310 can be adjusted substantially in real time in response to the signal from the infrared sensor 404. Therefore, given the signal from the infrared sensor 404 corresponding to the atomizer temperature, the current supply to the atomizer 310 can be adjusted substantially in real time in response to the atomizer temperature.

[0092] It should be noted that Figure 9 In the embodiment of the aerosol delivery device sensing system 500' shown, the fiber optic cable 410 is directly coupled to the sensor aperture 406. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, reference is made as described above. Figure 7 The shielding device can be combined with both infrared sensors and fiber optic cables.

[0093] On the other hand, a method for generating vapor using an aerosol delivery device is provided. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the method includes providing an outer body and an atomizer with a heating element in operation 602. The atomizer can be housed within the outer body. Additionally, the method may include providing an infrared sensor in operation 604. Furthermore, the method may include measuring the infrared radiation generated by the atomizer using the infrared sensor in operation 606.

[0094] The method further includes positioning a first end of the fiber optic cable near the infrared sensor. Additionally, the method may include positioning a second end of the fiber optic cable near the atomizer. Measuring the infrared radiation generated by the atomizer using the infrared sensor in operation 606 may include measuring the infrared radiation received from the atomizer via the fiber optic cable.

[0095] The method may further include coupling a shielding device to the sensor assembly such that the shielding device extends around a sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor. Additionally, the method may include coupling the shielding device to a first end of an optical fiber cable. Coupling the shielding device to the sensor assembly and the first end of the optical fiber cable may include substantially completely sealing the shielding device to substantially prevent infrared radiation not penetrating the optical fiber cable from entering the sensor aperture.

[0096] Additionally, the method may include using a shielding layer to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end. Furthermore, the method may include positioning an infrared sensor within the outer casing. Measuring the infrared radiation generated by the atomizer using the infrared sensor in operation 606 may include controlling the current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from the infrared sensor.

[0097] The method may further include providing a controller. Controlling the current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from an infrared sensor includes controlling the current supplied to the atomizer using the controller. Additionally, the method may include positioning the infrared sensor externally to the outer casing. Furthermore, positioning the second end of the fiber optic cable near the atomizer may include inserting the fiber optic cable into the outer casing.

[0098] As described above, infrared sensors can be used to detect infrared radiation emitted from components of an aerosol delivery device, which can be located either inside or outside the aerosol delivery device for control or testing purposes. These components, whose emitted radiation is sensed, can be located inside the outer body of the aerosol delivery device. It should be understood from this disclosure that references to components within the outer body of the cartridge or within the control body of the aerosol delivery device are for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, the aerosol delivery device may include a single outer body. Therefore, generally, infrared sensors can sense infrared radiation received from components within the outer body of the delivery device.

[0099] This invention generally describes the measurement of infrared radiation emitted from the atomizer, rather than infrared radiation emitted by other components of the aerosol delivery device that are heated by the atomizer. In other words, this disclosure generally describes the measurement of infrared radiation emitted directly by the atomizer. In some embodiments, the infrared sensor may be specifically configured to receive infrared radiation from a portion of the atomizer, such as a heating element or liquid delivery element, by specifically targeting the infrared sensor or fiber optic cable to that portion. Measuring the infrared radiation emitted from the liquid delivery element can provide more accurate readings about the temperature conditions experienced by the aerosol precursor composition, while measuring the infrared radiation emitted from the heating element can provide information about the typically highest temperature components within the aerosol delivery device, ensuring that the desired maximum temperature is not exceeded.

[0100] However, in other embodiments, infrared radiation emitted by any other component of the aerosol delivery device can be measured using an infrared sensor. Therefore, for example, it can be ensured that the operation of the aerosol delivery device does not exceed a temperature threshold that could damage one or more components. As another example, the infrared sensor can detect the temperature of components of the aerosol delivery device that are accessible from the outside (e.g., the outer body of the cartridge) to limit the temperature of components of the aerosol delivery device that may be touched by the user.

[0101] It should be noted that although the embodiments of this disclosure generally describe the fiber optic cable as having a defined circular cross-section, in other embodiments, the fiber optic cable may define a cross-section with a different shape, such as rectangular. In this regard, the cross-section of the fiber optic cable may be specifically tailored to match holes or spaces in an aerosol delivery device with alternative shapes. In another embodiment, multiple infrared sensors may be employed to simultaneously measure infrared radiation received from multiple locations and / or components on the aerosol delivery device. In this regard, each infrared sensor may target a different component or a different portion of a component. As will be understood, in some embodiments, one or more of the multiple infrared sensors may be coupled to the fiber optic cable to receive infrared radiation from locations where it may be difficult to directly measure the radiation emitted from it. Thus, in some embodiments, multiple fiber optic cables may be employed, with each fiber optic cable ending at a different infrared sensor and located at a different location within the aerosol delivery device, or multiple fiber optic cables may be connected to a single infrared sensor.

[0102] While this invention generally relates to using the systems disclosed herein to measure infrared radiation emitted from components of an aerosol delivery device, in other embodiments, the systems disclosed herein can be used to measure infrared radiation emitted from any other device. In this regard, the use of fiber optic cables may be particularly useful in any device, where tight tolerances and / or a substantially continuous outer body prevent direct access to the components therein.

[0103] Many modifications and other aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, and have the benefit of the teachings presented in the preceding description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed, and that modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in its general and descriptive sense and not for any limiting purpose.

Claims

1. A sensing system for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: The exterior of the aerosol delivery device; Atomizer, the atomizer including a heating element and housed within the outer body; An infrared sensor configured to measure infrared radiation generated by the heating element of the atomizer; The component of the aerosol delivery device is positioned between the atomizer and the infrared sensor, such that the sensor aperture of the infrared sensor does not directly face the atomizer; as well as An optical fiber cable, wherein a first end of the optical fiber cable is positioned near the infrared sensor and a second end of the optical fiber cable is positioned near the heating element of the atomizer within the outer body, the optical fiber cable extending around the component to the second end to receive infrared radiation generated by the heating element. The infrared sensor is configured to measure infrared radiation received from the heating element of the atomizer via the fiber optic cable.

2. The aerosol delivery device sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a shielding device coupled to the infrared sensor and extending around the sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor. The first end of the optical fiber cable is coupled to the shielding device.

3. The aerosol delivery device sensing system of claim 2, wherein when the shielding device is engaged with the first end of the optical fiber cable and the infrared sensor, the shielding device is substantially completely sealed, thereby substantially preventing infrared radiation that has not passed through the optical fiber cable from entering the sensor aperture.

4. The aerosol delivery device sensing system of claim 3, wherein the optical fiber cable includes a shielding layer configured to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the optical fiber cable at locations other than the second end.

5. The aerosol delivery device sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a controller that operates according to a heating curve programmed to cause the atomizer to generate heat based on infrared radiation measured by the infrared sensor.

6. The aerosol delivery device sensing system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a temperature testing unit, the temperature testing unit including the infrared sensor and the aerosol delivery device having the outer body and the atomizer.

7. A method for temperature monitoring in an aerosol delivery device, comprising: An aerosol delivery device is provided with an outer body and an atomizer including a heating element, the atomizer being housed within the outer body; An infrared sensor is provided, wherein a component of the aerosol delivery device is positioned between the atomizer and the infrared sensor such that the sensor aperture of the infrared sensor does not directly face the atomizer; Position the first end of the fiber optic cable near the infrared sensor; Position the second end of the optical fiber cable near the heating element of the atomizer inside the outer body such that the optical fiber cable extends around the component; as well as The infrared sensor is used to measure the infrared radiation generated by the heating element of the atomizer, which is received from the heating element of the atomizer via the optical fiber cable.

8. The temperature monitoring method for an aerosol delivery device as described in claim 7, further comprising: The shielding device is coupled to the sensor assembly such that the shielding device extends around the sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor; and The shielding device is coupled to the first end of the optical fiber cable.

9. The temperature monitoring method for an aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 8, wherein coupling the shielding device to the sensor assembly and the first end of the optical fiber cable comprises substantially completely enclosing the shielding device to substantially prevent infrared radiation not penetrating the optical fiber cable from entering the sensor aperture.

10. The temperature monitoring method for an aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising using a shielding layer to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the optical fiber cable at a location other than the second end.

11. The temperature monitoring method for an aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising operating the controller according to a heating curve configured to cause the atomizer to generate heat based on infrared radiation measured by the infrared sensor.

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