Aerosol delivery controllers, systems, and methods

Abstract

A system configured to compare a smoking characteristic of a user to an aerosol-generating material, or to formulate a customized aerosol-generating material composition for the user. The system is configured to receive a suction characteristic for the user, the suction characteristic based on a thermal suction profile of a previous suction of the user, and compare the thermal profile for the aerosol-generating material or material component to the suction characteristic of the user, and identify the aerosol-generating material suitable for the suction characteristic of the user, or formulating a customized aerosol-generating material composition, the customized aerosol-generating material composition adapted to the smoking characteristics of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as (but not exclusively) nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes). Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes, typically include aerosol-generating materials, such as source solids or liquids, within a chamber. These aerosol-generating materials may contain active substances and / or flavorings, and aerosols or vapors are generated from them, for example, through thermal evaporation, for inhalation by the user. Therefore, aerosol delivery systems will generally include an aerosol-generating region containing an aerosol generator (e.g., a heating element) arranged to evaporate or aerosolize a portion of a precursor material to generate vapor or aerosol in the aerosol-generating region. When a user inhales into the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporizer, air is drawn into the device through an inlet orifice and along an inlet air channel connected to an aerosol generation area, where the air mixes with the vaporized precursor material to form a condensed aerosol. An outlet vent connects the aerosol generation area to an outlet in the mouthpiece, and when the user inhales into the mouthpiece, the air drawn into the aerosol generation area continues along the outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, carrying the aerosol for the user to inhale. Some electronic cigarettes may also include flavoring elements in the airflow path through the device to impart additional flavor. Such devices are sometimes referred to as mixing devices, and, for example, the flavoring element may include a portion of tobacco arranged in the airflow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece, such that the aerosol / condensed aerosol drawn into the device passes through this portion of tobacco before being expelled from the mouthpiece for the user to inhale.

[0003] As electronic aerosol delivery systems become more refined in terms of the nature (performance) of the vapors delivered to users (e.g., deep lung delivery, mouthfeel, and performance consistency), the user experience of electronic aerosol delivery systems is continuously improving. However, methods for further improvement in these areas remain a focus. In particular, there is interest in developing methods for aerosol delivery systems that include features capable of adjusting the system's operating / running characteristics, with the aim of catering to certain characteristics that users may expect and / or providing consistent performance.

[0004] This article describes various methods that seek to help solve or alleviate at least some of the problems discussed above.

[0005] By reference to WO2021 / 074580, which is incorporated herein by reference, we can identify a prior application by the same applicant, which discloses a computer configured to: acquire user behavior data relating to an interaction between a user and an aerosol supply system; determine a default user behavior for the interaction based on the acquired user behavior data; monitor the current interaction between the user and the aerosol supply system; and adjust the operating parameters of the aerosol supply system based on the current user interaction when the current user interaction deviates from the default user behavior by a predicted amount.

[0006] By reference to WO2021 / 105674, which is incorporated herein by reference, an earlier application by the same applicant is disclosed, and an aerosol delivery device including a controller and a power source, wherein the device is configured to receive an article of article for an aerosolizable material, wherein the controller is configured to facilitate the generation of a first aerosol and one or more subsequent aerosols from the aerosolizable material to determine the usage characteristics of the device, and to generate subsequent aerosols based on the determined usage characteristics, such that, relative to the first aerosol, the subsequent aerosols include pre-configured changes in the characteristics of one or more aerosols.

[0007] By reference to WO2020 / 095019, which is incorporated herein by reference, an earlier application of the same applicant is disclosed, and a temperature control system for an electronic vapor supply system (EVPS) is disclosed, the temperature control system comprising: a sensor for detecting at least one parameter of airflow within the EVPS; a user interface adapted to receive an indication from a user that the EVPS is too hot to draw; and a processor adapted to, in response to the received indication, modify at least a first aspect of the vapor generation process to reduce the vapor temperature at the nozzle based on sensor data from the at least one parameter of the airflow.

[0008] For any features disclosed herein, protection may be sought in conjunction with these and any other cited documents.

[0009] the term

[0010] Delivery system

[0011] 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, and cigars, as well as tobacco (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials) for pipes, self-rolled or homemade cigarettes. Non-flammable aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and mixing systems that use a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols; and Aerosol-free delivery systems deliver at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, dermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gum, patches, articles containing inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snus or wet snus), wherein at least one substance may or may not contain nicotine.

[0012] Combustible gas aerosol supply system

[0013] According to this disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the component aerosol generating material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) is burned or ignited during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0014] 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 components for use in a combustible aerosol supply system, such as filters, filter rods, filter segments, tobacco sticks, spills, aerosol modifier release components (such as capsules, threads, or beads), or paper (such as plug wrap, tipping paper, or cigarette paper).

[0015] Non-flammable aerosol supply system

[0016] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the component aerosol generating material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) is non-flammable or non-ignitable, so as to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0017] 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); however, it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not essential. 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.

[0018] 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. The solid aerosol-generating materials may contain, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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. For example, the power source may be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix that can be powered to distribute energy in the form of heat to aerosol-generating or heat-transferring material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0021] 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, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. 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 assembly, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, packaging paper, a filter, a nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0022] aerosol-free delivery system

[0023] 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 containing inhalable powder, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not contain nicotine.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Active substances

[0026] 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 designed to achieve or enhance a physiological response. For example, an active substance may be selected from nutritional supplements, nootropics, or psychoactive substances. An active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. For example, an active substance may include nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. An active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another botanical material.

[0027] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0028] As described herein, active substances may include or be derived from one or more plant materials or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant material" includes any material derived from plants, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring or synthetically obtained active compounds from plant materials. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0029] Exemplary plant materials include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos tea, 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, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, fennel, nutmeg, and oregano. Chili peppers, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper berries, elderflower, vanilla, holly, perilla, turmeric, turmeric root, sandalwood, coriander leaves, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg, damiensis, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint can be selected from the following varieties: wild mint (Mentha Arventis), cultivated mint (Mentha cv), Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), cultivated lemon peppermint (Mentha piperitacitrata cv), cultivated peppermint (Mentha piperita cv), spearmint (Mentha spicatacrispa), heartleaf mint (Mentha cardifolia), longleaf mint (Memtha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), lip mint (Mentha pulegium), cultivated spearmint (Menthaspicata cv), and roundleaf mint (Mentha suaveolens).

[0030] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant materials or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant material 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 plant materials or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant material is selected from rooibos tea and fennel.

[0031] Flavoring agent

[0032] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes a flavoring agent. As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "seasoning agent" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in products intended for adult consumers to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensorial sensation. These can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plant materials, extracts of plant materials, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese whitebark magnolia leaf). Leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, Japanese matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise seed, cinnamon, turmeric root, Indian spices, Asian spices, vanilla, holly, cherry, berries, raspberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, black nightshade, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey Avoid: Gin, Tequila, Rum, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Aloe Vera, Cardamom, Celery, West Indian Broomcorn, Cardamom, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Arabic Tea, Naswar, Areca Nut, Hookah, Pine, Honey Essence, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Orange Blossom, Cherry Blossom, Cinnamon, Coriander, French Brandy, Jasmine, Ylang-ylang, Sage, Fennel, Wasabi, Allspice, Ginger, Coriander, Coffee, from Bolognese Peppermint oil from any species of the genus *Nepeta*, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos tea, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, juniper berries, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, fennel, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander leaf, beetle, blackcurrant, valerian, peppermint, nutmeg, sprig salsa, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil These may include chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical materials, or breath fresheners. They may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as liquids like oils, solids like powders, or gases.

[0033] 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 red berries. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0034] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensate, which is designed to produce a somatic sensation, typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or replacing aroma or taste nerves, and these sensates may include agents that provide hot, cold, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol and WS-3.

[0035] Aerosol generating materials

[0036] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or otherwise powered. For example, aerosol-generating materials can be in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may contain “amorphous solids,” which may alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material in which some fluid (such as a liquid) can be retained. In some embodiments, for example, aerosol-generating materials may contain about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solids.

[0037] Aerosol-generating materials may contain one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0038] Aerosol forming agent materials

[0039] Aerosol forming agent materials may contain one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may contain one or more of the following: 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 diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, glyceryl tribocate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0040] Functional materials

[0041] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0042] matrix

[0043] The material may be present on or within the support to form a matrix. For example, the support may be or include paper, cardboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, recycled 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 located on one or both sides of the material.

[0044] Consumables

[0045] 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 assembly, 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.

[0046] receptors

[0047] A sensor is a material that can be heated by a changing magnetic field (such as an alternating magnetic field). The sensor can be a conductive material, so the changing magnetic field passing through it causes induction heating. The heating material can be a magnetic material, so the changing magnetic field passing through it causes hysteresis heating. A sensor can be both conductive and magnetic, thus allowing it to be heated via both heating mechanisms. In this paper, the device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is called a magnetic field generator.

[0048] Aerosol Modifier

[0049] 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 an aerosol modifier release assembly capable of selectively releasing the aerosol modifier. For example, aerosol modifiers can be additives or adsorbents. For example, aerosol modifiers may include one or more of flavoring agents, coloring agents, 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.

[0050] Aerosol generator

[0051] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. 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 cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol 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.

[0052] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems), such as aerosol sprayers or electronic cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that this term is 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.

[0053] Aerosol delivery systems (electronic cigarettes) typically (though not always) comprise modular components, including reusable device parts and replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge parts. Typically, the replaceable cartridge part will include aerosol generating material and an vaporizer (which may be collectively referred to as an "atomizer"), and the reusable device part will include a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be understood that, depending on functionality, these different parts may include other components. For example, the reusable device part will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operational status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part may, in some cases, include a temperature sensor to aid in temperature control. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example, using threads, bayonet pins, or magnetic coupling with appropriately 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 place. Systems and devices that conform to this type of two-part modular configuration are generally referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0054] Electronic cigarettes typically have a generally elongated shape. For the purpose of providing concrete examples, some embodiments of this disclosure will take the form of a two-part system comprising such a generally elongated shape using disposable cartridges. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein can be equally applied to different configurations, such as single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposable items, as well as other integral shapes, such as high-performance devices based on so-called box-mod designs that typically have a box-like shape. More generally, it will be understood that some embodiments of this disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems that are operationally configured to provide functionality according to the principles described herein, and the construction aspects of the system configured to provide functionality according to certain embodiments of this disclosure are not of primary significance. Summary of the Invention

[0055] The present invention provides controllers, methods, and systems as claimed in the claims.

[0056] The claimed invention generally provides sub-components or subsystems suitable for use in or configured for use in aerosol delivery systems. These subsystems can typically form part of an aerosol delivery system, and particularly can form part of a reusable device and / or consumable cartridge. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2a This is a flow regulator according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system; Figure 2b This illustrates the fluid flow path through an aerosol delivery system. Figure 2a A schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system; Figure 3 This is a statistical representation of the temperature change of the aerosol generator over time based on the user's previous aspiration; and Figure 4 This is a graph showing the change of the average temperature of the aerosol generator over time during the user's previous aspiration, the minimum and maximum operating temperatures of the aerosol generating material component C1, and the change of the aerosol generation volume (amount) η of active ingredients 1 and 2 with temperature. Detailed Implementation

[0058] This document describes aspects and features of certain examples and implementations. Some aspects and features of certain examples and implementations can be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood 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.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view through an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, providing an introduction to a two-part aerosol delivery system, its components, and their functionality.

[0060] The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts: a reusable part 2 and a replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge part 4. During normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at interface 6. When the cartridge part 4 is depleted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part 4, the cartridge part 4 can be removed from the reusable part 2, and a replacement cartridge part 4 can be attached to its location. Interface 6 provides structural, electrical, and airflow path connections between the two parts 2 and 4, and can be established according to conventional techniques, such as threaded fastening, magnetic fastening, or bayonet fastening, with appropriately positioned electrical contacts and openings for properly establishing electrical connections and airflow paths between the two parts 2 and 4. The specific manner in which the cartridge part 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable part 2 is not critical to the principles described herein, but for the sake of concrete examples, it is assumed that magnetic coupling is included. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). It will also be understood that in some implementations, interface 6 may not support electrical connections and / or airflow path connections between the corresponding portions 2 and 4. For example, in some implementations, the aerosol generator may be located in the reusable portion 2 instead of the cartridge portion 4, or the transfer of electrical power from the reusable portion 2 to the cartridge portion 4 may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction), thus eliminating the need for electrical connections between the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4. Furthermore, in some implementations, the airflow through the electronic cigarette may bypass the reusable portion 2, eliminating the need for airflow path connections 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 may be limited at the interface between portions of the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4.

[0061] According to certain embodiments of this disclosure, the cartridge / consumable portion 4 may be generally conventional. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the cartridge portion 4 includes a cartridge shell 42 formed of plastic material. The cartridge shell 42 supports other components of the cartridge portion 4 and provides a mechanical interface 6 together with the reusable portion 2. The cartridge shell 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge portion 4 is coupled 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 will be understood that in different implementations, the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shape and materials used, may differ.

[0062] A chamber or reservoir 44 containing aerosol-generating materials is located within the cartridge casing 42. Figure 1In the schematic example shown, the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall and an inner wall defined by the cartridge shell 42, the inner wall defining an airflow path 52 through the cartridge portion 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end with an end wall to contain the aerosol generating material. The reservoir 44 can be formed according to conventional techniques; for example, it can include a plastic material and be integrally formed with the cartridge shell 42.

[0063] The cartridge / consumable section 4 also includes an aerosol generator 48 located at the end near the reservoir 44, opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50. It will be understood that in situations such as... Figure 1 In the two-part system shown, the aerosol generator 48 can be in either the reusable part 2 or the cartridge part 4. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., a heater in the form of a core and coil arrangement as shown, a distiller formed of sintered metal fiber material or other porous conductive material, or any suitable alternative aerosol generator) can be included in the reusable part 2, and when the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2, the aerosol generator is brought close to a portion of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4. In such embodiments, the cartridge part 4 can include a portion of the aerosol generating material, and when the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2, the aerosol generator 48, including the heater, is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounding the aerosol generating material of that part.

[0064] exist Figure 1 In this example, the core 46, which contacts the aerosol generator 48, extends laterally across the cartridge airflow path 52, while its two ends extend through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 into the reservoir of liquid aerosol generating material. The size of the openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 is approximately matched to the size of the core 46 to provide a reasonable seal to prevent leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without over-compressing the core 46 (which could be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance).

[0065] The core 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that the area of ​​the cartridge airflow path 52 surrounding the core 46 and heater 48 effectively defines the evaporation area for the cartridge portion 4. Aerosol-generating material in the reservoir 44 permeates into the core 46 by extending to the end of the core 46 within the reservoir 44 and is attracted 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 will be understood that the specific aerosol generator configuration is not important to the principles described herein. In use, electrical power can be supplied to aerosol generator 48 to cause a certain amount of aerosol-generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of aerosol generator 48 by core 46 to evaporate. The evaporated aerosol generating material can then be drawn and entrained in the air along the cartridge airflow path, from the evaporation area toward mouthpiece outlet 50 for inhalation by the user.

[0066] As described above, the rate at which the aerosol generating material is evaporated by the aerosol generator 48 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, for example, by altering the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

[0067] The reusable part 2 includes: a housing 12 (which has an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the electronic cigarette), a power supply 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.

[0068] For example, the outer casing 12 may be made of plastic or metal and, in this example, has a circular cross-section that generally matches the shape and size of the cartridge portion 4, in order to provide 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 is coupled to the reusable portion 2, the overall length of the electronic cigarette is approximately 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it will be understood that the overall shape and scale of the electronic cigarette implementing embodiments of this disclosure are not important to the principles described herein.

[0069] Air inlet 28 is connected to airflow path 51 via reusable portion 2. When reusable portion 2 is connected to cartridge portion 4, reusable portion airflow path 51 then crosses interface 6 and connects to cartridge airflow path 52. Therefore, when the user's mouthpiece opens 50, air is drawn in through air inlet 28, along reusable portion airflow path 51, across interface 6, through aerosol generation area near aerosol generator 48 (in which evaporated aerosol generation material is entrained in the airflow), along cartridge airflow path 52, and discharged through mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation.

[0070] The power supply 26 in this example 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 supply for a relatively short period of time. The power supply 26 can be recharged via a charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) within the reusable housing 12.

[0071] First and / or second user input buttons 14, 16 may be provided. In this example, they are conventional mechanical buttons, such as those including spring-loaded assemblies that can be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact. In this respect, 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 the power supplied from power source 26 to aerosol generator 48). However, including user input buttons is optional, and in some embodiments, buttons may not be included.

[0072] 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 settings, remaining power, etc. The display can be implemented in various ways. In this example, display 24 includes a conventional pixelated LCD screen, driven according to conventional technology to display the desired information. In other implementations, the display may include one or more separate indicators (e.g., LEDs) arranged to display the desired information, for example, through a specific color and / or flashing sequence. More generally, the manner in which display 24 is configured and the manner in which information is displayed to the user using the display are not critical to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may exclude 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 (e.g., using audio signals), or may exclude any means for providing the user with information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.

[0073] The controller 22 is appropriately configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, and to provide the general operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 according to determined techniques for controlling such devices. The controller (processor circuitry) 22 can be considered to logically include various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. In this example, the controller 22 includes power supply 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 (such as display driver circuitry and user input detection circuitry) associated with functionality according to the principles described herein and the general operating aspects of electronic cigarettes. It will be understood that the functionality of the controller 22 can be configured in various different ways, for example using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0074] This document further describes the functionality of controller 22. For example, controller 22 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller for controlling an aerosol delivery device. A 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 components). Such a software program may be stored in non-volatile memory (such as ROM), which may be integrated into the microcontroller itself or set up as a separate component. The CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs as needed and as required.

[0075] The reusable part 2 includes an airflow sensor 30, which is electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a so-called "suction sensor" because it is used to detect when a user inhales on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a switch located in the electrical path supplying electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In such embodiments, 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 once the pressure near the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold. This threshold can be set as a value determined experimentally to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the initialization of user inhalation. 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 specific manner in which the controller 22 uses the output signal from the airflow sensor 30 (which may include measurements of the capacitance, resistance, or other characteristics of the airflow sensor generated by the controller 22) to control the power supply from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be implemented according to any method known to those skilled in the art.

[0076] 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 measure the characteristics of airflow in an airflow path 51 positioned between the air inlet 28 and the nozzle opening 50, such as a pressure sensor or pressure transducer (e.g., a diaphragm 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 within one or more chamber walls 34, where the airflow sensor 30 may be wholly or partially located. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 includes one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing that includes the sensor cavity / chamber 32.

[0077] A deformable membrane is provided across an opening that communicates between a sensor cavity 32, including sensor 30, and 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.

[0078] 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 tanks / charging cases and / or refill / charging docks) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and these other electronic devices. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is integrated into the controller 22, and in other embodiments, it is implemented separately (e.g., including a separate application-specific integrated circuit / circuit / chip / chipset). For example, the communication circuitry may include a separate module from the controller 22 that 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 circuit can be configured to support wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices, such as cases, docking stations, computing devices (such as smartphones or PCs), base stations supporting cellular communication, relay nodes providing onward connections to base stations, wearable devices, or any other portable or fixed devices supporting wireless communication.

[0079] Wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices can be configured according to data transmission protocols 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 cooperating pins or contact pads on docks, cases, cables, or other external devices 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.

[0080] This disclosure relates in particular to the generation and use of “suction features,” which are now described in more detail.

[0081] Suction characteristics

[0082] Individual smokers possess characteristics that can be termed "smoking profiles." A user's "smoking profile" is preferably a substantially unique representation based on their smoking interactions and defines their smoking profile. This profile can take any suitable form and can be established through statistical analysis, such as identifying patterns and / or associating smoking-based parameters, for example, to derive one or more formulas defining the user's smoking-based interactions. Statistical analysis may involve the mean / median / mode mean, establishing variance or standard deviation, k-means clustering analysis, and / or regression analysis.

[0083] Features can be based on, derived from, or include (these terms are used interchangeably) one or more parameters, such as aspiration profile parameters, including the frequency of aspiration actions (which can include regularity / irregularity / distribution / interval of aspiration actions), the shallowness / depth / volume of aspiration, and duration. Typically, these parameters are detected using barometric sensors or other aspiration sensors (usually primarily used to detect aspiration to trigger aerosol delivery) and computer-associated timing devices (such as clocks). Aspiration features can also be based on or include other parameters, such as the type / active ingredient of the consumable, the thermal profile of the generated vapor / aerosol, aspiration pressure, temperature, and flow rate. These parameters can be measured at specific points, such as at the beginning and end of aspiration, or over time, forming a curve that changes over time. Aspiration features can also include sub-features that define different features for different scenarios, such as daytime and nighttime sub-features or work and home sub-features based on time, location, or aerosol-generating materials.

[0084] Suction features can also be based on / include pre-puff parameters that also form part of the suction-based interaction, such as pre-conditioning time, which is the time between the activation of the system for suction (typically triggered by the user or when the system anticipates suction) and the user initiating suction. Activation can be manual (e.g., via buttons or other user interfaces on the system) and / or automatic by the controller / system (e.g., using sensor data analyzed by the controller / system to indicate that the device is about to be used, such as using an accelerometer or gyroscope to detect movement of the system toward the user's mouth, using a position sensor to detect a known suction location, or detecting stress / anxiety based on biometric data).

[0085] Furthermore, inhalation characteristics may include pre-inhalation parameters related to operational / manual interaction, as further outlined in WO2021074580, and may include one or more motion-based behaviors, such as placing the aerosol delivery system alone (static), placing it in a pocket or bag (typically a mixture of low-frequency movements), passively holding the device (typically again a mixture of low-frequency movements, combined with touch detection), fiddling with or playing with the device (typically a mixture of high-frequency movements, optionally combined with touch detection, and / or repeated interaction with user interface components associated with the aerosol delivery system, the interaction itself not directly triggering aerosol delivery), and placing the device in the user's mouth as a prelude to inhalation or as a separate behavior. These are typically detected by a mixture of accelerometer / gyroscope sensors, touch sensors, pressure sensors, tension sensors, UI inputs, etc. Similar to inhalation-based interactions, operational / manual interactions may also be represented by one or more of the following: the frequency of the interaction, the regularity / irregularity / distribution of the interaction, the intensity of the interaction (e.g., in terms of continuous variables, such as the degree of movement or the magnitude of pressure), and the duration of the interaction.

[0086] This disclosure outlines various systems and methods designed to determine and utilize a user's suction characteristics, for example, by adjusting one or more operating parameters of the system. Any suitable operating parameter can be adjusted, and specific, non-limiting examples are described herein.

[0087] In some instances, the runtime parameters include any one or more of the following: Instantaneous power or power curve used to supply power to the aerosol generator; The temperature or aroma of the generated vapor / aerosol; The temperature at the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference (pressure delta) across an air inlet. The temperature at the outlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the outlet of the aerosol generator or system. The form of the generated vapor / aerosol; The particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol; Airflow path leading to the aerosol generator; Aerosol flow path from the aerosol generator; and The airflow downstream of the aerosol generator.

[0088] The morphology of the generated vapor / aerosol typically refers to its form, shape and / or structure, and can therefore include flow patterns (e.g., laminar / turbulent), particle shape, size and composition.

[0089] Of course, many of these parameters can be interrelated. For example, adjusting the temperature at the air inlet may also adjust, for example, the pressure difference across the air inlet; the morphology of the generated vapor / aerosol; the particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol; the aroma of the generated vapor / aerosol; and the airflow path to the aerosol generator. In particular, the aroma of the generated vapor / aerosol can be adjusted by, for example, the temperature, the rate of temperature change, altering / redirecting the flow of aerosol-generating materials from the cartridge (e.g., using and variably mixing multiple different aerosol-generating materials, such as low-flavor liquids and high-flavor liquids), or by, for example, activating the flavor pad by redirecting the inlet or outlet air / vapor / aerosol flow.

[0090] In some instances, the adjustments include any one or more of the following: Preheat or precool the nozzle; Preheat or precool the aerosol generator; Preheating or precooling the air inlet leading to the aerosol generator or system; and Preheating or precooling of the aerosol outlet from the aerosol generator or system.

[0091] In addition, suction characteristics and / or adjustments may depend on one or more of the following: Aerosol generating materials; The remaining volume of the aerosol-generating material; Pre-adjustment time; Environmental parameters or biological characteristic parameters; and / or Sensed data (e.g., accelerometer data, gyroscope data, environmental data, biometric data, and / or location data).

[0092] The system (e.g., its controller) can be configured to repeatedly or continuously adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system in response to the user's suction characteristics during suction.

[0093] A variety of aerosol-generating materials can be provided (e.g., in systems comprising multiple reservoirs or cartridges), and as operating parameters, the mixture of these materials can be adjusted, for example, to change the content of the active ingredient, as further discussed in WO2021 / 105674. Other operating parameters outlined above can also be adjusted in combination. This adjustment can depend on the puffing characteristics outlined above and other factors (e.g., sensed data). Puffing characteristics can depend on, or be associated with, the aerosol-generating materials and / or their components.

[0094] Optionally, given that users can gradually change their behavior (e.g., due to changes in personal circumstances, job changes, or as part of a behavior withdrawal program), the statistical representation of such typical / default user behavior can be a rolling representation (e.g., based on data from the most recent N days, M weeks, or O months; or a fixed number of pulls, such as the most recent 10, 25, 50, or 100 pulls, providing a moving average), or multiple representations of the same data can be retained; for example, the statistical representation of typical / default user behavior for a particular interaction can be based on a month's worth of data, but individual measurements of behavior can be based on data from the most recent week; thus, if the change in an individual measurement exceeds a threshold indicating that user behavior is changing, and / or if the average deviates from the long-term average, this can indicate the need to build or begin building a new statistical representation based on more recent data.

[0095] Deviations from the aspiration characteristics can be determined as outlined in WO2021074580, for example, based on the mean / mode / median parameters of the aspiration characteristics (such as aspiration duration, aspiration interval), using absolute or relative thresholds, optionally varying by + / -, such as 0.01 to 3.00 times the standard deviation, and can also be categorized and the operating parameters adjusted according to that categorization. In cases where multiple parameters are evaluated and / or multiple adjustments are made, these can be combined using any suitable logical relationship (such as AND, OR, XOR) and can be weighted according to preferences. In some implementations, once the deviation exceeds a predicted threshold, the degree of change in the function of the aerosol supply system can be linearly or non-linearly proportional to the degree of deviation of the user's aspiration characteristics.

[0096] The "algorithm" for vaping characteristics and user behavior can be a machine learning algorithm (e.g., utilizing a feedback loop that automatically adapts (modifies) stored vaping characteristics in response to device use), and / or may depend on factors such as the cartridge / consumable being used, the usage environment, or biometric data such as the user's body temperature and heart rate, as discussed further below.

[0097] Flow regulator

[0098] In some instances of this disclosure, operating parameters are related to the flow or properties of air, vapor, and / or aerosols flowing into / out of the aerosol generator or into / out of a wider system, and these operating parameters can be adjusted using adjustable flow regulators. In particular, these parameters can be adjustable to simulate the behavior of standard (e.g., factory-manufactured) cigarettes, and to provide a customized experience based on the user's smoking characteristics.

[0099] Flow regulators can take any suitable form to adjust operating parameters, such as heaters / coolers, baffles (e.g., including flaps, baffles, valves, membranes, polymers, or meshes to restrict, direct, or regulate flow), motors, pumps, or pressurized fluids (e.g., compressed gas that can provide cooling). In some instances, flow regulators are configured to vibrate, such as with ultrasonic vibration. Vibration can beneficially contribute to aerosol generation and / or modification of aerosols after generation.

[0100] Figure 2a and Figure 2b It shows Figure 1 System 1, which has multiple flow regulators 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 for adjusting various operating parameters. Figure 1 To create a contrast, Figure 2a , Figure 2b System 1 also includes a bypass air inlet 128 on the side of the reusable portion 4 of system 1. The bypass inlet 128 provides system 1 with an air inlet that bypasses aerosol generator 48, thereby providing an airflow into system 1 downstream of aerosol generator 48. The outlet path 52 from aerosol generator 48 comprises three sections 52a, 52b, and 52c, wherein the bypass air inlet path merges with the outer outlet paths 52a and 52c (but not 52b in this example), into which vapor / aerosol flows from aerosol generator 48 during use.

[0101] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a For clarity, the flow path has been overlaid and the flow regulator label has been removed from the system.

[0102] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The system illustrates the temperature T and pressure P of a fluid flow (which may include air, vapor, and / or aerosol) at various points: The ambient temperatures and pressures upstream of air inlets 28 and 128 and downstream of nozzle 50 are T0 and P0, respectively. The downstream temperatures and pressures of the first air inlet 28 and the first flow regulator 61 are T1 and P1, respectively; The temperatures and pressures downstream of the second flow regulator 62 and upstream of the aerosol generator 48 are T2 and P2, respectively. The temperatures and pressures downstream of aerosol generator 48 and upstream of third flow regulator 63 are T3 and P3, respectively. The downstream temperatures and pressures of the third flow regulator 63 and the fourth flow regulator 64 are T4 and P4, respectively. The temperatures and pressures downstream of the fifth flow regulator 65 and upstream of the sixth flow regulator 66 are T5 and P5, respectively; and The temperatures and pressures downstream of the sixth flow regulator 66 and upstream of the nozzle 50 are T6 and P6, respectively.

[0103] Now, in more detail... Figure 2a and Figure 2b The examples show flow regulators 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66.

[0104] The first flow regulator 61 is a baffle in the form of a flap. The flap 61 is movable (e.g., driven by a motor) to regulate the airflow (velocity / volume / pressure / path) through the air inlet 28. Therefore, the flap 61 can be operated to regulate the airflow path to the aerosol generator 48 and the pressure difference (P1-P0) across the aerosol generator 48 and the air inlet 28 of system 1.

[0105] The second set of flow regulators 62 includes a heater in the form of a linear element. The heating wire 62 generates heat through resistance to adjust the temperature at the air inlet 28 of the aerosol generator 48 or system 1. Such adjustment can make the generated aerosol / vapor feel more similar to the smoke of a regular cigarette.

[0106] The third flow regulator 63 and the fourth flow regulator 64 are downstream of the aerosol generator 48 and include a micropump 63 and a set of three microvalves 64 across the flow outlet path 52. The micropump 63 can provide flow rate / volume / pressure / temperature adjustment at the outlet of the aerosol generator 48, while the valves 64 can restrict / direct fluid flow and change pressure / flow rate. These and others (e.g., inlet airflow) adjustments can change the particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol: typically, active ingredient particles (e.g., nicotine) are larger and "more stimulating" in flavor / mouthfeel. Users will notice that the deposition of larger particles may provide a "good" flavor but is not "good" for nicotine efficiency, while smaller particles are beneficial for inhalation but have a less "good" flavor. The particle size can be adjusted based on the user's inhalation characteristics to suit the user's preferences.

[0107] The outlet path 52 comprises three sections 52a, 52b, and 52c. Each valve 64 controls a corresponding section of path 52, regulating the flow along that section, and is therefore operable to adjust the air / vapor / aerosol flow path from the aerosol generator 48. As shown, there is an additional bypass air inlet 128 on the side of the reusable section 4, which provides airflow bypassing the aerosol generator 48 into system 1. Figure 2b As shown in the optimal arrangement, the paths of these air inlets 128 merge with the outer outlet flow paths 52a, 52c and introduce additional airflow downstream of the aerosol generator 48. This advantageous arrangement allows the introduced airflow to travel around the generated vapor / aerosol (rather than through the generated vapor / aerosol as the airflow from air inlet 28). This mixing ideally simulates factory-manufactured cigarettes, where air is introduced around the smoke and heated embers—that is, ember combustion exists at the end of the cigarette, and a layer of air (“air path”) exists around the tobacco / below the paper along the entire length of the cigarette (and through the filter), while the smoke and heat are at the center of the cigarette. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), a flow regulator can be configured to deflect a portion of the airflow from air inlet 28 so that this portion bypasses the aerosol generator 48 to mix around the generated vapor / aerosol, eliminating the need for a separate bypass air inlet 128.

[0108] A fifth set of flow regulators 65 is located downstream of the aerosol generator 48 and includes baffles or flaps 65 to regulate and / or redirect the bypass airflow from the bypass air inlet 128 (which provides the system 1 with an additional inlet bypassing the aerosol generator 48, so that the airflow through the bypass air inlet 128 does not flow through the aerosol generator 48 and does not entrain vapor / aerosol from the aerosol generator 48) and into and / or around the aerosol flow path downstream of the aerosol generator 48. Optionally, other flow regulators (not shown) may also be provided to change flow parameters such as the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the bypass airflow (e.g., in the bypass air inlet path).

[0109] The sixth set of flow regulators 66 is located downstream of the bypass airflow inlet leading to flow path 52 and upstream of mouthpiece 50, and includes two heaters / coolers 66. Therefore, these heaters / coolers 66 can be operated to adjust the temperature at the outlet of system 1 and / or the pressure difference (P6-P0) across that outlet, as well as to adjust the parameters of the downstream (bypass) airflow from the aerosol generator 48. Such adjustments (specifically increasing the air inlet temperature or the temperature of exhaled vapor / aerosol) can make the generated aerosol / vapor feel more similar to the smoke of a regular cigarette.

[0110] As outlined above, a flow regulator provides a means of adjusting the system's operating parameters to suit the user's vaping characteristics as conditions change (e.g., in different environments, when using different cartridges, or as the user's vaping style changes over time). Optional additional flow regulators can be used to adjust other parameters as needed.

[0111] In another instance, the controller is configured to increase the temperature over time at the air inlet 28, 128 or outlet (e.g., at or near mouthpiece 50) from the aerosol generator 48 or system 1 as the user inhales, simulating the characteristics of a conventional cigarette, where the embers of a heated cigarette burn closer and closer to the user's mouth during inhalation.

[0112] Environmental parameters and biological characteristics

[0113] A user's inhalation characteristics can be used to adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system. This adjustment can be based on environmental or biometric parameters, making it responsive to ambient conditions such as changes in ambient temperature (e.g., cold / warm weather) or the user's personal physical condition, such as body temperature or heart rate. In cold weather (which can be reflected in, for example, low ambient temperature and / or low body temperature), the inlet air can be preheated before inhalation begins—adapting to both environmental / personal conditions and the user's inhalation characteristics—to improve flavor and provide better nicotine delivery.

[0114] The suction feature itself may depend on environmental or biometric parameters (e.g., depending on the current external ambient temperature, such as as a function of the current external ambient temperature), or the suction feature may be adjusted based on environmental or biometric parameters during use. For example, when the suction feature is used to adjust one or more operating parameters, the adjustment may be based on the suction feature for the user and environmental or biometric parameters (e.g., based on the current external ambient temperature or the user's lip temperature).

[0115] In one instance, a user's suction characteristics define an algorithm for preheating the aerosol generator to suit that user. The algorithm itself may be defined as dependent on environmental or biometric parameters (e.g., as a function of ambient temperature), or the suction characteristics may not directly depend on environmental or biometric parameters but may be adjusted at usage time based on those parameters (e.g., through a weighting factor of portions not belonging to the user's individual suction characteristics). In some instances, the controller is configured to compare the current suction-based interaction with the user's suction characteristics; and when the current suction-based interaction deviates from the user's suction characteristics, adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on that deviation.

[0116] Any relevant environmental or biometric parameters can be used. Specifically, environmental parameters may include time of day, time period, pressure, temperature, and / or humidity; and biometric parameters may include heart rate and / or body / lip temperature. System 1 may include sensors configured to sense these parameters, such as those near the mouth (e.g., near the user's lips) to indicate conditions at or near the user's mouth (e.g., ambient temperature or body temperature). In some instances, the controller or system is configured to receive data from a remote sensor (e.g., a chest- or wrist-based heart rate monitor) or another device, such as a connected mobile phone or smartwatch, which may sense the parameters and provide data, or retrieve predicted environmental parameters from the internet. In particular, heart rate data can be used to determine stress and / or activity levels, such as the intensity of activity or exercise, and adjustments can therefore be made accordingly. Further data can be collected, for example, from other sensors or devices to determine the type of activity, and adjustments can be made accordingly. For example, when a user enables a special mode (such as "running" or "cycling"), the smartwatch can provide heart rate data, blood oxygen data, location data, and activity type data.

[0117] In some instances, adjustments are made if the parameters described above deviate from their default values ​​by more than a predicted relative or absolute threshold, such as a normalized ambient temperature of + / - 2.5°C. For example, a capacitive temperature sensor can be configured to detect ambient temperature (e.g., moving from outdoors to indoors) as a ready mode for the device—if the difference between the measured temperature and the default algorithm temperature does not exceed a threshold, the algorithm remains unchanged; if a change is detected, the algorithm is adjusted.

[0118] To match and adapt (tailor, customization, adjustment, modulation) the aerosol generating materials.

[0119] A user's inhalation characteristics can be used to identify / recommend the most suitable existing aerosol generating materials (i.e., e-liquid or consumable cartridges) for the user, or to derive formulations for customized aerosol generating material compositions tailored to the user.

[0120] Consumables containing aerosol-generating materials comprise a variety of different constituent chemical elements that require heating at different temperatures and / or for specific time periods for effective release, thus different consumables have ideal heating or "thermal" profiles. Therefore, if a user's puffing characteristics are based on / included in the thermal profiles of their previous puffs, the processor can analyze these thermal profiles and identify existing compositions / consumables with thermal profiles suitable for or best matching the user's characteristics. This helps prevent oil burning and produces a smooth, balanced puff (hit), while highlighting flavor and providing a repeatable and consistent experience. Furthermore, the processor can compare thermal profiles for aerosol-generating material components with the user's puffing characteristics and then formulate a customized aerosol-generating material composition adapted to the user's puffing characteristics.

[0121] Figure 3 This is a plot showing the thermal profile of a user's previous aspirations, illustrating the statistical temperature change of the aerosol generator (AG) over time for previous aspirations. It features three curves (plot): the mean of all previous aspirations on which this characteristic is based, and the 5th and 95th percentiles of the same data. Time t0 represents the initial activation of the device (before aspiration), while time t1 represents the average start time of aspiration, and time t2 represents the average end time of aspiration.

[0122] therefore, Figure 3A statistical representation of the temperature profile of the aerosol generator during suction is shown, which can be compared with thermal profiles of the aerosol generating material or its components to identify existing aerosol generating materials suitable for the user's suction characteristics and / or customized aerosol generating material compositions formulated based on experienced temperatures to suit the user's suction characteristics. Alternatively, other thermal profiles can be used, such as the temperature of the generated vapor / aerosol itself (which can be measured by an internal sensor), or the temperature of the vapor / aerosol outlet (e.g., nozzle 50) during suction, which can be considered representative of the aerosol temperature. The temperature profile can change significantly after one suction, for example, starting relatively high, then lower in the middle and higher at the end; or starting relatively low, then higher in the middle and lower at the end. Introducing more or less air dilution can alter the profile. Changing the humidity can also help add more air and / or flavor (fragrance) with reduced vapor, and therefore the thermal profile can optionally include humidity.

[0123] Thermal profiles for aerosol-generating materials or components may include operating temperature and / or humidity profiles for that material or component, such as one or more of the following: minimum operating temperature, optimal operating temperature, and maximum operating temperature and / or operating humidity for that material or component, which may be provided in the material data sheet or determined experimentally. Thermal profiles for aerosol-generating materials or material components may include operating efficiency or "performance" profiles for that material or component, such as a profile of aerosol generation volume or particle size as a function of temperature and / or humidity for active ingredients; or a profile of aroma / flavor components as a function of temperature or humidity, where, for example, milder heating provides a specific flavor different from stronger heating (therefore, aroma may depend on temperature, humidity, and / or rate of temperature change). Therefore, these profiles can be matched to the user's preferred vaping style based on their vaping characteristics.

[0124] Figure 4 This explains how to compare suction characteristics and thermal profiles of aerosol-generating materials / components, and also illustrates: The average temperature of the aerosol generator (AG) changes over time for the user's previous aspiration; Minimum operating temperature T for aerosol generating material component C1 MIN and maximum operating temperature T MAX ;as well as The volume η of aerosols generated by active ingredients 1 and 2 changes with temperature.

[0125] like Figure 3As shown, time t0 represents the initial activation of the device (before aspiration), while time t1 represents the start time of the aspiration mean, and time t2 represents the end time of the aspiration mean.

[0126] from Figure 4 It can be seen that: Minimum operating temperature T for aerosol generating material component C1 MIN and maximum operating temperature T MAX During suction, the temperature is within the average operating temperature of the aerosol generator, that is, between time t1 and time t2. Therefore, C1 is suitable for this user curve. The efficiency curve of active ingredient 1 generally follows the curvature of the average temperature of the aerosol generator, with a small negative offset—the efficiency η of active ingredient 1 is approximately 40% at time t1, and peaks at 80% during the suction temperature period (i.e., the temperature between time t1 and time t2). MAX Maintain 80%; The efficiency η of active ingredient 2 is approximately 50% at time t1, with a steeper initial gradient than that of active ingredient 1, and peaks at approximately 70% during the suction temperature period (i.e., the temperature between time t1 and time t2), but decreases further at T... MAX The percentage dropped to approximately 60%.

[0127] Comparing the thermal profiles of active ingredients 1 and 2 over time, ingredient 1 can be considered a better fit for the user because, compared to ingredient 2, it provides better results over a larger proportion of the inhalation time (especially during T). MAX (At) it has a higher aerosol generation efficiency. Conversely, for those with similar suction characteristics but significantly shorter suction duration (e.g., Figure 4 For users who are drawing at t2-t1 (1 / 3 of the time), component 2 may be more suitable because it provides higher aerosol generation efficiency at lower temperatures, i.e., from t1 to (t2-t1) / 3 (as shown by the dashed line between t1 and t2).

[0128] In some instances, the thermal profiles used for comparison can be weighted. For example, for a user's thermal profile, the temperature before aspiration can be ignored, while the aspiration phase before the steady-state aerosol generator temperature can have different weights compared to the aspiration phase at the steady-state aerosol generator temperature. This can be multi-stage (granular), for example, the last 10% of the steady-state aspiration duration can be further weighted to provide the user with an optimal "end".

[0129] In another instance, the comparison of thermal profiles is within one or more relative or absolute thresholds for one or more parameters, and can be combined using any suitable logical relations (such as AND, OR, XOR), for example: The user's thermal profile is based on the average aerosol generator temperature of recent previous aspirations, with thresholds of, for example, + / - 10% or + / - 10°C for comparison (e.g., in...). Figure 4 Apply error bars of + / - 10% or 10°C to the curve; or For the user's thermal profile of the aerosol generator's operating temperature, for example, 90% or 95% of the time, it must be within / below the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol generating material component (optionally minus an error margin, such as 5%, 10%, 5°C, 10°C) to minimize poor performance / poor combustion; and / or for at least, for example, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the suction time, within, for example, 5%, 10% of the optimal operating temperature or 5°C, 10°C, 20°C, to optimize aerosol generation, etc.

[0130] Pre-conditioning time and suction expectation

[0131] As outlined above, aspiration characteristics can include pre-aspiration parameters, such as a pre-conditioning time, which can be used to adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system and even anticipate the user's aspiration. Therefore, capturing this pre-conditioning time can improve (reduce) the time it takes for aerosols to be generated during aspiration, and thus improve the user experience and satisfaction.

[0132] For example, a controller for an aerosol delivery system can be configured to: monitor user interactions based on the current suction; and adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on suction characteristics. These operating parameters can be any suitable parameters, but in particular may relate to preheating / precooling the aerosol generator, the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system, the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the nozzle.

[0133] In a first, simple example, the suction characteristics can define a typical (e.g., mean / median / mode) pre-conditioning time of 1 second. The controller can monitor system activation and thus, in response to the typical 1-second pre-conditioning time, adjust the system's operating parameters accordingly. This can be done during anticipated suction, for example, before suction begins, by checking the aerosol generator temperature and adjusting the initial power or power profile to be supplied based on the current temperature and pre-conditioning time, or by preheating / precooling a part of the system (such as the aerosol generator, inlet, outlet, or nozzle).

[0134] Alternatively or additionally, the controller may respond to deviations from suction characteristics, such as if the user does not begin suction within the typical 1 second, by adjusting the initial power differently, and / or by changing other parameters. For example, the suction characteristics may reflect, for A 1-second pre-adjustment time allows the user to slowly move the system to their lips, resulting in different suction styles and thus allowing for adjustments to parameters. Suction characteristics can include the standard deviation / variation over the pre-adjustment time, and deviations beyond the typical standard deviation / variation can lead to different adjustments, such as canceling preheating / cooling.

[0135] In the second example, the suction characteristics can reflect that the typical pre-conditioning time is inversely proportional to the desired active ingredient content; for example, when a user seeks a higher nicotine content, their suction-based interaction has a shorter pre-conditioning time, or vice versa. Again, a controller can be run to adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the suction characteristics in response to the interaction, to provide a more tailored experience for the user.

[0136] The various embodiments described herein are provided only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. Any functionality of the processor (e.g., controller) can be shared among processors on various devices / systems in a wider system and / or remote server. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, 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 the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0137] Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc., in addition to those specifically described herein. 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.

[0138] Appendix Label Index

[0139] 1 Aerosol Delivery System

[0140] 2 Reusable parts

[0141] 4. Smoke cartridges

[0142] 6. Interface between the reusable part and the cartridge part

[0143] 12 Reusable portion of the housing

[0144] 14, 16 User Input Buttons

[0145] 20 User Programming Circuits

[0146] 22 Controllers

[0147] 24 monitors

[0148] 26 Power Supply

[0149] 28 Air Inlet

[0150] 30. Airflow sensor

[0151] 31 Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0152] 32 Sensor cavity or chamber

[0153] 34 chamber wall

[0154] 42. Smoke cartridge casing

[0155] 44. Chambers or storage containers

[0156] 46 cores

[0157] 48 Aerosol Generator

[0158] 50 parts exported

[0159] 52. Airflow path through reusable section

[0160] 61-66 Flow regulator

[0161] 128 Bypass air inlet

[0162] Specific features

[0163] Specific features are described below and may be independent of and / or combined with any one or more features disclosed anywhere in the text and / or figures in any arrangement. Such combinations are explicitly contemplated to provide other preferred embodiments.

[0164] Specific Feature 1

[0165] 1. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor user interactions based on suction on aerosol delivery systems; and b. Determine the user's suction characteristics based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions.

[0166] 2. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor users' current suction-based interactions on the aerosol delivery system; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions.

[0167] 3. The controller of Clause 2, wherein the controller is configured as follows: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction. b. Compare the current suction-based interaction with the user's suction characteristics; and c. When the interaction based on the current suction deviates from the user's suction characteristics, adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on that deviation.

[0168] 4. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: a. Monitor user interactions based on suction on aerosol delivery systems; and b. Determine the user's suction characteristics based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions.

[0169] 5. A method for controlling an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator being configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: a. Monitor user interactions on the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions.

[0170] 6. The controller or method of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein deviations from the user's suction characteristics are classified, and the adjustment of the operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system depends on the classification.

[0171] 7. The controller or method of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the sucking feature is based on a scrolling representation of a user’s previous sucking-based interaction.

[0172] 8. The controller or method of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the operating parameters include any one or more of the following: a. Instantaneous power or power profile used to supply power to an aerosol generator; b. The temperature or aroma of the generated vapor / aerosol; c. The temperature at the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system; d. The temperature at the outlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the outlet of the aerosol generator or system; e. The form of the generated vapor / aerosol; f. Particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol; g. Airflow path leading to the aerosol generator; h. Aerosol flow path from the aerosol generator; and i. The airflow downstream of the aerosol generator.

[0173] 9. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising a variety of aerosol generating materials and an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating materials for user inhalation, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor the user's current aspiration on the aerosol delivery system; and b. Adjust the supply of various aerosol generating materials to the aerosol generator based on the user's suction characteristics, which are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction.

[0174] 10. The controller of Clause 9, wherein, when there is a predicted quantitative deviation between the current suction and the suction characteristics for the user, the supply of various aerosol generating materials to the aerosol generator is adjusted based on the deviation.

[0175] 11. The controllers of Clause 9 or 10 also include: a. Various aerosol-generating materials with different contents of active ingredients; and / or b. Separate chambers for various aerosol generating materials.

[0176] Specific Feature 2

[0177] 1. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suctions, and the one or more operating parameters include one or more of the following: i. The temperature at the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system; ii. The temperature at the outlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the outlet of the aerosol generator or system; iii. Particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol; iv. Airflow path leading to the aerosol generator; v. The aerosol flow path from the aerosol generator; and vi. The airflow downstream of an aerosol generator.

[0178] 2. The controller of Clause 1, wherein the controller is configured as follows: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction. b. Compare the current suction-based interaction with the user's suction characteristics; and c. When the interaction based on the current suction deviates from the user's suction characteristics, adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on that deviation.

[0179] 3. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system are adjusted based on suction characteristics, including any one or more of the following: a. Preheat or precool the nozzle components of the system; b. Preheat or precool the aerosol generator; c. Preheating or precooling the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system; and d. Preheat or precool the aerosol outlet from the aerosol generator or system.

[0180] 4. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to increase the temperature at the air inlet or outlet of the aerosol generator or system over time as the user aspirates.

[0181] 5. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol by adjusting the flow rate, velocity, or pressure of the gas flow entering the aerosol generator or system, or by adjusting the flow rate, velocity, or pressure of the vapor / aerosol exiting the aerosol generator or system.

[0182] 6. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the bypass airflow downstream of the aerosol generator and bypassing the aerosol generator.

[0183] 7. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the temperature, velocity, flow rate, pressure, or path of the bypass airflow.

[0184] 8. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the operating parameters further include any one or more of the following: a. Instantaneous power or power profile used to supply power to the aerosol generator; and b. The temperature or aroma of the generated vapor / aerosol.

[0185] 9. An aerosol delivery system, including the controller of any of the foregoing clauses, further comprising: a. Aerosol generator; and / or b. A cartridge or atomizer containing aerosol-generating material for generating an aerosol for user inhalation; and / or c. A sensor configured to sense one or more parameters of the user's suction; and / or d. Power supply.

[0186] 10. The system or controller of any of the foregoing clauses includes an adjustable flow regulator configured to regulate flow through an air inlet, an aerosol generator, and / or an aerosol outlet.

[0187] 11. The system or controller of any of the foregoing clauses includes an adjustable flow regulator configured to regulate the bypass flow around the vapor / aerosol flow from the aerosol generator to the aerosol outlet.

[0188] 12. The system or controller of any of the foregoing clauses includes an adjustable flow regulator configured to regulate the vapor / aerosol flow from the aerosol generator and / or through the aerosol outlet.

[0189] 13. A system or controller of any one of clauses 10 to 12, wherein the flow regulator includes a heater or cooler.

[0190] 14. A system or controller of any one of clauses 10 to 13, wherein the flow regulator includes a baffle, a motor, a pump and / or compressed fluid, the flow regulator being configured to regulate the flow rate through an air inlet, an aerosol generator and / or an aerosol outlet.

[0191] 15. The system or controller of Clause 14, wherein the baffle includes a valve, diaphragm, polymer or mesh.

[0192] 16. A system or controller of any of clauses 10-15, wherein the flow regulator is configured to vibrate.

[0193] 17. The system or controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the suction feature includes a substantially unique representation based on the user's suction interaction behavior.

[0194] 18. A system or controller according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the suction feature is based on one or more of the following: a. Duration of previous suctioning; b. Previous suction frequency; c. Previous suction flow rate; d. Previous suction temperature; e. Previous suction pressure; f. Previous suction flow rate; g. Previous extraction heat profile; and / or h. The number of scrolls based on the previous suction interaction.

[0195] 19. A system or controller according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the suction characteristics and / or adjustments depend on one or more of the following: a. Aerosol-generating materials; b. The remaining volume of the aerosol-generating material; c. Pre-adjustment time, wherein the pre-adjustment time is the time between activating the system for aspiration and the user initiating aspiration; d. Environmental parameters or biological characteristic parameters; and / or e. Sensed data.

[0196] 20. The system or controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein: a. Environmental or biological parameters, including time, pressure, temperature, humidity, body temperature and / or heart rate; and / or b. The sensed data includes accelerometer data, gyroscope data, biometric data, and / or location data.

[0197] 21. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suctions, and the one or more operating parameters include one or more of the following: i. The temperature at the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system; ii. The temperature at the outlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the outlet of the aerosol generator or system; iii. Particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol; iv. Airflow path leading to the aerosol generator; v. The aerosol flow path from the aerosol generator; and vi. The airflow downstream of an aerosol generator.

[0198] 22. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium, including instructions, which, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to perform the method of clause 21.

[0199] Specific Feature 3

[0200] 1. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions and depend on environmental or biometric parameters.

[0201] 2. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for user inhalation, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics and environmental or biological parameters, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions.

[0202] 3. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction. b. Compare the current suction-based interaction with the user's suction characteristics; and c. When the interaction based on the current suction deviates from the user's suction characteristics, adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on that deviation.

[0203] 4. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the environmental parameters include time, pressure, temperature and / or humidity.

[0204] 5. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the biometric parameters include body temperature and / or heart rate.

[0205] 6. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjustments are made if environmental parameters or biometric parameters deviate from default values ​​by more than a predicted threshold.

[0206] 7. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system are adjusted based on suction characteristics, including any one or more of the following: a. Preheat or precool the nozzle components of the system; b. Preheat or precool the aerosol generator; c. Preheating or precooling the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system; and d. Preheat or precool the aerosol outlet from the aerosol generator or system.

[0207] 8. An aerosol delivery system, including the controller of any of the foregoing clauses, further comprising: a. Aerosol generator; and / or b. A cartridge or atomizer containing aerosol-generating material for generating an aerosol for user inhalation; and / or c. A sensor configured to sense one or more parameters of the user's suction; and / or d. Power supply.

[0208] 9. Any system or controller mentioned in the foregoing clauses, including sensors configured to sense environmental parameters or biometric parameters.

[0209] 10. The system or controller of any of the foregoing clauses, including a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor and / or heart rate sensor near the mouthpiece.

[0210] 11. Any of the systems or controllers mentioned in the foregoing clauses are configured to receive pressure data, temperature data, humidity data, and / or heart rate data.

[0211] 12. Any system or controller specified in the foregoing clauses, wherein the operating parameters include any one or more of the following: a. Instantaneous power or power profile used to supply power to an aerosol generator; b. The temperature or aroma of the generated vapor / aerosol; c. The temperature at the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system; d. The temperature at the outlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the outlet of the aerosol generator or system; e. The form of the generated vapor / aerosol; f. Particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol; g. Airflow path leading to the aerosol generator; h. Aerosol flow path from the aerosol generator; and i. The airflow downstream of the aerosol generator.

[0212] 13. The system or controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the suction feature includes a substantially unique representation based on the user's suction interaction behavior.

[0213] 14. The system or controller of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the suction feature is further based on one or more of the following: a. Duration of previous suctioning; b. Previous suction frequency; c. Previous aspiration volume; d. Previous suction temperature; e. Previous suction pressure; f. Previous suction flow rate; g. Previous extraction heat profile; and / or h. The number of scrolls based on the previous suction interaction.

[0214] 15. The system or controller of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the suction characteristics and / or adjustments depend on one or more of the following: a. Aerosol-generating materials; b. The remaining volume of the aerosol-generating material; c. Pre-adjustment time, wherein the pre-adjustment time is the time between activating the system for aspiration and the user initiating aspiration; and / or d. Sensed data.

[0215] 16. The system or controller of Clause 15, wherein the sensed data includes accelerometer data, gyroscope data, biometric data and / or location data.

[0216] 17. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions and depend on environmental or biometric parameters.

[0217] 18. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics and environmental or biological parameters, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions.

[0218] 19. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor user interactions based on suction on aerosol delivery systems; and b. Determine the user's suction characteristics based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions and dependent on environmental or biometric parameters.

[0219] 20. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: a. Monitor user interactions based on suction on aerosol delivery systems; and b. Determine the user's suction characteristics based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions and dependent on environmental or biometric parameters.

[0220] 21. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium, including instructions, which, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to perform the methods of clauses 17, 18, or 20.

[0221] Specific Feature 4

[0222] 1. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions, including a pre-adjustment time between activating the system for suction and initiating suction.

[0223] 2. The controller of Clause 1, wherein the controller is configured as follows: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction. b. Compare the current suction-based interaction with the user's suction characteristics; and c. When the interaction based on the current suction deviates from the user's suction characteristics, adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on that deviation.

[0224] 3. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the suction-based interaction includes user activation of the system for suction.

[0225] 4. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to receive input from a user interface and / or sensed data from a sensor to trigger activation of the system.

[0226] 5. The controller of Clause 4, wherein the sensed data includes accelerometer data, gyroscope data, biometric data and / or position data.

[0227] 6. The controller of Clause 4 or 5, wherein the sensed data includes data instructing the aerosol delivery system to move toward the user's mouth.

[0228] 7. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to anticipate the user's aspiration and, prior to aspiration (in anticipation of the puff, during the anticipated aspiration), adjusts one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on aspiration characteristics.

[0229] 8. The controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system are adjusted based on suction characteristics, including any one or more of the following: a. Preheat or precool the nozzle components of the system; b. Preheat or precool the aerosol generator; c. Preheating or precooling the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system; and d. Preheat or precool the aerosol outlet from the aerosol generator or system.

[0230] 9. An aerosol delivery system, including the controller of any of the foregoing clauses, further comprising: a. Aerosol generator; and / or b. A cartridge or atomizer containing aerosol-generating material for generating an aerosol for user inhalation; and / or c. A sensor configured to sense one or more parameters of the user's suction; and / or d. Power supply.

[0231] 10. The system or controller of any of the foregoing provisions further includes: a. A user interface configured to trigger system activation prior to aspiration; and / or b. A sensor configured to trigger system activation prior to aspiration.

[0232] 11. Any system or controller specified in the foregoing clauses, wherein the operating parameters include any one or more of the following: a. Instantaneous power or power profile used to supply power to an aerosol generator; b. The temperature or aroma of the generated vapor / aerosol; c. The temperature at the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the air inlet of the aerosol generator or system; d. The temperature at the outlet of the aerosol generator or system, or the pressure difference across the outlet of the aerosol generator or system; e. The form of the generated vapor / aerosol; f. Particle size of the generated vapor / aerosol; g. Airflow path leading to the aerosol generator; h. Aerosol flow path from the aerosol generator; and i. The airflow downstream of the aerosol generator.

[0233] 12. The system or controller of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the suction feature includes a substantially unique representation based on the user's suction interaction behavior.

[0234] 13. The system or controller of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the suction feature is further based on one or more of the following: a. Duration of previous suctioning; b. Previous suction frequency; c. Previous aspiration volume; d. Previous suction temperature; e. Previous suction pressure; f. Previous suction flow rate; g. Previous extraction heat profile; and / or h. The number of scrolls based on the previous suction interaction.

[0235] 14. The system or controller of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the suction characteristics and / or adjustments depend on one or more of the following: a. Aerosol-generating materials; b. The remaining volume of the aerosol-generating material; c. Prior pre-adjustment time; d. Environmental parameters or biological characteristic parameters; and / or e. Sensed data.

[0236] 15. The system or controller of Clause 14, wherein: a. Environmental or biological parameters, including time, pressure, temperature, humidity, body temperature and / or heart rate; and / or b. The sensed data includes accelerometer data, gyroscope data, biometric data, and / or location data.

[0237] 16. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: a. Monitor user interactions with the aerosol delivery system based on the current suction; and b. Adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system based on the user's suction characteristics, wherein the suction characteristics are based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions, including a pre-adjustment time between activating the system for suction and initiating suction.

[0238] 17. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitoring user-initiated suction-based interactions with the aerosol delivery system; and b. Determine the user's suction characteristics based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions, including the time between activating the system for suction and initiating suction.

[0239] 18. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: a. Monitoring user-initiated suction-based interactions with the aerosol delivery system; and b. Determine the user's suction characteristics based on multiple parameters of the user's previous suction interactions, including the time between activating the system for suction and initiating suction.

[0240] 19. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium, including instructions that, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to perform the methods of clause 16 or 18.

[0241] Specific Feature 5

[0242] 1. A system configured to compare a user's suction characteristics with an aerosol-generating material, wherein the system is configured to: a. Receive suction characteristics for the user, based on the user's previous thermal puff profile (thermal puff profile, thermal puff distribution); and b. Compare the thermal profiles of the aerosol generating material with the user's suction characteristics and identify aerosol generating materials suitable for the user's suction characteristics.

[0243] 2. A system configured to formulate a user-customized aerosol-generating material composition, wherein the system is configured to: a. Receive suction characteristics for the user, based on the user's previous suction thermal suction profile; and b. Compare the thermal profiles of the aerosol generating material components with the user's suction characteristics, and formulate a customized aerosol generating material composition adapted to the user's suction characteristics.

[0244] 3. The system of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the thermal profile of the user’s previous aspiration includes a statistical representation of the temperature and / or humidity profiles during aspiration for: the aerosol generator, for the generated vapor / aerosol, or for the vapor / aerosol outlet.

[0245] 4. The system according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the thermal profile of the aerosol generating material or material component includes operating temperature profiles and / or humidity profiles for the material or component.

[0246] 5. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the thermal profile for the aerosol generating material or material component includes one or more of the following: minimum operating temperature and / or humidity, optimal operating temperature and / or humidity, and maximum operating temperature and / or humidity for the material or component.

[0247] 6. The system of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the thermal profile for the aerosol generating material or material component includes the operating efficiency or performance profile for the material or component.

[0248] 7. The system of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the thermal suction curve of the user’s previous suction is weighted.

[0249] 8. The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein comparing thermal profiles comprises: comparing the user’s thermal extraction profile with the thermal profile for the aerosol generating material or component within a threshold range.

[0250] 9. Any of the preceding clauses' systems includes identifying the best match for a user's suction characteristics.

[0251] 10. The system of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the sucking feature comprises a substantially unique representation based on the user's sucking interaction behavior.

[0252] 11. The system of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the suction feature is further based on one or more of the following: a. Duration of previous suctioning; b. Previous suction frequency; c. Previous aspiration volume; d. Previous suction temperature; e. Previous suction pressure; f. Previous suction flow rate; and / or g. The number of scrolls based on previous suction interactions.

[0253] 12. The system of any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the suction characteristic depends on one or more of the following: a. Aerosol-generating materials; b. The remaining volume of the aerosol-generating material; c. Pre-adjustment time, wherein the pre-adjustment time is the time between activating the system for aspiration and the user initiating aspiration; d. Environmental parameters or biological characteristic parameters; and / or e. Sensed data.

[0254] 13. A system or controller pursuant to Clause 12, wherein environmental or biometric parameters include time, pressure, temperature, humidity, body temperature and / or heart rate.

[0255] 14. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitor user interactions based on suction on aerosol delivery systems; and b. Measure the user's suction characteristics based on the user's previous thermal suction profile.

[0256] 15. A method comprising: a. Receive suction characteristics for the user, based on the user's previous suction thermal suction profile; and b. Compare the thermal profiles of the aerosol generating material with the user's suction characteristics and identify aerosol generating materials suitable for the user's suction characteristics.

[0257] 16. A method comprising: a. Receive suction characteristics for the user, based on the user's previous suction thermal suction profile; and b. Compare the thermal profiles of the aerosol generating material components with the user's suction characteristics, and formulate a customized aerosol generating material composition adapted to the user's suction characteristics.

[0258] 17. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium, including instructions, which, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to perform the methods of clause 15 or 16.

Claims

1. A system configured to compare a user's suction characteristics with an aerosol-generating material, wherein, The system is configured as follows: a. Receive suction characteristics for a user, the suction characteristics being based on the user's previous suction thermal suction profile; and b. Compare the thermal profile of the aerosol-generating material with the user's suction characteristics, and identify aerosol-generating materials suitable for the user's suction characteristics.

2. A system configured to formulate a customized aerosol-generating material composition for a user, wherein, The system is configured as follows: a. Receive suction characteristics for a user, the suction characteristics being based on the user's previous suction thermal suction profile; as well as b. Compare the thermal profiles of the aerosol generating material components with the user's suction characteristics, and formulate a customized aerosol generating material composition adapted to the user's suction characteristics.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The user's previous aspiration thermal profile includes a statistical representation of the temperature and / or humidity profiles during aspiration for the following: aerosol generator, generated vapor / aerosol, or vapor / aerosol outlet.

4. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The thermal profiles for the aerosol-generating material or material components include operating temperature and / or humidity profiles for the material or components.

5. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The thermal profiles for the aerosol generating material or material components include one or more of the following: minimum operating temperature and / or humidity, optimal operating temperature and / or humidity, and maximum operating temperature and / or humidity for the material or component.

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The thermal profiles for the aerosol generating material or material components include operating efficiency or performance profiles for the material or component.

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The user's previous thermal suction curves are weighted.

8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, Comparing thermal profiles includes comparing the user's thermal suction profile with a thermal profile for the aerosol-generating material or component within a threshold range.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising identifying the best match for the user's suction characteristics.

10. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The suction feature includes a substantially unique representation based on the user's suction interaction behavior.

11. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The suction feature is also based on one or more of the following: a. Duration of previous suctioning; b. Previous suction frequency; c. Previous aspiration volume; d. Previous suction temperature; e. Previous suction pressure; f. Previous suction flow rate; and / or g. The number of scrolls based on previous suction interactions.

12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The suction feature depends on one or more of the following: a. The aerosol generating material; b. The remaining volume of the aerosol-generating material; c. Pre-adjustment time, wherein the pre-adjustment time is the time between activating the system for aspiration and the user beginning aspiration; d. Environmental parameters or biological characteristic parameters; and / or e. Sensed data.

13. The system or controller according to claim 12, wherein, The environmental or biological parameters include time, pressure, temperature, humidity, body temperature and / or heart rate.

14. 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 for inhalation by a user, the controller being configured to: a. Monitoring the user's suction-based interactions with the aerosol delivery system; and b. Determine the user's suction characteristics based on the user's previous thermal suction curves.

15. A method comprising: a. Receive suction characteristics for a user, the suction characteristics being based on the user's previous suction thermal suction profile; as well as b. Compare the thermal profile of the aerosol-generating material with the user's suction characteristics, and identify aerosol-generating materials suitable for the user's suction characteristics.

16. A method comprising: a. Receive suction characteristics for a user, the suction characteristics being based on the user's previous suction thermal suction profile; as well as b. Compare the thermal profiles of the aerosol generating material components with the user's suction characteristics, and formulate a customized aerosol generating material composition adapted to the user's suction characteristics.

17. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to perform the method of claim 15 or 16.

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