Aerosol delivery controller, system and method

Abstract

There is provided a controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the controller configured to perform, for a subsequent second puff, the following: if a first puff has not ended within a predetermined previous period of time, the aerosol generator configured to generate the aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; providing a default initial power to the aerosol generator; and providing a lower initial power to the aerosol generator if the first puff has ended within the predetermined previous time period, the lower initial power based on a parameter of the first puff.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems, such as those for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), generally include an aerosol-generating material (such as a chamber containing a source solid or liquid that may contain active substances and / or flavorings), from which an aerosol or vapor is generated (e.g., by thermal evaporation) for the user to inhale. Therefore, an aerosol delivery system typically includes an aerosol-generating region housing an aerosol generator (e.g., a heating element) arranged to evaporate or aerosolize a portion of the precursor material to generate vapor or aerosol in the aerosol-generating region. When the user inhales on the device and power is supplied to the vaporizer, air is drawn into the device through an inlet orifice and along an inlet air passage connected to the aerosol-generating region, where the air mixes with the evaporated precursor material to form a condensed aerosol. An outlet passage connects the aerosol-generating region to an outlet in the mouthpiece, and as the user inhales on the mouthpiece, the air drawn into the aerosol-generating region continues to carry the aerosol along the outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet 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 the flavoring elements may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the airflow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece, such that the aerosol / condensed aerosol inhaled through the device passes through this portion of tobacco before leaving the mouthpiece for the user to inhale.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems are disclosed in WO2022064172 and WO2015 / 100361. WO2022064172 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] As electronic aerosol delivery systems become more refined in the vapor characteristics delivered to users, the user experience with these systems continues to improve, for example, in terms of deep-lung delivery, mouth feel, and performance consistency. However, methods for further improvement in these areas remain attractive. Specifically, developing aerosol delivery systems that include features that ensure consistent and / or adjustable system operating characteristics to target certain user-desired operating features is appealing. Furthermore, developing methods to improve power efficiency is also attractive.

[0005] This article describes various approaches for seeking help to resolve or alleviate at least some of the problems discussed above.

[0006] the term

[0007] Conveying system

[0008] 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: Combustion-type aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco (based on or not based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokeable materials) for pipes or for self-rolled or self-made cigarettes. Non-combustible aerosol supply systems release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without combustion, such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and mixing systems, to generate aerosols using combinations of aerosol-generating materials; and An aerosol-free delivery system delivers at least one substance to a user via mouth, nose, skin, or other means without forming an aerosol. This includes, but is not limited to, tablets, chewing gum, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0009] Combustion-type aerosol supply system

[0010] According to this disclosure, a "combustion-type" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system (or a component thereof) in which the aerosol generating material is burned or ignited during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0011] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustion-type 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 combustion-type 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 forming paper, tipping paper, or cigarette paper).

[0012] Non-combustible aerosol supply system

[0013] According to this disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system (or its components) in which the aerosol generating materials are non-combustible or non-ignitable to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0014] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporizer or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that nicotine is not necessarily present in the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the non-combustible 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.

[0015] In some embodiments, a non-combustible 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 solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not include nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco products or non-tobacco products.

[0016] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0017] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system (such as its non-combustible aerosol supply device) may include an energy source and a controller. The energy source may be, for example, an electrical energy source or an exothermic energy source. In some embodiments, the exothermic energy source includes a carbon matrix that can be energized to distribute energy in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material near the exothermic energy source.

[0018] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, nozzles, filters, and / or aerosol modifiers. In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage region, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, packaging paper, filters, nozzles, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0019] aerosol-free delivery system

[0020] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, dermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol. This includes, but is not limited to, tablets, chewing gum, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Active substances

[0023] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. Active substances can be, for example, selected from nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Active substances can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or other plants.

[0024] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In other embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0025] As described herein, active substances may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, pods, etc. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds naturally occurring in plants but obtained through synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, fine particles, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0026] Exemplary plants 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, anise seeds (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, fennel, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, and lemon peel. Mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, holly, perilla, turmeric, Sichuan turmeric, sandalwood, coriander leaf, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, peppermint, cardamom, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemongrass, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theophylline, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, cultivated mint varieties, Egyptian mint, peppermint, lemon peppermint cultivar, peppermint cultivar, Moroccan mint, heart-shaped mint, horse mint, pineapple mint, lip mint, spearmint cultivar, and apple mint.

[0027] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, and cocoa. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is selected from rooibos tea and fennel.

[0028] Flavorings

[0029] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes flavoring agents. As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "spice" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in a product to produce a taste, aroma, or other bodily sensation desired by an adult consumer. These can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise seeds (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, raspberries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, tangerine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, etc.). Durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Durum Brand, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whisky, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, tartare, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, areca nut, hookah, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, mouse Peppermint, fennel, wasabi, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any kind of peppermint, 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, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, fennel, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander leaves, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, peppermint, nutmeg Dried bark, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol) and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. It can be an analogue, synthetic, or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It can be in any suitable form, such as a liquid (e.g., oil), a solid (e.g., powder), or a gas.

[0030] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0031] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of aroma or taste receptors, flavoring agents may include sensory agents designed to induce and perceive somatic sensations typically induced and perceived by the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these sensory agents may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol and WS-3.

[0032] Aerosol generating materials

[0033] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or otherwise powered. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may include “amorphous solids,” which may alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, amorphous solids may be dried gels. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (such as liquid) within them. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0034] Aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0035] Aerosol forming agent materials

[0036] Aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more of 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 phenyl acetate, glyceryl tribocate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0037] Functional materials

[0038] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, adhesives, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0039] matrix

[0040] The material may be present on or within the support to form a matrix. The support may be, for example, or may include, paper, cardboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a receptor. In some embodiments, the receptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the receptor is located on one or both sides of the material.

[0041] Consumables

[0042] Consumables are articles containing or composed of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by a user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging paper, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator (such as a heater) that releases heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater may include a combustible material, a sensor, or a material that can be heated by electrical conduction.

[0043] receptors

[0044] A sensor is a material that can be heated by a changing magnetic field (such as an alternating magnetic field). A sensor can be a conductive material, such that a changing magnetic field penetrating the conductive material causes induction heating. A heating material can be a magnetic material, such that a changing magnetic field penetrating the magnetic material causes hysteresis heating. A sensor can be both conductive and magnetic, allowing it to be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this paper, a device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0045] Aerosol Modifier

[0046] 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. The aerosol modifier can be disposed in an aerosol modifier release component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. For example, the aerosol modifier can be an additive or an adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier may include one or more of flavorings, colorings, water, and carbon adsorbents. For example, the aerosol modifier can be a solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol modifier can be in powder, filament, or granular form. The aerosol modifier may not contain filter material.

[0047] Aerosol generator

[0048] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0049] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems), such as aerosol sprayers or electronic cigarettes. In the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that these terms are used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Furthermore, and as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "evaporation," "atomization," and "aerosolization," are generally used interchangeably.

[0050] Aerosol delivery systems (electronic cigarettes) typically (though not always) comprise modular components comprising a reusable device portion and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge portion. Typically, the replaceable cartridge portion will include aerosol generating material and an vaporizer (which may be collectively referred to as an "atomizer"), while the reusable device portion will include a power supply device (e.g., a rechargeable energy source) and a control circuitry. It will be understood that these different portions may include additional components depending on their function. For example, the reusable device portion will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operational status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge portion may, in some cases, include a temperature sensor to aid in temperature control. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically coupled to a control unit for use, for example, using threaded, bayonet, or magnetic connections 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 portion, and a replacement cartridge can be attached to its appropriate position. Systems and devices that conform to this type of two-part modular configuration can generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0051] Electronic cigarettes typically have a generally elongated shape. For the purpose of providing concrete examples, some embodiments of this disclosure will include such a generally elongated two-part system employing a disposable cartridge. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein can be equally applied to different configurations, such as single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposable items, and other overall shapes, such as high-performance devices based on so-called box-shaped patterns that typically have a box-like shape. More generally, it will be understood that some embodiments of this disclosure are based on an aerosol delivery system that is operationally configured to provide the functionality according to the principles described herein, and the construction aspects of the system configured to provide the functionality according to some embodiments of this disclosure are not particularly important. Summary of the Invention

[0052] This invention provides the claimed controller for an aerosol delivery system and a method for controlling the aerosol delivery system. The invention also provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0053] The claimed invention generally provides sub-components or subsystems suitable for use in or configured for use in aerosol delivery systems. Subsystems can generally form part of an aerosol delivery system, and specifically can form part of a reusable device and / or a consumable cartridge.

[0054] Specifically, the claimed arrangement can increase performance consistency while simplifying control and thereby optimizing energy efficiency. More specifically, the claimed arrangement including a controller provides adaptive dynamic control that compensates for the state of the system after a previous pumping session and thereby reduces power consumption and / or overheating risk. This controller determines an adjusted initial power based on parameters from the previous pumping session and supplies it to the aerosol generator for subsequent pumping sessions. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram showing the temperature and power of an aerosol generator in an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure as a function of time. Detailed Implementation

[0057] 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 the undescribed aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein can be implemented according to any suitable conventional techniques.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, which provides an introduction to a two-piece aerosol delivery system, its components, and their functions.

[0059] The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts: a reusable part 2 and a replaceable / disposable cartridge part 4. During normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably connected 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 the reusable part 2 in its proper position. Interface 6 provides the structural, electrical, and airflow path connections between the two parts 2 and 4, and can be established according to conventional techniques, such as threaded, magnetic, or bayonet fastening with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings. The specific manner in which the cartridge part 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable part 2 is not important to the principles described herein, but for the sake of concreteness, it is assumed here that a magnetic connection 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 power transfer from the reusable portion 2 to the cartridge portion 4 may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction), thus eliminating the need for an electrical connection between the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4. Furthermore, in some implementations, the airflow through the electronic cigarette may not pass through the reusable portion 2, thus eliminating the need for an airflow path connection between the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4. In some cases, when the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4 are used together, a portion of the airflow path may be limited at the interface between a portion of the reusable portion and a portion of the cartridge portion.

[0060] According to certain embodiments of this disclosure, the cartridge / consumable portion 4 can be generally conventional. Figure 1In 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 with the reusable portion 2. The cartridge shell 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge portion 4 is connected to the reusable portion 2. In this example, the cartridge portion 4 has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. However, it will be understood that in different implementations, the specific geometry (and more generally, the overall shape) and the materials used may differ.

[0061] Inside the cartridge casing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 for containing aerosol-generating materials. Figure 1 In 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, having an outer wall defined by the cartridge shell 42 and an inner wall defining an airflow path 52 through the cartridge portion 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end using end walls to contain the aerosol generating material. The reservoir 44 can be formed according to conventional techniques; for example, it can comprise a plastic material and be integrally molded with the cartridge shell 42.

[0062] The cartridge / consumable section 4 also includes an aerosol generator 48, which is positioned toward the end of the reservoir 44 opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50. It will be understood that, as in... Figure 1 In the two-part system shown, the aerosol generator 48 can be located 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 is close to a portion of the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge part 4 when the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2. In such embodiments, the cartridge part 4 may contain 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 surrounds that portion of the aerosol-generating material.

[0063] exist Figure 1In this example, the core 46, which contacts the aerosol generator 48, extends laterally across the cartridge airflow path 52. The end of the core extends through an opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 into the reservoir of liquid aerosol generating material. The opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 is sized to substantially match the size of the core 46 to provide a reasonable seal, preventing leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without over-compressing the core 46 (which could be detrimental to its fluid transport performance).

[0064] The wick 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that the region of the cartridge airflow path 52 near the wick 46 and heater 48 effectively defines the evaporation region of the cartridge portion 4. Aerosol-generating material in the reservoir 44 permeates into the wick 46 through the end of the wick extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension / capillary action (i.e., wicking). In this example, the aerosol generator 48 includes resistive wires wound around the wick 46. Figure 1 In this example, heater 48 comprises nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wires, and core 46 comprises a bundle of glass fibers; however, it will be understood that a specific aerosol generator configuration is not critical to the principles described herein. In use, power can be supplied to aerosol generator 48 to cause a certain amount of aerosol-generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn into the vicinity of aerosol generator 48 via core 46 to evaporate. The evaporated aerosol generating material can then be entrained in the air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the evaporation area toward mouthpiece outlet 50 for the user to inhale.

[0065] 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, electricity can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge portion 4, and furthermore, the aerosol generation rate can be changed by altering the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques).

[0066] The reusable part 2 includes: a housing 12 having an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the electronic cigarette; an energy source 26 (e.g., a battery) for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette; a control circuitry system / 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.

[0067] The outer casing 12 may be formed of, for example, plastic or metal, and in this example, has a circular cross-section that generally conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge portion 4, 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 and the reusable portion 2 are joined together, the total length of the electronic cigarette is approximately 12 cm. However, and as has already been noted, it will be understood that the overall shape and size of the electronic cigarette implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure are not important to the principles described herein.

[0068] Air inlet 28 connects to airflow path 51 passing through reusable portion 2. When reusable portion 2 and cartridge portion 4 are connected together, reusable portion airflow path 51 further crosses interface 6 to connect to cartridge airflow path 52. Therefore, when a user inhales at mouthpiece opening 50, air is drawn in through air inlet 28, flows along reusable portion airflow path 51, crosses interface 6, passes 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 is discharged through mouthpiece opening 50 for the user to inhale.

[0069] In this example, the power source 26 is rechargeable and can be of a conventional type, such as those commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring a relatively high current for a relatively short period of time. The power source 26 can be recharged via a charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) within the reusable housing 12.

[0070] A first user input button 14 and / or a second user input button 16 may be provided. In this example, the first and / or second user input buttons are conventional mechanical buttons, such as those including spring-loaded components that can be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact. In this respect, the input button can be considered as an input device for detecting user input, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not important. The button may be assigned functions such as turning the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off and adjusting user settings (such as adjusting the power supplied from the energy source 26 to the aerosol generator 48). However, including a user input button is optional, and in some embodiments, the button may not be included.

[0071] A display 24 may be provided to provide a user with visual indications of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, such as current power setting information, remaining energy source power, etc. This display can be implemented in various ways. In this example, display 24 includes a conventional pixelated LCD screen, which can be driven according to conventional techniques to display the desired information. In other implementations, the display may include one or more discrete indicators (e.g., LEDs) arranged to display the desired information, for example, through a specific color and / or flashing sequence. More generally, the provision of display 24 and the manner in which information is displayed to the user using the display are not essential to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and / or may include other means for providing the user with information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system (e.g., by transmitting audio signals), or may not include any means for providing the user with information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.

[0072] Controller 22 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, as well as to provide routine operational functions of aerosol delivery system 1 according to established techniques for controlling such devices. Controller (processor circuitry) 22 can be considered to logically include various sub-units / circuit system elements associated with different aspects of the operation of aerosol delivery system 1. In this example, controller 22 includes: an energy supply control circuitry for controlling the energy supply from energy source 26 to aerosol generator 48 in response to user input; a user programming circuitry 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input; and other functional units / circuit systems associated with the functions of routine operational aspects of electronic cigarettes according to the principles described herein, such as a display driving circuitry and a user input detection circuitry. It will be understood that the functionality of controller 22 can be provided in various different ways, for example, by utilizing one or more suitably programmed programmable computers and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuit systems / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0073] The functionality of controller 22 is further described herein. 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 generally controlled, at least in part, by a software program running on the CPU (or other component). Such a software program may be stored in a non-volatile memory (such as ROM), which may be integrated into the microcontroller itself or provided as a separate component. The CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs as needed and as required.

[0074] The reusable portion 2 includes an airflow sensor 30 electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a so-called "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 power from the energy source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In such embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 generally includes a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a specific range of pressure, allowing current to flow from the energy source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure near the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold. The threshold can be set to a value determined experimentally to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the user initiating inhalation. In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes power from the energy source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 based on signals received by the controller 22 from the airflow sensor 30. The controller 22 uses the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may include the capacitance, resistance or other characteristics of the airflow sensor measured by the controller 22) to control the specific manner in which the energy supply from the energy source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be performed in any way known to those skilled in the art.

[0075] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31, but this is not mandatory. The airflow sensor 30 may include any sensor configured to determine the characteristics of airflow in an airflow path 51 positioned between the air inlet 28 and the mouthpiece opening 50, such as a pressure sensor or 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 located within one or more chamber walls 34, in which the airflow sensor 30 may be located wholly or partially. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 includes one of the chamber walls in a sensor housing that includes the sensor cavity / cavity 32.

[0076] The deformable membrane is configured to span an opening between the sensor cavity 32 housing the sensor 30 and a portion of an airflow path disposed between the air inlet 28 and the nozzle opening 50. According to a method further described herein, the deformable membrane covers the opening and is attached to one or more chamber walls within the chamber walls.

[0077] As further described herein, the aerosol delivery system 1 includes a communication circuitry configured to establish connectivity with one or more other electronic systems (e.g., storage tanks / charging tanks, and / or refill docks / charging docks) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and the other electronic devices. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is integrated into the controller 22, and in other embodiments, it is implemented separately (including, for example, a separate application-specific integrated circuit / circuit system / chip / chipset). For example, the communication circuitry may include a separate module to 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 circuitry may be configured to support wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices such as tanks, docks, computing devices (such as smartphones or PCs), cellular-enabled base stations, relay nodes providing forward connectivity to base stations, wearable devices, or any other portable or fixed device supporting wireless communication.

[0078] 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®, Wifi 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 that can be connected to a dock, enclosure, cable, or other external device of 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.

[0079] Other functions of controller 22 will now be described in more detail. Specifically, controller 22 is capable of providing an adjusted initial power to aerosol generator 48 for subsequent suction or aspiration sessions, for example, based on a parameter from a previous suction or aspiration session. The start and end of suction can be determined by the airflow or "suction" sensor 30.

[0080] In the first core implementation, the controller 22 is configured to provide a default initial power P to the aerosol generator 48 if the first aspiration or aspiration session has not ended within a predetermined time period prior to the start of a subsequent second aspiration (or, in other words, if a second aspiration has not started within a predetermined time period after the end of the first aspiration). 0D This is for use in a subsequent second aspiration. If the first aspiration or aspiration session has ended within a predetermined prior time period, the controller 22 is then configured to apply an adjusted (e.g., lower) initial power P to the aerosol generator 48. 0A For use in subsequent suction or suction sessions, the initial power can be determined based on a parameter of the first suction or suction session (e.g., the end time of the suction / the time elapsed since the suction).

[0081] In one such implementation, controller 22 is configured to: If the previous aspiration session has ended within a predetermined prior time period, a first (adjusted) amount of power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 at the start of the heating operation; and If the previous aspiration session has not ended within a predetermined previous time period, a second (default) amount of power, which is greater than the first amount, is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 at the start of the heating operation.

[0082] In its simplest form, the adjusted initial power P0A It can be fixed, for example, fixed at the default initial power P. 0D A given percentage (such as 50%). In the implementation, the adjusted initial power P 0A It can be variable and determined, for example, based on a parameter (such as a parameter indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or aerosol-generating material during the first aspiration or aspiration session).

[0083] In some implementations, parameters include the temperature or resistance of the aerosol generator. In other implementations, parameters include indirect measurements, such as the end time of the first aspiration or a time elapsed since the first aspiration, and the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material during the first aspiration, for example, by making assumptions about the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 during / at the end of the previous aspiration. More specifically, this may be if it is assumed that the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material has reached a certain fixed temperature (e.g., a steady-state condition, such as a target temperature T) at a known time (e.g., during a previous aspiration / session, at its peak, or at its end). target If the previous suction time parameter includes an indication of the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material during the first suction (such as at the end of the first suction), then the temperature T of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material can be modeled as decaying over time (e.g., exponentially) from a known time elapsed since the first suction, and an adjusted initial power P can be applied based on this. 0A .

[0084] In some implementations, it is assumed that the system reaches a steady state at the end of an aspiration or aspiration session, and the system is configured to monitor / determine the end time of the aspiration or aspiration session and / or a period of time elapsed since the end of the aspiration or aspiration session. Then, the (adjusted) initial power P supplied to the aerosol generator 48 at the start of the next aspiration or aspiration session can be assumed or determined based on the end time of a previous aspiration or the period of time elapsed since the previous aspiration. 0A .

[0085] If the time elapsed since the end of the previous aspiration / session exceeds the predetermined time period, it can be assumed that the aerosol generator 48 / aerosol generating material is below the threshold temperature T. target-Δ Below this threshold temperature, full power is typically applied to heat the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material to the target temperature T. target Therefore, there is no need to calculate the adjusted power and the supplied initial power is the default initial power P. 0D Please refer to later. Figure 2 The heating curve will be discussed further.

[0086] The predetermined time period is known in advance, meaning it is (certainly) known before it is used in any calculations, but it is not necessarily fixed; that is, it may be variable. A suitable value for the predetermined time period can depend on many factors, such as the length of previous suction / sessions (e.g., used to determine whether the system is likely to reach steady-state or peak temperatures—very short suctions may be completely ignored or have significantly reduced predetermined time periods) and / or system characteristics (e.g., size / type of aerosol generator 48, size of the aerosol generation region, type of aerosol generating material (e.g., specific heat capacity), construction materials (e.g., thermal properties), user suction patterns, user-preferred nicotine content, particle size, vapor characteristics, etc.), and therefore this value can be variable for different systems and / or configurations, and can be adjusted by the system and / or user. Specifically, the most important parameter may be the amount of heat the system will have as predicted by the model (which will depend on the number / duration of recent suctions). The lower this amount, the shorter the time required for the system to return to room temperature. Other factors may include the system's physical design (thermal mass), external / ambient temperature, internal device temperature, and the (predicted / calculated or measured) level and properties / composition of the aerosol-generating materials (e.g., specific heat capacity). Typically, the predetermined time period is: ≤30 minutes, ≤20 minutes, ≤15 minutes, ≤10 minutes, or ≤5 minutes.

[0087] In a simplified implementation, the adjusted initial power P can be determined using a single threshold of the parameters from the first suction / session. 0A This provides two possible outcomes: if the parameter exceeds a threshold, it is a first initial power; and if the parameter does not exceed a threshold, it is a second initial power, which is different from the first initial power.

[0088] In one instance, the parameters include the time interval between the end of the first aspiration and the start of the second aspiration, and the predetermined time interval is 5 minutes and the threshold for the interval between aspirations is 2 minutes. Then, the controller 22 operates for the subsequent second aspiration as follows: If the time interval between aspirations is >5 minutes, the aerosol generator 48 may have cooled significantly and therefore be supplying the default power P. 0D ; If the time interval between aspirations is <5 minutes but >2 minutes, the aerosol generator 48 may become warm, therefore the first adjusted power supply, such as P, should be adjusted. 0A =50%P 0D ;as well as If the time interval between aspirations is <5 minutes and ≤2 minutes, the aerosol generator 48 may still be relatively hot, therefore a second adjusted power, lower than the first adjusted power, is supplied, for example, P.0A =25%P 0D .

[0089] It can supply adjusted initial power P 0A The preset time period, preset number of controller cycles, or until the target parameter (e.g., the target temperature T of the aerosol generator 48) is reached. target (or other objectives).

[0090] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the temperature (left y-axis) and power (right y-axis) of an aerosol generator 48 in an aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure as a function of time (x-axis).

[0091] Figure 2 This illustrates how the aerosol generator 48 operates at an initial temperature T at time t0 before the user begins the first aspiration. initial Upon startup, after the first suction, the aerosol generator 48 is heated under dynamic proportional control, thereby receiving the full / maximum initial power P. 0D (This can be determined or limited by controller 22, power supply 26, aerosol generator 48, or aerosol generating material) until the aerosol generator reaches T. target-Δ At time t1, after t1, controller 22 is based on T target The power is reduced proportionally to the temperature difference to slow down the heating curve until the aerosol generator 48 reaches temperature T. target t2 at time.

[0092] Controller 22 keeps aerosol generator 48 essentially at T target (For example, within tolerances of + / -5°C, 10°C, or 20°C, or + / -2.5%, 5%, or 10%—small fluctuations may exist, but are not shown for simplicity), until the user completes the first aspiration at time t3.

[0093] After time t3, until time t4, the user stops pumping, and therefore the power to aerosol generator 48 is cut off to zero, and aerosol generator 48 begins to cool, as shown. During the time from t3 to t4 (i.e., the pumping interval between the first and second pumping), aerosol generator 48 cools significantly, but not below the threshold temperature T. target-Δ Below this threshold temperature, full power is typically applied to (re)heat the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material (back) to the target temperature T. target Therefore, when the user resumes pumping at time t4, an adjusted initial preheating power P is provided. 0AIn one embodiment, the adjusted initial preheating power can be based on a time elapsed since the end of the previous suction session, i.e., t4-t3.

[0094] In the prior art, the controller does not take into account the state of the aerosol generator 48 from previous aspiration or aspiration sessions. Therefore, the controller will initially supply maximum power at the start of user aspiration (which can be detected by the aspiration sensor) to (re)heat the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material to the target temperature T as quickly as possible. target This is especially true if the controller is measuring the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 via resistance (which requires supplying power to the aerosol generator 48 and therefore requires a full cycle of the controller). However, this high initial heating is inefficient even for a very short period of time, using more power than necessary, and may cause the aerosol generator 48 to overheat and burn out the aerosol generator 48 and / or the aerosol generating material, resulting in unpleasant odors and / or overheated aerosols that may burn the user.

[0095] exist Figure 2 In the example, at t5, when the aerosol generator 48 is at T target With T target-Δ The middle position between (i.e., T) target-0.5Δ When the controller 22 supplies the initial preheating power P, 0A Switching to proportional control, this proportional control continues until T is reached at t6. target The necessary final heating is then performed, and then the steady state is maintained essentially at T within acceptable limits. target Until t7 when the user stops pumping, and therefore the power to aerosol generator 48 is cut off to zero, and aerosol generator 48 begins to cool again, as shown.

[0096] After time t7, the aerosol generator 48 cooled significantly, this time to below the threshold temperature T. target-Δ At this temperature, full power is typically applied to (re)heat the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material to the target temperature T. target Therefore, for any subsequent pumping, the initial preheating power will be the default power P. 0D .

[0097] In the second core implementation, the adjusted initial power P is calculated via equations or models (such as thermal models for aerosol generator 48 and / or system 1). 0A The model can provide a suitable adjusted power P based on input parameters indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or aerosol-generating material during the previous first suction (e.g., at the end of the previous first suction). 0AThis is similar to the first core implementation method.

[0098] In its simplest form, the model can have P 0A =f(t), a time function requiring only a single input parameter (a time elapsed since the end of the previous aspiration / session), can actually be used to estimate the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material, and thus establish an appropriately tuned, customized initial power P. 0A In this way, the initial temperature of the aerosol generator 48 does not need to be calculated in this way but can be derived from the model. In other core embodiments described later, the temperature is calculated or simulated and then used to derive the adjusted power.

[0099] The exact formula for a given system or subsystem can be derived experimentally by someone skilled in the art, or it can be determined by the system itself, for example, using a calibration process during manufacturing, or by the user. The calibration process may involve heating the aerosol generator 48 to a target temperature in a typical or known environment (e.g., using an internal room temperature of ~20°C as a baseline), then cutting off the power and monitoring the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 to establish the rate of temperature decay T over time t for that particular system and derive a thermal model, such as a best-fit equation or model. This model can be simplified, for example, to a logarithmic model, exponential model, polynomial model, power model, or a linear relationship of the form y=mx+b. The system can then apply this model to derive the adjusted power after a suction / pumping session.

[0100] Using a simplified model is advantageous because it minimizes computational complexity, and therefore the adjusted initial power P 0A The response is calculated almost instantaneously, several orders of magnitude faster than the typical duty cycle of standard proportional or PID controllers in the prior art (which can have cycle times as low as 20 ms, but more typically 100 ms to 500 ms). It is known (see, for example, WO2016166064A1) to derive the temperature of the heater (aerosol generator) by measuring its resistance, but this necessarily requires power to be supplied to the aerosol generator and therefore requires a full cycle of the controller. The simplified model avoids this and thus provides a much faster response.

[0101] Now, other core implementations using thermal models are described. In these implementations, the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material is calculated / estimated or simulated based on the thermal model, and then this temperature is used to determine the adjusted initial power of the aerosol generator 48 for a subsequent second suction.

[0102] In the first thermal modeling implementation, the controller 22 is configured to: Based on parameters indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material during the initial aspiration, a thermal model is used to calculate or simulate the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material for the subsequent second aspiration; and Based on the calculated or simulated temperature, an adjusted initial power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 for subsequent second suction.

[0103] Compared to the previous implementation, the adjusted initial power P 0A The temperature is determined using thermal modeling based on a calculated / estimated temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material. This temperature is derived from a parameter indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material during a previous suction session. This parameter can be measured by the controller 22 or received, for example, from the system 1 at the controller 22. The controller 22 can be configured to provide a default initial power P to the aerosol generator 48 if a second suction session is not initiated within a predetermined time period after the first suction session. 0D .

[0104] In a specific instance, the model / algorithm could be a thermal model based on a simplified estimate of the thermal energy in the system. For example, refer to... Figure 2 : At t3 (when suction stops), the algorithm calculates an estimate of the thermal energy in the system by assuming the following relationship (which can be correlated with temperature using a fixed, predetermined relationship): The thermal energy at t3 = the thermal energy at t0 + the energy placed in the heater during the suction period (the integral of the power from t0 to t3). At t4 (when the next pumping begins), the algorithm calculates the estimated thermal energy in the system as follows: The heat energy at t4 = the heat energy at t3 × exp(-k (t4-t3)), where: o exp is an exponential function, and k is a constant that will be determined experimentally and will depend on the thermal properties of the system (essentially the rate at which heat is lost to the surrounding environment).

[0105] If the value of (t4-t3) is large enough, this will mean that the thermal energy at t4 will be essentially zero and has nothing to do with the energy at t3, so no precise calculation is required (as described above).

[0106] This example assumes a very simplified thermal model, whereby the heat energy lost when not pumped is proportional to the amount of heat energy in the system (which makes it exponential in the calculation), and provides an indication of the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material.

[0107] Thermal modeling provides a more accurate indication of the actual temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol-generating material at the start of the second suction, and can therefore be used to determine the adjusted initial power P with greater precision. 0A However, such calculations / simulations can be computationally expensive and energy-intensive. In some implementations, the simulation can be run substantially in real time within the aerosol delivery system 1 itself (e.g., on the internal controller 22), or it can be run external to the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g., on a remote server or controller 22), thus avoiding the thermal and power limitations typically associated with CPUs used within aerosol delivery systems. Inputs and outputs / results from controller 22 can be transmitted to the system substantially in real time, i.e., with sufficiently small latency for the system to respond to the simulation output, such as a response time comparable to the controller's cycle time (e.g., 1 ms to 10 ms), but ideally one or more orders of magnitude faster (i.e., 1 µs to 1000 µs). To minimize power consumption, the simulation or calculation can be run only when necessary, e.g., only after the first (previous) suction / session ends, or only when the second suction begins within a predetermined time period following the first suction / session. If the second suction does not begin within the predetermined time period following the first suction / session, the simulation (or calculation) can be stopped.

[0108] In some implementations, controller 22 is also configured to calculate or simulate, or predict, environmental parameters based on location, such as ambient temperature, pressure, or humidity. This can provide more accurate modeling (specifically, taking into account different conditions relative to any calibration process that may be performed, as described above). The system may include one or more additional sensors configured to measure environmental parameters and provide them to controller 22, or may receive environmental parameters via a data connection, such as from a connected smartphone. The system can then take into account current / forecasted environmental conditions.

[0109] In some embodiments, the controller 22 is also configured to measure parameters indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or aerosol-generating material used during a subsequent second suction, and then adjust the power based on the measured parameters, which advantageously takes into account fluctuations during the subsequent second suction.

[0110] The system may include a suction sensor 30 to determine suction parameters, such as detecting pressure changes, as known in the art. In some embodiments, the system includes a sensor for identifying aerosol-generating materials. The controller 22 may also be configured to adjust any parameters, such as the default initial power P, based on this identification. 0D Adjusted initial power P 0A ; and / or the predetermined time interval between previous aspiration / session and subsequent aspiration / session. Therefore, these parameters can be adjusted based on the aerosol-generating material in use, thereby customizing the experience to optimize consistency across different aerosol-generating materials. The system may include a lookup table of parameters for various aerosol-generating materials, or be able to wirelessly transmit data to, for example, a connected smartphone to obtain the appropriate parameters.

[0111] In some embodiments, the controller 22 has a cycle time of 1 ms to 10 ms to provide a highly responsive system. In some embodiments, the controller 22 includes overheat safety protection and monitors a measurement parameter indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or aerosol-generating material, optionally at significantly shortened intervals (e.g., every 100 ms, 250 ms, 500 ms, or 1000 ms), and then reduces an adjusted initial power P when the measurement parameter exceeds an overheat threshold. 0A Or completely cut off the power.

[0112] The measured parameters themselves can be any suitable parameter in the system, specifically parameters of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the target values ​​and measured parameters of the aerosol generator 48 or the aerosol generating material are related to the temperature or resistance of the aerosol generator 48, and / or to the temperature or viscosity of the aerosol generating material.

[0113] The various embodiments described herein are presented 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. 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 utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0114] In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. Protection may also be sought for any feature disclosed in any one or more disclosures cited herein in conjunction with this disclosure.

[0115] Appendix Label Index

Claims

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, the controller being configured to perform the following operations for a subsequent second suction: a. If the first aspiration does not end within a predetermined previously scheduled time period, a default initial power is supplied to the aerosol generator; and b. If the first aspiration has ended within the predetermined prior time period, a lower initial power is provided to the aerosol generator, the lower initial power being based on a parameter of the first aspiration.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein, The lower initial power is based on the end time of the first aspiration or on a time elapsed since the end of the first aspiration.

3. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The parameters include an indication of the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol-generating material during the first aspiration.

4. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the lower initial power of the subsequent second pump by comparing the parameters of the first pump with a threshold and making the following determinations: a. If the parameter exceeds the threshold, then a first lower initial power is determined; and b. If the parameter does not exceed the threshold, then determine a second lower initial power that is different from the first lower initial power.

5. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to: a. For the subsequent second suction, the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material is calculated based on a thermal model; as well as b. Based on the calculated temperature, determine the lower initial power for the subsequent second suction.

6. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the controller being configured to: a. Calculate the adjusted initial power of the aerosol generator for the subsequent second suction based on parameters indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol-generating material during the previous first suction; and b. Provide the adjusted initial power to the aerosol generator.

7. A controller for an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the controller being configured to: a. Based on parameters indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol-generating material during the previous first aspiration, calculate or simulate the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol-generating material for the subsequent second aspiration using a thermal model; and b. Based on the calculated or simulated temperature, provide the aerosol generator with an adjusted initial power for the subsequent second suction.

8. The controller according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The controller is configured to measure or receive parameters indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material during the first aspiration.

9. The controller according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the adjusted initial power of the aerosol generator based on the calculated temperature for the subsequent second suction.

10. The controller according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The controller is configured to provide a default initial power to the aerosol generator if the second aspiration does not begin within a predetermined time period following the first aspiration.

11. The controller according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, The controller is configured to calculate or simulate the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material only when the second aspiration begins within a predetermined time period following the first aspiration.

12. The controller according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein, The controller is configured to stop simulating the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material if the second suction is not initiated within a predetermined time period after the first suction.

13. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 10 to 12, wherein, The predetermined time period depends on the length of the first aspiration.

14. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 10 to 13, wherein, The predetermined time period is ≤30 minutes, ≤20 minutes, ≤15 minutes, ≤10 minutes, or ≤5 minutes.

15. The controller according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein, The controller is configured to: a. Calculate or simulate the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol-generating material only after the first suction has ended; and / or b. Calculate or simulate the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material in essentially real time.

16. The controller according to any one of claims 6 to 15, wherein, The controller is configured to calculate or simulate the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material based on environmental parameters.

17. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The parameters include an indication of the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol-generating material at the end of the first aspiration.

18. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the adjusted initial power provided during the second suction based on a parameter indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material used during the second suction.

19. The controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The parameters include: the temperature or resistance of the aerosol generator; or the end time of the first aspiration; or a period of time elapsed since the first aspiration.

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

21. The controller or system according to any of the preceding claims further includes a sensor for identifying the aerosol-generating material, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust based on the identification: a. Default initial power; and / or b. Adjusted initial power; and / or c. Scheduled time period.

22. 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, the method for a subsequent second suction comprising: a. If the first aspiration does not end within a predetermined previously scheduled time period, a default initial power is supplied to the aerosol generator; as well as b. If the first aspiration has ended within the predetermined prior time period, a lower initial power is provided to the aerosol generator, the lower initial power being based on a parameter of the first aspiration.

23. 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, the method comprising: a. Calculate the adjusted initial power of the aerosol generator for the second subsequent suction based on parameters indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material during the previous first suction. as well as b. Provide the adjusted initial power to the aerosol generator.

24. 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, the method comprising: a. Based on parameters indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material during the previous first aspiration, use a thermal model to calculate or simulate the temperature of the aerosol generator or the aerosol generating material for the subsequent second aspiration; as well as b. Based on the calculated or simulated temperature, provide the aerosol generator with an adjusted initial power for the subsequent second suction.

25. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium comprising, when executed by a controller, instructions that cause the controller to perform the method according to any one of claims 22 to 24.

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