Compatibility of consumables with aerosol provision devices

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising a housing that houses a power source and defines a receiving portion. The power source is configured to supply power to a compatible consumable when a corresponding compatible consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to a mating depth to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user. The compatible consumables include a first consumable and a second consumable, and the aerosol delivery device includes an interlocking feature configured to engage with a mating interlocking feature of the first consumable. The mating interlocking feature of the first consumable is further configured to provide interference such that the first consumable is incompatible with the second aerosol delivery device, while the second consumable, lacking the mating interlocking feature, is compatible with the second aerosol delivery device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 588,560, filed October 6, 2023, pursuant to 35 U.SC §119, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as smoking articles designed to deliver at least one substance to a user. Background Technology

[0004] Over the years, numerous aerosol delivery systems, particularly non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, have been proposed as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco for consumption. These systems are typically designed to deliver at least one substance to the user, for example, to satisfy a specific “consumer moment.” To this end, the substance may include components that impart physiological, sensory, or both effects to the user. The substance is often present in an aerosol-generating material, which may contain one or more of a range of components, such as active substances, flavorings, aerosol-forming materials, and other functional materials like fillers.

[0005] Aerosol delivery systems include, for example, vaporized products commonly referred to as "electronic cigarettes" or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and heated tobacco products, including heated tobacco products (THP) and charcoal tip heated tobacco products (CTHP). Many of these products take the form of a system comprising a device and consumables, with the consumables comprising materials from which the delivered substance originates. Typically, the device is reusable, while the consumables are single-use (although some consumables are refillable). Therefore, in many cases, consumables are sold separately from the device and are often sold in multi-packs. Furthermore, subsystems of the device or consumables and some individual components may be sourced from specialized manufacturers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The evolution of products over time, adding new and advanced features, is a common process across industries. Many features recently envisioned for aerosol systems focus on preventing youth vaping. These so-called Youth Access Prevention (YAP) features are more specifically designed to prevent underage use and may include age verification systems and other similar measures.

[0007] For atomized products and other aerosol delivery systems including devices and consumables, features are typically incorporated into the device. Releasing a version of the device that includes certain features (particularly the YAP feature) may therefore be beneficial in guiding users to use the device. Therefore, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are directed to an aerosol delivery device and consumables with interlocking features, which provide compatibility for multiple consumables but also provide interference, making a first consumable incompatible with a second aerosol delivery device. In this respect, this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0008] Some example embodiments provide an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a housing housing a power source and defining a receiving portion, the power source being configured to supply power to a compatible consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user when a corresponding consumable of compatible consumables is inserted into the receiving portion to a mating depth, the compatible consumables including a first consumable and a second consumable; and an interlocking feature configured to engage with a matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, the matching interlocking feature being configured to provide interference such that the first consumable is incompatible with the second aerosol delivery device, while the second consumable lacking the matching interlocking feature is compatible with the second aerosol delivery device.

[0009] Some example implementations provide a consumable comprising: a housing housing an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth in a receiving portion of an aerosol supply device, the consumable and a second consumable being compatible with the aerosol supply device; and a mating interlock feature configured to engage with an interlock feature of the aerosol supply device, the mating interlock feature being configured to provide interference such that the consumable is incompatible with the second aerosol supply device, while a second consumable without the mating interlock feature is compatible with the second aerosol supply device.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. This disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, whether or not such features or elements are explicitly combined in the particular exemplary embodiments described herein or otherwise referenced. This disclosure is intended to be understood in its entirety such that any separable feature or element of this disclosure should be considered composable in any aspect and exemplary embodiment, unless the context of this disclosure clearly indicates otherwise.

[0011] Therefore, it should be understood that this brief overview is intended only to summarize some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. Consequently, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of this disclosure in any way. Other exemplary embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of some of the described exemplary embodiments by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Having described aspects of this disclosure using the general terms above, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2A , 2B Figures 2C, 2D, and 2E illustrate a first aerosol delivery system according to some example embodiments, which may correspond to Figure 1 Aerosol supply system;

[0015] Figure 3A , 3B Figures 3C, 3D, and 3E illustrate a first aerosol delivery system according to some example embodiments, which may correspond to Figure 1 Aerosol supply system;

[0016] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of a portion of a first aerosol delivery system according to some exemplary embodiments, including a first aerosol delivery device and a first consumable;

[0017] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view illustrating the compatibility of a second consumable with a first aerosol supply device according to some exemplary embodiments of a second aerosol supply system;

[0018] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of a portion of a second aerosol delivery system according to some example embodiments;

[0019] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view illustrating the incompatibility between a first consumable and a second aerosol supply device in a first aerosol supply system according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0020] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A first aerosol delivery system according to other exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0021] Figure 10A and Figure 10BA portion of a first aerosol delivery system according to yet another exemplary embodiment is shown; and

[0022] Figure 11A and Figure 11B A portion of a first aerosol delivery system according to yet another example embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of this disclosure. In fact, various embodiments of this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals throughout the drawings refer to the same elements.

[0024] Unless otherwise stated or clearly evident from the context, references to "first," "second," etc., should not be construed as implying a particular order. Unless otherwise stated or clearly evident from the context, a feature described as above another feature may alternatively be below it, and vice versa; similarly, a feature described as to the left of another feature may alternatively be to the right, and vice versa. Furthermore, although this document may involve quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships, etc., unless otherwise stated, any one or more, or all of these, may be absolute or approximate to accommodate acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances, etc.

[0025] As used herein, unless otherwise stated or clearly indicated by the context, an "OR" of a set of operands is an "inclusive OR," and therefore true if and only if one or more operands are true, as opposed to an "exclusive OR" (false when all operands are true). Thus, for example, "[A] OR [B]" is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated or clearly indicated by the context as singular, the articles "a" and "one" mean "one or more." Additionally, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the terms "data," "content," "digital content," "information," and similar terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

[0026] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally point to delivery systems designed to deliver at least one substance to a user, for example, to satisfy a specific "consumer moment." The substance may include components that impart physiological effects, sensory effects, or both to the user.

[0027] Delivery systems can take many forms. Examples of suitable delivery systems include aerosol delivery systems, such as powered aerosol delivery systems designed to release one or more substances or compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials. These aerosol delivery systems are sometimes referred to as non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, aerosol delivery devices, etc., and the aerosol-generating materials can be in the form of, for example, solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0028] Examples of suitable aerosol delivery systems include vaporized products, heated tobacco products, and hybrid products. Vaporized products are often referred to as "electronic cigarettes" or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), although the aerosol-generating material does not need to contain nicotine. Many vaporized products are designed to heat liquid materials to generate an aerosol. Other vaporized products are designed to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol without heating or with only secondary heating. Heated tobacco products include heated tobacco products (THP) and charcoal tip heated tobacco products (CTHP), and many are designed to heat solid materials to generate an aerosol without burning the material.

[0029] Hybrid products utilize a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material can be in the form of, for example, solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. Some hybrid products are similar to vaping products, except that the aerosol generated from the liquid or gel aerosol-generating material passes through a second material (e.g., tobacco) to pick up additional components before reaching the user. In some example embodiments, the hybrid system includes both liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol delivery system 100 according to some example embodiments. In various examples, the aerosol delivery system may be an atomized product, a heated non-combustible product, or a mixed product. The aerosol delivery system includes one or more of each of a plurality of components, including, for example, an aerosol delivery device 102 and consumables 104 (sometimes referred to as articles) for use with the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery system also includes an aerosol generator 106. In various embodiments, the aerosol generator may be part of the aerosol delivery device or consumables. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator may be separable from the aerosol delivery device and consumables and may be removably engaged with the aerosol delivery device and / or consumables.

[0031] In various examples, the aerosol delivery system 100 and its components (including the aerosol delivery device 102 and consumables 104) may be reusable or disposable. In some examples, the aerosol delivery system, including both the aerosol delivery device and the consumables, may be disposable. In some examples, the aerosol delivery device may be reusable, and the consumables may be reusable (e.g., refillable) or disposable (e.g., replaceable). In yet another example, the consumables may be both refillable and replaceable. In examples where the aerosol generator 106 is part of either the aerosol delivery device or the consumables, the aerosol generator may be reusable or disposable in the same manner as the aerosol delivery device or consumables.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the aerosol supply device 102 may include a housing 108 having a power source 110 and circuitry 112. The power source is configured to supply power to the aerosol supply device and thus to the aerosol supply system 100. The power source may be or include, for example, an electrical power source, such as a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery (SSB), a lithium-ion battery, a supercapacitor, etc.

[0033] Circuit 112 can be configured to enable one or more functions (sometimes referred to as services) of aerosol delivery device 102, and thereby enable one or more functions (sometimes referred to as services) of aerosol delivery system 100. The circuit includes electronic components, and in some examples, one or more of the electronic components can be formed as a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), which supports and electrically connects the electronic components.

[0034] In some examples, circuit 112 includes at least one switch 114, which can be directly or indirectly operated by a user to activate aerosol delivery device 102 and thereby activate aerosol delivery system 100. The switch may be positioned on a circuit board along with other electronic components. In some examples, the switch may include its own circuit board or other substrate elements to which the switch may be attached. In some examples, flexible circuit boards may be used. Flexible circuit boards can be configured in various shapes.

[0035] Switch 112 may be or include a button, touch-sensitive surface, etc., that can be manually operated by a user. Alternatively, the switch may be or include a sensor configured to sense one or more process variables indicating the use of aerosol delivery device 102 or aerosol delivery system 100. An example is a flow sensor, pressure sensor, pressure switch, etc., configured to detect airflow or pressure changes caused by airflow when a user inhales consumable 104.

[0036] Switch 114 can provide user interface functionality. In some examples, circuitry 112 may include a user interface (UI) 116, which may be separate from or include the switch. The UI may include one or more input and / or output devices to enable interaction between the user and the aerosol delivery device 102. As described above regarding switches, examples of suitable input devices include buttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, etc. One or more output devices typically include devices configured to provide information in a human-perceptible form, which may be visual, auditory, or tactile / haptic. Examples of suitable output devices include light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), quantum dot-based LEDs, etc. Other examples of suitable output devices include display devices (e.g., electronic vision displays), touchscreens (integrated touch-sensitive surfaces and display devices), speakers, vibration motors, etc.

[0037] In some examples, circuit 112 includes processing circuitry 118 configured to perform data processing, application execution, or other processing, control, or management services according to one or more example implementations. The processing circuitry may include processors implemented in various forms, such as at least one processor core, microprocessor, coprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or various other computing or processing devices, including one or more integrated circuits, such as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), or some combination thereof. In some examples, the processing circuitry may include memory coupled to or integrated with the processor, and may store data, processor-executable computer program instructions, or some combination thereof.

[0038] As also shown in the figures, in some examples, the housing 108 and thus the aerosol supply device 102 may also include a receiving portion 120, such as a reservoir, can, container, cavity, receiving chamber, etc., which is configured to receive and contain at least a portion of the consumable 104 or the consumable, thereby coupling the aerosol supply device to the consumable.

[0039] Consumable 104 is an article of article comprising aerosol generating material 122 (also referred to as an aerosol precursor composition) intended, in whole or in part, for consumption by a user during use. Aerosol delivery system 100 may include one or more consumables, and each consumable may include one or more aerosol generating materials. In some examples where the aerosol delivery system is a mixed product, the aerosol delivery system may include aerosol generating material for generating an aerosol liquid or gel, which may then be used to pick up additional components via a second solid aerosol generating material before reaching the user. These aerosol generating materials may be within a single consumable or within separately removable consumables.

[0040] For example, when heated, irradiated, or excited in any other way, aerosol-generating material 122 is capable of generating aerosols. The aerosol-generating material can be in the form of, for example, a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol-generating material can include “amorphous solids,” which may alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid can be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within it. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material can include about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0041] Aerosol generating material 122 may include one or more of each of a plurality of components, such as active substance 124, flavoring agent 126, aerosol forming material 128 or other functional material 130.

[0042] Active substance 124 can be a physiologically active material designed to achieve or enhance physiological responses, such as increased alertness, improved attention, increased energy, increased endurance, increased calmness, or improved sleep. Active substances can be selected, for example, from nutritional products, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), L-theanine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 (cobalamin) or C, melatonin, terpenes, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Active substances may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts from tobacco or other plants.

[0043] In some examples, active substance 124 includes derivatives or extracts, and the active substance may be or include one or more terpenes.

[0044] As described herein, active substance 124 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, pods, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring active compounds found in plants, obtained through synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, fragments, particles, spheres, shreds, strips, flakes, etc. Example plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, rooibos tea, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (e.g., green or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, fennel seeds, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. Lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, holly, hyssop, turmeric, sandalwood, coriander, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg peel, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, 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: mint, mint varieties, Nile mint, peppermint, lemon peppermint variety, peppermint variety, wrinkled spearmint, heartleaf mint, longleaf mint, variegated roundleaf mint, pleri mint, spearmint variety, and roundleaf mint.

[0045] In yet another example, active substance 124 may be or include one or more of the following: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) / oxytryptamine / spinach, acetylcholine, arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), Ashwagandha, Portulaca oleracea, β-alanine, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB), Centella asiatica, Bupleurum chinense, cinnamon, citicoline, cotinine, creatine, curcumin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3), dopamine, senna, balsam, essential oil, GABA, goldenrod, glutamic acid, hops, Thai ginseng. Kava pepper, L-carnitine, L-arginine, lavender oil, L-choline, licorice, L-lysine, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, lutein, magnesium, L-threonate magnesium, inositol, nard, nitrates, violet oil extract, oxygen, phenylalanine, phosphatidylserine, quercetin, resveratrol, gastrodia elata, rhodiola rosea, rose essential oil, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), neem, schisandra chinensis, selenium, serotonin, scutellaria baicalensis, spearmint extract, nard, theobromine, tulip, damiana, tyrosine, vitamin A, vitamin B3, or yerba mate tea.

[0046] In some example embodiments, aerosol-generating material 122 includes flavoring agent 126. As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavor" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other sensory experience in a product intended for use by an adult consumer. Flavoring agents may include naturally occurring flavor 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, fennel seed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, raspberries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, Clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb). Grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Turin Brand, bourbon, Scotch whisky, whisky, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarella, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, areca nut, hookah, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia seed, coriander, brandy, jasmine, ylang-ylang Sage, fennel, wasabi, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any species of the peppermint genus, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos tea, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, red chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, hyssop, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg Flavorings may include: bark, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphor; 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, botanicals, or breath fresheners. Flavorings may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. Flavorings may be in any suitable form, such as liquids like oils, solids like powders, or gases.

[0047] In some example embodiments, flavoring agent 126 may include sensory agents designed to produce somatosensory sensations, which are typically chemically induced and perceived by the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or replacing aromatic or gustatory nerves, and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-acting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol and WS-3.

[0048] The aerosol forming material 128 may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some example embodiments, the aerosol forming material may include one or more of the following: glycerol, 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.

[0049] One or more other functional materials 130 may include one or more of a pH adjuster, colorant, preservative, binder, filler, stabilizer, and / or antioxidant. Suitable binders include, for example, pectin, guar gum, citrus pectin, tobacco pectin, hydroxyethyl guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethyl locust bean gum, hydroxypropyl locust bean gum, alginate, starch, modified starch, derivatized starch, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, tamarind gum, dextran, pullulan, konjac flour, or xanthan gum.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the aerosol generating material 122 may be present on or within the support to form the substrate 132. The support may be, or include, for example, paper, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated cardboard, reconstituted materials (e.g., materials formed from reconstituted plant materials such as reconstituted tobacco), plastic materials, ceramic materials, composite materials, glass, metal, or metal alloys. In some examples, the support includes receptors that may be embedded within or on one or both sides of the aerosol generating material.

[0051] In some example embodiments, consumable 104 may also include a housing 134 configured to contain aerosol-generating material 122, or a substrate 132 with aerosol-generating material. The housing may be or include a reservoir, can, container, cavity, receiving chamber, etc., configured to receive and contain the aerosol-generating material or substrate. In some examples where the consumable includes a reservoir, the reservoir may be a container for storing the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the reservoir may be or include a fiber reservoir having a substrate on or within a support for the aerosol-generating material. For example, the reservoir may include one or more layers of nonwoven fibers, substantially formed in a tubular shape surrounding the interior of the consumable's housing. The aerosol-generating material may be retained in the reservoir. For example, liquid components may be retained in the reservoir by adsorption.

[0052] Consumable 104 may include an aerosol generating material delivery assembly (also referred to as a liquid transport element) configured to deliver aerosol generating material 122 to aerosol generator 106. In examples where the consumable includes a reservoir, the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material delivery assembly. The aerosol generating material delivery assembly may be adapted to deliver an aerosol generating material core to the aerosol generator via capillary action or otherwise. In some examples, the aerosol generating material delivery assembly may include a microfluidic chip, a micropump, or other suitable component to deliver the aerosol generating material. In some examples where the consumable includes an aerosol generator, at least a portion of the aerosol generating material delivery assembly may be positioned adjacent to (e.g., directly adjacent, adjacent, immediately adjacent, or relatively immediately adjacent) the aerosol generator. The aerosol generating material delivery assembly may extend between the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir, and at least a portion of the aerosol generator may be located above the proximal end of the reservoir.

[0053] Similarly, in some examples where consumable 104 includes aerosol generator 106, the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material delivery assembly can be configured as separate, fluidly connected elements or as combined elements. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator can be integrated into the aerosol generating material delivery assembly. Furthermore, the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material delivery assembly can be formed by any construction as otherwise described herein. In some examples where the consumable includes a reservoir containing aerosol generating material 122 or a substrate 132, a valve can be positioned between the reservoir and the aerosol generator, and the valve can be configured to control the amount of aerosol generating material transferred from the reservoir or delivered to the aerosol generator.

[0054] Aerosol generator 106 (also referred to as a sprayer, aerosolizer, or aerosol generating assembly) is configured to arouse aerosol generating material 122 to generate aerosols, or otherwise induce the generation of aerosols from the aerosol generating material. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol generator may be powered by power supply 110 under the control of circuitry 112 to arouse the aerosol generating material to generate aerosols.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the aerosol generator 106 is an electric heater configured to perform electric heating, wherein electrical energy from a power source is converted into heat energy, which is then applied to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatiles to form an aerosol. Examples of suitable forms of electric heating include resistance (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiation heating, arc heating, etc. More specific examples of suitable electric heaters include resistance heating elements such as coils, plates, tips, microheaters, etc.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the aerosol generator 106 is configured to induce the generation of aerosols from the aerosol-generating material without heating or with only secondary heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of increased pressure, vibration, or electrostatic energy. More specific examples of such aerosol generators include jet atomizers, ultrasonic atomizers, vibrating mesh technology (VMT) atomizers, surface acoustic wave (SAW) atomizers, and the like.

[0057] The jet atomizer is configured to use compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen) to decompose the aerosol-generating material 122 into an aerosol, and the ultrasonic atomizer is configured to use ultrasound to decompose the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. The VMT atomizer includes a mesh and a piezoelectric material (e.g., piezoelectric material, piezomagnetic material), which can be driven to vibrate and cause the mesh to decompose the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. The SAW atomizer is configured to use surface acoustic waves or Rayleigh waves to decompose the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol.

[0058] In some examples, the aerosol generator 106 may include a sensor, or the sensor may be part of the substrate 132. The sensor is a material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator (which may be separate from or part of the aerosol generator). The sensor may be a conductive material, such that penetrating the material with a changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heated material. The heated material may be a magnetic material, such that penetrating the material with a changing magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the heated material. In some examples, the sensor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the sensor in these examples can be heated by both heating mechanisms.

[0059] Although not shown separately, either or both of the aerosol supply device 102 or consumable 104 may include an aerosol modifier. An aerosol modifier is a substance configured to modify the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 122, for example, by altering the taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties of the aerosol. In various examples, the aerosol modifier may be an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, water, or a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol modifier may be in powder, filament, or granular form. The aerosol modifier may not contain filter material. In some examples, the aerosol modifier may be disposed in an aerosol modifier release assembly operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0060] The aerosol delivery system 100 and its components, including the aerosol delivery device 102, consumables 104 and aerosol generator 106, can be manufactured in a variety of different form factors and have additional or alternative components relative to those mentioned above.

[0061] In some example embodiments where consumable 104 includes aerosol generator 106, the housing 134 of the consumable may also accommodate the aerosol generator. Also as shown, in some of these examples, aerosol delivery device 102 may include an electrical connector 136 located in a housing 120, configured to electrically connect with a corresponding electrical contact 138 of the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the housing to a mating depth. In this respect, the mating depth is the depth to which the consumable needs to be inserted into the housing to establish a reliable electrical connection between the aerosol delivery device (electrical connector) and the consumable (electrical contact). The electrical connector and corresponding electrical contact can electrically couple the power supply 110 and / or circuitry 112 of the aerosol delivery device to the aerosol generator 106 of consumable 204. In this respect, the electrical connector and electrical contact can form a connection interface between the aerosol delivery device and the consumable.

[0062] According to some exemplary embodiments, as explained in more detail below, the configuration of the aerosol supply device 102 and the consumable 104 can allow a compatible consumable to be inserted into the mating depth in the receiving portion 120 of the aerosol supply device. The configuration of either or both can provide an interference that prevents an incompatible consumable from being inserted into the mating depth (and thus prevents electrical connection between the aerosol supply device and the incompatible consumable).

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, for example, the aerosol delivery device 102 may include an interlocking feature 140 configured to engage with a mating interlocking feature 142 of the consumable 104 when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth in the receiving portion 120 of the aerosol delivery device. The mating interlocking feature may at least partially make the consumable compatible with the aerosol delivery device. Similarly, in some examples, the mating interlocking feature may also provide interference (e.g., mechanical interference) that makes the consumable incompatible with another aerosol delivery device. Examples of suitable interlocking and mating interlocking features include keys and keyways, mating grooves, snaps, hooks, latches, threaded connections, pins and holes, magnetic connections, snap-fit ​​connectors, etc.

[0064] Figure 2A -E and Figures 3A-3EA first aerosol supply system 200 and a second aerosol supply system 300 are shown, which may correspond to aerosol supply system 100 in various example embodiments. The first and second aerosol supply systems may be structurally and functionally similar to each other, but may include structural and / or functional differences. In some examples, the first and second aerosol supply systems may be considered corresponding versions of a specific model of the aerosol supply system, or different models of the aerosol supply system. In this respect, the first aerosol supply system may include one or more features, such as one or more YAP features, that are not present in the second aerosol supply system. As described below, the first and second aerosol supply systems may sometimes be more generally referred to individually or collectively as aerosol supply systems 200 and 300.

[0065] Aerosol supply systems 200 and 300 may include an aerosol supply device (also referred to as a control unit or power unit) and consumables (also referred to as cartridges, canisters, or cartridge compartments), which may correspond to aerosol supply device 102 and consumables 104, respectively. More specifically, a first aerosol supply system may include a first aerosol supply device 202 and a first consumable 204, and a second aerosol supply system may include a second aerosol supply device 302 and a second consumable 304. The aerosol supply system, particularly the consumables, may also include an aerosol generator corresponding to aerosol generator 106, in the form of an electric heater, such as a heating element in the form of a metal coil configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy through resistance (joule) heating.

[0066] The first aerosol supply device and the second aerosol supply device 202, 302 can be detachably aligned with their respective first consumables and second consumables 204, 304, which are functionally related to each other. Figure 2A and 3A An exploded view of the respective first and second aerosol supply systems 200 and 300 in a coupled configuration is shown. Figure 2B and 3B The diagram shows a front exploded view, a top exploded view, and a right exploded view of corresponding first and second aerosol providing devices according to some example embodiments, in an uncoupled configuration. Figure 2C and 3C The diagram shows a front view, a top view, and a right view of a first and a second consumable in an uncoupled configuration according to some example embodiments.

[0067] Figure 2D and 3D According to some example embodiments, the corresponding first aerosol providing device and second aerosol providing devices 202, 302 are in plane A (e.g. Figure 2B and 3B The exploded view cross-section shown in the figure. Figure 2E and 3E These are exploded front view, exploded bottom view, and exploded right view views of the corresponding first and second consumables 204 and 304 according to some example embodiments. Figure 2A and 3A Specifically, the first aerosol supply device and the second aerosol supply device, and their respective first and second consumables, can be defined relative to the longitudinal axis (L), the first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the first transverse axis.

[0068] like Figures 2A-2E and Figures 3A-3E As shown, the aerosol supply devices 202, 302 and consumables 204, 304 of the aerosol supply systems 200, 300 each include a plurality of corresponding components. The components shown represent components that may be present in the aerosol supply devices and consumables and are not intended to limit the scope of the components covered by this disclosure.

[0069] As shown in the figures, aerosol supply devices 202, 302 may include housings 208, 308 (sometimes referred to as aerosol supply device housings), which may include a power source, not shown separately but corresponding to power source 110. Similarly, the housing may also include circuitry with a switch (in the form of a sensor), a user interface (including an opening 216 in the housing (not shown in Figure 3) through which a light source can be illuminated when the aerosol supply system 200, 300 is in use), and processing circuitry (also referred to as control components). The switch, light source, and processing circuitry may correspond to circuitry 112, switch 114, user interface 116, and processing circuitry 118, respectively. The housing may also include receiving portions 220, 320 (referred to in some examples as consumable receiving chambers), configured to engage and hold consumables 204, 304.

[0070] In addition to the electric heater corresponding to aerosol generator 106, consumables 204 and 304 may include aerosol generating material corresponding to aerosol generating material 122. The aerosol generating material may include one or more of various components such as active substances, flavorings, aerosol forming materials, or other functional materials.

[0071] In various examples, consumables 204, 304 include a canister portion and a nozzle portion. The canister portion and nozzle portion may be integrated or permanently fixed together, or the canister portion may define the nozzle portion (or vice versa). In other examples, the canister portion and nozzle portion may be separate and removably engaged with each other. Consumable 202 may be formed by a housing 234, 334 (sometimes referred to as a consumable housing) surrounding a reservoir (located within the canister portion) configured to hold aerosol-generating material. In some examples, an electric heater (aerosol generator) may be located within the housing.

[0072] like Figure 2D , 2E As shown in Figures 3D and 3E, in some examples, aerosol delivery devices 202, 302 may include electrical connectors 236, 336 located in receptacles 220, 320, the connectors being configured to electrically connect with corresponding electrical contacts 238, 338 of consumables 204, 304 when the consumables are inserted into the receptacles to a mating depth. As described above, the electrical connectors and corresponding electrical contacts may form a connection interface and electrically couple the power supply and / or circuitry of the aerosol delivery device to the electric heater of the consumables.

[0073] As described above, according to some example embodiments, aerosol delivery devices 202, 302 may include interlocking features configured to engage with mating interlocking features of consumables 204, 304 when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth in the receptacles 220, 320 of the aerosol delivery device. In some more specific examples, the mating interlocking features of the consumables include one or more mating keys 242, 342, and the interlocking features of the aerosol delivery devices include one or more keyways 240, 340 defined by the housings 208, 308 at the openings 244, 344 of the receptacles.

[0074] In some examples, one or more mating keys 242, 342 of consumables 204, 304 may include one or more protrusions, and one or more keyways 240, 340 of aerosol dispensing devices 202, 302 may include one or more recesses configured to engage with one or more protrusions. In some of these examples, such as Figure 2A and 3A As shown, when the consumable is inserted into the receiving portions 220, 320 to the mating depth, one or more protrusions of the consumable may be visible from the outside of the housings 208, 308 of the aerosol supply device. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the housings 208, 308 of the aerosol supply devices 202, 302 may have a cross-section defining a major axis (e.g., T1) and a minor axis (e.g., T2). And in some of these examples, such as... Figure 2BAs shown, one or more keyways 240, 340 may include a pair of keyways defined by a housing, opposite to each other and symmetrical about the long axis.

[0075] As also shown in the figures, openings 246 and 346 may be present in the housings 234 and 334 of consumables 204 and 304 (e.g., at the nozzle end of the nozzle portion) to allow the generated aerosol to exit from the consumable. In this respect, during use, when a user inhales from the aerosol delivery system 200 and 300, sensors can detect airflow, and an electric heater can be activated to excite the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. Inhalation at the nozzle end of the aerosol delivery device causes ambient air to enter and pass through the aerosol delivery system. In the consumable, the inhaled air may combine with the aerosol that has been carried away from the electric heater, drawn out, or otherwise drawn away, and exit from the opening at the nozzle end of the aerosol delivery system.

[0076] As described above, the first aerosol delivery system 200 may include, in some examples, one or more features not present in the second aerosol delivery system 300. These features may include one or more YAP features that can be incorporated into the first aerosol delivery device 202. In some of these and other similar examples, it may be beneficial to guide the user to use the first aerosol delivery device 202 instead of the second aerosol delivery device 302. In addition to the first consumable 204, it is acceptable to use the second consumable 304 with the first aerosol delivery device 202, which includes one or more features not present in the second aerosol delivery device. However, it is also desirable to discourage (or even prohibit) the use of the first consumable 204 with the second aerosol delivery device 302.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, compatible consumables for the first aerosol supply device 202 may include both a first consumable 204 and a second consumable 304, which can be (alternatingly) inserted into the receiving portion 220 of the first aerosol supply device to a mating depth. However, one or more mating keys 242 or other mating interlocking features of the first consumable may provide interference, making the first consumable incompatible with the second aerosol supply device 302. On the other hand, a second consumable that does not have the same one or more mating keys 242 may be compatible with both the first and second aerosol supply devices.

[0078] Relative to one or more keyways 240 of the first aerosol supply device 202, one or more mating keys 342 of the second consumable 304 can be considered as one or more non-matting keys. For example... Figure 4 and 5As shown, the size and shape of one or more keyways 240 of the first aerosol supply device can be matched with one or more mating keys 242 of the first consumable 204, and adapted (but not matched) with one or more non-matting keys of the second consumable. Similarly, as Figure 6 As shown, one or more non-matching keys of the second consumable can match one or more (second) keyways 340 of the second aerosol supply device 302.

[0079] But if Figure 7 As shown, one or more mating keys 242 of the first consumable 204 can provide interference at the (second) keyway 340, making the first consumable incompatible with the second aerosol supply device 302. As illustrated, the interference can confine the first consumable to a depth less than the mating depth in the receiving portion 320 of the second consumable. This, in turn, prevents the corresponding electrical contacts 238 of the first consumable 204 from electrically connecting to the electrical connector 336 located in the receiving portion 320 of the second aerosol supply device 302, thereby preventing the second aerosol supply device from supplying power to the first consumable.

[0080] In some examples, such as Figure 4 As shown, the lateral dimensions (e.g., width w) and longitudinal dimensions (e.g., depth d1) of one or more keyways 240 of the first aerosol providing device 202 match one or more mating keys 242 of the first consumable 204. Therefore, the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of one or more mating keys 242 of the first consumable 204 can be the same as or substantially the same as w and d1. Similarly, as... Figure 4 As shown, one or more keyways 340 of the second aerosol supply device 302 may have the same lateral dimension (w) but a smaller longitudinal dimension (e.g., shown as depth d2), which mate with one or more mating keys 342 of the second consumable 304. Therefore, the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of one or more mating keys 342 of the second consumable 304 may be the same as or substantially the same as w and d2.

[0081] Then, as Figure 5 As shown, the lateral dimension (w) of one or more keyways 240 of the first consumable 204 can also match one or more non-matching keys (one or more matching keys 342) of the second consumable 304, and the longitudinal dimension (d1) of one or more keyways 240 can be greater than the corresponding longitudinal dimension (d2) of one or more non-matching keys. The larger longitudinal dimension of one or more keyways 240 of the first consumable 204 allows one or more keyways to be adapted (but not matched) to one or more non-matching keys (one or more matching keys 342) of the second consumable 304.

[0082] like Figure 7As shown, the lateral dimension (w) of one or more keyways 340 of the second consumable 304 can also match one or more mating keys 242 of the first consumable 204. However, the longitudinal dimension (d2) of one or more mating keys 242 can be larger than the corresponding longitudinal dimension (d1) of one or more keyways 340 of the second consumable 304. This larger longitudinal dimension of one or more keys 242 of the first consumable 204 can provide interference to one or more keyways 340 of the second consumable 304, which restricts the first consumable 204 to a depth less than the mating depth in the receiving portion 320 of the second consumable. In some examples, the first consumable can be restricted to a depth approximately smaller than the mating depth by the difference in longitudinal dimensions (d1-d2). Again, this can prevent the corresponding electrical contact 238 of the first consumable 204 from electrically connecting to the electrical connector 336 located in the receiving portion 320 of the second aerosol supply device 302, thereby preventing the second aerosol supply device from supplying power to the first consumable.

[0083] In some examples, at least the first aerosol supply device 202 and the first consumable 204 may have multiple interlocking and mating interlocking features, one or more, but not all, of which may coexist in the first aerosol supply device and the second aerosol supply devices 202, 302, and the first and second consumables 204, 304. In some of these examples, the first aerosol supply device 202 may include a first interlocking feature configured to engage with a first mating interlocking feature, which is common to compatible consumables including the first consumable 204 and the second consumable 304. The aerosol supply device may also include a second interlocking feature configured to engage with a second mating interlocking feature of the first consumable. The second mating interlocking feature may then be configured to provide interference that makes the first consumable 204 incompatible with the second aerosol supply device 302, while the second consumable 304, without the second mating interlocking feature, is compatible with the second aerosol supply device 302.

[0084] Figure 8 , 9Figures 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B illustrate first aerosol supply systems 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the first aerosol supply systems 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 are similar to the first aerosol supply system 200 described above, but the first aerosol supply system includes a first interlocking feature and a first matching interlocking feature, which are common to the second aerosol supply system 300. Specifically, the first aerosol supply systems 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 include first aerosol supply devices 802, 902, 1002, and 1102 and first consumables 804, 904, 1004, and 1104.

[0085] Figure 8 and 9 This is an exploded view of aerosol delivery systems 800 and 900, showing a first mating interlock feature that may be identical or similar in other example embodiments. As shown, the first mating interlock feature of the first consumables 804, 904, 1004, and 1104 includes one or more mating keys 842, and the first interlock feature of the first aerosol delivery device includes one or more keyways 840 defined by the housings 808, 908, 1008, and 1108 of the first aerosol delivery devices 802, 902, 1002, and 1102 at the openings 844 and 944 of the receiving portion. One or more keyways (and the openings of the receiving portions) of aerosol delivery devices 1002 and 1102 are not shown separately. The size and shape of one or more mating keys 842 and one or more keyways 840 may match one or more mating keys 342 and one or more keyways 340 of the second consumable 304. Therefore, the first interlock feature and the first matching interlock feature can be common to both the first aerosol supply device 802, 902, 1002, 1102 and the second aerosol supply device 302.

[0086] For example Figure 8 and 9As shown, the second mating interlocking feature of the first consumables 804, 904 includes one or more mating keys 848, 948, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more keyways 846, 946 defined by the housing at the open end of the receiving portion. In some examples where the housings 808, 908 of the first aerosol supply devices 802, 902 have cross-sections defining a major axis (e.g., T1) and a minor axis (e.g., T2), the one or more keyways 846, 946 may comprise a pair of keyways defined by the housing, opposite to each other, and symmetrical about the minor axis. As shown, one or more mating keys 848, 948 in embodiments of the first consumables 804, 904 may have similar shapes but different sizes. Similarly, one or more keyways 846, 946 in embodiments of the first consumables 804, 904 may have similar shapes but different sizes.

[0087] like Figure 10A and 10B As shown, the second mating interlock feature of the first consumable 1004 includes at least one pin 1048 extending from the bottom surface 1050 of the housing 1034 of the first consumable. The second interlock feature of the first aerosol dispensing device 1002 may further include at least one opening 1046 defined in the closed end 1052 of the receiving portion 1020. And as described above, one or more openings may be configured to engage with one or more pins of the first consumable when the first consumable is inserted into the receiving portion 1020 to the mating depth. One or more pins may also provide interference to the closed end (without a corresponding opening) of the second aerosol dispensing device 300, thereby making the first consumable 1004 incompatible with the second aerosol dispensing device 302.

[0088] exist Figure 11A and 11B In this embodiment, the second mating interlock feature of the first consumable 1104 includes one or more first magnets 1148, which may be integrated into or disposed thereon in the bottom surface 1150 of the housing 1134 of the first consumable. The second interlock feature of the first aerosol dispensing device 1102 may further include one or more second magnets 1146 defined in the closed end 1152 of the receiving portion 1120. One or more second magnets 1146 may be oriented to attract one or more first magnets 1146 when the first consumable 1104 is inserted into the receiving portion 1120 to the mating depth (conversely, the first magnets attract the second magnets). One or more second magnets 1146 may also be oriented to repel one or more third magnets 348 of the second aerosol dispensing device, thereby providing (magnetic) interference that makes the first consumable 1104 incompatible with the second aerosol dispensing device 302.

[0089] As stated above and reiterated below, this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary implementations.

[0090] Clause 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a housing housing a power source and defining a receiving portion, the power source being configured to supply power to a compatible consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user when a corresponding consumable of compatible consumables is inserted into the receiving portion to a mating depth, the compatible consumables including a first consumable and a second consumable; and an interlocking feature configured to engage with a matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, the matching interlocking feature being configured to provide interference such that the first consumable is incompatible with a second aerosol delivery device, while a second consumable not having the matching interlocking feature is compatible with the second aerosol delivery device.

[0091] Clause 2. The aerosol supply device according to Clause 1, wherein the aerosol supply device further comprises an electrical connector located in the receiving portion, the electrical connector being configured to electrically connect with a corresponding electrical contact of the compatible consumable when the corresponding consumable of the compatible consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to the mating depth.

[0092] Clause 3. The aerosol delivery device according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the mating interlocking feature of the first consumable includes one or more mating keys, and the interlocking feature of the aerosol delivery device includes one or more keyways defined by the housing at the opening end of the receiving portion.

[0093] Clause 4. The aerosol delivery device according to Clause 3, wherein the one or more mating keys of the first consumable include one or more protrusions, and the one or more keyways include one or more recesses configured to engage with the one or more protrusions, wherein the one or more protrusions are visible from the outside of the housing when the first consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to the mating depth.

[0094] Clause 5. An aerosol supply device according to Clause 3 or Clause 4, wherein the second consumable includes one or more mismatched keys that match one or more second keyways of the second aerosol supply device, at which the interference is provided by the one or more matching keys, and the size and shape of the one or more keyways of the aerosol supply device match the one or more matching keys and are adapted to the one or more mismatched keys.

[0095] Clause 6. The aerosol supply device according to Clause 5, wherein the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the one or more keyways of the aerosol supply device match the one or more mating keys of the first consumable, and wherein the lateral dimension of the one or more keyways also matches the one or more non-mating keys of the second consumable, and the longitudinal dimension of the one or more keyways is greater than the corresponding longitudinal dimension of the one or more non-mating keys.

[0096] Clause 7. An aerosol supply device according to any one of Clauses 3 to 6, wherein the cross-section of the housing defines a major axis and a minor axis, and the one or more keyways include a pair of keyways defined by the housing, opposite to each other and symmetrical about the major axis.

[0097] Clause 8. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the interlocking feature is a second interlocking feature configured to engage with a second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, and wherein the aerosol delivery device further includes a first interlocking feature configured to engage with a first matching interlocking feature, the first matching interlocking feature being common to compatible consumables, the compatible consumables including the first consumable and the second consumable.

[0098] Clause 9. The aerosol supply device according to Clause 8, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the first consumable includes one or more mating keys, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more keyways defined by the housing at the opening end of the receiving portion.

[0099] Clause 10. An aerosol delivery device according to Clause 8 or Clause 9, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the first consumable includes at least one pin, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol delivery device includes at least one opening defined in the closed end of the receiving portion.

[0100] Clause 11. An aerosol supply device according to any one of Clauses 8 to 10, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the first consumable includes one or more first magnets, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more second magnets located in the receiving portion and oriented to attract the one or more first magnets, the one or more first magnets being oriented to repel one or more third magnets of the second aerosol supply device.

[0101] Clause 12. A consumable comprising: a housing housing an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth in a receiving portion of an aerosol supply device, the consumable and a second consumable being compatible with the aerosol supply device; and a mating interlock feature configured to engage with an interlock feature of the aerosol supply device, the mating interlock feature being configured to provide interference such that the consumable is incompatible with the second aerosol supply device, while the second consumable without the mating interlock feature is compatible with the second aerosol supply device.

[0102] Clause 13. The consumable as described in Clause 12, wherein the consumable further includes an electrical contact located on the housing, the electrical contact being configured to electrically connect with a corresponding electrical connector of the aerosol supply device when the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to the mating depth.

[0103] Clause 14. The consumable as described in Clause 12 or Clause 13, wherein the mating interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more mating keys disposed on the housing, and the interlocking feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more keyways defined by the aerosol supply device at the open end of the receiving portion.

[0104] Clause 15. The consumable as described in Clause 14, wherein the one or more mating keys of the consumable include one or more protrusions, and the one or more keyways include one or more recesses configured to engage with the one or more protrusions, wherein the one or more protrusions are visible from the outside of the aerosol supply device when the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to the mating depth.

[0105] Clause 16. A consumable as described in Clause 14 or Clause 15, wherein the second consumable comprises one or more mismatched keys that match one or more second keyways of the second aerosol supply device, wherein the interference is provided by the one or more matching keys at the one or more second keyways of the second aerosol supply device, and the size and shape of the one or more keyways of the aerosol supply device match the one or more matching keys and are adapted to the one or more mismatched keys.

[0106] Clause 17. The consumable as described in Clause 16, wherein the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the one or more mating keys of the consumable match the one or more keyways of the aerosol supply device, and wherein the lateral dimension of the one or more mating keys also matches the one or more non-mating keys of the second consumable, and the longitudinal dimension of the one or more first mating keys is greater than the corresponding longitudinal dimension of the one or more non-mating keys.

[0107] Clause 18. The consumable as described in any of Clauses 14 to 17, wherein the cross-section of the housing defines a major axis and a minor axis, and the one or more mating keys comprise a pair of mating keys disposed on the housing, opposite to each other and symmetrical about the major axis.

[0108] Clause 19. A consumable according to any one of Clauses 12 to 18, wherein the mating interlock feature is a second mating interlock feature configured to engage with a second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device, and wherein the consumable further includes a first mating interlock feature common to both the consumable and the second consumable, the first mating interlock feature being configured to engage with a first interlock feature of the aerosol supply device.

[0109] Clause 20. The consumable as described in Clause 19, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the consumable includes one or more mating keys disposed on the housing, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more keyways defined by the aerosol supply device at the open end of the receiving portion.

[0110] Clause 21. The consumable as described in Clause 19 or Clause 20, wherein the second mating interlocking feature of the consumable includes at least one pin, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol supply device includes at least one opening defined in the closed end of the receiving portion.

[0111] Clause 22. A consumable as described in any of Clauses 19 to 21, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the consumable includes one or more first magnets, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more second magnets located in the receiving portion and oriented to attract the one or more first magnets, the one or more first magnets being oriented to repel one or more third magnets of the second aerosol supply device.

[0112] Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will appreciate numerous modifications and other implementations of this disclosure that benefit from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific implementations disclosed herein, and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising: A housing that houses a power source and defines a receiving portion, the power source being configured to supply power to a compatible consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user when a corresponding consumable of a compatible consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to a mating depth; the compatible consumable includes a first consumable and a second consumable. as well as An interlocking feature is configured to engage with a matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, the matching interlocking feature being configured to provide interference that makes the first consumable incompatible with the second aerosol supply device, while the second consumable without the matching interlocking feature is compatible with the second aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol supply device further comprises an electrical connector located in the receiving portion, the electrical connector being configured to electrically connect with a corresponding electrical contact of the compatible consumable when the corresponding consumable of the compatible consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to the mating depth.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the mating interlocking feature of the first consumable includes one or more mating keys, and the interlocking feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more keyways defined by the housing at the opening end of the receiving portion.

4. The aerosol supply device of claim 3, wherein the one or more mating keys of the first consumable include one or more protrusions, and the one or more keyways include one or more recesses configured to engage with the one or more protrusions, wherein the one or more protrusions are visible from the outside of the housing when the first consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to the mating depth.

5. The aerosol supply device of claim 3, wherein the second consumable comprises one or more mismatched keys that match one or more second keyways of the second aerosol supply device, wherein the interference is provided by the one or more matching keys at the one or more second keyways of the second aerosol supply device, and the size and shape of the one or more keyways of the aerosol supply device match the one or more matching keys and are adapted to the one or more mismatched keys.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the one or more keyways of the aerosol supply device match the one or more mating keys of the first consumable, and The lateral dimension of one or more keyways also matches one or more mismatched keys of the second consumable, and the longitudinal dimension of one or more keyways is greater than the corresponding longitudinal dimension of one or more mismatched keys.

7. The aerosol supply device of claim 3, wherein the cross-section of the housing defines a major axis and a minor axis, and the one or more keyways include a pair of keyways defined by the housing, opposite to each other and symmetrical about the major axis.

8. The aerosol supply device of claim 1, wherein the interlocking feature is a second interlocking feature configured to engage with a second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, and The aerosol providing device further includes a first interlocking feature configured to engage with a first matching interlocking feature common to the compatible consumables, which include the first consumable and the second consumable.

9. The aerosol supply device of claim 8, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the first consumable includes one or more mating keys, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more keyways defined by the housing at the opening end of the receiving portion.

10. The aerosol supply device of claim 8, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the first consumable includes at least one pin, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes at least one opening defined in the closed end of the receiving portion.

11. The aerosol supply device of claim 8, wherein the second matching interlock feature of the first consumable includes one or more first magnets, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more second magnets located in the receiving portion and oriented to attract the one or more first magnets, the one or more first magnets being oriented to repel one or more third magnets of the second aerosol supply device.

12. A consumable item comprising: A housing for an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosol for delivery to a user when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth in the housing of the aerosol supply device, the consumable and a second consumable being compatible with the aerosol supply device; as well as A matching interlock feature is configured to engage with an interlock feature of the aerosol supply device, the matching interlock feature being configured to provide interference that makes the consumable incompatible with the second aerosol supply device, while the second consumable without the matching interlock feature is compatible with the second aerosol supply device.

13. The consumable of claim 12, wherein the consumable further comprises an electrical contact located on the housing, the electrical contact being configured to electrically connect with a corresponding electrical connector of the aerosol supply device when the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to the mating depth.

14. The consumable of claim 12, wherein the mating interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more mating keys disposed on the housing, and the interlocking feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more keyways defined by the aerosol supply device at the opening end of the receiving portion.

15. The consumable of claim 14, wherein the one or more mating keys of the consumable include one or more protrusions, and the one or more keyways include one or more recesses configured to engage with the one or more protrusions, wherein the one or more protrusions are visible from the outside of the aerosol supply device when the consumable is inserted into the receiving portion to the mating depth.

16. The consumable of claim 14, wherein the second consumable comprises one or more mismatched keys that match one or more second keyways of the second aerosol supply device, wherein the interference is provided by the one or more matching keys at the one or more second keyways of the second aerosol supply device, and the size and shape of the one or more keyways of the aerosol supply device match the one or more matching keys and are adapted to the one or more mismatched keys.

17. The consumable of claim 16, wherein the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the one or more mating keys of the consumable match the one or more keyways of the aerosol supply device, and The lateral dimension of one or more of the matching keys also matches the one or more non-matching keys of the second consumable, and the longitudinal dimension of the one or more first matches is greater than the corresponding longitudinal dimension of the one or more non-matching keys.

18. The consumable of claim 14, wherein the cross-section of the housing defines a major axis and a minor axis, and the one or more mating keys comprise a pair of mating keys disposed on the housing, opposite to each other and symmetrical about the major axis.

19. The consumable of claim 12, wherein the mating interlock feature is a second mating interlock feature configured to engage with a second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device, and The consumable further includes a first matching interlock feature, which is common to both the consumable and the second consumable, and is configured to engage with a first interlock feature of the aerosol supply device.

20. The consumable of claim 19, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the consumable includes one or more mating keys disposed on the housing, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more keyways defined by the aerosol supply device at the opening end of the receiving portion.

21. The consumable of claim 19, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the consumable includes at least one pin, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes at least one opening defined in the closed end of the receiving portion.

22. The consumable of claim 19, wherein the second mating interlock feature of the consumable includes one or more first magnets, and the second interlock feature of the aerosol supply device includes one or more second magnets located in the receiving portion and oriented to attract the one or more first magnets, the one or more first magnets being oriented to repel one or more third magnets of the second aerosol supply device.

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