Article for an aerosol provision system

Abstract

An article for a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the article comprising: an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; an aerosol generating material storage region for storing the aerosol generating material; and a liquid sensor for detecting a liquid in a vicinity of the sensor, wherein the liquid sensor is arranged to detect, within the article, whether a liquid is present at a location outside of the aerosol generating material storage region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply system including the article, a method for controlling an article for an aerosol supply device, and a method for controlling an aerosol generator for an article for an aerosol supply device. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic aerosol supply systems, such as those for electronic cigarettes, typically include aerosol-generating materials, such as a reservoir containing a source liquid containing a formulation (typically nicotine), or a solid material such as a tobacco product. An aerosol is generated from the reservoir or solid material, for example, by thermal evaporation, for the user to inhale. Therefore, the aerosol supply system will typically include an aerosol generator, such as a heating element, arranged to aerosolize a portion of the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol in an aerosol-generating section within the air passage of the aerosol supply system. When the user inhales on the device and power is supplied to the aerosol generator, air is drawn into the device through one or more inlet ports and travels along the air passage to the aerosol-generating section, where it mixes with the evaporated aerosol-generating material to form a condensed aerosol. The air drawn through the aerosol-generating section, carrying some aerosol, continues along the air passage to the mouthpiece and exits through the mouthpiece for the user to inhale.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems typically comprise modular components, which generally have two main functional parts: the aerosol supply device and the product. The product typically includes consumable aerosol generating materials and an aerosol generator (heating element), while the aerosol supply device portion includes longer-life components such as rechargeable batteries, device control circuitry, and user interface features. The aerosol supply device may also be referred to as a reusable section or battery segment, and the product may be referred to as a consumable section, a disposable / replaceable section, a cartridge, or an atomizing cartridge.

[0004] The aerosol supply device and the article are mechanically connected at an interface, for example, using threads, bayonet, latch, or friction fit. When the aerosol generating material in the article is depleted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different article with a different aerosol generating material, the article can be removed from the aerosol supply device, and a replacement article can be attached to the appropriate position of the device. Alternatively, some articles are configured such that after the aerosol generating material in the article has been depleted, the article can be refilled with aerosol generating material, thereby allowing the article to be reused. In this example, the user can refill the article using a separate aerosol generating material reservoir. The aerosol generating material used to refill the article can be the same as or different from the previous aerosol generating material in the article, allowing the user to change the aerosol generating material to a different one without purchasing a new article. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, an article of manufacture for a non-flammable aerosol supply device is provided, the article of manufacture comprising: Aerosol generator, used to generate aerosols from aerosol generating materials; An aerosol-generating material storage area is used to store aerosol-generating materials; and Liquid sensors are used to detect liquids near the sensor. The liquid sensor is configured to detect the presence of liquid in the work-in-process at locations outside the storage area for aerosol-generating materials.

[0006] Locations outside the aerosol generating material storage area may be locations where condensates may form and / or be collected during the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0007] The aerosol generating material can be stored in liquid form in the aerosol generating material storage area, and the location outside the aerosol generating material storage area can be a location that is expected to remain without liquid during normal operation of the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0008] The output of a liquid sensor indicating the presence of liquid at that location can indicate a leak of aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage area.

[0009] The article may include a printed circuit board, wherein the liquid sensor may be disposed on the printed circuit board such that its position is located on the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0010] The non-flammable aerosol supply device may include a power source and a plurality of device contacts for supplying power from the power source to the article. The article may include: a plurality of article contacts, each article contact arranged to form an electrical connection with a corresponding device contact among the plurality of device contacts when the article is connected to the non-flammable aerosol supply device, thereby forming a plurality of electrical connections for receiving power from the non-flammable aerosol supply device; an electrical switch, which is controllable to enable or disable the power supply to the aerosol generator; and an article controller or article control circuit configured to control the electrical switch to interrupt and / or disable the power supply to the aerosol generator in response to an output from a liquid sensor, and / or wherein the output from the liquid sensor is provided to the non-flammable aerosol supply device via at least one of the plurality of article contacts.

[0011] The product controller or product control circuit can be configured to control an electrical switch to interrupt and / or deactivate the power supply to the aerosol generator in response to an indication from a liquid sensor that liquid is present at a location.

[0012] The article may include an aerosol generating material conveying component, and the location therein is a position physically separate from the aerosol generating material conveying component.

[0013] The product controller or product control circuit can be configured to control an electrical switch to interrupt the power supply to the aerosol generator during suction, thereby controlling the electrical force and / or temperature of the aerosol generating material during suction.

[0014] The product control circuit can be configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on the value of a counter stored in the memory of the product control circuit.

[0015] The switch can be integrated into the product control circuit.

[0016] The product controller or product control circuit may include a memory, and wherein the product controller or product control circuit is configured to control electrical switches based on power supply control data stored in the memory.

[0017] Power supply control data may include aerosol generation curves.

[0018] Power supply control data can be adapted and / or configured based on the characteristics of the aerosol-generating materials.

[0019] The characteristic can be at least one of the following: The amount or density of materials that generate aerosols; Types of aerosol-generating materials; Moisture content of aerosol-generating materials; Viscosity of aerosol-generating materials; The amount or concentration of active substances within the aerosol-generating material; and The amount or concentration of flavoring agents in aerosol-generating materials.

[0020] The product controller or product control circuit can be configured to change the power supply control data stored in the memory.

[0021] The product controller or product control circuit can be configured to determine the frequency and / or duration of multiple suctions from the non-flammable aerosol supply device and / or the time elapsed since the start of suction.

[0022] The product controller or product control circuit can be configured to control the switch and / or change the power supply control data in response to a determined frequency and / or duration of multiple suctions and / or the time elapsed since the start of suction.

[0023] The product controller or product control circuit can be configured to change the power supply control data according to the characteristics of the non-flammable aerosol supply device, optionally wherein the characteristics are the voltage output of the device, the generation or age of the device, or the characteristics of the power supply of the device.

[0024] The article may include at least one temperature sensor, and the article controller or article control circuit may be configured to control an electrical switch based on the output from at least one temperature sensor.

[0025] At least one temperature sensor is configured to determine at least one of the temperature of the aerosol generator, the temperature of the aerosol generating material, and the ambient temperature within the article.

[0026] The article may include at least one suction sensor, and the article controller or article control circuit may be configured to control an electrical switch based on one or more outputs from at least one suction sensor.

[0027] The product controller or product control circuit can be configured to perform a certification process for the certification device and control electrical switches based on the results of the certification process.

[0028] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply system is provided, which includes the articles described herein.

[0029] The aerosol supply system may also include an aerosol supply device.

[0030] According to some embodiments described herein, a method for controlling an article of manufacture for an aerosol supply system is provided, the method comprising detecting the presence of liquid at a location outside the storage area for aerosol generating materials within the article of manufacture.

[0031] The method may include controlling an electrical switch in response to the result of a detection to interrupt and / or deactivate the power supply to the aerosol generator of the article.

[0032] A computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the methods described above.

[0033] These and other aspects will become clear from the following detailed explanation. Certain parts of the description should not be read in isolation from the others. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply system; Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary article of an aerosol supply system shown; Figures 3A to 3H It is used for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another exemplary article of the aerosol supply system shown; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a first method for controlling articles used in an aerosol supply system; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a second method for controlling articles used in an aerosol supply system; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a third method for controlling articles used in an aerosol supply system; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a fourth method for controlling articles used in an aerosol supply system; Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another method for controlling articles used in an aerosol supply system; and Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling an aerosol generator used in an aerosol supply system. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This document discusses / 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 discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that aspects and features of the articles and systems discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented according to any conventional techniques used to implement such aspects and features.

[0036] This disclosure relates to aerosol supply systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol supply systems, such as electronic cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it should be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol supply systems and electronic aerosol supply systems.

[0037] As described above, aerosol supply systems (electronic cigarettes) typically comprise modular components, which include both a reusable portion (aerosol supply device) and a replaceable (disposable) or refillable cartridge portion (referred to as the article). Systems conforming to this type of two-part modular construction are generally referred to as two-part systems or devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongated shape. For the purpose of providing concrete examples, some embodiments of this disclosure described herein include such generally elongated two-part systems employing refillable cartridges. However, it should be understood that the basic principles described herein can also be applied to other electronic cigarette configurations, such as modular systems comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, such as those based on so-called box-shaped high-performance devices that typically have a shape closer to a box.

[0038] As stated above, this disclosure relates to (but is not limited to) articles of aerosol supply systems, such as electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarettes.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a height schematic diagram (not to scale) of an exemplary aerosol supply system 10 (such as an electronic cigarette) to which the embodiments are applicable. The aerosol supply system 10 has a generally cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis or y-axis as indicated by the axis (although aspects of the invention are applicable to electronic cigarettes configured in other shapes and arrangements), and includes two main components, namely, an aerosol supply device 20 and an article 30.

[0040] Article 30 includes or is composed of aerosol generating material 32, some or all of which is intended for consumption by a user during use. Article 30 may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area 39, an aerosol generating material delivery component 37, an aerosol generating site, a housing, packaging, a nozzle 35, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0041] Article 30 may also include an aerosol generator 36, such as a heating element, which heats up during use to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material 32. The aerosol generator 36 may include, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor. It should be noted that the aerosol generator 36 may be part of the aerosol supply device 20, and thus article 30 may include an aerosol-generating material storage area 39 for the aerosol-generating material 32, such that when article 30 is connected to the aerosol supply device 20, the aerosol-generating material 32 can be delivered to the aerosol generator 36 in the aerosol supply device 20.

[0042] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, radiated, or electrified in any other way. Aerosol-generating material 32 may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating material 32 may include “amorphous solids,” which may alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within it. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating material 32 may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solids.

[0043] Aerosol-generating materials contain one or more components, such as one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials, such as pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0044] As used herein, active substances can be physiologically active substances, which are materials intended to achieve or enhance physiological responses. Active substances can be, for example, selected from nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive agents. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Active substances may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts from tobacco or another plant.

[0045] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In other embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0046] The aerosol supply device 20 includes a power source 14, such as a battery, configured to supply power to the aerosol generator 36. In this example, the power source 14 is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, such as those commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring the delivery of relatively high current over a relatively short period of time. The battery 14 can be recharged via a charging port (not shown), which may include, for example, a USB connector.

[0047] The aerosol supply device 20 includes device control circuitry 28 configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system 10 and provide conventional operational functions consistent with established techniques for controlling aerosol supply systems such as electronic cigarettes. Device control circuitry (processor circuitry) 28 can be considered to logically include various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, device control circuitry 28 may include: power control circuitry for controlling the power supply from power source 14 to aerosol generator 36; user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input; and functions associated with other functional units / circuits according to the principles described herein and aspects of the conventional operation of the electronic cigarette. It should be understood that the functionality of device control circuitry 28 can be configured in various ways, for example, using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functions.

[0048] The aerosol supply device 20 includes one or more air inlets 21. In use, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 35, air is drawn into the aerosol supply device 20 through the air inlets 21 and travels along the air passage 23 to the aerosol generator 36, where the air mixes with evaporating aerosol generating material 32 to form a condensed aerosol. The air drawn through the aerosol generator 36, carrying some aerosol, continues along the air passage 23 to the mouthpiece 35 and exits through the mouthpiece 35 for the user to inhale. Alternatively, one or more air inlets 21 may be included on the article 30 such that the air passage 23 is completely contained within the article 30.

[0049] As a specific example, article 30 includes a housing (e.g., made of a plastic material), an aerosol generating material storage area 39 formed within the housing for containing aerosol generating material 32 (in this example, this may be a liquid containing or not containing nicotine), an aerosol generating material delivery component 37 (in this example, this component is a core formed of, for example, glass fiber or cotton fiber, or a ceramic material configured to deliver the liquid from the reservoir using capillary action), an aerosol generating portion containing an aerosol generator 36, and a mouthpiece 35. Although not shown, a filter and / or aerosol modifier (such as a flavoring agent) may be located in or near the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol generator 36 in this example includes a heater element formed of a resistive material (e.g., NiCr8020) spirally wound around the aerosol generating material delivery component 37 and located in an air passage 23. The area surrounding the heating element and core assembly is the aerosol generating area of ​​article 30.

[0050] Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary article 30 in the aerosol supply system 10 shown, wherein the same reference numerals are used for Figure 1 shown in Article 30 and Figure 2 Similar elements between the products 30 shown. Figure 1 Product 30 shown Figure 2 The article 30 shown includes an aerosol generating material storage area 39 for storing aerosol generating material 32, an aerosol generating material conveying component 37, an aerosol generating area for accommodating an aerosol generator 36, and a nozzle 35.

[0051] Figure 2 The article 30 shown is configured for refilling and reuse. In other words, once some or all of the aerosol generating material 32 contained in the aerosol generating material storage area 39 is depleted or insufficient, Figure 2 The aerosol generating material storage area 39 of the illustrated article 30 can be refilled with aerosol generating material 32. To facilitate the refilling or replenishment of aerosol generating material 32, the article 30 has a refill tube 33 extending between the aerosol generating material storage area 39 and the exterior or outer surface of the article 30's housing, thereby creating a refill orifice 34. Aerosol generating material 32 can then be added to the aerosol generating material storage area 39 via the refill orifice 34 and the refill tube 33. However, it should be understood that this configuration of the refill tube 33 and the refill orifice 34 is not mandatory, and the article 30 may include any other suitable means to facilitate the refilling of the aerosol generating material storage area 39 with aerosol generating material 32.

[0052] The refill orifice 34 and / or refill tube 33 can be sealable, for example with a cap or one-way valve, to ensure that the aerosol-generating material 32 does not leak from the refill orifice 34. Although the refill orifice 34 is... Figure 2 The refill orifice 34 is shown on the same end or surface of the article 30 as the air passage 23 and interfaces with the aerosol supply device 20, but this is not necessary. The refill orifice 34 may be located at one end of the article 30 including the nozzle 35, for example near the outlet of the air passage 23 on the nozzle 35, such that the refill tube 33 extends between the end of the article 30 including the nozzle 35 and the aerosol generating material storage area 39. In this case, the article 30 does not need to be separated from the aerosol supply device 20 for refilling the article 30 with the aerosol generating material 32, because the refill orifice 34 is not blocked by the aerosol supply device 20 when the article 30 is connected to the aerosol supply device 20.

[0053] Figure 2 The illustrated article 30 also includes article control circuitry 38, configured to control the operation of article 30 and store parameters and / or data associated with article 30. Parameters associated with article 30 may include, for example, the article 30's serial number and / or stock unit (SKU) or other means of identifying article 30 and / or its type, the article 30's manufacturing date and / or expiration date, an indication of the number of times article 30 has been refilled, the capacity of the aerosol generating material storage area 39, and / or the amount of remaining aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating material storage area 39. As described above regarding device control circuitry 28, article control circuitry 38 can be configured in various ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality. For example, article control circuitry 38 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0054] Figure 2 The illustrated article 30 also includes one or more connectors 31, such as contact electrodes, which are connected via wires to the aerosol generator 36 and the article control circuit 38. In use, the article 30 is coupled to the aerosol supply device 20, and the connectors 31 mate with connectors on the aerosol supply device, thereby allowing power and current to be supplied from the battery 14 of the aerosol supply device 20 to the aerosol generator 36 and the article control circuit 38.

[0055] Figures 3A to 3H It is used for Figure 1 A further schematic diagram of an exemplary article 30 in the aerosol supply system 10 shown, wherein the same reference numerals have been used. Figure 1Similar elements to those in the article 30 shown in Figure 3. For ease of explanation, some features of the article 30 have been changed from... Figures 3A to 3H The following are omitted: for example, aerosol generating material storage area 39, aerosol generating material 32, and nozzle 35; however, it should be understood that, see [reference needed]. Figures 3A to 3H The described product 30 may also include Figure 2 Some or all of these additional features are shown, but from Figures 3A to 3H Omitted in .

[0056] like Figures 3A to 3H As shown, there can be two connectors 31: an input (positive voltage) connector 31a and an output (negative voltage or ground) connector 31b. In use, when the article 30 is connected to another device (e.g., an aerosol supply device 20 or a refill device), current is supplied to the article 30 via connectors 31a and 31b, allowing current to flow from the input connector 31a to both the article control circuit 38 and the aerosol generator 36, and then to the output connector 31b. Although Figures 3A to 3H Two connectors 31a and 31b are shown, but only a single connector may be present, such as a pin, jack, plug, or socket connector that allows input (positive voltage) lines and output (negative voltage or ground) lines to be connected through the same connector 31.

[0057] The memory of the article control circuit 38 may be arranged to store power supply control data for determining the operation of the article control circuit 38 when controlling the power supplied to the aerosol generator 36. For example, the power supply control data may determine an aerosol generation profile adopted by the article control circuit 38 when controlling the aerosol generator 36 to heat or aerosolize the aerosol-generating material located within the article 30. The aerosol generation profile may, for example, include information relating to the electrical force to be supplied to the aerosol generator 36 over a period of time (such as during user aspiration). Therefore, the aerosol generation profile can be used to adapt the power supplied to the aerosol generator 36 to the characteristics or settings of the article 30. In some examples, a first article 30 for use in system 10 may include a first aerosol generation profile, and a second article for use in the same system 10 may include a second aerosol generation profile different from the first aerosol generation profile. Optionally, the first article 30 may comprise a first aerosol-generating material, and the second article 30 may comprise a second aerosol-generating material that differs from the first aerosol-generating material in at least one characteristic. For example, the characteristic may be selected from at least one of the following: the amount or density of the aerosol-generating material, the type of the aerosol-generating material, the moisture content of the aerosol-generating material, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material, the amount or concentration of active substances within the aerosol-generating material, and the amount or concentration of flavoring agents within the aerosol-generating material.

[0058] For example, the aerosol generation profile can be adapted based on the specific composition of the aerosol-generating material within the article 30. For instance, the article 30 for use in the aerosol supply system 10 may be provided with aerosol-generating materials having different levels and / or concentrations of active substances (as described herein) and / or flavorings (as described herein), and the aerosol generation profile stored in the memory of the article control circuit 38 of the article can be adapted to the level and / or concentration of at least one active substance and / or at least one flavoring in the aerosol-generating material.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generation profile can be adapted based on the characteristics of the device 20 connected to the article 30. For example, if the article control circuit 38 determines that the device 20 has a specific voltage output, or is a device of a specific generation or age, or based on the characteristics of the power supply of the device 20, the aerosol generation profile stored in the memory of the article control circuit 38 can be adapted.

[0060] In some embodiments, the aerosol generation profile may include instructions for generating a pulse-width modulated signal to be generated by the article control circuit 38. In this case, for example, the pulse width of the pulse-width modulated signal may be adjusted to improve aerosol generation from a specific aerosol-generating material provided within the article 30.

[0061] During the manufacture of article 30, power supply control data can be stored in the memory of article control circuit 38, which is adapted to the aerosol generating material 32 provided within article 30. Alternatively or additionally, the memory of article control circuit 38 can store a first set of power supply control data and a second set of power supply control data adapted for use with corresponding first and second aerosol generating materials 32. In this case, a user-activated switch (not shown) can be provided, for example, on article 30, so that the user selects one of the first and second sets of power supply control data to be used by article control circuit 38, for example, depending on the aerosol generating material held within article 30 or based on a preferred aerosol generation curve selected by the user.

[0062] The article control circuit 38 can be configured to modify power supply control data stored in its memory. For example, in some cases, the aerosol supply device 20 can provide an instruction to the article control circuit 38 each time a user inhales on the device 20. For example, the aerosol supply device 20 can supply power to the article 30 via connectors 31a, 31b in response to inhalation or during inhalation. The article control circuit 38 can be configured to determine the frequency and / or duration of multiple inhalations and, in response, modify the power supply control data, such as the aerosol generation curve. For example, if the article control circuit 38 determines that the user is inhaling more frequently than a predetermined frequency, the power supply control data or the aerosol generation curve can be modified such that the power supplied to the aerosol generator 36 is reduced over a period of time. Alternatively or additionally, if the time elapsed between the first and second consecutive user suctions is less than a certain threshold, a lower power level may be supplied to the aerosol generator 36 during the second user suction, for example, because it can be predicted that the aerosol generator 36 and / or the aerosol generating material 32 will have a higher temperature at the start of the second suction compared to the case where a longer time has elapsed.

[0063] The article control circuit 38 can be configured to start and / or stop or block the power supply to the aerosol generator 36 in response to data related to aspiration or inhalation performed by the user. As described above, in some cases, the aerosol supply device 20 can provide an indication to the article control circuit 38 each time the user aspirates on the device 20. For example, the aerosol supply device 20 can supply power to the article 30 via connectors 31a, 31b in response to aspiration or during aspiration. The article control circuit 38 can be configured to supply power to the aerosol generator 36 in response to the start of inhalation. Alternatively or additionally, the article control circuit 38 can be configured to determine the time elapsed since the start of the user's aspiration and stop the power supply to the aerosol generator 36 once a specific duration has elapsed. This can serve as a safety feature to prevent the continuous supply of power to the aerosol generator 36 beyond a safe time limit, such as 4 or 5 seconds, for example, to prevent overheating of the aerosol generator 36. This function can be a function other than the device's own control function, so that a safe cut-off of the power supply to the aerosol generator 36 can be provided if the device 20 attempts to initiate aerosol generation for a longer period than the safe duration for the specific article 30.

[0064] A counter may also be provided in the memory of the article control circuit 38, and the article control circuit 38 is configured to control the power supplied to the aerosol generator 36 based on the value of the counter stored in the memory of the article control circuit 38. The value of the counter may indicate the number of times a user of the aerosol supply system 10 inhales (or sucks) onto the article 30 that forms part of the aerosol supply system 10. This may also correspond to the number of times the aerosol generator 36 is activated; in other words, the number of times power is supplied to the aerosol generator 36, since the aerosol generator 36 is activated each time a user inhales into the aerosol supply system 10 to generate aerosol for delivery to the user.

[0065] like Figures 3A to 3H As shown, article 30 may also include switch 310. Figure 3A and Figure 3G In the middle, switch 310 is connected in series with aerosol generator 36 and upstream of it (i.e., on the input connector 31a side), while Figures 3B to 3F and Figure 3H In this configuration, switch 310 is connected in series with and downstream of aerosol generator 36 (i.e., on the output connector 31b side). In this case, the article control circuit 38 is configured to control the power supplied to aerosol generator 36 by actuating switch 310. In other words, the article control circuit 38 is configured to actuate the switch to selectively enable or block the supply of power to aerosol generator 36, for example, as part of the aerosol generation curve and other aerosol generator control features described herein. In other words, the article control circuit 38 enables the supply of power to aerosol generator 36 by closing switch 310, thereby completing the circuit between connectors 31a, 31b and aerosol generator 36. Then, the article control circuit 38 disconnects the circuit between connectors 31a by opening switch 310, thereby blocking the supply of power to aerosol generator 36. However, it should be understood that other means of controlling the power supplied to aerosol generator 36 can be employed, such as by using logic gates, variable resistors, and / or variable current. In any of these cases, the power supply may be interrupted during suction based on the aforementioned power supply control data, such as the aerosol generation curve adopted by the product control circuit 38.

[0066] like Figures 3A to 3HAs shown, the article control circuit 38 is on a separate circuit from the switch 310 and the aerosol generator 36 (in other words, it is wired in parallel with the switch and the aerosol generator), allowing power to be supplied to the article control circuit 38 via connectors 31a and 31b, regardless of whether the switch is open or closed. This means that when the article 30 is connected to another device (e.g., the aerosol supply device 20), the article control circuit 38 can receive power via connectors 31a and 31b without activating the aerosol generator 36, since the switch 310 can be open when the article 30 is connected to another device. Therefore, the article control circuit 38 can receive power independently of the aerosol generator 36.

[0067] Despite Figures 3A to 3H In the diagram, switch 310 is shown as a separate component from the article control circuit 38. However, switch 310 can also be integrated into the article control circuit 38, such that switch 310 and article control circuit 38 form a single component, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU) or system-on-a-chip (SoC) as described above. The switch can be implemented as a transistor, such as a field-effect transistor (FET) or MOSFET.

[0068] Figure 3G and Figure 3H It is used for Figure 1 A further schematic diagram of the exemplary articles 30 in the aerosol supply system 10 shown, and these articles respectively include... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The exemplary article has the same components as the one described above, except for several additional components. Figure 3G and Figure 3H In this embodiment, article 30 further includes a temperature sensor 36a, a suction sensor 41, and a liquid sensor 40. Each of the temperature sensor 36a, suction sensor 41, and liquid sensor 40 is connected to multiple input terminals on article control circuit 38. The operation of article 30 including these sensors will be described below. In other embodiments, any single sensor of these sensors 36a, 41, and 40 can be implemented without the other sensors, thereby achieving the function of that single sensor. Alternatively, any combination of any two of the three sensors 36a, 41, and 40 can also be implemented. A single sensor, a combination of two sensors, or all three sensors can also be used. Figures 3C to 3F Implemented in any of the exemplary artifacts 30.

[0069] Temperature sensor 36a can detect the temperature of at least one of aerosol generator 36 and aerosol generating material 32 during use, for example. Alternatively, temperature sensor 36a can be arranged to measure the ambient temperature within article 30. The temperature of aerosol generating material 32 can be measured, for example, at aerosol generating material conveying component 37 or within aerosol generating material storage area 39. Temperature sensor 36a enables article control circuit 38 to control the power to aerosol generator 36 based on the temperature recorded by sensor 36a (e.g., ambient temperature within article), the temperature of aerosol generator 36, and / or aerosol generating material 32. For example, article control circuit 38 can adjust the aerosol generation profile based on the temperature of aerosol generator 36 and / or aerosol generating material 32. If the temperature measured before aspiration is below a certain threshold, article control circuit 38 can be configured to supply a higher level of power to aerosol generator 36, for example, via the aerosol generation profile, than when the temperature is above a certain threshold. Additionally or alternatively, if the temperature measured while the in-process control circuit 38 is controlling the power supply to the aerosol generator is higher than a threshold temperature, the power level can be reduced.

[0070] The suction sensor 41 can provide an indication to the article control circuit 38 each time the user suctions on the device 20. The suction sensor 41 can be, for example, a sensor that detects changes in air pressure or airflow through the air passage 23, a sensor that detects the user's lips on the mouthpiece 35, and / or a sensor that detects changes in the orientation of the article 30. The article control circuit 38 can be configured to determine the number, frequency, and / or duration of multiple suctions, and in response, change power supply control data, such as the aerosol generation curve. For example, if the article control circuit 38 determines that the user is suctioning more frequently than a predetermined frequency, the power supply control data or the aerosol generation curve can be changed such that the electrical power supplied to the aerosol generator 36 is reduced for a period of time. Alternatively or additionally, if the time elapsed between the first and second consecutive user suctions is less than a certain threshold, a lower power level may be supplied to the aerosol generator 36 during the second user suction, for example, because it can be predicted that the aerosol generator 36 and / or the aerosol generating material 32 will have a higher temperature at the start of the second suction compared to the case where a longer time has elapsed.

[0071] A liquid sensor 40 may be arranged, for example, in or near the aerosol generating material storage area 39 to detect the presence of liquid. The product control circuit 38 may control the aerosol generator 36 based on the output of the liquid sensor 40. For example, if the output of the liquid sensor 40 indicates that there is no liquid in the aerosol generating material storage area 39, the product control circuit 38 may prevent any power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 to prevent the aerosol generator 36 from starting under dry conditions. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid sensor 40 may be arranged to detect the presence of liquid in a portion of the product 30 outside the aerosol generating material storage area 39, where such presence may indicate a leak or undesirable condensation buildup. In this case, the product control circuit 38 may prevent any power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 to avoid using a defective product 30. For example, the liquid sensor 40 may be configured to detect the presence of liquid within the product at a location outside the aerosol generating material storage area. The location outside the aerosol generating material storage area 39 may be a location where condensate may form and / or collect during use of the non-flammable aerosol supply device. In some examples, the aerosol generating material is stored in liquid form in an aerosol generating material storage area 39, and locations outside the aerosol generating material storage area 39 are intended to remain liquid-free during normal operation of the non-flammable aerosol supply device. For example, article 30 may include a printed circuit board, such as article control circuitry 38, and a liquid sensor 40 may also be disposed on the printed circuit board such that the location is where the surface of the printed circuit board is located. An output from the liquid sensor 40 indicating the presence of liquid at that location indicates leakage of aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage area 39.

[0072] The article control circuit 38 can also be configured to update the value of a counter based on the output of the suction sensor 41 in response to an inhalation by a user on the aerosol supply system 10. The article control circuit 38 can be configured to update the counter value in response to an inhalation. The counter value can be updated by incrementing or decrementing the counter value according to the exact implementation of the counter, for example, incrementing or decrementing by 1 for each inhalation performed by the user. The user can perform multiple inhalations within a short period of time, and the article control circuit 38 can be configured to periodically (e.g., every 10 seconds, every minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes) update the counter value to reflect the number of inhalations performed within that period, rather than updating the counter in response to each inhalation.

[0073] The article control circuit 38 can also be configured to prevent power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 based on a comparison between a counter value and an intake limit. The intake limit indicates the point at which the article 30 needs to be refilled. For example, there may be a maximum number (e.g., 50, 100, 500, or 1000) that a user of the aerosol supply system 10 can inhale on the aerosol supply system 10 until the aerosol generating material 32 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39 is depleted and the article 30 needs to be refilled. When there is little or no aerosol generating material 32 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39, supplying power to the aerosol generator 36 may cause the aerosol generator 36 to dry out (because there is no aerosol generating material 32 for aerosolization) and / or cause the aerosol generator 36 to overheat, which may result in damage to the aerosol generator 36 or the article 30 and other components of the aerosol supply system 10. To prevent this, the article control circuit 38 can be configured to compare the value of a counter with the inhalation limit and, when the inhalation limit has been reached, prevent power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36, for example, by actuating (disconnecting) switch 310 or by keeping switch 310 in the disconnected position. The inhalation limit can be set to represent the maximum number of inhalations a user of the aerosol supply system 10 can perform on the aerosol supply system 10 until the aerosol generating material 32 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39 is depleted (in other words, the aerosol generating material storage area 39 is empty), or to represent fewer inhalations than the maximum number that can be performed, such as 10, 50, or 100 fewer inhalations than the maximum number that can be performed. In the latter case, this ensures that power is prevented from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 before the aerosol generating material 32 is completely depleted from the aerosol generating material storage area 39, thereby preventing damage to the article 30 and preventing an adverse user experience, as the user cannot perform inhalations with little or no aerosol generating material 32 present.

[0074] As described above, the counter value is updated in response to inhalation by a user of the aerosol supply system 10. In the example described above, where the counter value is updated by increasing the counter value in response to inhalation, the inhalation limit may be equal to (or close to) the maximum amount of aerosol generating material 32 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39 until the article 30 needs to be refilled (e.g., 50, 100, 500, or 1000). When the counter value reaches the inhalation limit, the article control circuit 38 is configured to prevent power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36. Alternatively, in the example described above, the counter value is updated by decreasing the counter value in response to inhalation, and the inhalation limit may be equal to zero, such that when the counter value has reached zero, the article control circuit 38 is configured to prevent power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36.

[0075] The article control circuit 38 may also be configured to update the counter value to a reset value in response to the article 30 being filled with aerosol generating material 32. As described above, the article 30 can be filled and refilled with aerosol generating material 32, for example, by a refilling device. The article control circuit 38 may be configured to determine that the article 30 (more specifically, the aerosol generating material storage area 39) has been filled with aerosol generating material 32, and thus update the counter value to a reset value. For example, the article control circuit 38 may be configured to detect an increase in the amount of aerosol generating material 32 in or near the aerosol generating material storage area 39 using a sensor or gauge such as the liquid sensor 40 described above, thereby indicating that the article 30 has been filled with aerosol generating material 32. Alternatively, the article control circuit 38 may receive a notification from a refilling device indicating that the article 30 has been connected to the refilling device and that the aerosol generating material 32 has been delivered to the aerosol generating material storage area 39 by the refilling device. The product control circuit 38 can then update the value of the counter to the reset value in response to receiving a notification.

[0076] In response to determining that article 30 is filled with aerosol generating material 32, article control circuit 38 can update the value of a counter to a reset value. For example, if the counter value increases in response to inhalation of aerosol supply device 10 by a user of aerosol supply device 10, the reset value can be zero, and article control circuit 38 is then configured to update the counter value to zero. Alternatively, if the counter value decreases in response to inhalation of aerosol supply device 10 by a user of aerosol supply device 10, the reset value can be equal to (or close to) the maximum amount of aerosol generating material 32 that a user of aerosol supply system 10 can inhale on aerosol supply system 10 until the aerosol generating material 32 in aerosol generating material storage area 39 is depleted, and article control circuit 38 is then configured to update the counter value to a reset value. In other words, updating the counter value to a reset value provides an indication that article 30 has been refilled with aerosol generating material 32.

[0077] In some cases, the article 30 is not fully filled with the aerosol generating material 32. In other words, the aerosol generating material 32 is delivered to the aerosol generating material storage area 39, but the aerosol generating material storage area 39 does not reach its capacity. In this case, the article control circuit 38 can update the value of the counter to a reset value reflecting the amount of aerosol generating material 32 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39. In other words, the reset value is selected by the article control circuit 38 based on the amount of aerosol generating material 32 delivered to the aerosol generating material storage area 39, such that the number of inhalations required before the counter value reaches the inhalation limit reflects the amount of aerosol generating material 32 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39. The article control circuit 38 can be configured to determine the amount of aerosol generating material 32 delivered to the aerosol generating material storage area 39 using a method similar to that described above, for example, by using a sensor or receiving a notification from a refilling device indicating the amount of aerosol generating material 32 delivered to the aerosol generating material storage area 39.

[0078] The article control circuit 38 can also be configured to supply power to the aerosol generator 36 in response to a counter value being updated to a reset value. Since updating the counter value to a reset value indicates that the aerosol generating material 32 has been delivered to the aerosol generating material storage area 39, it is safe to supply power to the aerosol generator 36. Therefore, the article control circuit 38 can be configured to supply power to the aerosol generator 36 in response to a counter value being updated to a reset value, for example, by closing switch 310. However, it should be understood that by enabling the supply of power to the aerosol generator 36, it does not necessarily mean that the aerosol generator 36 is continuously supplied with power in response to a counter value being updated to a reset value, and power can still be supplied to the aerosol generator 36 only in response to a signal. For example, the article control circuit 38 can enable the supply of power to the aerosol generator 36 such that, as described above, the aerosol generator 36 is still supplied with power only in response to the user of the aerosol supply system 10 inhaling the aerosol supply system 10.

[0079] exist Figures 3A to 3H In the example shown, in response to the device control circuit 28 sending an indication that inhalation has been detected to the product control circuit 38, the product control circuit 38 can read the value of a counter. If the counter value equals the reset value, or the indication has not yet reached the inhalation limit, the product control circuit 38 can actuate (close) switch 310, thereby enabling the supply of power to the aerosol generator 36. For example, the device control circuit 28 can be configured to supply power from the battery 14 to the product control circuit 38 in response to the detection of inhalation by a user of the aerosol supply system 10. The product control circuit 38 is then configured to receive power from the aerosol supply device 20 connected to the product 30. The product control circuit 38 then reads the value of the counter and determines, based on the counter value, whether power can be supplied from the aerosol supply device 20 to the aerosol generator 36. As described above, if the counter value equals the reset value or the inhalation limit has not yet been reached, the product control circuit 38 enables the supply of power to the aerosol generator 36 (e.g., by closing switch 310). If the value of the counter is equal to (i.e., the inhalation limit has been reached), the article control circuit 38 prevents the supply of power to the aerosol generator 36 (e.g., by disconnecting switch 310).

[0080] Alternatively, the article control circuit 38 can actuate (close) switch 310 in response to a counter value being updated to a reset value, but the device control circuit 28 is configured to allow power to be supplied from battery 14 to aerosol generator 36 only in response to detected inhalation. The device control circuit 28 can achieve power supply from battery 14 to aerosol generator 36 by actuating a second switch separate from the switch on article 30 (e.g., located on aerosol supply device 20). Thus, power is supplied from battery 14 to aerosol generator 36 only when both switch 310 controlled by article control circuit 38 and the switch controlled by device control circuit 28 are closed. As described above, this means that when article control circuit 38 prevents power supply to aerosol generator 36, for example by opening switch 310, even if device control circuit 28 detects inhalation and closes the second switch, aerosol generator 36 will not receive power from battery 14.

[0081] The initial value of the counter can indicate that article 30 is new. In other words, when article 30 is manufactured, the value of the counter is set to the initial value to indicate that article 30 has not previously been used as part of aerosol supply system 10. The initial value of the counter is a specific value, such as -1 or exceeding the maximum amount of aerosol generating material 32 that a user of aerosol supply system 10 can inhale on aerosol supply system 10 until the aerosol generating material storage area 39 is depleted and article 30 needs to be refilled, such that the initial value falls outside the range of the aforementioned counter.

[0082] Some refillable articles 30 are manufactured and sold in a form where there is no aerosol generating material 32 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39 (in other words, the aerosol generating material storage area 39 is empty). In this case, the initial value of the counter also indicates that there is no aerosol generating material 32 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39. The article control circuit 38 can be configured to prevent power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 in response to determining that the value of the counter is equal to the initial value, for example by actuating (disconnecting) the switch 310 or by keeping the switch 310 in the disconnected position. In other words, when the article 30 is new, the aerosol generator 36 is deactivated and cannot be used until the value of the counter is updated to no longer be the initial value. Preventing power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 when the value of the counter is equal to the initial value ensures that the article 30 cannot be used when the aerosol generating material storage area 39 is empty, as using the article when the aerosol generating material storage area is empty may damage the aerosol generator 36 or other components of the article 30, as well as the aerosol supply device 20.

[0083] As described above, in response to the article being filled with aerosol generating material 32, the counter value is updated to a reset value. Therefore, when a new article 30 with a counter value equal to the initial value is filled with aerosol generating material 32, the counter value is updated to the reset value, thereby indicating that the article 30 has been filled with aerosol generating material 32 and the aerosol generator 36 can be activated.

[0084] Alternatively, aerosol generating material 32 can be supplied to the new article 30 in the aerosol generating material storage area 39, but this requires the user to connect the article 30 to the refill device so that the counter value is updated to a value that is no longer initial (e.g., to a reset value). This thus ensures that the article 30 is connected to an approved refill device before the aerosol generator 36 can be activated, thereby reducing the misuse of the article 30.

[0085] Once the counter value has been updated from the initial value, the article control circuit 38 is configured to ensure that the counter value is no longer equal to the initial value, thereby providing an indication that article 30 is no longer new.

[0086] In some examples, a second counter is stored in the memory of the article control circuit 38. In this case, the article control circuit 38 is configured to update the value of the second counter in response to inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the aerosol supply system. Similar to the description above regarding the first counter, the value of the second counter can be updated by increasing or decreasing the second counter in response to inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the aerosol supply system 10.

[0087] The value of the second counter is an indication of the total number of inhalations that have been performed on article 30 since it was manufactured / since it is a new start (in other words, the number of times aerosol generator 36 has been activated). Therefore, the article control circuit 38 can be configured to maintain the value of the second counter in response to article 30 being filled with aerosol generating material 32. In other words, unlike the value of the first counter, which is updated to a reset value when article 30 is filled with aerosol generating material 32, the article control circuit 38 does not change or update the value of the second counter when article 30 is filled with aerosol generating material 32. The value of the second counter is therefore independent of the number of times article 30 has been filled / refilled with aerosol generating material 32.

[0088] The article control circuit 38 can be configured to permanently prevent power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 based on a comparison between the value of the second counter and a usage limit. The usage limit represents the end of the article's lifespan, such that when the value of the second counter reaches or equals the usage limit, power is permanently prevented from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36, rendering the article unusable for aerosol generation. Power can be permanently prevented from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 by disconnecting switch 310, or by another device such as a circuit breaker, fuse, or second switch that interrupts the circuit to the aerosol generator 36.

[0089] When the value of the second counter increases in response to the user's inhalation of the aerosol supply system 10, the value of the second counter represents the number of inhalations (and the number of times the aerosol generator has been activated) since the article 30 was first manufactured (i.e., when the article 20 is new). In this case, the usage limit is equal to the number of inhalations (and the number of times the aerosol generator has been activated) that the article 30 is designed or intended for, for example, 1,000, 10,000, 50,000 or more. The article control circuit 38 is then configured to permanently block the supply of power to the aerosol generator 36 when the value of the second counter reaches or equals the usage limit.

[0090] Alternatively, when article 30 is first manufactured (i.e., when the article is new), the value of the second counter is equal to the number of times article 30 is designed or intended for inhalation (and the number of times the aerosol generator is activated). Then, in response to inhalation of aerosol by a user of aerosol supply system 10, the value of the second counter is decremented. In this case, the usage limit is equal to zero, such that when the value of the second counter equals (or reaches) zero, power supply to aerosol generator 36 is permanently blocked.

[0091] The number of inhalations (and the number of times the aerosol generator has been activated) for which article 30 is designed or intended is limited or set based on a number of factors, such as the degradation and reliability of components within article 30 (e.g., aerosol generator 36 and aerosol generation material delivery component 37). Inhalation limits (and / or the number of inhalations for which article 30 is designed or intended) can therefore be limited or set to ensure safe, reliable, and consistent operation of article 30, and to replace article 30 before it adversely affects the operation of aerosol supply system 10.

[0092] Figures 3C to 3F The article shown has one or more data connectors 31c electrically connected to the article control circuit 38. Figure 6 C to Figure 6The article 30 shown in F has a single data connector 31c, but it should be understood that the article 30 may have more data connectors, such as two or four. When the device is connected to connectors 31a, 31b and data connectors 31c, 31d, data connector 31c facilitates the transfer of data between the article control circuit 38 and the device (e.g., aerosol supply device 20). In other words, when the device (e.g., aerosol supply device 20) is connected to the article 30, connectors 31a, 31b mate with the power connector on the aerosol supply device 20, thereby allowing power and current to be supplied from the battery 14 of the aerosol supply device 20 to the aerosol generator 36 and the article control circuit 38 via connectors 31a, 31b, while data connector 31c mates with the data connector of the aerosol supply device 20, thereby allowing the transfer of data between the article control circuit 38 and the device control circuit 28 via data connector 31c. Therefore, in Figures 3C to 3F In the illustrated article 30, data can be transmitted to and from the article control circuit 38 via a connector different from the connector through which electricity is supplied to the aerosol generator 36 and the article control circuit 38. Alternatively or additionally, data can be transmitted using, for example, in... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The connectors 31a and 31b in the product 30 shown are used for transmission.

[0093] Having a separate data connector 31c for transmitting data between the in-process control circuit 38 and the device coupled to the article 30 means that the input voltage at the input connector 31a, which supplies power to the aerosol generator 36 and the in-process control circuit 38, does not change or fluctuate when data is transmitted to and from the in-process control circuit 38. This allows a constant voltage to be supplied to the aerosol generator 36 and the in-process control circuit 38 while data is transmitted between the in-process control circuits 38. For example, when the article 30 is coupled to the aerosol supply device 20, data can be transmitted between the in-process control circuit 38 and the device control circuit 28 via the data connector 31c, while the aerosol generator 36 is activated via connectors 31a, 31b, such as during inhalation by a user of the aerosol supply system 10 through the mouthpiece 35.

[0094] When article 30 is connected to the refill device, electricity does not need to be supplied to aerosol generator 36. Figures 3C to 3F The product 30 shown has a product control circuit 38 that can exchange data with the refilling device while preventing power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36. However, in this case, data can be transmitted via data connector 31c, and the product control circuit 38 can receive power via connectors 31a and 31b. However, as described above, switch 310 remains open to prevent power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, communication between the product control circuit 38 and the aerosol supply device 20, for example via data connector 31c, can be used by the product control circuit 38 to authenticate the aerosol supply device 20, as described in further detail below. The communication between the product control circuit 38 and the device control circuit 28 can be unidirectional and / or bidirectional.

[0096] One or more connectors 31 may be used to transmit information between the article control circuitry 38 and the device control circuitry 28 of the aerosol supply device 20. This information may be used by the article 30 to authenticate the device 20. For example, the article 30 may verify the device 20 so that the article 30 can be used only by the authenticated aerosol supply device 20. The article control circuitry 38 may be configured to control switch 310 to enable the supply of power to the aerosol generator 36 in response to successful authentication. Alternatively, if the aerosol supply device 20 is not authenticated, the article control circuitry 38 may be unable to supply power to the aerosol generator 36.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the authentication process includes transmitting one or more of the following from the aerosol supply device 20 to the article 30: an identification code, the production date of the aerosol supply device 20, the voltage level of the power supply 14, or any other additional information related to the aerosol supply device 20. In one example, one or more of the identification code, production date, or additional information may be stored in the memory of the device control circuitry 28.

[0098] In some examples, the identification code can indicate the type of aerosol supply device 20 (e.g., a specific brand, model, and / or having specific characteristics), so that the article 30 can be used only with a specific type of aerosol supply device.

[0099] In some examples, the voltage level of power supply 14 can indicate whether aerosol supply device 20 is compatible with article 30, such that if the voltage level of power supply 14 does not match the predetermined voltage (or voltage range) at which article 30 operates, aerosol supply device 20 is not certified. Therefore, if device 30 is not certified based on voltage level, overheating or malfunction of article 30 can be prevented by disallowing the supply of power to aerosol generator 36.

[0100] In some examples, the additional information may be additional information stored in the device control circuitry, such as user information (e.g., user identity, user age, etc.). For example, if the user of device 20 is a minor, or if there is any other reason why the user is not allowed to use article 30 (e.g., article 30 has a high level of active substance that may not be suitable for some users), article 30 may be prevented from being used with device 20.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, an authentication identifier can be used based on a password entered by the user on an external device (e.g., a password set by the user or a one-time password provided to an authenticated user), which in turn allows the aerosol supply device 20 to be authenticated by the article 30.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, information transmitted from the aerosol supply device 20 to the article 30 can be at least partially encrypted, for example, with an encryption key. This can increase the security of communication, and especially authentication. It may also make it more difficult to forge the authentication and use of the aerosol supply device. In one example, one or more of the encryption key or the corresponding decryption key can be stored in the memory of the device control circuit 28. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the encryption key or the corresponding decryption key can be stored in the memory of the article control circuit 38. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the encryption key or the corresponding decryption key can also be stored in an external database.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, all information transmitted from device 20 to article 30 is encrypted. For example, encryption can be performed at the data packet level. One or more data packets transmitted from device 20 to article 30 for authentication via connector 31 may include at least one or more of the following: identification code, production date, voltage level, or additional information.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, information transmitted between the aerosol supply device 20 and the article 30 may be at least partially encrypted in two steps. In some examples, additional data may be added to the information to be encrypted before encrypting the information, which includes an identification code, production date, voltage level, and / or additional information. For example, additional data may be added between the first and second steps of encryption and / or before the first step of encryption.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, to further ensure authentication (e.g., to prevent reverse engineering), the signal sequence used to authenticate the aerosol supply device 20 for use of the article 30 is different for at least a plurality of consecutive authentications. For example, the signal sequence is different for at least five, preferably for at least twenty, consecutive authentications. Most preferably, each signal sequence used to authenticate the aerosol supply device 20 for use of the article 30 is different, particularly over the lifetime of the article 30 during normal use. In one example, this can be achieved by adding additional data as described above. This additional data may be, for example, timer information and / or random numbers. The timer information may relate to the timing of energy supply to the article 30. In one example, the additional data is determined or generated by the device control circuit 28. To decrypt the transmitted information, the article control circuit 38 may use a decryption key stored in the memory of the article control circuit 38. The decryption key may be the same as or different from the encryption key (which is used to encrypt the information). The article 30 may include multiple keys (e.g., encryption keys and / or decryption keys) stored in memory for decrypting information sent from the aerosol supply device 20. At least one of a plurality of keys can be used to decrypt information transmitted from the aerosol supply device 20 via connector 31. For example, to decrypt information received from the aerosol supply device 20, the first key can be used. If decryption fails, other stored keys can be used sequentially until the transmitted information is successfully decrypted. For final verification, the decrypted information can be compared with authentication information stored in the article 30 (e.g., authentication information includes one or more of an identification code, voltage level, production date, and / or additional information). If this comparison is correct, the verification of the transmitted information is successful, which allows for successful authentication of the aerosol supply device 20.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, during the production of article 30, such as at the end of online testing, one or more of the encryption and / or decryption keys are stored at least partially in an article database within the article control circuitry 38 of article 30. The article database can be updated via an external device (such as a user's personal device) or from a device server (e.g., a manufacturer's server). For example, new encryption and / or decryption keys can be added to the article database, and other (e.g., older) encryption and / or decryption keys can be deleted from the article database during these updates. In addition to updating the encryption and / or decryption keys, updates may also include updating authentication information (e.g., identification code, voltage level, production date, and / or additional information) stored in article 30.

[0107] As described above, the article control circuit 38 may include an integrated circuit / circuit / chip / chipset configured to provide the functions described herein. Figures 3C to 3F The illustrated article control circuit 38 is an integrated circuit with four connectors 381-384. As described above, the first connector 381 is the positive power supply voltage (VCC), while the second connector 382 is the ground connector. The third connector 383 and the fourth connector 394 are input / output connectors, wherein the third connector 383 is connected to the data connector 31c for data transmission, and the fourth connector 384 is connected to the switch 310 to enable the article control circuit 38 to actuate the switch 310, as described above. In particular, the fourth connector 384 is located inside the article 30 and is not directly connected to either of the connectors 31a or 31b. This means that the fourth connector 384 is not easily accessible to the user of the aerosol supply device 10, thereby making it more difficult for the user to tamper with the article 30, for example, preventing the user from supplying power to the aerosol generator 36 while bypassing the article control circuit 38. This results in a more robust and tamper-proof article 30.

[0108] Figure 3D and Figure 3F The illustrated article 30 has a diode 330 located between the connector 31a and the article control circuit 38 (i.e., the first connector 381) to control the direction of the current through the article control circuit 38. Figure 3D and Figure 3F The illustrated article also includes one or more capacitors 340 between the first connector 381 and the second connector 382 to act as a power rectifier, such that voltage can be supplied to the article control circuit 38 when connectors 31a, 31b are not electrically connected to the aerosol supply device 20 or the refill device. This also prevents the values ​​of the first and second counters stored in the memory of the article control circuit 38 from being erroneously changed due to the input voltage of the article control circuit 38 dropping to zero. This ensures that the counters and the article control circuit 38 continue to function in their intended manner, and that the article 30 becomes unusable, particularly when the value of the first counter has reached or exceeded the intake limit and / or when the value of the second counter has reached or exceeded the use limit.

[0109] Figure 3E and Figure 3FThe article 30 shown has a Sziklai pair 350 between the fourth connector 384 and the switch 310. The Sziklai pair 350 includes a pair of bipolar transistors 351 and 352; the first transistor 351 is a PNP transistor, and the second transistor 352 is an NPN transistor. Resistors 325 are also present on the lines between the voltage line to the heater and the transistors 351 and 352 of the Sziklai pair 350. The Sziklai pair 350 is used to control the power supply to the aerosol generator 36, particularly obtaining the output from the fourth connector 384, because the fourth connector 384 can have a low power output. Figure 3F As shown, when the Sziklai 350 is used in combination with the power rectifier (diode 330 and capacitor 340), the voltage line to the heater 36 is completely separated from the line between the fourth connector 384 and the switch 310.

[0110] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a first method 400 for controlling the article 30 of the aerosol supply system 10, performed, for example, by the article control circuit 38. In step 410, the power supply to the aerosol generator is controlled during user aspiration. The method then ends. For example, the article controller (e.g., the article control circuit 38 described herein) is configured to control an electrical switch (e.g., switch 310) to interrupt the power supply to the aerosol generator 36 during aspiration. This can be based, for example, on power supply control data, such as the aerosol generation curve as described above. This can have the effect of controlling the electrical force and / or temperature of the aerosol generating material during a given aspiration.

[0111] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a second method 700 for controlling the article 30 of the aerosol supply system 10, performed, for example, by the article control circuit 38. In step 710, for example, a suction sensor 41 as described herein is used to determine the time elapsed since the start of suction, and power to the aerosol generator 36 is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0112] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a third method 800, executed, for example, by the article control circuit 38, to control the article 30 of the aerosol supply system 10. In step 810, device authentication is performed, for example as described herein, and the power supply to the aerosol generator 36 is controlled based on the authentication result.

[0113] Figure 7This is a flowchart of a fourth method 900 for controlling the article 30 of the aerosol supply system 10, performed, for example, by the article control circuit 38. In step 910, the presence of aerosol generating material (such as a liquid detected using the liquid sensor 40 described herein) is detected, and the power supply to the aerosol generator 36 is controlled based on the detection result.

[0114] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another method 500 for controlling the article 30 of the aerosol supply system 10, performed, for example, by the article control circuit 38. The method begins at step 510, where it is determined whether the value of a second counter is less than a usage limit. If the value of the second counter is not less than the usage limit, the method proceeds to step 550, where power is prevented from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 by, for example, disconnecting switch 310 or keeping switch 310 in the open position. The method then ends. If it is determined in step 510 that the value of the second counter is less than the usage limit, the method proceeds to step 520, where it is determined whether the value of a first counter is equal to an initial value. If the value of the first counter is equal to the initial value, the method proceeds to step 550, where power is prevented from being supplied to the aerosol generator 36 by, for example, disconnecting switch 310 or keeping switch 310 in the open position. The method then ends. If it is determined in step 520 that the value of the first counter is not equal to the initial value, the method proceeds to step 530, where it is determined whether the value of the first counter is less than an inhalation limit. If the value of the first counter is not less than the inhalation limit, the method proceeds to step 550, where the power supply to the aerosol generator 36 is blocked, for example, by disconnecting switch 310 or keeping switch 310 in the off position. The method then ends. If, in step 530, it is determined that the value of the first counter is not equal to the initial value, the method proceeds to step 540, where the power supply to the aerosol generator 36 is enabled, for example, by controlling switch 310 based on power supply control data (e.g., the aerosol generation curve as described above) by controlling the power supplied during aspiration. This can have the effect of controlling the electrical force and / or temperature of the aerosol generating material during a given aspiration period. The method then ends.

[0115] Figure 9This is a flowchart of a method 600 for controlling the aerosol generator 36 of an article 30 for an aerosol supply system 10, performed by, for example, an article control circuit 38. The method begins at step 610, where power is received from a device connected to the article 30 (e.g., aerosol supply device 20). For example, as described above, power can be received from the battery 14 of the aerosol supply device 20 in response to the device control circuit 28 detecting inhalation of the aerosol supply system 10 by a user of the aerosol supply system 10. At step 620, the value of a counter is read. At step 630, based on the counter value, it is determined whether to enable power supply from the device 20 to the aerosol generator 36, for example, using method 400 or method 500. In the case of method 500, the counter in method 600 is the first counter of method 500, and the value of a second counter is also read at step 620. The method then ends.

[0116] Figures 4 to 9 The methods 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 shown can be stored as instructions on a computer-readable storage medium such that when the instructions are executed by a processor, the methods 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 are performed. The computer-readable storage medium can be non-transient.

[0117] As described above, this disclosure relates to (but is not limited to) an article of manufacture for an aerosol supply system, the article of manufacture including an aerosol generator and an article of manufacture control circuit, the article of manufacture control circuit being configured to control the power supplied to the aerosol generator based on the value of a counter stored in a memory of the article of manufacture control circuit.

[0118] Therefore, articles for an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply system, a method for controlling articles for an aerosol supply device, and a method for controlling articles for an aerosol supply device have been described.

[0119] The various embodiments described herein are provided only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of implementations and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. 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., or 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.

Claims

1. An article for use in a non-flammable aerosol supply device, the article comprising: Aerosol generator, used to generate aerosols from aerosol generating materials; An aerosol generating material storage area is provided for storing the aerosol generating material. as well as A liquid sensor for detecting liquid near the sensor. The liquid sensor is configured to detect the presence of liquid at a location outside the storage area of ​​the aerosol generating material within the article.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein, The location outside the aerosol generating material storage area is a location where condensate may form and / or be collected during the use of the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

3. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aerosol generating material is stored in liquid form in the aerosol generating material storage area, and the location outside the aerosol generating material storage area is a location that is expected to remain liquid-free during normal operation of the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein, An indication from the liquid sensor that liquid is present at the location indicates leakage of aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage area.

5. The article of claim 1 to 4, wherein, The article includes a printed circuit board, wherein the liquid sensor is disposed on the printed circuit board such that the location is the location of the surface of the printed circuit board.

6. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The non-flammable aerosol supply device includes a power source and a plurality of device contacts for supplying power from the power source to the article, the article comprising: Multiple product contacts, each of the multiple product contacts being arranged to form an electrical connection with a corresponding device contact among the multiple device contacts when the product is connected to the non-flammable aerosol supply device, thereby forming multiple electrical connections for receiving power from the non-flammable aerosol supply device; An electrical switch, said electrical switch being controllable to enable or disable the power supply to the aerosol generator; and A product controller or product control circuit is configured to control the electrical switch to interrupt and / or deactivate the power supply to the aerosol generator in response to an output from the liquid sensor, and / or, The output from the liquid sensor is provided to the non-flammable aerosol supply device via at least one of the plurality of product contacts.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein, The product controller or the product control circuit is configured to control the electrical switch to interrupt and / or deactivate the power supply to the aerosol generator in response to an indication from the liquid sensor that liquid is present at the location.

8. The article of manufacture according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The article includes an aerosol generating material conveying component, and wherein the position is a position physically separated from the aerosol generating material conveying component.

9. The article of manufacture according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein, The product controller or the product control circuit is configured to control the electrical switch to interrupt the power supply to the aerosol generator during suction, thereby controlling the electrical force transmitted to the aerosol generating material and / or the temperature of the aerosol generating material during suction.

10. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The product control circuit is configured to control the power supply to the aerosol generator based on the value of a counter stored in the memory of the product control circuit.

11. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, The switch is integrated into the product control circuit.

12. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein, The product controller or the product control circuit includes a memory, and wherein the product controller or the product control circuit is configured to control the electrical switch based on power supply control data stored in the memory.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein, The power supply control data includes aerosol generation curves.

14. The article of manufacture according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The power supply control data is adapted and / or configured based on the characteristics of the aerosol generating material.

15. The article of claim 14, wherein, The characteristic is selected from at least one of the following: The amount or density of the aerosol-generating material; The type of aerosol generating material; The moisture content of the aerosol generating material; The viscosity of the aerosol-generating material; The amount or concentration of active substances within the aerosol-generating material; and The amount or concentration of flavoring agent in the aerosol generating material.

16. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein, The product controller or the product control circuit is configured to change the power supply control data stored in the memory.

17. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, The product controller or the product control circuit is configured to determine the frequency and / or duration of multiple suctions from the non-flammable aerosol supply device and / or the time elapsed since the suction began.

18. The article of claim 17, wherein, The product controller or the product control circuit is configured to control the switch and / or change the power supply control data in response to a determined plurality of suction frequencies and / or durations and / or the time elapsed since the start of suction.

19. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein, The product controller or the product control circuit is configured to change the power supply control data according to the characteristics of the non-flammable aerosol supply device, optionally wherein the characteristics are the voltage output of the device, the generation or age of the device, or the characteristics of the power supply of the device.

20. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein, The article includes at least one temperature sensor, and the article controller or the article control circuit is configured to control the electrical switch based on one or more outputs from the at least one temperature sensor.

21. The article of manufacture according to claim 20, wherein, The at least one temperature sensor is configured to determine at least one of the temperature of the aerosol generator, the temperature of the aerosol generating material, and the ambient temperature within the article.

22. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, The article includes at least one suction sensor, and the article controller or the article control circuit is configured to control the electrical switch based on one or more outputs from the at least one suction sensor.

23. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, The product controller or the product control circuit is configured to perform an authentication process for authenticating the device and to control the electrical switch based on the result of the authentication process.

24. An aerosol supply system comprising articles according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. The aerosol supply system according to claim 24 further includes an aerosol supply device.

26. A method for controlling an article of manufacture for an aerosol supply system, comprising detecting within the article the presence of liquid at a location outside a storage area for aerosol-generating materials.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: In response to the result of the detection, an electrical switch is controlled to interrupt and / or deactivate the power supply to the aerosol generator of the article.

28. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method of controlling an article of manufacture for an aerosol supply system according to claim 26 or 27.

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