Electronic aerosol provision system

Abstract

An aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material is described, the aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol provision system; a control circuit for controlling operation of the aerosol generator to generate aerosol; a user input mechanism for a user to define a setting of the aerosol generator; and an aerosol generating material identification mechanism configured to obtain or determine one or more properties of aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol provision system. The control circuit is configured to store the user defined setting for one or more properties of at least a first aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol provision system determined by the aerosol generating material identification mechanism. The control circuit is configured to generate a suggestion of a user defined setting for a second aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol provision system based on the stored user defined setting for one or more properties of the at least first aerosol generating material. An aerosol provision device, a method of configuring an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision apparatus are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electronic non-flammable aerosol supply systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes, etc.). Background Technology

[0002] Electronic aerosol supply systems, such as those for electronic cigarettes, typically include aerosol precursor materials, such as reservoirs containing source liquids of formulations (typically including nicotine), or solid materials such as tobacco-based products, from which aerosols are generated, for example, by thermal evaporation. Therefore, the aerosol source for an aerosol supply system may include an aerosol generator, such as a heating element, arranged to vaporize at least a portion of the aerosol precursor material. When a user inhales on the device and power is supplied to the heating element, air is drawn into the device through inlet ports and into an aerosol generation chamber, where it mixes with the aerosolized precursor material and forms a condensed aerosol. Such devices typically have one or more air inlet ports located remotely from the mouthpiece end of the system. When a user inhales on a mouthpiece connected to the system, air is drawn in through these inlet ports and passes through the aerosol source. A flow path connection structure exists between the aerosol source and the opening in the mouthpiece, allowing air drawn through the aerosol source to continue flowing along the path to the mouthpiece opening while carrying some aerosol from the source. The air carrying the aerosol exits the aerosol supply system through the mouthpiece opening for the user to inhale.

[0003] Such aerosol delivery systems can typically be used with a variety of different aerosol-generating materials, such as aerosol precursors with different flavors or active ingredients (e.g., nicotine) with varying strengths. For example, if the aerosol delivery device is not properly configured for use with alternative aerosol precursors, users who wish to switch between different aerosol precursors (e.g., to experience different flavors) may not have the desired user experience. In other examples, users may have to manually configure the device settings to achieve the desired experience. Furthermore, with some manufacturers offering a large number of different precursors, users may find it difficult to remember the specific settings for each different aerosol precursor.

[0004] It describes different approaches to seeking help to solve some of these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply system is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol generator for generating aerosols from the aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system; control circuitry for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols; a user input mechanism for user-defined settings for the aerosol generator; and an aerosol-generating material identification mechanism configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system. The control circuitry is configured to store user-defined settings for at least one first aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system based on the stored user-defined settings for at least one first aerosol-generating material. The control circuitry is also configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings for a second aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system based on the stored user-defined settings for the at least one first aerosol-generating material.

[0006] According to some examples of the first aspect, the control circuit is configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings of a second aerosol generating material to be provided to the aerosol supply system from user-defined settings stored for one or more characteristics of at least a first aerosol generating material relative to one or more characteristics of a second aerosol generating material obtained or determined by an aerosol generating material identification mechanism.

[0007] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol generating material identification mechanism is configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the second aerosol generating material, and wherein the suggestion for user-defined settings of the second aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol supply system includes user-defined settings stored for at least one aerosol generating material corresponding to one or more characteristics of the obtained or determined second aerosol generating material.

[0008] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol generating material identification mechanism is configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the second aerosol generating material, and wherein a recommendation for user-defined settings of the second aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol supply system is calculated based on user-defined settings of at least the first aerosol generating material corresponding to one or more characteristics of the obtained or determined second aerosol generating material.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the first aspect, at least one or more properties of the first aerosol generating material are related to one or more properties of the obtained or determined second aerosol generating material through a predetermined relationship, wherein the predetermined relationship is provided to the control circuit.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the first aspect, one or more properties of the aerosol generating material include at least one of the following: one or more properties related to the composition of the aerosol generating material and one or more properties related to the macroscopic properties of the aerosol generating material.

[0011] According to some examples of the first aspect, one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material include at least one of the following: the type of aerosol-generating material, the active ingredient of the aerosol-generating material, the concentration of the active ingredient of the aerosol-generating material, the flavoring agent of the aerosol-generating material, and the sensory intensity of the flavoring agent of the aerosol-generating material.

[0012] According to some examples of the first aspect, the limiting settings used include at least one of the following: the power settings of the aerosol generator; the power configuration of the aerosol generator; and the air inlet size.

[0013] According to some examples of the first aspect, the control circuit is configured to provide a user with a suggestion of user-defined settings for the second aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system, wherein the user needs to provide input to the control circuit to implement the suggested user-defined settings.

[0014] Based on some examples from the first aspect, the control circuit is configured to automatically adjust the settings of the aerosol generator according to recommendations for user-defined settings.

[0015] Based on some examples from the first aspect, a user input mechanism is a mechanism configured for a user to physically interact with in order to provide user-defined settings.

[0016] Based on some examples from the first aspect, the user input mechanism is configured to receive user-defined settings from a remote source.

[0017] Based on some examples from the first aspect, the user input mechanism includes a wireless receiver.

[0018] According to some examples of the first aspect, the user input mechanism includes a connector for receiving wired connections to a remote source.

[0019] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol generating material identification mechanism includes at least one of the following: a data receiving element for storing data indicating one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material; a reader for reading data from the data receiving element; a sensor for performing measurements associated with the aerosol generating material; and a second user input mechanism for receiving user input indicating one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material.

[0020] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply apparatus is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol supply apparatus includes: an aerosol generator for generating aerosols from the aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply apparatus; a control circuit for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols; a user input mechanism for user-defined settings for the aerosol generator; and an aerosol-generating material identification mechanism configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply apparatus. The control circuit is configured to store user-defined settings for at least a first aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system based on the stored user-defined settings for at least one or more characteristics of the first aerosol-generating material. The control circuit is also configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings for a second aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system based on the stored user-defined settings for the at least one or more characteristics of the first aerosol-generating material.

[0021] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, a method is provided for configuring an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol supply system comprising: an aerosol generator for generating aerosols from the aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system; a control circuit for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols; a user input mechanism for user-defined settings of the aerosol generator; and an aerosol-generating material identification mechanism configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system. The method includes: storing user-defined settings for at least a first aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system, determined by the aerosol-generating material identification mechanism; and generating a suggestion for user-defined settings for a second aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system based on the stored user-defined settings for at least one or more characteristics of the first aerosol-generating material.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol supply device includes: an aerosol generator device for generating aerosols from the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device; a control device for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator device to generate aerosols; a user input device for user-defined settings of the aerosol generator device; and an aerosol generating material identification device configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device. The control device is configured to store user-defined settings for at least one first aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device based on the stored user-defined settings for at least one first aerosol generating material. The control device is also configured to generate suggestions for user-defined settings for a second aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device based on the stored user-defined settings for the at least one first aerosol generating material.

[0023] It should be understood that the features and aspects of the invention described above with respect to the first and second aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention, and can be suitably combined with embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention, and not only in the specific combinations described above. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An aerosol supply system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated, the aerosol supply system including a device and a replaceable cartridge, the cartridge including a liquid aerosol generating material; Figure 2 A cartridge according to an implementation is schematically shown, the cartridge including a data-containing element for storing one or more properties of the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge; Figure 3 A cartridge according to another implementation is illustrated, the cartridge including a sensor for sensing one or more properties of the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge; Figures 4a to 4c The illustration schematically shows how user-defined settings are stored for one or more features, wherein Figure 4a The user-defined voltage levels for the characteristics of aerosol-generating materials with respect to nicotine concentrations are shown. Figure 4b The user-defined voltage level for the characteristics of aerosol-generating materials for a given flavoring is shown, and Figure 4c A more complex table is shown showing the user-defined voltage levels for storage based on the characteristics of the combination of nicotine concentration and flavoring as an aerosol-generating material; and Figure 5 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method for using an aerosol supply system with a user-defined recommended configuration in conjunction with an aerosol generating material. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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 apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented according to any conventional techniques used to implement such aspects and features.

[0026] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol supply system (or its components) consists of aerosol generating materials that can deliver at least one substance to a user without burning or igniting.

[0027] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electrically powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device, electronic cigarette, or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not required. Throughout the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" is sometimes used, but it is used interchangeably with "aerosol (vapor) supply system."

[0029] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of these aerosol-generating materials may be in, for example, solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0031] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, radiated, or electrified in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some implementations, aerosol-generating materials may include “amorphous solids,” which may alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (which are non-fibrous). In some implementations, amorphous solids may be dried gels. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within them. In some implementations, aerosol-generating materials may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0032] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material or each aerosol generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0033] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance.

[0034] 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 also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another plant.

[0035] In some implementations, the active ingredient includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0036] As indicated herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant-based" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, pericarps, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may include a naturally occurring or synthetically obtained active compound. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, flakes, etc. Examples of plant-based ingredients include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos tea, chamomile, flaxseed, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, citrus peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea leaves (such as green or black tea), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, fennel seeds, basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, chili powder, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. Grass, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, holly, perilla, turmeric, sandalwood, coriander, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theophylline, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab fruit, or any combination of the above. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, cultivated mint varieties, nelica mint, peppermint, lemon peppermint cultivar, peppermint cultivar, wrinkled spearmint, heartleaf mint, longleaf mint, champagne mint, pleri mint, spearmint cultivar, and roundleaf mint.

[0037] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is tobacco.

[0038] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise and cocoa.

[0039] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0040] As used herein, the terms “flavoring agent” and “spice” refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in products for adult consumers to produce a desired taste, flavor, or other sensory experience. These can include naturally occurring flavoring agents, herbal medicines, extracts of herbal medicines, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia bark leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise seed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian flavorings, Asian flavorings, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, red berries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, Clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, etc.). Papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, mead, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whiskey, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cassava bark, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswat, betel leaf, hookah, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia seed, caraway seed, cognac, jasmine, and more. Orchid, sage, fennel, wasabi, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any species of the peppermint genus, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos tea, flaxseed, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea leaves (such as green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint plants, perilla, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg skin Damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclohexylsulfamic acid, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical ingredients, or breath fresheners. They can be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as liquids like oils, solids like powders, or gases.

[0041] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0042] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of aroma or taste receptors, flavoring agents may include sensory agents designed to achieve a somatosensory sensation, which is typically chemically induced and perceived through stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these sensory agents may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-acting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, leucine ethanol, WS-3.

[0043] Aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may include one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl octanoate, triethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, a mixture of diacetates, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, phenyl acetate, glyceryl tribanoate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0044] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, adhesives, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0045] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of the aerosol generation region. They are configured to modify the generated aerosols, for example, by altering their taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristics. The aerosol modifier can be disposed in an aerosol modifier release component, which is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0046] Aerosol modifiers may be, for example, additives or adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may, for example, contain one or more of flavoring agents, coloring agents, water, and carbon adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may be, for example, solid, liquid, or gel. Aerosol modifiers may be in powder, filament, or granular form. Aerosol modifiers may not contain filter materials.

[0047] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system includes modular components comprising an aerosol supply device (sometimes referred to as a reusable part) and articles comprising aerosol-generating materials (sometimes referred to as consumables or replaceable parts). However, in other embodiments, the aerosol supply system may include a one-piece arrangement in which the articles and the aerosol supply device are integrally formed.

[0048] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0049] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system (e.g., its non-flammable aerosol supply device) may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be a power supply.

[0050] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, nozzles, filters, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0051] Consumables are articles that include or consist of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by the user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as aerosol-generating material storage areas (or storage sections), aerosol-generating material delivery components, aerosol-generating areas, housings, packaging, filters, nozzles, and / or aerosol modifiers. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater that heats the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols during use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor. A sensor is a material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field (such as an alternating magnetic field). A sensor may be a conductive material, such that its penetration by a changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. A heating material may be a magnetic material, such that its penetration by a changing magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the heating material. A sensor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the sensor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this document, a device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0052] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. In some implementations, an aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, an aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0053] The following description will focus on an embodiment in which an aerosol supply system is an implementation in which a source liquid, as an aerosol generating material, is vaporized to produce an aerosol for inhalation by a user. In such embodiments, the article is more commonly referred to as a cartridge. As described above, the cartridge is mechanically engaged with an aerosol supply device. However, it should be understood that the principles of this disclosure are applicable to aerosol supply systems capable of vaporizing various aerosol generating materials (such as solids or gels) as described above. More generally, the principles of this disclosure are suitable for aerosol supply systems used with any suitable aerosol generating material.

[0054] Generally, this disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system capable of generating user-defined settings recommendations for aerosol-generating materials supplied to the system. Specifically, the aerosol supply system stores user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of a first aerosol-generating material, and when a second aerosol-generating material is supplied to the system, the system can generate recommendations for user-defined settings used with the second aerosol-generating material based on the stored user-defined settings for the first aerosol-generating material. This means that when a user supplies the second aerosol-generating material to the system, recommendations for user-defined settings used with the second aerosol-generating material are provided to the user based on previously used user-defined settings. Therefore, suggestions or guidance on how to configure or operate the aerosol supply system to achieve a desired user experience are provided to the user without having to guess or engage in trial and error regarding the system's settings. Overall, this can help result in a better overall user experience.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view through the aerosol supply system 1 provided according to certain aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 1 is suitable for evaporating liquid aerosol generating materials (sometimes referred to as source liquid or e-cigarette liquid). However, as stated above, the principles of this disclosure are not limited to the aerosol supply system 1 suitable for evaporating liquid aerosol generating materials.

[0056] Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 1 shown includes two main components: an aerosol supply device 2 and a replaceable / disposable cartridge 4 (which is an example of the product). Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 1 is an example of a modular construction of the aerosol supply system 1. In this regard, the aerosol supply device 2 and the cartridge 4 can be engaged or disengaged from each other at the interface 6. However, as stated above, the principles of this disclosure also apply to other constructions of the aerosol supply system 1, such as those in which the device 2 and the cartridge 4 can be integrally formed as a one-piece construction or an integral construction (or in other words, the aerosol supply device 1 is provided with an integrally formed aerosol generating material storage area).

[0057] The aerosol supply system 1 is generally elongated and cylindrical in shape. The dimensions of the aerosol supply system 1 can be set to approximate those of a conventional cigarette. However, it should be understood that the overall size and shape of the aerosol supply system 1 are not critical to the principles of this disclosure. In some other implementations, the aerosol supply system 1 can conform to different overall shapes; for example, the aerosol supply device 2 can be based on a so-called box-shaped high-performance device that typically has a more box-like shape.

[0058] Device 2 includes components generally designed to have a longer lifespan than cartridge 4. In other words, device 2 is designed to be used in succession with multiple cartridges 4. Cartridge 4 includes components (such as aerosol generating materials) that are consumed during the formation of an aerosol for delivery to the user during the use of aerosol supply system 1.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In an exemplary modular configuration, device 2 and cartridge 4 are releasably coupled together at a first interface 6. When the aerosol-generating material in cartridge 4 is depleted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge 4 (e.g., containing a different aerosol-generating material), cartridge 4 can be removed from device 2 and replaced by attaching to and taking place on device 2. Interface 6 provides a structural connection between device 2 and cartridge 4 and can be established using a wide range of conventional techniques, such as threaded, latching, bayonet-based, or magnetic couplings. In some implementations, interface 6 may also provide an electrical connection between device 2 and cartridge 4 using suitable electrical contacts. This electrical connection allows power and / or data to be supplied to / from cartridge 4.

[0060] It should also be understood that in some implementations, the cartridge 4 can be refillable. That is, when the cartridge 4 is depleted, it can be refilled with aerosol-generating material using a suitable mechanism (such as a one-way refill valve not shown). The cartridge 4 can be removed from the device 2 for refilling. In other examples, the cartridge 4 can be configured to be refilled when attached to the device 2.

[0061] In either a one-piece or integrated system implementation, the aerosol supply system 1 can be designed to be discarded after the aerosol generating material is depleted. Alternatively, the aerosol supply system 1 can be equipped with suitable mechanisms, such as one-way valves, to allow the integrated cartridge 4 (or integrated aerosol generating material storage area) to be refilled with aerosol generating material.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the cartridge part 4 includes a cartridge shell 42, an aerosol generating material storage area 44, an aerosol generator 48, an aerosol generating material transport component 46, an outlet or mouthpiece opening 50, and an air path 52.

[0063] The cartridge housing 42 supports the other components of the cartridge 4 and provides a mechanical interface 6 with the device 2. The cartridge housing 42 is made of a suitable material, such as plastic or metal. In the described implementation, the cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 4 is attached to the device 2. In this example, the cartridge 4 has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. However, it should be understood that specific geometries, and more broadly, the overall shape, may vary in different embodiments. The cartridge 4 includes a first end broadly defined by the interface 6 and a second end opposite the first end, including a mouthpiece opening 50. The second end, including the mouthpiece opening 50, is intended to be received in / by the user's mouth and may therefore be referred to as the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4.

[0064] Inside the cartridge casing 42 is an aerosol generating material storage area 44 (also referred to here as a reservoir 44). Figure 1 The cartridge 40, or more specifically the reservoir 44, is configured to store a liquid aerosol generating material, referred herein as a source liquid, e-liquid, or liquid. The source liquid can be broadly conventional and may contain nicotine and / or other active ingredients, and / or one or more flavorings, as described above. In some implementations, the source liquid may not contain nicotine.

[0065] In this example, the reservoir 44 has an annular shape, having an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall defining an air path 52 through the cartridge 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end with an end wall to contain liquid. The reservoir 44 can be manufactured according to conventional techniques; for example, it can comprise a plastic material and be integrally molded with the cartridge housing 42.

[0066] The cartridge 4 also includes an aerosol generator 48. The aerosol generator 48 is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material (e.g., a source liquid). Optionally, the cartridge 4 includes an aerosol generating material transport component 46 configured to transport the aerosol generating material from an aerosol generating material storage area 44 (e.g., a reservoir 44) to the aerosol generator 48. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material transport component 46 may not be necessary, particularly in embodiments where the aerosol generator 48 is in direct fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage area 44.

[0067] Aerosol generator 48 is configured to generate aerosols from aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48. Heater 48 is configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. For example, heater 48 may take the form of a resistance wire or trace intended to allow current to pass between its ends, or a sensor element intended to generate heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. However, in other implementations, aerosol generator 48 is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, aerosol generator 48 may be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0068] The aerosol generating material transport component 46 is configured to transport the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage area 44 (reservoir 44) to the aerosol generator 48. The properties of the aerosol generating material can indicate the form of the aerosol generating material transport component 46. For example, for liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating materials, the aerosol generating material transport component 46 is configured to transport the liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating material using capillary action or a suitable pumping mechanism, etc. For example, the aerosol generating material transport component 46 may include porous materials (e.g., ceramics) or fiber bundles (e.g., glass fibers or cotton fibers) capable of transporting liquid / viscous gels using capillary action.

[0069] exist Figure 1 In the described implementation, the aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48 in the form of a coil made of metal wire (such as nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire). Figure 1 In this implementation, the aerosol generating material transport component 46 is a core 46 in the form of a fiber bundle, such as glass fiber. Figure 1 As shown, heater 48 is wound around core 46 in approximately the central region of the core, such that heater 48 is positioned near core 46 and thus near any liquid held within core 46. In some implementations, aerosol generator 48 may include porous ceramic core 46 and conductive tracks disposed on the surface of porous ceramic core serving as heater 48. In other implementations, heater 48 and core 46 may be combined into a single component, for example, multiple sintered steel fibers forming a planar structure.

[0070] In the described example, heater 48 and core 46 are positioned near the ends of reservoir 44. In this example, core 46 extends laterally across cartridge air path 52, with its ends extending into the liquid reservoir 44 through an opening in the inner wall of reservoir 44. The opening in the inner wall of reservoir 44 is sized to approximately match the size of core 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from liquid reservoir 44 into cartridge air path 52 without overcompressing core 46, which could negatively impact its fluid delivery performance. Core 46 is thus configured to transport liquid from reservoir 44 to the vicinity of heater 48 via capillary effect.

[0071] The core 46 and heater 48 are arranged in the cartridge air path 52, such that the portion of the cartridge air path 52 surrounding the core 46 and heater 48 is effectively defined as the vaporization section or aerosol generation section of the cartridge 4. The vaporization section is the initial vapor-generating section of the cartridge 4. In use, electricity can be supplied to the heater 48 to vaporize a certain amount of liquid drawn from the core 46 to the vicinity of the heater 48.

[0072] The aerosol is delivered to the user via a mouthpiece opening 50 located at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4. During use, the user can place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 and inhale air / aerosol through the mouthpiece opening 50. More specifically, air is drawn into an air path 52 and passes along that path through a heater 48, where the aerosol is entrained in the inhaled air, and the combined aerosol / air is then inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece opening 50. Although Figure 1 The mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 is shown as an integral part of the cartridge 4, but a separate mouthpiece component may be provided, which can be releasably attached to the end of the cartridge 4.

[0073] The device 2 includes an outer housing 12, an optional indicator 14, a suction sensor 16 located in a chamber 18, a controller or control circuit 20, a power supply 26, an air inlet 28 and an air path 30, and a user input mechanism 32.

[0074] The outer casing 12 may be made of, for example, plastic or metal, and in this example has a circular cross-section that roughly conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge 4, so as to provide a smooth transition between the two components at the interface 6. In this example, the device 2 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so the total length of the aerosol supply system 1 when the cartridge 4 and the device 2 are joined together is approximately 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it should be understood that the overall shape and dimensions of the aerosol supply system 1 of this disclosure are not essential to the principles described herein.

[0075] The outer housing 12 also includes an air inlet 28 connected to an air path 30 configured to pass through the device 2. When the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are connected, the device air path 30 then crosses the interface 6 to connect to the cartridge air path 52. In this regard, the interface 6 is also arranged to provide connection between the respective air paths 30 and 52, allowing air and / or aerosol to pass along the connected air paths 30, 52. In other implementations, the device 2 does not include an air path 30, but the cartridge 4 includes an air path 52 and a suitable air inlet that allows air to enter the air path 52 when the cartridge 4 and the device 2 are connected.

[0076] In this example, the power source 26 is battery 26. Battery 26 can be rechargeable and can be of a wide range of conventional types, such as those commonly used in aerosol supply systems and other applications requiring the delivery of relatively high current over relatively short periods. Battery 26 can be, for example, a lithium-ion battery. Battery 26 can be recharged via a suitable charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) located at or within the outer housing 12. Alternatively, device 2 may include appropriate circuitry enabling wireless charging of battery 26.

[0077] Control circuitry 20 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of aerosol supply system 1. Control circuitry 20 can be considered as logically comprising various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply system, and can be implemented by providing a control chip of the form of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC, or similar type. Control circuitry 20 can be arranged to control any function associated with aerosol supply system 1. By way of non-limiting example only, this function may include charging or recharging battery 26, discharging battery 26 (e.g., for supplying power to heater 48), and other functions such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) / displays, communication functions for communicating with external devices, etc. Control circuitry 20 can be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). It should also be noted that the functions provided by control circuitry 20 may be distributed across multiple circuit boards and / or components not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and / or PCBs may be suitably located within aerosol supply device 2. For example, the function of the control circuit 20 for controlling the (re)charging function of the battery 26 can be provided separately from the function for controlling the discharging function of the battery 26 (e.g., on different PCBs).

[0078] As described above, when the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are connected together at the interface 6, the interface 6 provides an electrical connection between the device 2 and the cartridge 4. More specifically, the electrical contacts on the device 2 connected to the power supply 26 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the cartridge 4 connected to the heater 48. Therefore, under the proper control of the control circuit 20, power from the power supply 26 can be supplied to the heater 48, thereby energizing the heater 48 and allowing the heater 48 to vaporize the liquid held in the core 46 near the heater 48.

[0079] exist Figure 1 In this example, the aerosol supply device 2 includes a chamber 18 housing a suction sensor 16, which in this example is a pressure sensor 16. The pressure sensor 16 is in fluid communication with an air path 30 in the device 2 (e.g., the chamber 18 branches off from the air path 30 in the device 2). When a user inhales at the mouthpiece end onto the aerosol supply system 1, thereby drawing air into the device 2 via air inlet 28 and along air paths 30, 52, the pressure sensor 16 detects a change (drop) in pressure within the chamber 18. If the pressure drop is sufficient, the pressure sensor 16 (or the control circuitry 20 coupled thereto) detects the user's inhalation. In response to the detection of user inhalation, the aerosol supply system 1 is controlled to generate aerosol. That is, when the pressure sensor 16 detects a pressure drop in the pressure sensor chamber 18, the control circuitry 20 responds by supplying power from the battery 26 to the aerosol generator 48, sufficient to vaporize the liquid held within the core 46. This is an example of an aerosol supply system referred to as "suction-actuated". The pressure sensor 16 can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to the heater 48 (e.g., when the pressure sensor detects the absence of inhalation). It should be understood that the inhalation sensor 16 can be any suitable sensor, such as an airflow sensor, for sensing when a user inhales at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 and subsequently draws air in along air paths 30, 52. Therefore, the presence of the chamber 18 is optional, and its presence can depend on the characteristics of the selected inhalation sensor 16. For example, an airflow sensor can be located within airflow paths 30, 52.

[0080] In other implementations, the aerosol supply system 1 includes a button or other user-actuable mechanism. When the button or other user-actuable mechanism is actuated by a user, the control circuit 20 causes power to be supplied to the heater 48, as described above. This is an example of an aerosol supply system referred to as "button-actuated". The button can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to the heater 48 (e.g., when the user presses and releases the button). In some implementations, both the button (or other user-actuable mechanism) and the suction sensor 16 can be used to control the power delivery to the heater 48, for example by requiring the button to be pressed and indicating the pressure drop of the suction before power is supplied to the heater 48.

[0081] The aerosol supply device 2 also includes an optional indicator 14. Indicator 14 can be configured to provide feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system 1. For example, indicator 14 can indicate information such as whether the aerosol generator 48 is currently operating, the remaining battery life (of battery 26), the total number of starts of the aerosol generator 48, and the amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 44. Alternatively or additionally, indicator 14 can display operating parameters of the aerosol supply system 1. In some implementations, indicator 14 can be combined with an input mechanism (such as one or more buttons) that allows operating parameters to be programmed and / or settings of the aerosol supply system 1 to be changed. Indicator 14 can be a visual indicator (such as a display or one or more LEDs), an audio indicator (such as a speaker), or a tactile indicator (such as a tactile motor).

[0082] Figure 1 The aerosol supply device 2 also schematically shows a user input mechanism 32. The user input mechanism 32 is capable of receiving user-defined settings for the aerosol supply system 1, and particularly for the aerosol generator 48. That is, the user input mechanism 32 is provided for the purpose of allowing users to define the settings of the aerosol supply device 2 and / or the aerosol generator 48.

[0083] In the described implementation, the user input mechanism 32 is a mechanism through which a user physically (e.g., directly) interacts to provide user-defined settings for the aerosol supply system 1. For example, the user input mechanism 32 may include a touchscreen or a series of actuable buttons. Therefore, by physically interacting with the user input mechanism 32, such as pressing an appropriate button or location on the touchscreen, the user can program the control circuitry 20 to control the operation of the aerosol supply device 2 (and particularly the aerosol generator 48 of the aerosol supply device) according to user-defined settings.

[0084] However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the user input mechanism 32 is configured to receive user-defined settings from a remote source (e.g., a smartphone, laptop computer, PC, etc.). That is, in such implementations, the user input mechanism 32 includes a circuitry (e.g., an antenna) for receiving communication from a remote source, wherein the communication includes the user-defined settings. Therefore, in these implementations, for example, via a suitable program or application running on the remote source, the user provides user-defined settings using a smartphone, laptop computer, PC, etc., and subsequently generates and transmits suitable communication containing the user-defined settings received by the user input mechanism 32. It should also be understood that the transmission of the suitable communication can be via wireless or wired means, and in the case of a wired connection, the user input mechanism 32 may include a suitable connector to receive the corresponding wire (e.g., a USB socket or the like).

[0085] The aerosol supply system 1 also includes an aerosol generating material identification mechanism configured to acquire or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system 1. For example, Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 1 is shown to include a detachable cartridge 4, which can be removed and replaced by another cartridge 4. In some cases, the user may wish to replace cartridge 4 with another cartridge 4 to generate aerosols from different aerosol generating materials. For example, the first cartridge 4 may include a flavored liquid containing nicotine as an aerosol generating material, while the second cartridge 4 may include an unflavored liquid containing nicotine as an aerosol generating material. Therefore, the aerosol generating material identification mechanism is configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material currently supplied to the aerosol supply system 1.

[0086] One or more properties of the aerosol-generating materials provided to the aerosol supply system can be broadly considered to fall into one of two categories.

[0087] The first category includes the composition of aerosol-generating materials. This category includes individual components or ingredients that form the aerosol-generating materials. Therefore, one or more characteristics may relate to the presence or absence of a particular ingredient. For example, one or more characteristics may include the presence or absence of a particular flavoring agent or nicotine (as an example of an active ingredient) within the aerosol-generating material. Alternatively or additionally, one or more characteristics may indicate the amount, intensity, or concentration of a particular ingredient in the aerosol-generating material. For example, the concentration of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material (which may be expressed as a percentage) or the concentration of a particular flavoring agent in the aerosol-generating material. In some implementations, depending on the ingredient, one or more characteristics may relate to the physical characteristics of the ingredient. For example, in the case of nicotine, the form of nicotine (e.g., liquid, crystalline, protonated, etc.). Therefore, one or more characteristics of the first category of aerosol-generating materials supplied to an aerosol supply system typically relate to the composition of the aerosol-generating material.

[0088] The second category includes the macroscopic properties of the aerosol-generating materials (i.e., the characteristics of most aerosol-generating materials). Therefore, one or more properties may include the type or state of the aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material can be a solid, liquid, gel, etc., as described above. Alternatively, one or more properties may represent the physical characteristics of the aerosol-generating material. For example, one or more properties may include the density of the aerosol-generating material, or, in the case of a liquid aerosol-generating material, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material. In principle, any characteristic of most aerosol-generating materials can be used as one or more properties. Therefore, one or more properties of the second category of aerosol-generating materials supplied to the aerosol supply system typically relate to the macroscopic characteristics of the aerosol-generating material.

[0089] As will be described in more detail below, any one or more of the aforementioned characteristics from either of the two categories can form one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material obtained or determined and provided to the aerosol supply system 1. However, in some embodiments, the one or more characteristics obtained or determined include at least one of the following: the type of aerosol generating material, the active ingredient of the aerosol generating material, the concentration of the active ingredient of the aerosol generating material, the flavoring agent of the aerosol generating material, and the concentration of the flavoring agent of the aerosol generating material.

[0090] Aerosol-generating material identification mechanisms can be implemented in a variety of ways.

[0091] According to the first implementation, the cartridge 4 is provided with a data-containing element capable of storing data indicating one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material contained in the reservoir 44 of the cartridge 4, while the aerosol supply device 2 is provided with a suitable reader or similar device capable of reading the data stored in the data-containing element. The data-containing element and the reader together form at least a part of the aerosol-generating material identification mechanism.

[0092] Figure 2 The aerosol supply system 1 is schematically shown with a cartridge 4 including a data-containing element 41. Figure 2 From Figure 1 It is understood that, in fact, identical components are shown using the same reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components will not be repeated here.

[0093] Figure 2 The cartridge includes a data receiving element 41, which can be read by a corresponding reader (not shown) disposed in the aerosol supply device 2. The data receiving element 41 is configured to store data corresponding to the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir of the cartridge 4.

[0094] The data receiving element 41 of the cartridge 4 can be any suitable data receiving element 41 capable of storing the aforementioned data and readable by an associated reader (not shown) disposed in the device 2. The data receiving element 41 can be an electronically readable memory (such as a microchip) containing the aforementioned data of the cartridge 4, for example, in electronically readable numerical form. The electronically readable memory can be any suitable form of memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), but other suitable types of memory may be used depending on the application at hand. In this implementation, the electronically readable memory is non-volatile because the cartridge 4 is not continuously connected to the power supply 26 of the device 2 (i.e., the cartridge 4 can be disconnected from the device 2). However, in other implementations, the electronically readable memory can be volatile or semi-volatile, in which case the cartridge 4 can have its own power supply.

[0095] The data-containing element 41 can be read electronically by connecting electrical contacts (not shown) on the cartridge 4 to electrical contacts (not shown) on the device 2. Applying current from the device 2 to the data-containing element 41 allows the reader of the device 2 to obtain data from the data-containing element 41 corresponding to the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir of the cartridge 4. Alternatively, the data-containing element 41 can be read electronically using any suitable wireless technology (such as RFID or NFC), and the cartridge 4 can be equipped with suitable hardware (e.g., an antenna) to enable such reading via a suitable wireless reader in the device 2.

[0096] Data-receiving element 41 is configured to store data indicating one or more properties of the aerosol-generating material contained in reservoir 44 of cartridge 4. This data may include direct indications of one or more properties. For example, “Y” or “N” may be stored to indicate the presence of nicotine, or “S,” “G,” or “L” may be stored to indicate whether the aerosol-generating material is solid, gel, or liquid, or a value such as 3 mg / ml may be stored to indicate the strength / concentration of a particular component. Alternatively, the data may indicate or be associated with certain properties. For example, the data may be an identifier of the aerosol-generating material (e.g., product name, stock unit (SKU) or batch code, or other identifier). One or more properties of the aerosol-generating material may be derived from the acquired data. For example, a lookup table storing certain parameters associated with the identifier may be provided.

[0097] Therefore, data read from the data receiving element 41 by the relevant reader can be transmitted to the control circuit 20 (or another control module). Thus, the control circuit 20 obtains, or in some cases determines, one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system 1. Therefore, a portion of the control circuit 20 or a separate control circuit module also forms part of the aerosol generating material identification mechanism in the first implementation.

[0098] It should be understood that although an electronically readable data-containing element 41 has been described above, the data-containing element 41 is not limited to this implementation. For example, the data-containing element 41 may be a magnetic strip that can be read by a suitable reader, or an optically readable element (such as a barcode) that can be read by a suitable reader. The data-containing element 41 may take any suitable form, as long as data can be stored and subsequently read by a suitable reader in the device 2.

[0099] According to the second implementation, the cartridge 4 is provided with a sensor or similar device capable of providing measurements or signals indicating one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material contained in the reservoir 44 of the cartridge 4. This sensor forms at least part of the aerosol-generating material identification mechanism.

[0100] Figure 3 The aerosol supply system 1 is schematically shown with a cartridge 4 including a sensor 43. Figure 3 Will pass Figure 1 It is understood that, in fact, identical components are shown using the same reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components will not be repeated here.

[0101] exist Figure 3In this example, the cartridge includes a sensor 43. The sensor 43 includes a pair of capacitor plates 43a and 43b, which are positioned facing each other with a gap between them. A portion of a reservoir 44 is disposed between the capacitor plates 43a and 43b. That is, the gap between the plates 43a and 43b is capable of receiving aerosol-generating material located in the reservoir 44. In normal use, the cartridge 4 is configured such that the aerosol-generating material is located between the plates 43a and 43b. Figure 3 The electrical connector between each capacitor plate 43a, 43b and interface 6 is not shown, which subsequently allows capacitor plates 43a, 43b to receive current, for example, from power supply 26.

[0102] In the described example, to obtain or determine one or more properties of the aerosol-generating material contained in the reservoir 44 of the cartridge 4, the control circuit 20 causes the cartridge's sensor 43 to perform a measurement, for example, by supplying a current pulse to one of the two capacitor plates 43a and measuring the charge on the other capacitor plate 43b. The capacitance measured between the two capacitor plates 43a, 43b is partly a function of the material between the capacitor plates (also referred to as the dielectric). More specifically, the capacitance C of a pair of parallel capacitor plates can be mathematically expressed as C = ε(A / d), where A is the overlapping area of ​​the plates, d is the distance between the capacitor plates, and ε is the dielectric constant of the dielectric between the capacitor plates. The measured capacitance changes depending on the material between the capacitor plates 43a, 43b. For example, regions of one aerosol-generating material having a first dielectric constant can be separated from regions of a second aerosol-generating material having a second dielectric constant.

[0103] Sensor 43 is an example of such a sensor that can be used within the context of this disclosure to measure or make measurements about the aerosol-generating material in the reservoir 44 of the cartridge 4. However, it should be understood that the aerosol supply system 1 may employ other suitable sensors, or even combinations of sensors, depending on one or more characteristics to be obtained or determined. By way of example only, other sensors may include optical sensors configured to determine the absorption or emission spectrum of light absorbed or emitted by the aerosol-generating material, or in other cases, to determine the color of the aerosol-generating material. However, it should be understood that any suitable sensor 43 may be employed.

[0104] Furthermore, it should be understood that sensor 43 may be inferior to Figure 3 The sensor 43 is located in the cartridge 4, as shown. For example, in other implementations, the sensor 43 may be located in the aerosol supply device 2 and adapted to measure the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 4.

[0105] Therefore, it should be understood that sensor 43 is capable of measuring or performing measurements about the aerosol-generating material. The measurement results can be provided to control circuit 20, which can then obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material supplied to aerosol supply system 1 based on the measurements. Thus, control circuit 20 obtains or, in some cases, determines one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material supplied to aerosol supply system 1. Therefore, in the second implementation, a portion of control circuit 20 or a separate control circuit module also forms part of the aerosol-generating material identification mechanism.

[0106] In a manner similar to that described above, the measurement results from sensor 43 can be direct measurements of one or more properties of the aerosol-generating material, such as viscosity measurements, the presence or absence of a given component, etc. Alternatively, the measurement results can indicate or be associated with certain properties. For example, a measurement can be performed to identify a specific aerosol-generating material. The control circuit 20, which obtains the measurement results indicating the identity of the aerosol-generating material, is configured to subsequently derive one or more properties from the identified identity of the aerosol-generating material. For example, a lookup table storing certain parameters associated with the identity of the aerosol-generating material may be used.

[0107] In a third implementation, the aerosol supply system 1 is adapted to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material contained in the reservoir 44 of the cartridge 4 via user input. For example, the user can specify certain characteristics associated with the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 4, such as the presence of certain components (e.g., nicotine), the concentration of such components, the type of aerosol-generating material, etc. Alternatively, the user can input an identifier that identifies the aerosol-generating material, which can then be used to determine one or more corresponding characteristics of the aerosol-generating material based on the identifier. In either case, this information can be obtained from, for example, any packaging or label on the outer casing of the cartridge 4.

[0108] In some implementations, a user can interact with the user input mechanism 32 to set one or more features. For example, the user input mechanism 32 may display a user interface that allows the user to input parameters and / or identifiers of the aerosol generating material via buttons or touchscreen functionality. Alternatively, as described above, the user input mechanism 32 may be configured to receive input from a remote source such as a smartphone. In a similar manner, a smartphone or the like may be configured to display a user interface that allows the user to input parameters and / or identifiers of the aerosol generating material via buttons or touchscreen functionality, and subsequently prompts the transmission of one or more parameters to the control circuitry 20 of the aerosol supply device 2 via the user input mechanism 32.

[0109] However, it should be understood that in other implementations, a dedicated user input mechanism (i.e., separate from user input mechanism 32) may be provided to allow input or reception of one or more parameters of the aerosol generating material in the smoke cartridge 4.

[0110] Therefore, in the third implementation, the user input mechanism 32 or the dedicated user input mechanism forms at least a part of the aerosol generating material identification mechanism. Similarly, the data obtained by the user input mechanism 32 or the dedicated user input mechanism is transmitted to the control circuit 20. Thus, the control circuit 20 obtains, or in some cases determines, one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system 1. Therefore, a portion of the control circuit 20 or a separate control circuit module also forms part of the aerosol generating material identification mechanism in the third embodiment.

[0111] According to this disclosure, control circuit 20 is configured to store user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material provided to aerosol supply system 1, which are obtained or determined. In this regard, it should be understood that when a user provides a certain aerosol generating material to aerosol supply system 1 (such as attaching a cartridge 4 having a given aerosol generating material to a reservoir 44), the user can provide user-defined settings for that given aerosol generating material to provide a certain user experience using that aerosol generating material. For example, a user might find that a certain flavoring containing liquid aerosol generating material provides a suitable flavor delivery / feel when operating with a voltage of 4.5 V supplied to heater 48, while an unflavored liquid aerosol generating material provides a certain desired feel / delivery when operating with a voltage of 6 V supplied to heater 48. To provide the user with the desired experience for a given aerosol generating material, the user can adjust the operating parameters of aerosol supply system 1, such as the operating parameters of heater 48, to deliver the desired experience.

[0112] Therefore, for the first aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system 1 (i.e., contained in the first cartridge 4), the control circuit 20 stores user-defined settings for the aerosol generating material based on one or more acquired or determined characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuit 20 is capable of changing the power supplied to the heater 48 (i.e., one or both of voltage and current). In this implementation, the user-selected power level and / or power configuration (i.e., power variation over the inhalation duration and / or over several consecutive inhalations) can be stored relative to one or more characteristics. In some implementations, the aerosol supply system 1 may be provided with a variable air inlet 28, which can be changed to alter the size of the opening of the air inlet 28, and thus change the relative amount of air entering the aerosol supply system 1 and / or the suction resistance. In this implementation, the control circuit 20 may alternatively or additionally store settings for the air inlet 28 based on one or more characteristics of the first aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, it should be understood that instead of the variable size of the air inlet 28, the air path through the aerosol supply system 1 can be configured to change the size of the cross-sectional area at locations along the air path different from that of the air inlet 28. In other words, any portion of the air path (including the air inlet 28) can be configured to vary in size (i.e., the size of the cross-section perpendicular to the airflow direction in normal use).

[0113] It should be understood that the aerosol supply system 1 can be configured to provide adjustment of any other suitable parameters according to the configuration and function of the aerosol supply system 1, and therefore user-defined settings for such adjustable parameters can also be stored for one or more characteristics of a given aerosol generating material. These adjustable parameters do not necessarily only relate to aerosol generation (such as heater power level and / or air inlet size), but may also relate to other features (such as user interface or indicator 14). For example, when the aerosol generating material contains a specific flavoring agent, the user can set indicator 14 to illuminate in a specific color.

[0114] The control circuit 20 can store user-defined settings for one or more characteristics in any suitable form, such as in one or more tables, lists, or matrices. The user-defined settings can be stored for individual characteristics or for suitable identifiers, such as the SKU of the aerosol generating material, which can then be used to infer certain user-defined settings for the characteristics of the identified aerosol generating material.

[0115] The following examples focus on the voltage provided to heater 48 as a user-defined setting (which subsequently affects the power supplied to heater 48). However, it should be understood that the principles of this disclosure can be suitably applied to other user-defined settings.

[0116] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Two tables based on the first example are shown. Figure 4a The table shown illustrates the voltage level (in volts) set according to user-defined settings relative to nicotine concentration (in mg / ml). Figure 4b The table shown illustrates the voltage level (in volts) set according to user-defined settings for the characteristics of the flavoring agent relative to the identified aerosol-generating material.

[0117] A first aerosol generating material can be provided to the aerosol supply system 1, and the user can subsequently provide user-defined settings to the aerosol supply system 1. In this example, the first aerosol generating material is a liquid containing nicotine at a concentration of 3 mg / ml and has a black cherry flavoring. Regarding the voltage level, in this example, the user-defined setting is 4.2V. That is, when the cartridge 4 containing the first aerosol generating material is attached to the aerosol supply device 2, the user sets the voltage level to 4.2V via the user input mechanism 32 to provide the user-defined setting. After obtaining or determining one or more characteristics of the first aerosol generating material (in this example, the concentration of nicotine and the type of flavoring), the control circuit 20 stores the user-defined settings for one or more parameters of the obtained or determined first aerosol generating material. Figure 4a The user-defined voltage level for the 4.2 V heater 48 stored at a nicotine concentration (3 mg / ml) is shown, while Figure 4b The user-defined voltage level is shown for the 4.2 V heater 48 stored for the flavoring known as "Black Cherry".

[0118] A second aerosol-generating material can also be provided to the aerosol supply system 1. For example, a cartridge 4 containing a first aerosol-generating material can be detached from the aerosol supply device 2, and a second cartridge 4 containing a second aerosol-generating material can be connected to the aerosol supply device 2. In this example, the second aerosol-generating material is a liquid containing nicotine at a concentration of 6 mg / ml and has a menthol flavoring. When the second cartridge 4 containing the second aerosol-generating material is attached to the aerosol supply device 2, the user can provide user-defined settings, such as adjusting or setting the voltage applied to the heater 48, to provide a desired user experience when using the second cartridge 4 containing the second aerosol-generating material. In this example, the user can set the voltage level of the second cartridge 4 / second aerosol-generating material to 3.4 V. That is, when the cartridge 4 containing the second aerosol-generating material is attached to the aerosol supply device 2, the user sets the voltage level to 3.4 V via the user input mechanism 32 to provide a user-defined setting. After obtaining or determining one or more characteristics of the second aerosol generating material (in this example, the concentration of nicotine and the type of flavoring agent), the control circuit 20 stores user-defined settings for one or more parameters of the obtained or determined second aerosol generating material. Figure 4a The user-defined voltage level of heater 48 for storing nicotine concentration (6 mg / ml) for the second aerosol-generating material is shown to be 3.4 V. Figure 4b The user-defined voltage level of 3.4 V for the heater 48 storing the flavoring agent known as "menthol" is shown.

[0119] Therefore, it should be understood that the control circuit 20 can store user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating materials supplied to the aerosol supply system 1. The control circuit 20 can also store user-defined settings for multiple aerosol generating materials (or for the characteristics of multiple aerosol generating materials).

[0120] It should also be understood that user-defined settings for a given aerosol generating material can be changed or updated during the use of the aerosol generating material. For example, when a user first connects a cartridge 4 containing the first aerosol generating material to the aerosol supply device 2, the user may not know what user-defined settings should be provided to the aerosol supply system 1 to provide the desired experience (e.g., if this is the user's first time using the aerosol generating material). During use, the user can repeatedly change or adjust the user-defined settings (e.g., the voltage level of the heater 48) to achieve the user-defined settings that provide the desired experience. It should also be understood that user preferences or desired experiences may change over time, even if the user has previously used the selected aerosol generating material. For example, the preferred or desired experience of a user using the first aerosol generating material today may be different from the preferred or desired experience of a user using the first aerosol generating material a year later. Therefore, the control circuit 20 is configured to allow stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol generating system 1 to be updated when the user provides updated settings.

[0121] It should also be understood that Figure 4a and Figure 4b The user-defined settings are shown stored in a simplified form to reduce storage space in control circuitry 20. Specifically, the voltage level for nicotine concentration is stored independently of the flavoring. In some cases, this may mean that multiple voltage level values ​​can potentially be stored for a given nicotine concentration / flavoring. For example, the user-defined setting might be set to 4.2 V for a black cherry flavored liquid containing 3 mg / ml nicotine, but to 3.9 V for a menthol flavored liquid containing 3 mg / ml nicotine. This will result in... Figure 4a and Figure 4b The example stores two different voltage levels for a nicotine concentration of 3 mg / ml. In such a case, control circuit 20 is configured to store the average or weighted average of the voltage levels relative to the nicotine concentration, or control circuit 20 may alternatively be configured to store the voltage levels of heater 48 in a more detailed table or matrix. For example, Figure 4c A more detailed table is shown, in which various combinations of flavoring and nicotine concentrations are defined in the rows of the table. In this case, different values ​​can be stored independently by the control circuit 20 by having separate rows in the table. For example, in Figure 4c The appropriate line shows the voltage level of 3.9V supplied to heater 48 for a menthol-flavored liquid containing 3 mg / ml nicotine.

[0122] Therefore, the control circuit 20 is configured to store associated user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system 1 in any suitable form.

[0123] Furthermore, the control circuit 20 is configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings for another (e.g., a third) aerosol generating material to be provided to the aerosol supply system 1 based on stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material. In other words, the control circuit 20 is capable of generating a suggestion for user-defined settings for a third aerosol generating material to be provided to the aerosol supply system 1 from stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of the third aerosol generating material obtained or determined by the aerosol generating material identification mechanism.

[0124] The recommendations for user-defined settings of the third aerosol generating material generated by the control circuit 20 may include user-defined settings stored for one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more characteristics of the obtained or determined third aerosol generating material, at least for the first aerosol generating material. In other words, the control circuit 20 identifies user-defined settings stored for one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more characteristics identified or obtained from the third aerosol generating material, and generates recommendations based on user-defined settings for the corresponding one or more parameters.

[0125] By example, we can posit that the third aerosol-generating material is a black cherry-flavored liquid containing 6 mg / ml of nicotine. For instance... Figures 4a to 4c (And from the above description) it is obvious that this aerosol generating material (or at least one or more properties of this combination or aerosol generating material) has not been previously used with the aerosol supply device 2. Figure 4a This includes a user-defined voltage level for the heater 48 at a nicotine concentration of 6 mg / ml and a voltage of 3.4 V. When the third aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol supply system 1 (e.g., when the third cartridge 4 containing the third aerosol generating material is connected to the aerosol supply device 2), the control circuit 20 can subsequently generate a recommendation for a 3.4 V user-defined setting. In this case, it can be seen that the control circuit 20 generates a recommendation for a user-defined setting for the third aerosol generating material by using a user-defined setting stored for the corresponding characteristics (e.g., nicotine concentration) of the third aerosol generating material.

[0126] Alternatively, it should be noted that, Figure 4bThis includes a user-defined voltage level of 4.2 V for the black cherry flavoring agent in the heater 48. When the third aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol supply system 1, the control circuit 20 can subsequently generate a 4.2 V recommendation for the user-defined setting. In this case, it can be seen that the control circuit 20 generates the recommendation for the user-defined setting of the third aerosol generating material by using the user-defined setting stored for the corresponding characteristics (e.g., flavoring agent) of the third aerosol generating material.

[0127] Alternatively, recommendations for user-defined settings of the third aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol supply system 1 may be calculated based on user-defined settings stored for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material (corresponding to one or more characteristics of the obtained or determined third aerosol generating material).

[0128] For example, in the example above, note that the two suggested user-defined settings are different. This arises in this example as a result of the way the stored user-defined settings are stored. Control circuit 20 can be configured to use certain rules to select one of these values ​​over the other. For example, a user-defined setting provided for the nicotine concentration characteristic can be prioritized by control circuit 20 over a user-defined setting provided for the flavoring characteristic. Alternatively, control circuit 20 can apply appropriate mathematical operations to generate the user setting suggestions. For example, control circuit 20 can generate suggestions based on the average of the two user-defined settings stored for each of the various characteristics. For example, in the example above, control circuit 20 can generate a suggestion of a voltage level of 3.8V for heater 48 (averaging 3.4V and 4.2V).

[0129] In other implementations, for example, such as Figure 4c This can avoid the occurrence of multiple values ​​for a given characteristic (or combination of characteristics), and therefore in these implementations, the control circuit 20 can be configured to simply suggest a user-defined setting using the corresponding value stored relative to one or more of the corresponding characteristics.

[0130] In other implementations, control circuit 20 may use more complex algorithms to calculate recommendations for user-defined settings of the third aerosol-generating material. For example, see... Figure 4cThere is no user-defined setting for the voltage level supplied to heater 48 for the black cherry flavored liquid aerosol generating material containing 6 mg / ml nicotine. However, user-defined settings are recorded for relevant characteristics. For example, control circuit 20 can identify that the user-defined setting for the voltage level of heater 48 is stored for black cherry flavored liquid containing 3 mg / ml nicotine (4.2 V). That is, a user-defined setting does exist for the flavoring characteristic (i.e., black cherry). In addition, control circuit 20 can determine that user-defined settings exist for different nicotine concentrations of the same flavoring aerosol generating material (i.e., menthol flavored liquid containing 3 mg / ml and 6 mg / ml nicotine). Control circuit 20 can employ an algorithm that determines the variation of the user-defined setting for different nicotine concentrations for the same flavoring liquid. Taking the above example, for menthol flavored liquid containing nicotine, the variation between 3 mg / ml and 6 mg / ml nicotine concentrations is 0.5 V or about 87% of the user-defined setting at the 3 mg / ml nicotine concentration. Control circuit 20 may subsequently subtract the absolute value of 0.5 V from the user-defined setting of 4.2 V for the black cherry flavored liquid aerosol generating material containing 3 mg / ml nicotine to provide a recommended user-defined setting of 3.7 V for the third aerosol generating material, or control circuit 20 may multiply the user-defined setting of 4.2 V for the black cherry flavored liquid aerosol generating material containing 3 mg / ml nicotine by 87% of the relative percentage to provide a recommended user-defined setting of 3.65 V for the third aerosol generating material.

[0131] In the example above, the control circuit 20 may not have values ​​corresponding to each and each characteristic of the third aerosol generating material identifier, but by using stored user-defined settings relative to other characteristics, the control circuit 20 is configured to calculate appropriate recommendations for the user-defined settings of the third aerosol generating material.

[0132] The above illustrates several examples of how control circuit 20 can be configured to generate recommendations for user-defined settings used in aerosol supply device 2 when a third aerosol generating material is used. However, it should be understood that control circuit 20 can use any suitable algorithm to generate recommendations for user-defined settings of the third aerosol generating material based on stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material.

[0133] Furthermore, in some implementations, the control circuit 20 may also be configured with one or more predetermined relationships defining the relationship between user-defined settings and one or more characteristics. For example, in the above example, the control circuit 20 may be considered as determining the relationship between stored user settings and one or more parameters. For example, the above example provides an absolute difference of 0.5 V or a relative difference of 87% based on the relationship between two user-defined settings for a given characteristic. However, certain relationships can be found empirically, for example, through testing. For example, it may be found that, in general, users of the aerosol supply system tend to change the voltage level, for example, by 0.5 V between menthol and black cherry flavoring, or by 0.3 V between 3 mg / ml nicotine concentration and 0 mg / ml nicotine concentration. These relationships regarding general user-defined settings, known in advance, for example, by the manufacturer, can be provided to the control circuit 20 and used by the control circuit 20 to generate recommendations for user-defined settings for use in the aerosol supply device 2 when using a third aerosol generating material. For example, if we assume a fourth aerosol-generating material for a black cherry-flavored liquid containing 0 mg / ml nicotine, then control circuit 20 can adopt a user-defined setting of 4.2 V for a black cherry-flavored liquid containing 3 mg / ml nicotine (e.g., Figure 4c (in the middle), and for example by increasing the heater voltage by 0.3 V to apply the predetermined relationship to the stored user-defined settings to generate a 4.6V recommendation for the user-defined settings of the fourth aerosol generating material. In such a case, it should be understood that the control circuit 20 uses at least one stored user-defined setting to generate a suitable (i.e., customized for a given user) recommendation for the user-defined settings.

[0134] Furthermore, it should be understood that such relationships can be defined in more general terms rather than by individual or multiple characteristic levels of the aerosol-generating material. For example, similar user-defined settings can be determined to apply to several aerosol-generating materials. For instance, it can be found that a similar voltage level for heater 48 applies to both a black cherry-flavored aerosol-generating material containing 6 mg / ml nicotine and a menthol-flavored aerosol-generating material containing 0 mg / ml nicotine (i.e., nicotine-free).

[0135] It should be understood that, alternatively or additionally, Figure 4b and Figure 4cUsing the name as a characteristic of a flavoring agent is acceptable. However, other ways of describing flavoring agents are possible. For example, the relative intensity of a flavoring agent can be used as a characteristic when a user perceives it. In this case, different flavoring agents can be categorized as having similar sensations. For example, a banana-flavored flavoring agent can be perceived by a user (or more generally by multiple users) as having a similar intensity to a black cherry-flavored flavoring agent. Therefore, instead of storing user settings for individual flavoring agents, user-defined settings can be stored for the perceived intensity of the flavoring agent (e.g., this can be set on a scale of one to five, where, for example, black cherry and banana can be given a score of three). This can alternatively be implemented as a predetermined relationship such that control circuit 20 processes banana-flavored flavoring liquid and black cherry-flavored flavoring liquid substantially the same.

[0136] However, it should be understood that the principles of this disclosure are not limited to the examples described above. In fact, the control circuit 20 can be configured in any suitable manner to generate recommendations for user-defined settings for another (e.g., a third) aerosol generating material to be supplied to the aerosol supply system based on stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material.

[0137] Furthermore, while the above content focuses on the composition of aerosol-generating materials, it should be understood that the same principles can be applied to aerosol-generating materials with different macroscopic properties (e.g., viscosity and / or state).

[0138] In some implementations, once the control circuit 20 generates a suggestion for user-defined settings for another (e.g., a third) aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system 1, the control circuit 20 is configured to automatically implement the suggested user-defined settings. In other words, the control circuit 20 configures the aerosol supply system 1 to operate according to the user-defined settings suggestion. When a voltage level is supplied to the heater 48, the control circuit 20 is configured to supply the power supply 26 with a voltage level as determined by the control circuit 20 (based on the suggestion generated for the user-defined settings).

[0139] In an alternative implementation, control circuitry 20 may enable a notification to be provided to the user of aerosol supply system 1. This notification informs the user of recommended limiting settings. For example, the notification may display the message "We recommend that you set the voltage level to XV." Furthermore, the message may include the reasoning behind the recommendation, such as "Based on your settings when using 3 mg / ml black cherry flavoring, we recommend that you set the voltage level to XV." The user may be required to manually input the user-limited settings, for example, via user input mechanism 32. In other implementations, the notification may include an option to automatically update the user-limited settings of aerosol supply system 1 based on the user-limited settings recommended by control circuitry 20. For example, in an implementation where user input mechanism 32 includes a touchscreen, a touch-sensitive button may be displayed that, when pressed by the user, causes the user-limited settings to be updated according to the recommendations generated by control circuitry 20. The notification may be provided on aerosol supply system 1 (e.g., via a screen or display or via indicator 14) or on a remote source communicatively connected to the aerosol supply system (such as a smartphone).

[0140] Furthermore, it should be understood that in some cases, the control circuit 20 may not have sufficient stored user-defined settings and / or predetermined relationships to generate recommendations for user-defined settings for the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system 1. In such cases, the control circuit 20 may simply not generate recommendations for user-defined settings and / or display a notification to the user that no recommendations can be provided.

[0141] Figure 5 This is an example flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for configuring an aerosol supply system 1 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials.

[0142] Assuming a first aerosol generating material is provided to aerosol supply system 1 (i.e., a first cartridge 4 is connected to aerosol supply device 2), the method begins at step S1, in which an aerosol generating material identification mechanism is configured to identify one or more characteristics of the first aerosol generating material. As described above, the aerosol generating material identification mechanism can be implemented in various ways according to existing methods, but is configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the first aerosol generating material provided to aerosol supply system 1.

[0143] In step S2, the aerosol supply system 1 (or its control circuit 20) is configured to store user-defined settings for one or more characteristics identified in step S1 provided to the aerosol supply system 1. As described above, the user input mechanism 32 is used to provide user-defined settings to the control circuit 20 of the aerosol supply system 1 / device 2. On the one hand, the control circuit 20 is configured to store these user-defined settings in, for example, a suitable memory, as described above, and on the other hand, the control circuit 20 is configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system 1 according to the user-defined settings, such as, for example, providing a certain power level to the heater 48.

[0144] In step S3, a second aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol supply system 1 (i.e., the second cartridge 4 containing the second aerosol generating material is connected to the aerosol supply device 2). Before supplying the second aerosol generating material to the aerosol supply system 1, the first aerosol generating material or the first cartridge 4 is removed or depleted.

[0145] If the control circuit 20 is unable to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings for the second aerosol generating material (i.e., steps S4 to S6 are not continued), the method returns to step S2, in which the user provides user-defined settings, and in this case, the user-defined settings are stored for one or more characteristics of the second aerosol generating material.

[0146] However, assuming that the control circuit 20 has sufficient stored user-defined settings to identify one or more properties of the second aerosol generating material in step S3, the method proceeds to step S4.

[0147] In step S4, the control circuit 20 is configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings of a second aerosol generating material to be provided to the aerosol supply system 1 based on stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material. The methods by which this can be achieved have been described above and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0148] After the suggested user-defined settings have been generated, the method proceeds to step S5 or step S6. In step S5, a notification is provided to the user, for example, on the screen of the aerosol supply device 2 or on the screen of a remote device such as a smartphone communicatively connected to the aerosol supply device 2, informing the user of the suggested user-defined settings. The user can then input the suggested user-defined settings, for example, using input mechanism 32, or the notification can inform the user to implement the suggested user-defined settings. In step S6, the suggested user-defined settings are implemented. In other words, the control circuit 20 is configured to operate according to the suggested user-defined settings.

[0149] While the above embodiments focus in some aspects on a specific example aerosol supply system, it should be understood that the same principles can be applied to aerosol supply systems using other technologies or evaporating other aerosol-generating materials. In other words, the specific manner in which various aspects of the aerosol supply system function are not directly related to the basic principles of the examples described herein.

[0150] While the above embodiments focus on an aerosol supply system 1 comprising a replaceable cartridge 4 and a reusable aerosol supply device 2, it should be understood that the principles of this disclosure are not limited to this arrangement of the aerosol supply system 1. For example, the aerosol supply system 1 can alternatively be configured as a single unit or an integral device, wherein the cartridge and the aerosol supply device 2 are integrally formed. In this case, it should be understood that the aerosol supply device 2 includes an aerosol generator and a reservoir 44.

[0151] According to the principles of this disclosure, an aerosol supply device is also provided, comprising an aerosol supply system 1 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials. The aerosol supply device includes: an aerosol generator device comprising an aerosol generator 48 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials supplied to the aerosol supply device; a control device including control circuitry 20 for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator device to generate aerosols; a user input device including a user input mechanism 32 for user-defined settings of the aerosol generator device; and an aerosol generating material identification device including an aerosol generating material identification mechanism configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device. The controller is configured to store user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least a first aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol supply device, as determined by the aerosol generating material identification device, and wherein the controller is configured to generate recommendations for user-defined settings for a second aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol supply device based on the stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of the at least first aerosol generating material.

[0152] Therefore, an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials has been described. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol generator for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials supplied to the aerosol supply system; a control circuit for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols; a user input mechanism for user-defined settings for the aerosol generator; and an aerosol-generating material identification mechanism configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system. The control circuit is configured to store user-defined settings for at least one or more characteristics of a first aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system as determined by the aerosol-generating material identification mechanism. The control circuit is also configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings for a second aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system based on the stored user-defined settings for at least one or more characteristics of the first aerosol-generating material. An aerosol supply apparatus, a method for configuring an aerosol supply system, and an aerosol supply device have also been described.

[0153] To address various problems and improve the prior art, this disclosure illustrates, by way of description, multiple embodiments in which the claimed invention can be implemented. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are intended only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations on this disclosure as defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably include, constitute, or substantially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and therefore should be recognized that features of dependent claims may be combined with features of independent claims in combinations other than those expressly stated in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials, the aerosol supply system comprising: An aerosol generator for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials supplied to the aerosol supply system; A control circuit is used to control the operation of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols; A user input mechanism is provided for users to define the settings of the aerosol generator. as well as An aerosol generating material identification mechanism is configured to acquire or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating materials supplied to the aerosol supply system. The control circuit is configured to store user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least a first aerosol-generating material provided to the aerosol supply system, as determined by the aerosol-generating material identification mechanism. The control circuit is configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings of a second aerosol generating material to be provided to the aerosol supply system based on stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings of the second aerosol generating material to be provided to the aerosol supply system from user-defined settings stored for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material relative to one or more characteristics of the second aerosol generating material obtained or determined by the aerosol generating material identification mechanism.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aerosol generating material identification mechanism is configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the second aerosol generating material, and wherein the suggestion for user-defined settings of the second aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol supply system includes user-defined settings stored for at least one aerosol generating material corresponding to one or more characteristics of the obtained or determined second aerosol generating material.

4. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol generating material identification mechanism is configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the second aerosol generating material, and wherein a recommendation for user-defined settings of the second aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol supply system is calculated based on user-defined settings stored for at least the first aerosol generating material that correspond to one or more characteristics of the obtained or determined second aerosol generating material.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 4, wherein, At least one or more properties of the first aerosol generating material are related to one or more properties of the obtained or determined second aerosol generating material through a predetermined relationship, wherein the predetermined relationship is provided to the control circuit.

6. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, One or more properties of the aerosol generating material include at least one of the following: one or more properties related to the composition of the aerosol generating material and one or more properties related to the macroscopic properties of the aerosol generating material.

7. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, One or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material include at least one of the following: the type of the aerosol generating material, the active ingredient of the aerosol generating material, the concentration of the active ingredient of the aerosol generating material, the flavoring agent of the aerosol generating material, and the sensory intensity of the flavoring agent of the aerosol generating material.

8. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The limiting settings used include at least one of the following: the power settings for the aerosol generator; the power configuration of the aerosol generator; and the air inlet size.

9. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control circuit is configured to provide a user-defined setting for the second aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system to the user, wherein the user needs to provide input to the control circuit to implement the suggested user-defined setting.

10. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control circuit is configured to automatically adjust the settings of the aerosol generator based on recommendations for user-defined settings.

11. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The user input mechanism is configured to physically interact with the user to provide a mechanism for user-defined settings.

12. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The user input mechanism is configured to receive user-defined settings from a remote source.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12, wherein, The user input mechanism includes a wireless receiver.

14. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12, wherein, The user input mechanism includes a connector for receiving a wired connection from the remote source.

15. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol generating material identification mechanism includes at least one of the following: a data containing element for storing data indicating one or more properties of the aerosol generating material; And a reader for reading the data from the data-receiving element; Sensors for performing measurements associated with the aerosol-generating material; And a second user input mechanism for receiving user input indicating one or more properties of the aerosol generating material.

16. An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials, the aerosol supply device comprising: An aerosol generator for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials supplied to the aerosol supply device; A control circuit is used to control the operation of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols; A user input mechanism is provided for users to define the settings of the aerosol generator. as well as An aerosol generating material identification mechanism is configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device. The control circuit is configured to store user-defined settings for one or more characteristics determined by the aerosol generating material identification mechanism for at least the first aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system. The control circuit is configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings of a second aerosol generating material to be provided to the aerosol supply system based on stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material.

17. A method for configuring an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials, the aerosol supply system comprising: An aerosol generator for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials supplied to the aerosol supply system; A control circuit is used to control the operation of the aerosol generator to generate aerosols; A user input mechanism is provided for users to define the settings of the aerosol generator. And an aerosol-generating material identification mechanism, configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol-generating material supplied to the aerosol supply system, the method comprising: The system stores user-defined settings that specify one or more characteristics of at least a first aerosol-generating material provided to the aerosol supply system, as determined by the aerosol-generating material identification mechanism. Based on the stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material, a suggestion is generated to provide a second aerosol generating material to the aerosol supply system with user-defined settings.

18. An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply device comprising: An aerosol generator device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device; A control device for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator device to generate aerosols; User input device, used by the user to limit the settings of the aerosol generator device; as well as An aerosol generating material identification device is configured to obtain or determine one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device. The controller is configured to store user-defined settings for one or more characteristics determined by the aerosol generating material identification device for at least a first aerosol generating material supplied to the aerosol supply device, and The controller is configured to generate a suggestion for user-defined settings of a second aerosol generating material provided to the aerosol supply device based on stored user-defined settings for one or more characteristics of at least the first aerosol generating material.

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