Control device for an aerosol provision device

Abstract

A control device (114) for use with an aerosol provision device (102) comprising an energy storage device (106). The control device (114) is configured to determine a property of the energy storage device (106); and to vary a parameter of a charging cycle of the energy storage device (106) based on the determined property.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of control devices for use with aerosol supply apparatuses, aerosol supply apparatuses including such control devices, and aerosol supply systems. The invention also relates to the field of methods for operating aerosol supply apparatuses. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Efforts have been made to provide alternatives to these products by producing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called "heated but not burned" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating a material that does not burn. This material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, a control device is provided for use with an aerosol supply device including an energy storage device. The control device is configured to determine the properties of the energy storage device and, based on the determined properties, change parameters of the charging cycle of the energy storage device.

[0004] A charging cycle can be a subsequent charging cycle (i.e., a charging cycle that occurs after the properties of the energy storage device are determined). In some embodiments, a subsequent charging cycle can be all or part of a full charging cycle that begins after the properties are determined. In other embodiments, the determination of the properties and the change of parameters can occur within the same charging cycle, in which the change of parameters is performed in response to the determination of the properties. In these embodiments, a subsequent charging cycle can be a later portion of the same charging cycle in which the changed parameters are used.

[0005] Energy storage devices may include one or more batteries.

[0006] The parameter changes can be compared with the parameters used in the previous / last charging cycle of the energy storage device. The changes can also be compared with the last / previous portion of the same charging cycle.

[0007] The properties of an energy storage device can change depending on its use and / or its service life and / or the environment in which it is located. These properties may not be those of the energy storage device when it is new.

[0008] This property can include the number of times the energy storage device has discharged. This can be calculated / determined with respect to the lifespan of the energy storage device. This property can also include the number of inhalation sessions during which the energy storage device has been powered. This can be calculated / determined with respect to the lifespan of the energy storage device. An inhalation session (i.e., a usage period) can correspond to a period of 200 to 350 seconds (e.g., 220 to 330 seconds, e.g., 240 to 310 seconds, e.g., 260 to 290 seconds) during which the energy storage device can provide power for consumption by the aerosol supply device. This period can begin at the initial inhalation point at the start of the inhalation period, or at the start of power supply from the energy storage device used to generate the aerosol during the period. An inhalation session can include multiple inhalations from the aerosol supply device (e.g., at least 2 and at most 10 inhalations). An inhalation session can include providing power from the energy storage device for at least 2 and at most 10 inhalations, e.g., at least 3 and at most 8 inhalations, e.g., at least 4 and at most 6 inhalations.

[0009] This property can include one or more of the following: the current storage capacity of the energy storage device, the health status of the energy storage device, the time taken to complete a full charge cycle, and the extent of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device. This extent of expansion can be related to the energy storage device's unexpanded state, such as the external dimensions of the energy storage device when it is brand new or its previous external dimensions. The health status can be the ratio of the energy storage device's current storage capacity to its maximum storage capacity (i.e., the storage capacity when the energy storage device is brand new or has not yet been charged or discharged).

[0010] This property can include the total operating time of the energy storage device. The total operating time of the energy storage device can be the total time elapsed since the energy storage device first began supplying power. This can be defined, for example, by the point at which the aerosol supply device exits the shipping mode.

[0011] This parameter may include the charging rate of the energy storage device and / or the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device. The charging rate can be considered as the average charging rate over the entire single full charge cycle.

[0012] The control device can be configured to change parameters by limiting the charging current applied to the energy storage device during a charging cycle. The charging current can be a maximum charging current or an average charging current. This may result in a reduction in the charging rate. The control device can also be configured to change parameters by limiting (e.g., a maximum) charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during a charging cycle. This may result in a reduction in the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device.

[0013] The control device can be configured to change the parameters of the charging cycle when the properties of the energy storage device reach a predetermined threshold level. The predetermined threshold level can be at least one of the following: the number of time periods, the amount of expansion, the storage capacity, and the health status. The control device can also be configured to further change the parameters of the charging cycle when the properties of the energy storage device reach at least one additional predetermined threshold level. This at least one additional predetermined threshold level can include a plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels, and wherein the control device is configured to further change the parameters of the charging cycle at each of these plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels.

[0014] In another aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided. The aerosol supply device includes an energy storage device and a control device as described above.

[0015] The aerosol supply device may also include sensors configured to determine the nature of the energy storage device.

[0016] The sensor can be a force sensor, or a pressure or capacitance sensor, or a timer or a counter.

[0017] The aerosol supply device may also include a display configured to show information indicating the end of the lifespan of the energy storage device or information indicating a change in parameters. The energy storage device may be a battery or a capacitor. The determination of its properties can be made by sensors of the aerosol supply device. The display may include an LCD or LED display. The information may be in the form of text or symbols. The display may be configured to indicate the amount of time remaining before recharging is required.

[0018] In another aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided. The aerosol supply system includes an article comprising an aerosol generating medium and the aerosol supply device as described above.

[0019] In another aspect, a method for operating an aerosol supply device is provided. This method may include determining the properties of an energy storage device within the aerosol supply device and changing parameters of the charging cycle based on the determined properties of the energy storage device.

[0020] The method may also include comparing the determined property with a predetermined threshold level.

[0021] The method may also include displaying information indicating the end of the lifespan of the energy storage device or information indicating a changed parameter. The information indicating a changed parameter may include the number of periods for each single full charge of the energy storage device.

[0022] This property may include one or more of the following: the current storage capacity of the energy storage device, the health status of the energy storage device, the time taken to complete a full charge cycle, and the extent of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device.

[0023] The parameters are changed by limiting the charging current or the maximum charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during a charging cycle. The charging current can be the maximum charging current.

[0024] Any feature of the various implementations of the control device, such as any feature relating to properties, parameters, or the manner in which they are determined or changed as described above with respect to the control device, can be similarly implemented by any of the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Various embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown (not drawn to scale). Figure 2 A graph showing the number of time periods for each full charge relative to the cumulative number of time periods is displayed; and Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for operating an aerosol supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, 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. Aerosol-generating materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials may be in solid, liquid, gel, wax, or other forms, for example. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, combinations or blends of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "inhalable materials."

[0027] Aerosol-generating materials may include binders and aerosol-forming agents. Optionally, activators and / or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0028] Aerosol-generating materials may include or may be "amorphous solids". Amorphous solids may be "monolithic solids". In some embodiments, amorphous solids may be dried gels. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within them. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0029] Aerosol-generating materials may include aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may include or may be sheets, which may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating sheets or shredded sheets may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0030] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system (sometimes referred to as an "aerosol supply system") is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is non-flammable or non-ignitable in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0031] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0032] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END); however, it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

[0033] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. One embodiment of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, wherein one or more of these aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, 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.

[0035] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables (sometimes referred to as “produced goods”) for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0036] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in this disclosure.

[0037] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device, may include a power source (e.g., an energy storage device) and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon matrix, which may be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or heat-transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0038] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0039] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material conveying component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging paper, filter, nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0040] The aerosol generating apparatus may receive articles comprising aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, "article" refers to a component that includes or contains aerosol generating material that is heated to cause the aerosol generating material to volatilize, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating apparatus before heating it to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size, configured to be placed within the heating chamber of the apparatus, the chamber being sized to receive the article.

[0041] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply system 100 (which may be a non-flammable aerosol supply system 100) including an aerosol supply device 102 is shown. The aerosol supply device includes a product receiving portion 104 (e.g., in the form of a cavity within the device 102) for receiving an aerosol-generated article 105 in use. The aerosol-generated article 105 may be provided separately from the aerosol supply device 102 and may be removed from the product receiving portion 104. The aerosol supply device 102 may also include an energy storage device 106, a heating arrangement 108, and a control device 110. The heating arrangement 108 may be arranged to heat the aerosol-generated article 105. The heating arrangement 108 may include any suitable means for heating the aerosol-generated article 105. For example, the heating arrangement 108 may include a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generated article 105. The heating element may include a resistive or induction heating element. In other embodiments, the heating arrangement may be provided integrally with the aerosol-generated article 105. In some embodiments, the article receiving portion 104 and / or the heating arrangement 108 may be omitted.

[0042] Aerosol generating article 105 may include aerosol generating materials / mediums. The aerosol generating materials can generate aerosols when heat is applied. Energy storage device 106 may include one or more batteries or one or more capacitors or any other component capable of storing electrical energy. Heating arrangement 108 can heat the aerosol generating article 105 received within the article-in-process receiving portion 104. Heating of the aerosol generating article 105 can cause the generation therefrom of an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user.

[0043] In some embodiments, as depicted, control device 110 may be provided as part of aerosol supply device 102. However, in other embodiments, control device 110 may be provided as a separate entity separate from aerosol supply device 102. Thus, while the components and / or features of control device 110 are described herein with respect to an aerosol supply device, the following similarly applies to separate, individual control devices. For example, the control device described herein can be applied to a retrofit kit configured to adapt an existing aerosol supply device to have at least some of the components and / or features of aerosol supply device 102.

[0044] In some embodiments, control device 110 may include processor 114. Processor 114 may be configured to perform one or more of the functions of control device 110 discussed herein. In other embodiments, control device 110 does not include a processor, but includes any other suitable means for performing one or more functions of control device 110 discussed herein.

[0045] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system 100 may also be connected to or include an energy source configured to supply energy to the energy storage device 106 for storage during a charging cycle. For example, the energy source may be a docking station or a mains power interface.

[0046] Control device 110 is configured to determine the properties of energy storage device 106. These properties can indicate the health of energy storage device 106, i.e., health-related properties. As an example, energy storage devices typically experience expansion (i.e., physical expansion) due to repeated use and / or with increasing years of use (i.e., as energy storage device 106 ages). Excessive expansion can lead to leakage or malfunction of energy storage device 106 (e.g., chemical or electrical). Thus, the risk of injury, for example, due to a short circuit or leakage of chemical materials from energy storage device 106, may increase with expansion.

[0047] The control device 110 is also configured to change the parameters of the charging cycle of the energy storage device 106 based on this property. The parameter change can be compared to the parameters used in the previous / last charging cycle of the energy storage device 106. The charging cycle with parameter change can be performed after the property of the energy storage device 106 is determined, for example, in a subsequent charging cycle. In some embodiments, the property can be determined during the charging cycle of the energy storage device 106, and the parameter being changed can be the charging cycle in which the property is determined. In other embodiments, the property can be determined before the start of the charging cycle, and the parameters of subsequent charging cycles can then be adapted. In some embodiments, the property can be determined at the end of the charging cycle, for example, immediately or shortly after the charging cycle, and subsequent charging cycles can change its parameters. In some embodiments, for example, when the aerosol supply device 102 is not in use, the property can be determined completely independently of the charging cycle, and the parameters of the subsequent charging cycle, i.e., the next (i.e., subsequent) charging cycle, can be changed. This parameter can be considered as a charging parameter that defines the amount and / or rate of energy transferred to the energy storage device 106.

[0048] The control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters of the charging cycle in any suitable manner. For example, when the aerosol supply device 102 is connected to an external power source (such as a mains power source), it can limit the power supply to the energy storage device 106. This connection can be via a wired or wireless power connection.

[0049] The applicant has discovered that the determination of the properties of the energy storage device 106 (e.g., properties indicating health) and the modification of parameters of the charging cycle (e.g., the charging cycle after the determination of the properties, such as subsequent charging cycles) can be advantageously used to accommodate / mitigate the expansion of the energy storage device 106, thereby potentially reducing the risk of damage to the aerosol supply device 102 and / or the risk of injury to the user.

[0050] The properties of the energy storage device 106 can be any suitable property that may affect the need for adaptive charging of the energy storage device 106. Thus, this property can be one that changes according to the use of the energy storage device 106 and / or according to the service life of the energy storage device 106 and / or according to the environment in which the energy storage device 106 is arranged. For example, the environment in which the energy storage device 106 is arranged, specifically the environment in which the aerosol supply device 102 is arranged, can affect its expansion. As an example, a hotter environment may cause greater expansion of the energy storage device 106. Use, such as charging and / or discharging, may affect the energy storage device 106, for example, the amount of its expansion. This is explained in more detail below. Similarly, the service life of the energy storage device 106 can also affect, for example, the amount of expansion of the energy storage device 106 as a result of chemical changes within the energy storage device 106. The properties of the energy storage device 106 determined by the control device 110 may therefore not be the properties of the energy storage device 106 at a new time (e.g., when it has not yet been used / charged and / or discharged), but may be properties that change over time / use. Thus, the properties may be those determined after at least one (e.g., multiple) discharges (e.g., complete discharges) of the energy storage device 106, or after at least one (e.g., multiple) charging cycles of the energy storage device 106, or after at least one period of use during which the energy storage device 106 has been supplied with power, or after at least a predetermined period of time after the energy storage device 106 has been inserted into the aerosol supply device 102.

[0051] In some implementations, the properties determined by the control device 110 may include the number of times the energy storage device 106 has discharged. Discharging the energy storage device 106 can be considered as releasing the energy stored therein sufficient to allow the generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article. For example, this may involve energizing the heating arrangement 108 with sufficient energy to cause the heating elements to reach a temperature that causes the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating article 105 to aerosolize. The number of times the energy storage device 106 has discharged can be calculated / determined with respect to the lifetime of the energy storage device 106. In other words, the count of discharges begins when the energy storage device 106 is new or even when it is about to discharge once.

[0052] In some implementations, the properties determined by the control device 110 may include the number of usage periods for which the energy storage device 110 has been powered. A usage period (i.e., an inhalation period) may correspond to a period of 200 to 350 seconds (e.g., 220 to 330 seconds, 240 to 310 seconds, 260 to 290 seconds) during which the energy storage device 106 can provide power for consumption by the aerosol supply device. This period may begin at the point of initial inhalation at the start of the period, or during the period when power is supplied from the energy storage device used to generate the aerosol. The energy storage device 106 may not necessarily be required to provide power throughout the usage period. A usage period may include multiple inhalations from the aerosol supply device 102 (e.g., 2 or more inhalations, or 3 or more inhalations, or 4 or more inhalations, or 5 or more inhalations, or 6 or more inhalations, or 7 or more inhalations, or 8 or more inhalations, or 9 or more inhalations, or 10 or more inhalations, or up to 10 inhalations). Similarly, the number of intake periods can be calculated / determined for the lifespan of the energy storage device 106. In other words, the number of intake periods is counted starting when the energy storage device 106 is new or even about to discharge once. The control device 110 may include suitable counters and / or timers configured to determine the number of periods.

[0053] In some embodiments, the property determined by the control device 110 may include the current storage capacity of the energy storage device 106. The current storage capacity of the energy storage device 106 may be the maximum energy that the energy storage device 106 can currently store (at the time of determination). As will be understood, this may decrease over time and / or with the number of times the energy storage device 106 is used / discharged. In some embodiments, this property may include the health status of the energy storage device 106. The health status may be the ratio of the current storage capacity of the energy storage device 106 to its maximum storage capacity (i.e., its rated storage capacity), which may be the storage capacity of the energy storage device 106 when it is new or even when it is about to be discharged once.

[0054] In some implementations, this property may include the time taken to perform a charging (e.g., full charge) cycle. A full charge cycle can be considered as increasing the energy stored in the energy storage device 106 from at least partially (e.g., completely) empty to at least partially (e.g., fully) full at its maximum (current) capacity (i.e., the maximum energy that the energy storage device 106 can store while charging). For example, a full charge cycle can be considered as increasing the energy stored in the energy storage device 106, for example, the increase in the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device 106 may be 100%, or 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, or 50% (of the current charge capacity of the energy storage device 106). Furthermore, a full charge cycle may begin at 0%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, and may terminate at ≥50%, for example, 100%, or 90%, or 80%, or 70%, or 60%. As will be understood, a full charge cycle may utilize any combination of the foregoing embodiments. A charging cycle can begin when the energy storage device 106 is connected to a power source capable of providing power for charging, and end when the power source is electrically disconnected from the energy storage device 106. The control device 110 may include a suitable timer configured to determine the time taken to perform (e.g., a full) charging cycle. In some embodiments, this property may be the charging rate during the charging cycle.

[0055] In some embodiments, this property includes the degree of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device 106. This degree of expansion can be determined / calculated relative to the unexpanded state of the energy storage device, such as the external dimensions of the energy storage device when it is brand new or its previous external dimensions.

[0056] In some implementations, this property may include the number of times the energy storage device 106 has been charged. In other words, this property may be the number of charging cycles (e.g., partial or full charging cycles) that the energy storage device 106 has undergone.

[0057] In some embodiments, this property may include the total energy storage device operating time. The total energy storage device operating time may be the time since the energy storage device 106 first supplies power to another component in the aerosol supply device 102. This can be defined, for example, by the point at which the aerosol supply device 102 exits the shipping mode and first draws power from the energy storage device 106. In other embodiments, the total energy storage device operating time may begin when the energy storage device 106 is first inserted into the aerosol supply device 102. The total energy storage device operating time may encompass the total time the energy storage device 106 has been powered, the time it has received power (i.e., charged), and the time it has not supplied / received power.

[0058] In some embodiments, the control device 110 may include a sensor 112. Determining the properties may include measuring the properties of the energy storage device 106 using the sensor 112. However, in other embodiments, the sensor 112 may be omitted entirely.

[0059] Sensor 112 can be configured to detect the expansion / inflation of energy storage device 106. Sensor 112 can be configured to measure the force exerted by the energy storage device due to expansion, such as pressure and / or force applied to sensor 112. For example, a pressure and / or force sensor can be configured to measure the force between energy storage device 106 and the compartments in which energy storage device 106 resides or is positioned. This is a force / pressure that can indicate the amount of expansion / inflation exhibited by energy storage device 106.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the control device 110 includes a capacity sensor configured to measure the current storage capacity of the energy storage device 106. The current storage capacity may be the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device 106 at the point of measurement. As will be understood, the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device 106 may decrease with age and / or repeated use. Thus, when the energy storage device 106 is new or even about to be charged and / or discharged once, the current storage capacity may be a value smaller than the initial / rated value. For example, the capacitance sensor may be a capacitance sensor configured to measure the capacitance of the energy storage device 106. The capacitance sensor may also be a voltage or current sensor configured to measure the voltage or current output by the energy storage device 106. The capacitance sensor may be considered sensor 112 or a part thereof.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 110 may also be configured to count the number of times the energy storage device 106 has discharged and / or the number of usage periods during which the energy storage device 106 has supplied power. In other words, the control device 110 may include a counter configured to count the number of times the energy storage device 106 has discharged and / or the number of usage periods during which the energy storage device 106 has supplied power. The counter may be considered as a sensor 112 or part thereof. The control device 110 may include a timer that can be used to determine the number of usage periods.

[0062] Furthermore, the properties of the energy storage device 106 can be determined continuously. In other words, the properties of the energy storage device 106 can be monitored continuously or intermittently / iteratively. As will be understood, any suitable algorithm or program can be used to implement the monitoring / determination of the properties of the energy storage device 106.

[0063] Parameters of the energy storage device 106 for (e.g., subsequent) charging cycles, which are altered by the control device 110, may include the charging rate of the energy storage device 106. The charging rate can be considered as the average charging rate over the entire single charging cycle. The control device 110 may be configured to reduce the charging rate by altering the parameters by limiting (e.g., the maximum) charging current applied to the energy storage device 106 during (e.g., subsequent) charging cycles. In some embodiments, the control device 110 may be configured to alter the parameters by controlling the charging current applied to the energy storage device 106 to reduce the average charging current applied to the energy storage device 106 for a given charging cycle.

[0064] In some embodiments, the parameter may include the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device 106. This maximum amount of energy may be less than the total energy that the energy storage device 106 can actually store. The control device 110 may be configured to supply energy to the energy storage device 106 until it reaches a point where the maximum amount of energy is reached, at which point the charging cycle may stop. The control device may be configured to change the parameter (i.e., the maximum amount of energy that can be stored) by limiting the maximum charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during (e.g., subsequent) charging cycles, thereby reducing the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device. Therefore, the parameter may include the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the energy storage device 106.

[0065] Control device 110 can be configured to change (e.g., subsequently) the parameters of the charging cycle in any suitable manner based on this property. For example, control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters in response to determining one or more properties of the energy storage device 106 described above. In some embodiments, control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters in response to determining that one or more properties of the energy storage device 106 exceed one or more corresponding threshold levels, as described above. In some embodiments, control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters of the charging cycle when the properties of the energy storage device 106 reach a predetermined threshold level. For example, control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters when the number of time periods exceeds 2000 time periods, or when the expansion of the energy storage device exceeds 10%, or when the storage capacity decreases by 10%, or when the health status drops to a ratio below 9:10. Control device 110 can then use the same parameters after the change for at least one, for example, multiple additional charging cycles. In other words, the control device 110 can use / maintain specific change parameters for charging cycles within a specific range of characteristics. For example, for charging cycles between 2000 and 4000 usage periods, a maximum charging voltage of 4.352V can be used; for charging cycles between 4000 and 6000 usage periods, a maximum charging voltage of 4.304V can be used; for charging cycles between 6000 and 8000 usage periods, a maximum charging voltage of 4.256V can be used; and / or for charging cycles between 8000 and 10000 usage periods, a maximum charging voltage of 4.192V can be used.

[0066] Advantageously, the aforementioned control device 110 can mitigate / reduce the deterioration of the energy storage device 106, for example, due to expansion. Therefore, it tends to reduce / eliminate the risk of damage to the aerosol supply device 102 and / or harm to nearby personnel.

[0067] In some embodiments, control device 110 may be configured to further change the parameters of the charging cycle when the properties of energy storage device 106 reach at least one additional predetermined threshold level. This at least one additional predetermined threshold level may include a plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels. Control device 110 may be configured to further change the parameters of the charging cycle at each of these plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels. In other words, control device 110 may be configured to change the parameters at predetermined intervals / periodic changes in the properties. For example, control device 110 may be configured to change the parameters at every 2000 time periods, or every 3 months, or every 1% expansion, or every 1% reduction in storage capacity (relative to the original storage capacity at the new time), or every 1:100 reduction increment in health status (i.e., 99:100, 98:100, 97:100, etc.). As will be understood, any suitable threshold / interval can be implemented. After the parameter change, control device 110 may be configured to maintain the same changed parameters in any subsequent charging cycle until the determined properties reach the next predetermined threshold level.

[0068] The changes in parameters can be continuous or discrete. For example, the (e.g., maximum) charging current can decrease continuously or jump discretely at regular intervals. Similarly, the maximum charging voltage can decrease continuously or jump discretely at regular intervals. For example, the charging current can decrease for each individual charging cycle and / or the maximum charging voltage can decrease for each charging cycle.

[0069] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 102 may also include a display 107. The display 107 may be configured to display an end-of-life status indicating whether the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its lifespan. The display 107 may include an LED or LCD display and may output information in text form, such as “Replace Battery” and / or one or more symbols. The end of life of the energy storage device 106 may occur when it deteriorates to a point where further use of the energy storage device 106 becomes unsafe and / or restrictive. This deterioration may be a result of repeated use of the energy storage device 106 and / or wear and tear experienced by the energy storage device 106. The energy storage device 106 may expand, for example, swell, with increasing usage and / or years of use. In this case, the end of life of the energy storage device 106 may occur when it swells to a point where further expansion may cause leakage or rupture. In this case, further use may cause injury to nearby personnel, such as users, and / or other components of the aerosol supply device 102. Another embodiment of the end of life for energy storage device 106 is when the current (i.e., current) maximum (storage) capacity of energy storage device 106 (e.g., current maximum energy storage capacity / maximum amount of energy that energy storage device 106 can store and subsequently deliver for consumption) decreases below a threshold capacity. This decrease in maximum capacity may be due to or may cause breakdown (e.g., chemical or electrical breakdown) of energy storage device 106 during charging or discharging. In this case, the risk of short circuits from energy storage device 106 may also increase.

[0070] The energy storage device 106 may reach the end of its life when one or more characteristics of it meet one or more corresponding predetermined thresholds. For example, the energy storage device may reach the end of its life when the number of usage periods for which it has provided electricity exceeds a threshold number of periods, such as 7,000 periods, 8,000 periods, 9,000 periods, or 10,000 periods; or when the capacity of the energy storage device 106 drops below a threshold capacity (e.g., a percentage of the charging capacity of the energy storage device 106), such as when the energy storage device 106 is new, it is below 85% of its charging capacity, for example, below 80%. Other embodiments include determining that the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its lifespan when the charging capacity of the energy storage device drops below a threshold, such as approximately 2000 mAh (where the initial storage capacity is approximately 2500 mAh), or when the number of charging cycles is at least 250, such as at least 500, such as at least 600, or when the pressure detected by a pressure sensor exceeds a threshold pressure, such as 20 kPa, or when the force detected by a force sensor exceeds a threshold force, such as 0.7 N. Other embodiments include when the total charging and / or discharging time exceeds 800 hours, such as 1000 hours, and / or when the discharge power of the energy storage device exceeds 1400 Ah, and / or when the operating time of the device exceeds 1.5 years, such as 2 years. As will be understood, the various embodiments set forth above may depend on the specific parameters of the energy storage device 106, such as its size and initial capacity, and the parameters of the aerosol supply device 102, such as the size of the article receiving portion 104 and / or the energy consumed by the heating arrangement 108.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the display may also be configured to display information indicating changes in parameters. For example, the display may show the changed parameters. When a parameter has changed, the display 107 may also display the number of periods for each full charge. Additionally or alternatively, the display 107 may indicate that a property has reached at least one threshold; for example, the display 107 may indicate that the aerosol supply device 102, specifically its energy storage device 106, has been used for 2000 periods. Further indications may be made at subsequent thresholds, such as 4000 periods, 6000 periods, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the display 107 may also display information indicating the relative relationship between the property and a predetermined threshold; for example, the aerosol supply device has reached the threshold of 2000 periods, or the aerosol supply device has 8000 periods until the end of its lifespan. In other words, the display 107 may display information related to the remaining lifespan of the energy storage device 106, for example, in the form of the number of periods in which it can provide power and / or the number of charging cycles and / or the number of discharging cycles it may be able to perform.

[0072] As described above, in some embodiments, the control device 110 can determine the number of usage periods during which the energy storage device 106 has provided electricity, and can control the parameters of the charging cycle based on this. Specifically, the parameters of the charging cycle can be changed at multiple predetermined thresholds. Figure 2 A graph depicting this implementation is shown, thereby adapting the maximum charging voltage and maximum charging current at predetermined thresholds. In this implementation, the property determined by the control device 110 is the number of cumulative periods, and the parameters that are changed include the maximum charging voltage and the maximum charging current. Of course, in other implementations, only one of the maximum charging voltage and (e.g., maximum) charging current may be adapted, and in fact, the average charging current or other properties of the charging current may be adapted. Figure 2 As shown, the predetermined threshold (e.g., a first predetermined threshold) includes 2000 time periods. Other predetermined thresholds include 4000 time periods, 6000 time periods, 8000 time periods, and 10000 time periods. In other words, the parameters of the charging cycle change every 2000 time periods until the end of the lifespan of 10000 time periods occurs. The change in parameters results in a reduction in the number of time periods for each full charge. This reduction in the number of time periods for each full charge can tend to allow for a reduction in the expansion of the energy storage device 106 or a reduction in the rate of expansion. A reduction in the charging current, such as the maximum charging current, can tend to reduce the heating of the energy storage device during the charging cycle. This reduction in heating can lead to a reduction / mitigation of the expansion of the energy storage device. Table 1 below shows the variables used in this embodiment. It should be understood that the variables listed in the table below are merely exemplary and can vary depending on many different factors, such as: the specific energy storage device 106 used (e.g., depending on its storage capacity), the energy consumed in a single time period, the temperature at which the aerosol supply device 102 is used, etc.

[0073]

[0074] Table 1

[0075] If available Figure 2 As seen in Table 1, the number of times the energy storage device 160 can provide power for each full charge depends on the parameters of the charging cycle, particularly the maximum charging voltage, and decreases accordingly. This can advantageously reduce the amount of expansion (i.e., inflation) of the energy storage device 106 during use.

[0076] As is evident from Table 1 above, the parameters of the charging cycle do not necessarily change in every single charging cycle. Instead, as depicted, the parameters can change only when the determined property meets a specific threshold level, and then remain the same until the determined property reaches the next predetermined level. The parameters can remain in a changed state (e.g., a changed value) until the next predetermined level is reached. However, the control device can determine the shape at the beginning, during, end, or after each charging cycle. In practice, in some embodiments, the property can be determined independently of the charging cycle, for example, where the property is the number of usage periods.

[0077] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method 300 for operating an aerosol supply device is shown. The method described below can be performed by any suitable device, such as the control device 110 of the aerosol supply device 102 described above. Method 300 includes determining the nature (302) of the energy storage device of the aerosol supply device. This nature can be any of the properties described above, for example, properties indicating health, the amount of discharge / period, current storage capacity, health status, time taken for (e.g., full) charging, or the amount of expansion of the energy storage device. The determination of this nature can be performed by a sensor configured to measure the shape of the energy storage device. The sensor can be any of the sensors described above, such as a force sensor, pressure sensor, capacitance sensor, timer, or counter.

[0078] In some implementations, method 300 may further include comparing the determined properties with one or more predetermined thresholds (304). These one or more predetermined thresholds may occur at regular / periodic intervals, such as every 2000 time periods, or every 1% expansion, or every 1% reduction in storage capacity (relative to the original, e.g., the maximum storage capacity when new), or every 1:100 increment in health status (i.e., 99:100, 98:100, 97:100, etc.). As will be understood, any suitable predetermined threshold can be set based on the specific properties of the energy storage device and / or aerosol supply device.

[0079] Method 300 also includes altering (306) parameters of the (e.g., subsequent) charging cycle based on the determined properties of the energy storage device. For example, parameter alteration may be based on a comparison of the determined properties with one or more predetermined thresholds, as described above in step 304. Parameters can be altered to mitigate or reduce expansion of the energy storage device. The parameter may be one or more of the following: maximum charging voltage and (e.g., maximum) charging current, or any other suitable parameter, such as those described above with respect to aerosol supply device 102.

[0080] Method 300 may also include displaying information indicating the end of the lifespan of the energy storage device and / or information indicating changed parameters (308). The information indicating the end of the lifespan of the energy storage device may be an indication of whether the energy storage device has reached the end of its lifespan. The information indicating changed parameters may be the changed parameters or the number of time periods available from a single fully charged state.

[0081] The steps 302, 306, 304, 308, and 306, which at least determine the properties of the energy storage device, change the parameters of the charging cycle (e.g., subsequently) based on the determined properties, can be repeated during the lifespan of the energy storage device.

[0082] Advantageously, at least steps 302 and 306 of the above method 300 can mitigate / reduce deterioration of the energy storage device, for example, due to expansion. Thus, the risk of harm to nearby personnel tends to be reduced / eliminated.

[0083] While the various embodiments of the control device 110 and method described above have illustrated how the maximum charging voltage for a charging cycle can be adapted, it will be understood that the charging voltage can be adapted in any other suitable manner. Therefore, in some embodiments, the parameter includes the charging voltage applied during the charging cycle.

[0084] The steps described above are merely illustrative, and the order in which they are described is not essential. In practice, any of the above steps may be performed before, after, or simultaneously with any other step. Furthermore, any step may be omitted entirely. Any features of the aerosol supply apparatus and system described in the above embodiments can be implemented in the methods described above as well.

[0085] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of implementations and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, comprise, or substantially comprise suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc., rather than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A control device for use with an aerosol supply device including an energy storage device, wherein, The control device is configured as follows: Determine the properties of the energy storage device; and The parameters of the charging cycle of the energy storage device are changed based on the determined properties.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, The property includes the number of times the energy storage device has discharged.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The property includes the number of periods during which the energy storage device has been supplied with electricity.

4. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The properties include one or more of the following: the current storage capacity of the energy storage device, the health status of the energy storage device, the time taken to complete a full charging cycle, and the extent of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device.

5. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device is configured to change the parameters by limiting the charging current applied to the energy storage device during the charging cycle.

6. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device is configured to change the parameters by limiting the maximum charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during the charging cycle.

7. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device is configured to change the parameters of the charging cycle when the properties of the energy storage device reach a predetermined threshold level.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein, The predetermined threshold level is at least one of the following: the number of time periods, the amount of expansion, storage capacity, and health status.

9. The control device according to claim 7 or 8 is further configured to: when the properties of the energy storage device reach at least one additional predetermined threshold level, further change the parameters of the charging cycle.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one additional predetermined threshold level includes a plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels, and wherein the control device is configured to further change the parameter of the charging cycle at each of the plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels.

11. An aerosol supply device, comprising: Energy storage devices; as well as The control device according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. An aerosol supply system, comprising: Products, including aerosol generating media; as well as The aerosol supply device according to claim 11.

13. A method for operating an aerosol supply device, the method comprising the following steps: Determine the nature of the energy storage device of the aerosol supply device; as well as The parameters of the charging cycle are changed based on the determined properties of the energy storage device.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: The determined properties are compared with predetermined threshold levels.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of: Displays information indicating the end of the lifespan of the energy storage device or information indicating changes in parameters.

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