Aerosol provision system

Abstract

An article comprising: an aerosol-generator; a first article electrical connector comprising a first article contact and a first aerosol-generator contact; a second article electrical connector comprising a second article contact and a second aerosol-generator contact, the article electrical connectors configured to provide an electrical connection between an aerosol provision device and the aerosol-generator; and a connection face. The article contacts are formed in the connection face. The article electrical connectors comprise an extension portion extending in a direction in which the connection face lies. The first article contact and the second article contact are configured to contact first and second device contacts, respectively, of the aerosol provision device. The first aerosol-generator contact and the second aerosol-generator contact are configured to contact the aerosol-generator. The first article contact is offset in a first direction relative to the second article contact, the first aerosol-generator contact is offset in a second direction relative to the second aerosol-generator contact, the first direction being at an angle relative to the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an article and an aerosol supply system. Background Technology

[0002] The operation of a delivery system (such as an aerosol supply system) can be controlled by a controller. The delivery system may include: a housing; a memory; a controller configured to control the operation of the delivery system; a control interface for receiving input from the delivery system and providing output from the delivery system; and a power supply configured to provide electrical power for the operation of the delivery system. The delivery system may also include an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, which may be in liquid, solid, or gel form. An improved system that can interoperate with previously manufactured components is desirable.

[0003] This paper describes various approaches to solving this problem within the context of transport systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, an article of manufacture for an aerosol supply device is provided, the article of manufacture comprising:

[0005] Aerosol generator, used to generate aerosols from aerosol generating materials;

[0006] The first product electrical connector includes a first product contact and a first aerosol generator contact;

[0007] A second product electrical connector, including a second product contact and a second aerosol generator contact, wherein the first product electrical connector and the second product electrical connector are configured to provide an electrical connection between an aerosol supply device and an aerosol generator; and

[0008] A connecting surface, wherein the first product contact and the second product contact are formed in the connecting surface.

[0009] Each of the manufactured electrical connectors includes an extension portion that extends in the direction of the connecting surface.

[0010] The first product contact and the second product contact are configured to contact the first device contact and the second device contact of the aerosol supply device, respectively.

[0011] The first aerosol generator contact and the second aerosol generator contact are configured to contact the aerosol generator; and

[0012] The first product contact is offset relative to the second product contact in a first direction, and the first aerosol generator contact is offset relative to the second aerosol generator contact in a second direction, with the first direction forming an angle with respect to the second direction.

[0013] The first and second directions can define a non-zero angle between them, such as any angle between 1 degree and 179 degrees. For example, the first and second directions can be at approximately 90 degrees.

[0014] The extension may be formed in the connecting surface. The extension may be exposed at least partially or completely at the connecting surface.

[0015] The first product contact and the second product contact can be formed in the extension portion of the first product electrical connector and the extension portion of the second product electrical connector, respectively.

[0016] Each article contact can be positioned and configured to be compatible with the device contacts of various aerosol supply devices, such as older models of aerosol supply devices that include different device contact arrangements. Alternatively, each extension can define multiple article contacts, which are positioned and configured to be compatible with multiple corresponding device contacts of various aerosol supply devices. For example, any point along the extension can be used as an article contact.

[0017] The extension can extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the connecting surface.

[0018] The article may include an air inlet, wherein the extension extends at least partially around the air inlet.

[0019] The first article electrical connector may include a first elongated portion, and the second article electrical connector may include a second elongated portion, the first and second elongated portions extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection surface. In some embodiments, the first and second elongated portions may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the airflow generated by the user during use.

[0020] The article may include an air outlet, wherein a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion extend toward the air outlet.

[0021] The first aerosol generator contact and the second aerosol generator contact can be formed at the nozzle tip of the first elongated portion and the nozzle tip of the second elongated portion, respectively.

[0022] The aerosol generator can be arranged vertically, so that it extends in a direction substantially parallel to the airflow generated by the user during use.

[0023] The aerosol generator can be positioned asymmetrically along a longer lateral direction, such that the aerosol generator is off-center relative to the air inlet and / or air outlet of the article. The first and second elongated portions of the article's electrical connector can be substantially aligned with the article's air inlet and / or air outlet.

[0024] The product may also include a product storage device for storing product information.

[0025] The first and second product electrical connectors can be configured to provide data communication between the device processor and the product memory of the aerosol supply device.

[0026] The article memory may be located at the base of the article, i.e., close to the connection surface, and each article electrical connector may include memory contacts for providing data communication between the device processor and the article memory. More specifically, the memory contacts may be configured to contact an article processor or article circuit connected to the article memory.

[0027] The first and second extensions may include memory contacts. Article contacts may be aligned with memory contacts. In other words, the article contacts and memory contacts of each article electrical connector may be arranged on opposite surfaces of the respective extensions of the article electrical connector.

[0028] The article memory may include a cutout through which a first article electrical connector and a second article electrical connector extend. The article processor may also include a cutout through which the first and second article electrical connectors extend. More specifically, elongated portions of the first and second article electrical connectors may extend through the cutout.

[0029] The extension of each of the first and second article connectors may be curved.

[0030] The first product contact and the second product contact can be located in a first plane, and the first aerosol generator contact and the second aerosol generator contact can be located in a second plane. The first plane can be substantially perpendicular to the second plane.

[0031] According to a second aspect, a system is provided, the system comprising an aerosol supply device and an article of any one of the foregoing embodiments, the aerosol supply device comprising:

[0032] A first device contact is configured to contact a first article contact; and a second device contact is configured to contact a second article contact, thereby providing an electrical connection between the power supply and the aerosol generator.

[0033] The aerosol supply device may include a power source. The aerosol supply device may include a device processor. The device processor may be configured to communicate via device electrical connectors and electrical connector data communication and to receive article information stored in an article memory. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1A cross-sectional view is shown through a schematic representation of an aerosol supply system according to certain embodiments.

[0035] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view through an article of manufacture according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An angle view of the cross-section shown.

[0037] Figure 4 An article of electrical connectors according to certain embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This document discusses or 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 devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented using any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0039] This application generally relates to the field of "delivery systems" (i.e., systems that deliver at least one substance to a user). Generally, the purpose of delivering the substance to the user is to satisfy a specific "consumer moment." For this purpose, the substance may include components that exert physiological effects on the user, exert sensory effects on the user, or both. In this context, the substance will generally be present in an aerosol-generating material or another material not intended to be aerosolized. The material itself (whether or not it is used for aerosolization) will typically contain a series of components. These components are generally broken down into active substances, flavoring agents, aerosol-forming materials, and other functional materials (such as fillers). When delivered to the user, the active substance may produce some form of psychological effect on the user.

[0040] Delivery systems take many forms. Exemplary non-combustible aerosol supply systems include heated non-combustible aerosol supply systems (such as heated tobacco products (THP) and carbon filter heated tobacco products (CTHP)) that heat solid materials to generate aerosols without burning the materials, vapor aerosol supply systems (commonly referred to as "electronic cigarettes" or "e-cigarettes") that heat liquid materials to generate aerosols, and mixed aerosol supply systems that are similar to vapor aerosol supply systems except that the aerosol generated from the liquid material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) to absorb additional components before reaching the user.

[0041] A "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is not burned or ignited, thus delivering at least one substance to a user. A non-flammable aerosol supply system can be a heating system for the aerosol generating material, such as a heated non-flammable system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In particular, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to an electronic aerosol supply system that may (or may not) be an electronic non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0042] An aerosol supply system is used to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or powered in any other way. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. Specifically, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include an “amorphous solid,” which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it.

[0043] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes any tobacco-containing material and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives (including tobacco extracts), expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also include other non-tobacco products (including, for example, flavorings), which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine, filler materials (such as chalk and / or adsorbent materials), glycerol, propylene glycol, or triacetin. The aerosol-generating material may also include binder materials, such as sodium alginate.

[0044] As is common in the technical field, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol," along with related terms such as "evaporation," "atomization," and "aerosolization," are often used interchangeably. In use, aspiration occurs on an aerosol supply system when a user inhales an aerosol generated by an aerosol-generating material. A series of aspirations can be considered a "session."

[0045] Typically, an aerosol supply system may include an aerosol supply device (e.g., a reusable portion) and consumables (e.g., disposable portions) for use with the aerosol supply device. In many cases, consumables are sold separately from the device and are often sold in multi-packs. The terms "consumable" and "article" are generally used interchangeably. Typically, consumables will include aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol supply device will include a power supply, controller, control interface, and memory (each of which will be discussed in more detail herein) at least partially enclosed within a housing, which may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal. In use, the consumable may engage with the aerosol supply device. For example, at least a portion of the consumable may be received by the aerosol supply device, for example, in a consumable chamber of the aerosol supply device configured to receive at least a portion of the consumable. The aerosol supply device is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material of the consumable. Once the aerosol-generating material of the consumable is depleted, the user can remove the consumable, for example, by detaching the aerosol supply device from the consumable, disposing of the consumable, or replacing it with (new) consumables. Devices conforming to this type of two-piece modular configuration can generally be referred to as two-piece aerosol supply devices, and these two-piece aerosol supply devices together with the consumables can generally be referred to as two-piece aerosol supply systems.

[0046] In such a two-piece aerosol supply system, consumables and aerosol supply devices can be coupled to each other. For example, using a coupling interface of the aerosol supply device and a corresponding coupling interface of the consumable, the consumable can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the aerosol supply device. The coupling interface of the aerosol supply device may include a mechanical coupling device for mechanical coupling with the consumable, such as mechanical coupling with a corresponding mechanical coupling device of the consumable. The coupling interface may include an electrical coupling interface for electrical coupling with the consumable (e.g., a corresponding electrical coupling interface of the consumable). The electrical coupling interface of the aerosol supply device can be configured to supply power to the consumable, such as supplying power to the aerosol generator of the consumable (as will be discussed in more detail herein).

[0047] While consumables typically comprise a single portion of aerosol-generating material, in some cases, they may comprise multiple portions of aerosol-generating material, each portion being distinct. In such cases, the consumable may be received by an aerosol supply device configured to generate aerosols from one or more of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol supply device may be configured to generate aerosols independently of each portion of the aerosol-generating material. Each portion of the aerosol-generating material may be a discrete portion, wherein each discrete portion is separated from each other, such that each discrete portion can be individually stimulated (e.g., heated) and / or independently stimulated (e.g., heated) to generate aerosols.

[0048] An aerosol supply system includes a mouthpiece through which a user can inhale aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, air is drawn into the aerosol supply system and combines with the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. The user can then inhale the air-aerosol combination, allowing the aerosol substance to be delivered to the user. The aerosol supply system may include one or more air inlets located remotely from the mouthpiece. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, air is drawn in through the one or more air inlets and passes through the aerosol-generating location. A flow path may be connected between this location and an opening in the mouthpiece, allowing the air drawn in through the one or more air inlets to continue flowing along the flow path toward the opening, carrying the aerosol. The aerosol then exits the aerosol supply system through the mouthpiece (e.g., the opening in the mouthpiece) for the user to inhale. The mouthpiece may be part of a consumable, part of an aerosol supply device, or a separate component forming part of the aerosol supply system, other than an aerosol supply device and consumables.

[0049] Aerosol supply systems (e.g., their aerosol supply devices) include an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. Aerosol generators typically, but not always, include a heating element configured to heat and volatilize the aerosol-generating material, thereby generating an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user. While this document will discuss many features of aerosol generators that include a heating element, we note that these features can also be applied to aerosol generators that do not necessarily include a heating element.

[0050] In some arrangements, the heating assembly is configured such that the heating element is heated by resistance heating, wherein current flows through the heating element so that heating occurs due to the resistance of the heating element. In some arrangements, the heating assembly is configured such that the heating element is heated by induction heating, in which case the magnetic field generator of the heating assembly is configured to generate a changing magnetic field penetrating the heating element and causing the sensor material within the heating element to be heated. In other words, the sensor material is configured to be heated by utilizing the penetration of the changing magnetic field. The magnetic field generator may include a coil, such as a helical coil, which may surround at least a portion of the heating chamber.

[0051] In arrangements where the aerosol-generating material is a liquid, the aerosol-generating material can be stored in a reservoir included in the aerosol supply system. In arrangements where the reservoir storing the aerosol-generating material is part of a consumable, the consumable may further include a heating element, which can be heated using resistance or induction heating. In such arrangements where the consumable includes a reservoir storing the aerosol-generating material, the consumable may be referred to as a cartridge.

[0052] The reservoir can take the form of a storage tank, which is a container or receiving section in which the aerosol generating material can be stored, allowing the liquid to move and flow freely within the tank. In arrangements where the reservoir is included in a consumable, the reservoir can be sealed during manufacturing after filling so that it can be discarded after the aerosol generating material is consumed; otherwise, it can have an inlet port through which a user can add new aerosol generating material. In such arrangements, a heating element can be included in the consumable, and the heating element can be located outside the reservoir tank for generating aerosols by heating and evaporating the aerosol generating material. A conveying arrangement (which may include a wick or other porous element) can be provided to convey the aerosol generating material from the reservoir to the heating element. The conveying arrangement can have one or more portions located inside the reservoir, or otherwise in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material in the reservoir, so as to be able to absorb the aerosol generating material and convey it by wicking or capillary action to other portions of the conveying arrangement adjacent to or in contact with the heating element. Thus, the aerosol-generating material is heated and evaporated, replaced by new aerosol-generating material from the reservoir, and then conveyed to the heating element via a core conveying arrangement. The conveying arrangement can be considered as a conduit between the reservoir and the heating element, which transports the aerosol-generating material from the reservoir to the heating element.

[0053] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device) may include a power source. The power source may include, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the power source includes a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. When the power source is a rechargeable battery, the aerosol supply device may include a charging interface. The charging interface may be wired and / or wireless. A wired charging interface may include a connector configured to receive any suitable type of cable, such as a USB cable (e.g., a USB-C cable). A wireless charging interface may include an inductive receiver coil. The power source is connected to a heating assembly and configured to provide power to the heating assembly such that the heating assembly is configured to use the power provided by the power source to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) includes a controller configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system. It should be understood that the functionality of the controller can be provided in various ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuit systems / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality. It should be understood that the controller may include a microcontroller (MCU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU), and / or a microprocessor. The operation of the controller is generally controlled at least in part by a software program executing on the controller. Generally, the aerosol supply device of an aerosol supply system includes a controller, but this is not always the case, and in some arrangements, consumables may include the controller.

[0055] The controller can be configured to control the operation of an aerosol generator (e.g., its heating element). While many arrangements will be discussed with regard to controllers configured to control the operation of the heating element of an aerosol generator, these can be more generally applied to aerosol generators that may or may not include a heating element. The controller is connected to a power source and the aerosol generator and is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the aerosol generator. Thus, the controller can be configured to control the heating of the aerosol-generating material through the heating element.

[0056] The aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) may also include memory. The memory may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or flash memory, and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable read-only memory (EEROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). In embodiments, the memory includes controller memory, which is part of the controller and may be integrated within the controller. The memory may additionally or alternatively include external memory connected to the controller and located outside the controller. The external memory may be removable from the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) and may include an SD card or microSD card. Software programs executed by the controller may be stored on the memory.

[0057] The aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device) may also include a control interface for receiving inputs and / or providing outputs. For example, the control interface may be configured to receive inputs and provide input data corresponding to the received inputs to the controller. The control interface may also be configured to receive output data from the controller and provide outputs corresponding to the output data received from the controller.

[0058] The control interface may include a user interface comprising one or more input components for receiving input from a user and one or more output components for providing output to the user. One or more input components are configured to receive input from the user and provide corresponding input data to the controller. One or more input components may be configured to receive input from the user in the form of physical manipulation by the user. One or more input components may include buttons, switches, dials, scroll buttons, microphones, cameras, accelerometers, touchscreens, or any combination thereof. One or more input components may be assigned functions such as turning the aerosol supply device on and off and selecting the operating mode of the aerosol supply system (as will be discussed in more detail herein). One or more output components are configured to receive output data from the controller and provide corresponding output to the user. One or more output components may include lights (such as LEDs), speakers, haptic components, displays (such as screens), or any combination thereof. The controller may be configured to cause one or more output components to provide outputs indicating properties of the aerosol supply system, such as properties of the aerosol generating material or the remaining power of the power source, etc.

[0059] The control interface may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more attributes associated with the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device), and the sensors may be configured to provide input data to the controller including sensor data associated with the detected one or more attributes. One or more sensors may include aspiration sensors configured to detect inhalation by a user onto the aerosol supply system. One or more sensors may include temperature sensors configured to detect temperatures associated with the aerosol supply system (e.g., the temperature of the heating assembly, heating element, consumables, aerosol generating materials, or the temperature of the environment surrounding the aerosol supply system). One or more sensors may include consumable detection sensors configured to detect when a consumable has been engaged with the aerosol supply device, for example, at least partially received by the aerosol supply device. One or more sensors may include consumable identification sensors configured to detect attributes of the consumable (e.g., attributes of the aerosol generating material of the consumable). One or more sensors may include biometric sensors configured to detect user-related biometric attributes (e.g., fingerprints, heart rate, respiratory attributes).

[0060] A system including an aerosol supply system may also include one or more computing devices configured to connect to the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply unit) and communicate with it using a data connection (e.g., wired or wireless). The one or more computing devices may include local computing devices that can be controlled or owned by a user, such as smartphones, tablets, personal computers (PCs), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches), refilling devices for refilling the aerosol supply unit or consumables using aerosol-generating materials, or connection hubs. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more computing devices may include remote computing devices that are not controlled or owned by the user, such as servers.

[0061] Computing devices (such as smartphones) can also be used by users to provide input to the control interface of the aerosol supply system, which may be particularly advantageous where there is an incentive to keep the input or output components on the aerosol supply system to a minimum, for example, to reduce complexity and cost. Therefore, an application (“app”) running on the computing device can support functions that are effectively offloaded or relayed for the aerosol supply device, which has a direct or indirect (e.g., relay) data connection with the computing device according to the method described above. Thus, the aerosol supply system can transmit data to the computing device via its communication lines (e.g., data related to the use of the aerosol supply system based on sensor data received by the controller of the aerosol supply system), and the computing device can provide the user with information related to the aerosol supply system via the app. Alternatively or additionally, the user can select a control action via the app, and data related to that control action can be transmitted from the computing device to the aerosol supply system, whereby the controller of the aerosol supply system executes the control action.

[0062] This document describes various methods for operating an aerosol supply system. While these methods can be described in the context of the aerosol supply system being controlled by a controller of the aerosol supply system (e.g., its aerosol supply device), it should be understood that these methods can be performed by any controller in a broader system, and combinations of any of these controllers, including any combination of one or more aerosol supply devices, one or more consumables, one or more external power supplies, and one or more computing devices. Specifically, because each of these controllers is capable of communicating with some or any other controller in the system, which includes any of the aerosol supply devices, consumables, external power supplies, and computing devices, data (such as instructions for performing one or more control actions) can be communicated directly or indirectly between any of these other controllers. Thus, methods for operating an aerosol supply system can be performed by a “distributed” system, which includes any combination of the aerosol supply devices, consumables, external power supplies, and computing devices discussed above. Therefore, although specific method steps can be described in the context of the controller of a specific device, it is foreseeable that, where feasible, such control actions can be performed by another of these controllers in an alternative arrangement.

[0063] Various implementation methods will now be described in more detail.

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown through a two-piece aerosol supply system 1 according to some embodiments.

[0065] The aerosol supply system 1 is a two-piece aerosol supply system, comprising an aerosol supply device 100 and an article 150, the article including aerosol generating material 170. The aerosol supply device 100 includes: a housing 105; a coupling interface 101 configured to engage with the article 150; a memory 110; a controller 120 configured to control the operation of the aerosol supply system 1; a control interface 130 for receiving input from the aerosol supply device and providing output from the aerosol supply device 100; and a power supply 140 configured to provide power for the operation of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 also includes a charging interface 102 for receiving power from an external power source.

[0066] The housing 105 may also at least partially enclose other components of the aerosol supply device 100, namely the interface 101, memory 110, controller 120, control interface 130, power supply 140, and charging interface 102. The aerosol supply device 100 is a handheld device, meaning that the dimensions of the housing 160 surrounding the other components are designed and configured to be held in the user's hand. In other words, the device is portable.

[0067] Article 150 includes: a reservoir for containing liquid aerosol generating material 170; and a nozzle 190 through which a user can draw aerosol generated by aerosol generating material 170. Article 150 also includes a heating assembly 160 configured to heat aerosol generating material 170. In use, a coupling interface 101 of aerosol supply device 100 engages with a coupling interface 151 of article 150, each of these coupling interfaces including a mechanical engagement means for mechanical connection with each other. Each coupling interface 101, 151 also includes an electrical interface, allowing aerosol supply device 100 to be electrically connected to article 150. The electrical interface 101 of the aerosol supply device is configured to supply electrical power from power source 140 to article 150, specifically to the heating assembly 160 of article 150. Controller 120 is configured to control the supply of electrical power from power source 140 to heating assembly 160, thereby controlling the heating of aerosol generating material 170 through heating assembly 160.

[0068] The engagement interface 151 is located at the distal end of the article 150, opposite to the mouthpiece 190. The engagement interface 101 of the aerosol supply device 100 may include a device connector, which may include one or more components configured to connect one or more of the memory 110, controller 120, and power supply 140 to the article. The device connector may include at least two device contacts configured to contact corresponding article contacts of the article engagement interface in use.

[0069] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view through article 250 according to some embodiments is shown. Article 250 may have the features described above. Figure 1 The described article 150 may contain any of the features described. Therefore, article 250 can be used with aerosol supply devices, such as those described above. Figure 1 The described aerosol supply device 100.

[0070] Article 250 includes a housing 202 and defines a connecting surface 204 at the base of the article. The connecting surface 204 is a surface configured to abut a corresponding surface of the aerosol supply device during use. Therefore, the connecting surface 204 can be considered part of a mating interface, such as regarding... Figure 1The described interface 151.

[0071] Article 250 includes: an air inlet 205 located at the connection surface 204, in Figure 2 The air inlet shown is covered by a seal 206, which is the case for unused articles; and an air outlet 208 that leads to a mouthpiece (not shown).

[0072] Article 250 includes an aerosol generator 210, which includes a heating assembly for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material. In use, the aerosol generator 210 receives the aerosol generating material via a wicking member 212 and receives power from an aerosol supply device via a pair of article electrical connectors 300A, 300B (more simply referred to herein as the first article connector and the second article connector), which will relate to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 A more detailed description follows. The aerosol generator 210 is more specifically embedded in and extends from the wicking member 212. For example, the aerosol generator may be a carbon-based heating assembly, and the wicking member 212 may comprise a ceramic material.

[0073] Turn Figure 4 The diagram shows a first article connector 300A. The first article connector 300A and the second article connector 300B are substantially the same in form and function, and therefore only the features related to the first article connector 300A are described in detail. However, any features described with respect to the first article connector 300A can be understood to apply to the second article connector 300B, but the terminology has been appropriately changed, namely, "second" is used instead of "first" and "A" is replaced with the suffix "B".

[0074] The first article connector 300A includes an article contact 302A, which is configured to... Figure 1 The device contact of the device engagement interface 101 shown is in contact. The article contact 302A is formed in the connection surface 204 of the article 250, and therefore... Figure 2 It is best shown in the middle.

[0075] The first article connector 300A includes a first extension portion 304A extending in the direction of the connecting surface 204. Therefore, the bottom surface of the first extension portion 304A may be coplanar with the connecting surface 204 or may be parallel only to the connecting surface 204. The first extension portion 304A extends non-linearly, such that the first extension portion has a curved shape (more specifically, in this example, substantially following an elliptical arc).

[0076] The first article connector 300A also includes a first elongated portion 306A that extends substantially perpendicular to the connecting surface 204, and therefore extends substantially perpendicular to the first extension portion 304A. In use, i.e., when the article 250 is inserted into a device or held by a user for suction, the article will generally be referred to as being upright, and therefore the first elongated portion 306A can be referred to as extending in an upward direction. The first article connector 300A includes a first aerosol generator contact 308A for contacting the first aerosol generator 210, and the first aerosol generator contact 308A is formed at the tip of the first elongated portion 306A. The first elongated portion 306A includes a varying width such that it includes a middle portion 310A that is thinner than the base portion 312A near the extension portion 304A and thinner than the first aerosol generator contact 308A. Therefore, the aerosol generator contact 308A is formed as a "head" with a width and extends from the middle portion 310A of the first elongated portion 306A. The shape of the first elongated portion 306A ensures that only the intended surface of the first aerosol generator contact 308A will contact the aerosol generator 210. The first aerosol generator contact 308A can be more specifically defined as the area where the first elongated portion 306A contacts the aerosol generator 210.

[0077] The first extension 304A has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the first extension 306A has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. However, other shapes may be used in other embodiments.

[0078] The first article connector 300A includes a first memory contact 314A configured to provide data communication between a device processor (such as controller 120) and an article memory. The first memory contact 314A extends from the top surface of the extension 304A.

[0079] Return to Figure 2 The article 250 includes an article processor 214 and an article memory 216, which are disposed at the base of the article 250 near the connecting surface 204. The connecting surface 204 defines an opening such that at least a portion of the first extension 304A and the second extension 304B are exposed at the connecting surface 204 (when the seal 206 is not in place). The opening also defines an air inlet 205. In other embodiments, the article may include alternative or additional air inlets, such as side air inlets.

[0080] First memory contact 314A and second memory contact 314B are shown in contact with article processor 214, which in turn is connected to article memory 216. It should be understood that article processor 214 generally refers to any circuit suitable for establishing data communication between the device processor of the aerosol supply apparatus and article memory 216.

[0081] The first elongated portion 306A of the first product connector 300A is in Figure 2 The diagram shows a length extending parallel to the heater 210 within the work-in-process 250 toward the air outlet 208. Due to the difference in width, only the first aerosol generator contact 308A contacts the aerosol generator 210.

[0082] Although not shown in the figure, article 250 has a non-circular cross-sectional profile, thereby defining a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction, wherein the first lateral direction is longer than the second lateral direction. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view is taken along a first transverse direction. For example, the cross-section of article 250 may define an oval shape, such as an ellipse having a first transverse direction defining its major axis and a second transverse direction defining its minor axis.

[0083] The aerosol generator 210 is arranged vertically, extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction defined by the length of the article 250. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol generator 210 is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the first lateral direction. The aerosol generator 210 is eccentrically positioned relative to the air inlet 205 and air outlet 208 of the article 250, and... Figure 2 The aerosol generator 210 is shown positioned on the right-hand side of the article 250. On the other hand, the aerosol generator 210 is aligned with the second lateral direction, meaning it is positioned symmetrically with respect to the second lateral direction. This arrangement and positioning of the aerosol generator 210 provides improved aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, allowing for the generation of more aerosols at higher temperatures, and thus providing an improved user experience.

[0084] The positioning of the aerosol generator 210 requires that the first article connector 300A and the second article connector 300B span two different planar connection device contacts and the aerosol generator 210. This is because the first article contact 302A and the second article contact 302B are located in a first plane, while the first aerosol generator contact 308A and the second aerosol generator contact 308B are located in a second plane, and the first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. The first plane is parallel to the connection surface 204, while the second plane is parallel to the aerosol generator 210.

[0085] Figure 3It shows Figure 2 The angular view of the cross-section shown makes both the first product connector 300A and the second product connector 300B visible, and also makes both the first product contact 302A and the second product contact 302B visible.

[0086] As in Figure 3 As can be understood, the article processor 214 and the article memory 216 each include a cutout through which a first elongated portion 306A and a second elongated portion 306B extend.

[0087] The first article contact 302A is offset relative to the second article contact 302B in a first direction, and the first aerosol generator contact 308A is offset relative to the second aerosol generator contact 308B in a second direction. The first direction differs from the second direction, such that the first article contact 302A is offset relative to the second article contact 302B to define a first plane between them, and the first aerosol generator contact 308A is offset relative to the second aerosol generator contact 308B to define a second plane between them.

[0088] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction, such that the first plane is orthogonal to the second plane. The first direction is the aforementioned shorter first lateral direction, and the second direction is the aforementioned longer second lateral direction. If the directions in which the first elongated portion 306A and the second elongated portion 306B extend are taken as the upward direction "Z" in the Cartesian coordinate system, then the first direction will be the first horizontal direction "Y", and the second direction will be the second horizontal direction "X".

[0089] exist Figure 3 As can be seen, the first article contact 302A and the second article contact 302B are formed at the distal ends of their respective extensions 304A and 304B. Furthermore, the first extension 304A and the second extension 304B are bent to extend at least partially around the air inlet 205 defined by the opening at the connecting surface 204. Each of the first extension 304A and the second extension 304B extends substantially around one-quarter of the air inlet 205. In other words, the angle of the arc defined by the first extension 304A and the second extension 304B is substantially 90 degrees.

[0090] However, in other embodiments, any point exposed along the extension and formed at the connection surface can be used as an article contact. This allows the article to be compatible with a variety of aerosol supply devices having more than one device contact arrangement. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the extensions can have different shapes, such that they have different thickness profiles, extend in different directions, and / or include additional portions extending in different directions. In such embodiments, the first direction may not be perpendicular to the second direction, and the first and second planes may define an angle between them other than 90 degrees.

[0091] Each of the first aerosol generator contact 308A and the second aerosol generator contact 308B contacts the aerosol generator 210 at the same point along its length but at a different point along the second direction.

[0092] In other embodiments, the aerosol generator connector may be configured to contact the aerosol generator at different points along its length and / or width, for example, in embodiments where the shape of the first article electrical connector differs from that of the second article electrical connector.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown, the first article contact 302A is aligned with the first memory contact 314A, and the first article contact 302B is aligned with the first memory contact 314B. In other words, the first article contact 302A and the second article contact 320B are arranged on the surfaces of their respective extensions that are opposite to the first memory contact 314A and the second memory contact 314B.

[0094] In use, the user connects article 250 to the user device, thereby making electrical contact between the device contacts and the first article contact 302A and the second electrical contact 302B. A device processor (such as controller 120) controls the power supply to the first article connector 300A and the second electrical connector 300B. After power is received at the first article contact 302A and the second electrical contact 302B, the power is simultaneously delivered to the article processor 214 and the aerosol generator 210. Delivering power to the article processor 214 enables the execution of instructions programmed therein and, for example, the retrieval of data from the article memory 216. The article processor 214 is then able to establish data communication with the device processor and transmit the information retrieved from the article memory 216 to the device processor. If aerosol supply material is available for the aerosol generator, delivering power to the aerosol generator 210 enables the aerosol generator to generate aerosols. The generation of aerosols by the aerosol generator 210 is controlled by the device processor through variations in the power supply.

[0095] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely 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 its equivalents, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, components, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An article for use in an aerosol supply device, the article comprising: Aerosol generator, used to generate aerosols from aerosol generating materials; The first product electrical connector includes a first product contact and a first aerosol generator contact; A second product electrical connector includes a second product contact and a second aerosol generator contact, wherein the first product electrical connector and the second product electrical connector are configured to provide an electrical connection between the aerosol supply device and the aerosol generator; as well as A connecting surface, wherein the first product contact and the second product contact are formed in the connecting surface. Each of the manufactured electrical connectors includes an extension portion that extends in the direction of the connecting surface. The first product contact and the second product contact are configured to contact the first device contact and the second device contact of the aerosol supply device, respectively. The first aerosol generator contact and the second aerosol generator contact are configured to contact the aerosol generator; and Wherein, the first product contact is offset relative to the second product contact in a first direction, and the first aerosol generator contact is offset relative to the second aerosol generator contact in a second direction, the first direction being at an angle to the second direction.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein, The extension portion is formed at the connecting surface.

3. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extension portion is exposed at the connecting surface.

4. The article of manufacture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first product contact and the second product contact are respectively formed in the extension portion of the first product electrical connector and the extension portion of the second product electrical connector.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein, Each product contact is positioned and configured to be compatible with the device contacts of a variety of aerosol supply devices.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein, Each extension defines multiple article contacts, which are positioned and configured to be compatible with multiple corresponding device contacts of a variety of aerosol supply devices.

7. The article of manufacture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The article includes an air inlet, wherein the extension portion extends at least partially around the air inlet.

8. The article of manufacture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first article electrical connector includes a first elongated portion, and the second article electrical connector includes a second elongated portion, the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection surface.

9. The article of claim 8, wherein, The first aerosol generator contact and the second aerosol generator contact are respectively formed at the nozzle end of the first elongated portion and the nozzle end of the second elongated portion.

10. The article of manufacture according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an article memory for storing article information, wherein, The first and second product electrical connectors are configured to provide data communication between the device processor of the aerosol supply device and the product memory.

11. The article of manufacture according to claim 10, wherein, The article memory is located near the connection surface, and each article electrical connector includes a memory contact for contacting an article processor connected to the article memory.

12. The article of claim 11, wherein, Each memory contact is aligned with the corresponding article contact of that memory contact.

13. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The article storage includes a cutout through which the first article electrical connector and the second article electrical connector extend.

14. The article of manufacture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first product contact and the second product contact are located in a first plane, wherein the first aerosol generator contact and the second aerosol generator contact are located in a second plane, and wherein the first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane.

15. A system comprising an aerosol supply device and an article of manufacture according to any one of the preceding claims, the aerosol supply device comprising: The first device contact is configured to contact the first article contact; And a second device contact, configured to contact the second article contact to provide an electrical connection between the power supply and the aerosol generator.

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