Aerosol generator that provides puff information

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (1) comprises an aerosol generating unit (2) arranged for converting an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a steam inhalation session, a notification unit (3) arranged for notifying information related to the device (1), and a control unit (4) arranged for causing the notification unit (3) to notify the user, during a steam inhalation session, when the aerosol generating unit (2) has reached an appropriate state for the next puff.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to communication during a steam inhalation session. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generating device comprises an aerosol generating unit arranged to convert an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user through successive puffs (or inhalation phases) during a vaping session, and a notification unit arranged to notify information about the aerosol generating device.

[0003] If this kind of aerosol generating device is portable, i.e. usable when held by a user, it further comprises a battery (or power source), possibly rechargeable and storing electrical energy used by the aerosol generating unit to generate the aerosol. In this case, the aerosol generating device may be a vaporizer or an e-cigarette.

[0004] In the following description, the term "aerosol-forming substance" is used to refer to any substance that can be aerosolized into the air to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substance may be, for example, in liquid, solid, or semi-liquid form. Thus, the aerosol-forming substance may be a liquid, a gel, a paste, a wax, or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0005] The aerosol forming material may include one or more of nicotine, polyol, caffeine, or other active ingredients. The active ingredients may be carried by a carrier, which may include, for example, propylene glycol or glycerin. Flavorings may also be present in the aerosol forming material. The flavorings may include, for example, ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), or the like.

[0006] Furthermore, in the following description, the term "aerosol" may also include a suspension of a substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas. Such a suspension may be in a gaseous state, including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to or include a vapor, and may include one or more components of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0007] The amount of aerosol-forming substance available is limited (typically less than 20 inhalation phases (or puffs) during a steam inhalation session) and the generation of aerosol during a steam inhalation session is not permanent. In fact, the heater of the aerosol generating unit is only supplied with power adapted to aerosol generation after a pre-heating phase, at the time when the start of an inhalation phase (or puff) is detected (i.e. each time the user starts inhaling).

[0008] During each inhalation phase, the power supplied to the heater remains approximately constant, while the amount of available aerosol-forming material decreases after each inhalation phase. Therefore, as the time interval between successive puffs varies roughly, the temperature of the aerosol, and / or the flavor of the aerosol, and / or the proportion of aerosol components, and / or the level of undesirable aerosol components, and / or the amount of aerosol may vary, possibly significantly, from puff to puff of the same steam inhalation session. In other words, one or more aerosol parameters are often not optimal during a steam inhalation session because the user does not allow enough time or takes too long to allow proper generation of aerosol between two successive puffs. Therefore, the inconsistency in the output may cause discomfort to the user.

[0009] As described in the patent application US2020 / 0000143A1, when a user starts using an aerosol generating device, if the smartphone and the aerosol generating device are previously paired, it is possible to provide the user with information on the time interval between puffs on the smartphone screen. However, such a solution requires that the user's smartphone is within communication range of the aerosol generating device and does not indicate to the user exactly when the aerosol generating device is substantially ready for the next puff. In other words, this solution does not avoid inconsistent output during the duration of a steam inhalation session. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the situation.

[0011] The proposed invention provides in particular an embodiment of an aerosol generating device comprising an aerosol generating unit arranged for converting an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a steam inhalation session, and a notification unit arranged for communicating information regarding the aerosol generating device.

[0012] The aerosol generating device is characterized in that it further comprises a control unit arranged to cause the notification unit to notify the user during the steam inhalation session when the aerosol generating unit has reached an appropriate state for the next puff.

[0013] That is, in addition to notifying the user when the aerosol generating device has reached an appropriate state for the first puff of a steam inhalation session, the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the user when the aerosol generating device has reached an appropriate state for each subsequent puff during the steam inhalation session, so that the user always knows when the aerosol generating device is ready for the next puff during the steam inhalation session, thereby significantly reducing or even preventing inconsistent output.

[0014] Embodiments of the aerosol generating device may include other aspects or features, considered separately or in combination, as defined below: The control unit may be operable to use the selected parameters to determine when the aerosol generation unit has reached suitable conditions for the next puff. The selected parameters may, for example, vary, e.g. increase, as the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session increases. In a first embodiment, the selected parameter may be the time since the last puff, and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the waiting time until the aerosol generation unit reaches a suitable state; In this first embodiment, the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify a waiting time that gradually increases depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session (i.e. the time since the last puff may increase as the steam inhalation session progresses such that the time between the first and second puff is shorter than the time between the second and third puff). For example, the control unit may be arranged to determine the increment depending on said type of suitable condition, said type being selected from the group consisting of suitable flavour and suitable generated aerosol amount; In a second embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a measuring unit arranged to determine a value representative of a temperature of the aerosol generating unit, in which case the selected parameter may be a selected value and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the user if the determined value satisfies a predefined condition; In this second embodiment, the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the user when the determined value reaches a selected value since the last puff. For example, this selected value may vary depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session; In a first variant, the selected parameter may be a selected length of time since a selected value has been reached, and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the user when a selected length of time has elapsed since the determined value has reached the selected value since the last puff. For example, this selected length of time may vary depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session; In a second variant, the selected parameter may be a selected value increment, causing the notification unit to notify the user when the determined value reaches the selected value increment since the last puff. For example, this selected value increment may vary depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session; The notification unit may be arranged to notify the user by means of a displayed message and / or an audio message and / or haptic feedback; The control unit may cause the notification unit to continue notifying the user for a predetermined period of time, for example the predetermined period of time may vary depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session; The aerosol forming material may include a tobacco material or at least one polyol; The aerosol generating device may further include a rechargeable power source that stores electrical energy; The aerosol generating device may comprise an electronic cigarette.

[0015] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic and functional embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 2 shows a schematic and functional representation of an embodiment of a control unit belonging to an aerosol generating device according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present invention particularly aims to provide an aerosol generating device 1 that is capable of notifying a user during a steam inhalation session when the aerosol generating device 1 is substantially ready for the next puff.

[0018] In the following description, the aerosol generating device 1 is considered to be an electronic cigarette. However, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the invention could be of another type, as long as it is arranged to convert an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a vapor inhalation session. Thus, for example, the aerosol generating device 1 could be an inhaler.

[0019] It is envisioned that the "aerosol-forming substance" may be a liquid, gel, paste, wax, or the like, or any combination thereof, and may include one or more ingredients, such as nicotinoid, polyol, cannabinoid, or caffeine, and / or flavoring. For example, the aerosol-forming substance may include tobacco material. For example, the aerosol precursor polyol may also be glycerin or propylene glycol. When the aerosol-forming substance is a liquid, it may be held in an absorbent material having a porous or spongy structure. Such an absorbent material may include, for example, a porous ceramic, a heat-resistant polymer foam, or a porous cellulose bead.

[0020] It is envisaged that the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of a substance as one or more of solid (very fine) particles, liquid droplets, vapour and gas, and that such suspensions may exist in a gas, including air.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 according to the present invention comprises at least an aerosol generating unit 2, a notification unit 3, and a control unit (or controller) 4.

[0022] The aerosol generation unit 2 is arranged to convert the aerosol forming substance 5 into an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a steam inhalation session.

[0023] For example, the aerosol-forming substance 5 may be contained in a consumable 6, which must be manually replaced by a user when the aerosol-forming substance 5 in the consumable 6 runs out. The consumable 6 can be manually placed in a dedicated cavity 7 of the aerosol generation unit 2.

[0024] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, this dedicated cavity 7 may be defined by a heating chamber 15 of the aerosol generation unit 2 .

[0025] The aerosol-forming substance 5 is arranged to be heated (without burning) to generate an aerosol when mixed with air. This heating is performed by a heater 8 supplied with electrical energy originating from a power supply 9. This heater 8 belongs to the aerosol-generating unit 2.

[0026] 1, the heater 8 surrounds the heating chamber 15 and thus the dedicated cavity 7 in the region containing the aerosol-forming substance 5. For example, the heater 8 may be a thin film heater wrapped around the exterior surface of the heating chamber 15 to heat the sidewalls of the heating chamber 15 and at least a portion of the interior volume (i.e., the dedicated cavity 7). For example, the heater 8 may heat the aerosol-forming substance 5 to a temperature between 150°C and 350°C.

[0027] However, in a variant, the heater 8 may be located within the heating chamber 15 and thus within the dedicated cavity 7 .

[0028] For example, the power supply 9 belongs to an electrical control device 10 , which also comprises a notification unit 3 and a control unit 4 .

[0029] Also, for example, the power source 9 may be a rechargeable battery. In this case, the body of the electrical control device 10 may include an electrical connector to which a charger cable may be connected during a charging session of the rechargeable battery 9. Such a charger cable may be coupled to an (AC) adapter or a wall outlet. The charger cable and / or the (AC) adapter may belong to the aerosol generating device 1.

[0030] The aerosol generation unit 2 is coupled to an electronic control device 10 or is provided with an electronic control device 10 (as shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 1).

[0031] The generated aerosol can be drawn in (as inhaled) by the user during a puff of a steam inhalation session through an outlet 11 of the aerosol generating unit 2. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 1, this outlet 11 is defined in the consumable 6. However, this is not necessary. More precisely, in this example, the consumable 6 includes, by way of example, an aerosol cooling area 12 and a filter 13. The aerosol cooling area 12 extends over a portion of the length of the consumable 6 and includes a hollow tubular portion 14 of the consumable 6. This hollow tubular portion 14 allows the aerosol (generated by heating the aerosol-forming substance 5) to pass through the consumable 6 without leaking out of the sides of the hollow tubular portion 14. Since the aerosol cooling area 12 does not overlap with the heating area, the aerosol does not continue to be heated in the aerosol cooling area 12. In addition, the hollow tubular portion 14 can be configured to further accelerate heat dissipation in the aerosol cooling area 12, for example by transferring heat away from the aerosol to other areas of the consumable 6. The length of the aerosol-cooling region 12 and the dimensions of the hollow tubular portion 14 are configured to consistently provide the generated aerosol in a desired temperature range for inhalation by a user during use. In addition, a consumable 6 including an aerosol-cooling region 12 can be provided in a shorter length than a consumable 6 without an aerosol-cooling region, since the generated aerosol is cooled to a desired temperature compared to temperatures that would otherwise be possible. As a result, a smaller heating chamber 15 is required to accommodate the shorter consumable 6. The aerosol-forming substance 5 is disposed at the end of the consumable 6 located within the heating chamber 15, the end of the consumable 6 furthest from the outlet 11. The filter 13 is disposed at the opposite end of the consumable 6 that includes the outlet 11. The aerosol-cooling region 12 extends along the length of the consumable 30 between the aerosol-forming substance 5 and the filter 13. This ensures that, during use, the generated aerosol can be sufficiently cooled before inhalation by a user. In other examples, the consumable 6 may not include the filter 13, or may further include additional components disposed throughout the consumable 6.

[0032] The consumable 6 and the heating chamber 15 are configured to define an air flow path 25 between the consumable 6 and the heating chamber 15. In use, i.e. when a user inhales the aerosol generated from the consumable 6, this allows air to enter the heating chamber 15 through the opening 26, pass through the air flow path 25 and reach the aerosol forming substance 5. As the air flow path 25 passes through a heating region, it provides a pre-heating effect to the incoming air before it enters the consumable 6. This further increases the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device 1 and reduces the power required for operation.

[0033] The notification unit 3 is arranged to notify information regarding the aerosol generating device 1.

[0034] The control unit 4 is arranged to cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user during a steam inhalation session when the aerosol generation unit 2 has reached suitable conditions for the next puff.

[0035] Thus, the present invention provides that during a steam inhalation session, a user receives puff information indicating when the user's aerosol generating device 1 is (or will be) ready for the next puff, thereby significantly reducing or even preventing inconsistent output.

[0036] The term "appropriate conditions" here means conditions of the aerosol generating device 1 that allow no significant variation across all puffs of a steam inhalation session.

[0037] The control unit 4 may be informed of the start and end of each inhalation phase (or puff) by a signal sent by an inhalation sensor 20 which may be positioned, as shown but not limited to, in the air flow path 25, for example below the aerosol forming substance 5. This inhalation sensor 20 may be, for example, a flow or pressure sensor or a microphone or a thermistor which otherwise detects a drop in temperature.

[0038] In a first embodiment, the control unit 4 may for example cause the notification unit 3 to notify the waiting time until the aerosol generation unit 2 reaches a suitable state, so that after each puff the control unit 4 estimates when the aerosol generation unit 2 will be in a suitable state again and then infers the waiting time from this estimate.

[0039] In this first embodiment, the control unit 4 may for example cause the notification unit 3 to notify of a waiting time that gradually increases depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session. In other words, the longer the elapsed time, the less the amount of aerosol forming substance 5 available and therefore the longer it will take to generate a suitable aerosol.

[0040] In one example, the control unit 4 may be arranged to determine the increment of the waiting time depending on the type of suitable condition, a parameter that may be selected, for example, between a suitable flavor and a suitable amount of aerosol generated.

[0041] Alternatively, or additionally, the waiting time increment may for example depend on the type or physical state of the aerosol-forming substance 5. This type of substance or the physical state of the substance is another parameter.

[0042] To that end, the control unit 4 may be arranged to determine the waiting time by means of a predetermined formula having one or more parameters.

[0043] Also, in a second embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise a measuring unit 16 arranged to determine a value representative of the temperature of the aerosol generating unit 2. In this case, the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user if the determined value fulfills a predefined condition. Thus, in this second embodiment, the temperature of the aerosol is taken into account to determine the suitability of the condition of the aerosol generating unit 2, rather than the time for which the aerosol generating unit 2 is again in a suitable state (as in the first embodiment).

[0044] For example, the measurement unit 16 can be a temperature sensor which determines a temperature value, however, it is also possible to use other physical parameters which indirectly represent the temperature.

[0045] Also, for example, the measuring unit 16 may determine the value within the dedicated cavity 7 of the aerosol generation unit 2, for example on the inner wall of the heating chamber 15. However, in a variant, the measuring unit 16 could also determine the value on the outer surface of the dedicated cavity 7, for example on the outer wall of the heating chamber 15.

[0046] In one option of the second embodiment, the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user when the value determined by the measuring unit 16 reaches a selected value since the last puff. For example, the selected value may vary depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session. It is envisaged that the longer the time elapsed, the less the amount of aerosol forming substance 5 available and therefore the higher the temperature required to generate a suitable aerosol.

[0047] In another option of the second embodiment, the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user when a selected length of time has elapsed since the determined value has reached a selected value since the last puff. For example, this selected length of time may vary depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session.

[0048] In yet another option of the second embodiment, the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user when the determined value corresponds to an increment of the selected value since the last puff. For example, this increment of the selected value may vary depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session.

[0049] It should be noted that the notification unit 3 may be arranged to notify the user by means of a displayed message and / or an audio message and / or haptic feedback.

[0050] Displaying the message requires that the aerosol generating device 1 includes a user interface screen that is used to provide the user with any information regarding the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 during the steam inhalation session or a possible charging session. In this case, the notification unit 3 preferably includes this user interface screen. For example, the displayed message may be of the type "1 sec" or "Next puff in 2 sec" or "OK" or "Puff OK" or "Ready" or "Ready for next puff".

[0051] Playing the audio message requires that the aerosol generating device 1 includes a speaker, which may be part of a user interface used to provide the user with at least some of the information regarding the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 during the steam inhalation session or a possible charging session, or may just be dedicated for said notifications. The notification unit 3 may thus include a speaker of this user interface or a dedicated speaker. For example, the played audio message may be of the type "1 second" or "Next puff in 2 seconds" or "OK" or "Puff OK" or "Ready" or "Ready for next puff".

[0052] The haptic feedback may be only dedicated to said notification or may be part of a user interface used to provide the user with at least some of the information regarding the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 during the steam inhalation session or a possible charging session. The notification unit 3 may thus comprise this user interface haptic feedback or a dedicated haptic feedback. For example, the haptic feedback may generate a vibration indicating that the aerosol generating device 1 is ready for the next puff or will be ready in 1 or 2 seconds, or sequential vibrations of a number indicating the number of seconds the user has to wait before starting the next puff.

[0053] It should be noted that the control unit 4 may also cause the notification unit 3 to continue notifying the user for a predefined period of time, which may for example vary depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit (or controller) 4 may comprise at least a processor 17 and a memory 18, which are arranged to perform operations for controlling the notification unit 3 and the aerosol generation unit 2 (and in particular its heater 8) during a steam inhalation session, and for controlling the power source 9 during a possible charging session.

[0055] For example, processor 17 may be a digital signal processor (i.e., DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). More generally, processor 17 may include multiple integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected between them via wired or wireless connections. The term "integrated (or printed) circuit" is used herein to refer to any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0056] Also for example, memory 18 may be a random access memory (or RAM), although memory may be any type of device arranged to store program instructions for processor 17.

[0057] Generally speaking, the functions of the control unit (or controller) 4 may be performed through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually (by a user). These functions may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware and hardware capable of executing software in conjunction with appropriate software.

[0058] 1, the control unit (or controller) 4 (and in particular its processor 17 and memory 18) may be fixed on a printed circuit board (or PCB) 19 (here housed within the body of the electrical control device 10). The notification unit 3 may also be at least partially fixed on this printed circuit board 19 to facilitate and simplify connection between the notification unit 3 and the control unit (or controller) 4. However, the notification unit 3 may have its own printed circuit board connected to the printed circuit board 19 by flexible circuit wiring so that it may be positioned anywhere.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit (or controller) 4 may also include, in addition to the processor 17 and the memory 18, an input interface 21, in particular for receiving the signals delivered by the inhalation sensor 20 and the values ​​possibly determined by the measuring unit 16, in order to use them in the calculations and processing, possibly after processing and / or demodulation and / or amplification of said signals and values, possibly by means of an additional digital signal processor 22, in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. The control unit 4 may also include a mass memory 23, in particular for storing any useful times (in particular the start time of the steam inhalation session and the start and end times of each puff), as well as intermediate data generated during said calculations and processing. The control unit 4 may also include an output interface 24 for transmitting messages and instructions at least for controlling the notification unit 3, the aerosol generation unit 2 (in particular its heater 8) and electronic components (such as switches) that supply power (stored in the power supply 9) to the aerosol generation unit 2 and to the notification unit 3.

[0060] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the several block diagrams in FIGS. 1 and 2 represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the invention herein.

[0061] The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. It should therefore be understood that those skilled in the art may devise various configurations that embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope, although not expressly described or shown herein. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are expressly intended to be for the purpose of teaching only, primarily to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to advance the art, and should not be construed as being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Furthermore, all statements herein reciting the principles, aspects and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (1), comprising: an aerosol generating unit (2) arranged to convert an aerosol forming substance into an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a steam inhalation session; and a notification unit (3) arranged to notify information regarding said aerosol generating device (1); Equipped with a control unit (4) arranged to cause the notification unit (3) to notify the user during the steam inhalation session when the aerosol generation unit (2) has reached suitable conditions for the next puff, Aerosol generator (1).

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is operable to use selected parameters to determine when the aerosol generating unit has reached an appropriate state for the next puff, the selected parameters changing as the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session increases.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (4) causes the notification unit (3) to notify a waiting time until the aerosol generating unit (2) reaches the appropriate state.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (4) causes the notification unit (3) to notify a waiting time that gradually increases depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the control unit (4) is arranged to determine the increase depending on a type of the appropriate condition, the type being selected from a group comprising an appropriate flavor and an appropriate amount of generated aerosol.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a measuring unit (16) arranged to determine a value representing the temperature of the aerosol generating unit (2), and the control unit (4) causes the notification unit (3) to notify the user when the determined value satisfies a predetermined condition.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the control unit (4) causes the notification unit (3) to notify the user when the determined value reaches a selected value since the last puff, the selected value varying depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the control unit (4) causes the notification unit (3) to notify the user when a selected length of time has elapsed since the determined value has reached a selected value since the last puff.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the selected length of time varies depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the control unit (4) causes the notification unit (3) to notify the user when the determined value corresponds to an increment of a selected value since the last puff.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the selected increment in value varies depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session.

12. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit (3) is arranged for notifying the user by means of a displayed message and / or an audio message and / or haptic feedback.

13. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (4) causes the notification unit (3) to continue notifying the user for a predetermined period of time.

14. 14. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, wherein the predetermined period varies depending on the time elapsed since the start of the steam inhalation session.

15. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable power source (9) for storing electrical energy.

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