Aerosol delivery device with two charging modules

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device is described that includes an antenna, a battery, a first charging module configured to selectively charge the battery with power extracted from a radio frequency signal received using the antenna, a second charging module configured to selectively charge the battery with power obtained from a second source, and a control module configured to control the first charging module and the second charging module, thereby controlling charging of the battery. Methods and apparatus for charging the aerosol delivery device are also described.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to charging an aerosol delivery device. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-delivering substrate, such as tobacco, to form an aerosol by heating the substrate rather than burning it. Further developments in this field are still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, the present specification describes an aerosol delivery device comprising an antenna, a battery, a first charging module configured to selectively charge the battery with power extracted from a radio frequency signal received using the antenna, a second charging module configured to selectively charge the battery with power obtained from a second source, and a control module configured to control the first charging module and the second charging module, thereby controlling the charging of the battery. The antenna may be configured to transmit and / or receive data.

[0004] The control module may be configured to determine whether the first charging module is capable of charging the battery, and if so, to determine whether to use the first charging module to charge the battery. Alternatively or additionally, the control module may be configured to determine whether the second charging module is capable of charging the battery, and if so, to determine whether to use the second charging module to charge the battery.

[0005] The control module can be configured to determine whether to charge the battery using the first charging module, the second charging module, or both.

[0006] The control module may be configured to select a preferred power source.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol delivery device further comprises at least one power detection unit configured to determine whether power is obtainable using the first charging module and / or the second charging module and to communicate a signal indicative of said determination to the control module. The at least one power detection unit may comprise a first power detection unit configured to determine a first amount of power extracted from the first charging module and to communicate information regarding the first amount of power to the control module. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one power detection unit may comprise a second power detection unit configured to determine a second amount of power extracted from the second charging module and to communicate information regarding the second amount of power to the control module.

[0008] The aerosol delivery device may further include a user interface configured to allow a user to indicate whether power can be obtained using the first charging module and / or the second charging module and to communicate a signal indicative of the user indication to the control module. The user interface may allow the user to select a preferred power source.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol delivery device further includes an induction module, and the second charging module is configured to selectively charge the battery with power obtained by the induction module through electromagnetic induction. The aerosol delivery device may further include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) configured to detect whether the induction module is within proximity of the charging module to receive power through electromagnetic induction.

[0010] In a second aspect, the present specification describes a method including the steps of acquiring a first power from a radio frequency signal using an antenna of an aerosol delivery device, acquiring a second power from a second source, and selectively charging a battery of the aerosol delivery device using the first acquired power and / or the second acquired power.

[0011] The method may further include determining whether the first charging module is capable of charging the battery with a first power extracted from the radio frequency signal using the antenna, and if so, determining whether to use the first charging module to charge the battery.

[0012] The method may further include determining whether the second charging module is capable of charging the battery with the second power, and if so, determining whether to use the second charging module to charge the battery.

[0013] The method may further include determining whether to charge the battery using the first harvested power, the second harvested power, or both.

[0014] The method may further include the step of selecting a preferred power source. Additionally, the method may further include the step of receiving user input indicating a preferred power source and selecting said preferred power source in response thereto.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, obtaining the second power from a second source may include obtaining said second power through electromagnetic induction using an induction module. The method may further include determining, using a power detection unit, whether power can be obtained using an antenna and / or induction module, and communicating a signal indicative of said determination to a control module. The method may further include monitoring the antenna and / or induction unit, determining an amount of power extracted by the antenna and / or induction unit, and communicating information regarding the extracted power to the control module. The method may further include monitoring the antenna and / or induction unit, determining an amount of power available to be extracted by the antenna and / or induction unit, and communicating information regarding the extracted power to the control module. The method may further include detecting whether an induction module is within the vicinity of the charging module to receive power through electromagnetic induction.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present description describes a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to carry out the method as described above with respect to the second aspect.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 5]4 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to yet another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a charging device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, including non-combustible aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0020] According to this disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are combusted or burned during use to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0021] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0022] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0023] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0024] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may, for example, include tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0026] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat generating power source.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0030] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, packaging materials, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0031] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized, either of which may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials, as appropriate.

[0032] In some embodiments, the delivered substance comprises an active substance. As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance can be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive agents. The active substance can be naturally derived or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical substance. In one embodiment, the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12. In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavoring.

[0033] An aerosol-forming material is, for example, a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0034] The aerosol-generating material may be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a "monolithic solid." The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material that may retain some fluid therein, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the retained fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material) or the retained fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0035] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may contain, for example, from about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solids by weight, up to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solids by weight.

[0036] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavorants, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0037] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0038] The material may be on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0039] A consumable is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol delivery device, generally designated 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] The aerosol delivery device 10 comprises a battery 11, a control circuit 12, a heater 13 (or more generally an aerosol generator), a consumable 14 (e.g., a tobacco consumable, e.g., in the form of a tobacco stick), an antenna 15, and an induction module 18. As described in detail below, the antenna 15 may be used to receive radio frequency signals for use in charging the battery 11 (e.g., under the control of the control circuit 12). Additionally, the antenna 15 may be used to transmit and / or receive data, for example, using one of several protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). Similarly, the induction module 18 may be used to receive electromagnetic radiation for use in charging the battery 11 (e.g., under the control of the control circuit 12).

[0042] Although the exemplary antenna 15 and guidance module 18 are both shown disposed near the battery 11, either or both may be located elsewhere.

[0043] In use of device 10, heater 13 is inserted into consumable 14 so that the consumable may be heated to generate an aerosol (and, in the case of a tobacco consumable, tobacco flavor) for the user. When a user inhales on the end of the consumable, as shown by arrow 17, air is drawn into device 10 through the air inlet, as shown by arrow 16, and then passes through the consumable to deliver the aerosol (and, in the case of a tobacco consumable, tobacco flavor) to the user.

[0044] The aerosol delivery device 10 is described by way of example only. In exemplary implementations of the principles described herein, many alternative aerosol delivery devices may be used. For example, the device 10 may be substituted in a vaping device in which an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a liquid) is heated to generate an aerosol. The principles of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular type of aerosol delivery device 10 (i.e., the aerosol delivery device 10 may be configured to aerosolize a solid, liquid, or other aerosol-generating material via any suitable electrically powered or controlled aerosol generator, such as an electrically controlled pressurized canister that may include a heater, a vibrating mesh, an irradiation source, an electrically actuated release valve, etc.). Furthermore, additional charging mechanisms may be provided, for example, in addition to or instead of the induction module 18, as described in more detail below.

[0045] 2 is a block diagram of a system, generally designated by reference numeral 20, according to an exemplary embodiment. System 20 includes battery 11 and control circuitry 12 of aerosol delivery device 10 described above.

[0046] The control circuitry 12 of the system 20 includes a first charging module 23, a second charging module 24, and a control module 25. The control circuitry 12 may also be used to control a heater 13 (not shown in FIG. 2).

[0047] The first charging module 23 is configured to selectively charge the battery 11 with power obtained from a first power source. For example, the first charging module 23 may be connected to the antenna 15 and configured to selectively charge the battery 11 with power extracted from a radio frequency signal received using the antenna 15 (if available).

[0048] Similarly, the second charging module 24 is configured to selectively charge the battery 11 with power obtained from a second power source. For example, the second charging module 24 may be connected to the induction module 18 and configured to selectively charge the battery 11 with power obtained by the induction module 18 through electromagnetic induction (if available). The control module 25 may be configured to control the first and second charging modules, thereby controlling the charging of the battery. An alternative second power source includes electrical contacts directed to a power source (e.g., a battery or power connection or a USB connection).

[0049] It should be noted that in some exemplary embodiments, the functions of the control module 25 are performed by the first charging module 23 and / or the second charging module 24. In fact, the control module 25 may be omitted from some exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the functions of the first charging module 23 and the second charging module 24 may be provided by a single control module, e.g., the first charging module 23 and the second charging module 24 may be omitted and their functions performed by the control module 25.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm generally designated 30, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] In operation 32 of algorithm 30, a first power is obtained. The first power may be obtained from a radio frequency signal using antenna 15 (if available). In operation 34, a second power is obtained. The second power may be obtained through electromagnetic induction using induction module 18 (if available). It should be noted that operations 32 and 34 may be performed simultaneously or in a different order. Additionally, one or both of these operations may be omitted if power is not available (e.g., if the antenna is not receiving an appropriate radio frequency signal or if the induction module is not in proximity to an appropriate charging module).

[0052] In operation 36, the battery 11 is selectively charged using the first and / or second harvested power.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system, generally designated 40, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0054] System 40 includes battery 11 and control circuitry 12 (including first charging module 23, second charging module 24, and control module 25) of system 20 described above. Control circuitry 12 may also be used to control heater 13 (not shown in FIG. 4). System 40 also includes antenna 15 and induction module 18 of aerosol delivery device 10 described above.

[0055] The system 40 further comprises a first power detection unit 46a and a second power detection unit 46b. The first power detection unit 46a is configured to determine whether power can be obtained using the antenna 15, and the second power detection unit 46b is configured to determine whether power can be obtained using the inductive module 18. The first power detection unit and the second power detection unit may each be configured to communicate a signal indicative of the determination to the control module 25. It should be noted that in some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the first power detection unit 46a and the second power detection unit 46b may be omitted. Furthermore, the inductive module 18 may be replaced with an alternative power source.

[0056] 5 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm, generally designated by reference numeral 50, according to an exemplary embodiment. The algorithm 50 may be implemented by the first power detection unit 46a.

[0057] The algorithm 50 begins at operation 52 where the antenna is monitored by the first power detection module 46a.

[0058] In operation 54, based on the monitoring in operation 52, a first amount of power extracted (or available to be extracted) using the antenna is determined.

[0059] In operation 56 , information regarding the first amount of power is communicated to control module 25 .

[0060] 6 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm, generally designated by reference numeral 60, according to an exemplary embodiment. The algorithm 60 may be implemented by the second power detection unit 46b.

[0061] The algorithm 60 begins at operation 62 where the induction module is monitored by the second power detection module 46b.

[0062] In operation 64, a second amount of power extracted (or available to be extracted) from the guidance module based on the monitoring in operation 62 is determined.

[0063] In operation 66 , information regarding the second amount of power is communicated to the control module 25 .

[0064] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm generally designated by reference numeral 70, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0065] The algorithm 70 begins at operation 72, where power availability is determined. Operation 72 may include determining, using the first power detection unit 46a, whether the first charging module 23 can charge the battery 11 with a first power from a radio frequency signal using an antenna, and if so, determining whether to use the first charging module to charge the battery. Operation 72 may also include determining whether the second charging module 24 can charge the battery 11 with a second power (e.g., power extracted through electromagnetic induction using the induction module 18), and if so, determining whether to use the second charging module to charge the battery.

[0066] In operation 74, power is obtained. The power may be extracted by the first charging module 23 and / or the second charging module 24 described above. For example, the power may be extracted from a radio frequency signal received at the antenna 15 and / or from power received through electromagnetic induction using the induction module 18. Operation 74 depends on the determination made in operation 72. Thus, operation 74 may be used to perform operations 32 and 34 described above.

[0067] In operation 76, battery 11 is selectively charged using the power obtained in operation 74. Thus, operation 76 may be used to implement operation 36 described above.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system, generally designated 80, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0069] The system 80 includes the above-mentioned battery 11, the first charging module 23, the second charging module 24, and the control module 25. The system 80 may include an antenna 15 coupled to the first charging module 23 and / or an induction module 18 coupled to the second charging module 24. The system 80 may further include the above-mentioned first power detection unit 46a and second power detection unit 46b (not shown in FIG. 8 ).

[0070] The system 80 further comprises a user interface 86 and a sensor 87 (such as a proximity sensor). In some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the user interface 86 and the sensor 87 may be omitted.

[0071] A user interface 86 may be provided to allow a user to select a preferred power source. For example, the user interface may allow a user to indicate whether power should be obtained using the first charging module 23 (e.g., from the antenna 15) and / or whether power should be obtained from the second charging module 24 (e.g., from the induction module 18), e.g., if both power sources are available. The user interface 86 communicates with the control module 25 such that the user interface can communicate a signal to the control module indicative of said user instruction. The user instruction may be used, for example, in operation 74 to determine from where power is obtained (e.g., whether one source of available power is preferred (by the user) over another source).

[0072] The sensor 87 (e.g., a proximity sensor) may be configured to detect whether the charging module is in the vicinity of the induction module 18 (if provided) such that power is available through electromagnetic induction. Thus, the sensor 87 may be used as part of operation 72 described above. For example, the sensor 87 may be configured to receive an emitted wireless signal (such as WiFi or Bluetooth) for the purpose of establishing a communication link.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm generally designated 90, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0074] The algorithm 90 begins at operation 91 where the power of the first charging module is determined. Operation 91 may determine the ability of the antenna 15 to provide power to charge the battery 11. Operation 91 may be performed by the control module 25 described above based on information received from the first power detection unit 46a.

[0075] The algorithm 90 then proceeds to operation 92 where the power of the second charging module is determined. Operation 92 may determine the ability of the induction module 18 to provide power to charge the battery 11. Operation 92 may be performed by the control module 25, described above, based on information received from the second power detection unit 46b. In some exemplary embodiments, operation 91 may utilize the output of the sensor 87, described above.

[0076] Acts 91 and 92 may be collectively used to implement act 72 described above. Of course, the order of acts 91 and 92 may be reversed, or the acts may be implemented in parallel.

[0077] In operation 93, a preferred power source is determined. For example, control module 25 may select a preferred power source. As mentioned above, a user may be able to indicate a preferred power source (e.g., using user interface 86), and this indication may be used (or at least taken into account) when selecting a preferred power source.

[0078] In operation 94, power is obtained from the first charging module 23 (e.g., from antenna 15), from the second charging module 24 (e.g., from induction module 18), or from both. Operation 94 is thus an example implementation of operation 74 described above.

[0079] Finally, in operation 95, the battery 11 is charged with the power obtained in operation 94. Operation 95 is thus an example of operation 76 described above.

[0080] As mentioned above, a number of different power sources may be used in the exemplary embodiment. For example, the induction module 18 may be replaced with an alternative charging mechanism, such as a battery or a physical connection to a mains power source.

[0081] 10 is a block diagram of a charging device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The charging device 100 includes a physical electrical connector 102 that can be used to form an electrical connection between the aerosol delivery device and the charging device 100. The second charging module 24 can be connected to a power source using the electrical connector 102.

[0082] As mentioned above, power can be extracted from a radio frequency (RF) signal. This can be implemented in several ways. For example, a receiving antenna can be provided to receive the RF signal, creating a potential difference across the length of the antenna. Thus, an AC (typically sinusoidal) RF signal is obtained at the antenna. This AC signal is typically converted to a DC signal, for example using a rectifier circuit (such as a full-bridge or half-bridge rectifier circuit). In some exemplary embodiments, an impedance matching circuit is provided between the antenna and the rectifier, which seeks to maximize the power transfer from the antenna to the rectifier. The DC power output by the rectifier can be stored, for example using a battery.

[0083] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, 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 limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. The antenna, Battery and a first charging module configured to selectively charge the battery with power extracted from radio frequency signals received using the antenna; a second charging module configured to selectively charge the battery with power obtained from a second source; a control module configured to control the first charging module and the second charging module, thereby controlling charging of the battery; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to determine whether the first charging module is capable of charging the battery, and if so, determine whether to use the first charging module to charge the battery.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to determine whether the second charging module is capable of charging the battery, and if so, to determine whether to use the second charging module to charge the battery.

4. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control module is configured to determine whether to charge the battery using the first charging module, the second charging module, or both.

5. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control module is configured to select a preferred power source.

6. at least one power detection unit configured to determine whether power is obtainable using the first charging module and / or the second charging module and to communicate a signal indicative of the determination to the control module; The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

7. The at least one power detection unit is determining a first amount of power extracted from the first charging module; communicating information regarding the first amount of power to the control module; The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 , comprising a first power detection unit configured to:

8. The at least one power detection unit is determining a second amount of power extracted from the second charging module; communicating information regarding the second amount of power to the control module; The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 or 7, further comprising a second power detection unit configured to:

9. enabling a user to indicate whether power may be obtained using the first charging module and / or the second charging module; communicating a signal indicative of the user instruction to the control module; A user interface configured to: The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9 , wherein the user interface allows a user to select a preferred power source.

11. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an induction module, the second charging module being configured to selectively charge the battery with power obtained by the induction module through electromagnetic induction.

12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11 , further comprising a sensor configured to detect whether the induction module is within proximity of a charging module to receive power through electromagnetic induction.

13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12 , wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

14. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive data.

15. obtaining a first power from a radio frequency signal using an antenna of the aerosol delivery device; obtaining a second power from a second source; selectively charging a battery of the aerosol delivery device using the first harvested power and / or the second harvested power; A method comprising:

16. determining whether a first charging module can charge the battery with the first power extracted from a radio frequency signal using the antenna, and if so, determining whether to use the first charging module to charge the battery; The method of claim 15 further comprising:

17. determining whether a second charging module can charge the battery with the second power, and if so, determining whether to use the second charging module to charge the battery; 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising:

18. determining whether to charge the battery using the first harvested power, the second harvested power, or both; The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising:

19. Steps to Select a Preferred Power Source The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising:

20. receiving user input indicating a preferred power source and selecting said preferred power source in response thereto; 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

21. 21. The method of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein obtaining the second power from the second source comprises obtaining the second power through electromagnetic induction using an induction module.

22. determining, using a power detection unit, whether power can be obtained using the antenna and / or the induction module; communicating a signal indicative of said determination to a control module; 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising:

23. monitoring the antenna and / or the induction unit; determining an amount of power extracted by the antenna and / or the induction unit; communicating information regarding the extracted power to the control module; 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

24. monitoring the antenna and / or the induction unit; determining an amount of power available to be extracted by the antenna and / or the induction unit; communicating information regarding the extracted power to the control module; 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

25. Detecting whether the induction module is within proximity of a charging module to receive power through electromagnetic induction. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising:

26. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to carry out the method according to any one of claims 15 to 25.

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