Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

The aerosol delivery system (1) includes a consumable (2) and an aerosol delivery device (4) configured to receive the consumable (2). The aerosol delivery device (4) includes a receptacle (8) for receiving the consumable. A cover (103) is also provided, the cover (103) being movable between a first closed position C1 in which the cover at least partially covers the receptacle (8) and a second open position C2 in which the cover at least partially exposes the receptacle (8). A first portion (79), such as a light source (81) or an aerosol generator (40), or a sensor (101) is configured to be controlled in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position C2. In this manner, the first portion (79) is operated in response to determining that the cover (103) is open, and power of the aerosol delivery system (1) can be saved by not previously operating the portion (79).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes, etc.). [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic aerosol delivery systems often employ electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or, more generally, aerosol delivery devices. Such aerosol delivery systems typically contain an aerosolizable material (also called an aerosol-generating material), such as a fluid or liquid reservoir containing a formulation that typically, but not necessarily, includes nicotine, or a solid material, such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapor / aerosol is generated, for example, by thermal vaporization, for inhalation by a user. Thus, an aerosol delivery system will typically include a vaporizer (also called an aerosol generator), for example, a heating element, configured to aerosolize a portion of the aerosolizable material to generate a vapor.

[0003] Once the vapor is generated, it may be passed through a flavoring material to add flavor to the vapor (if the aerosolizable material is not itself flavored), after which the (flavored) vapor may in turn be delivered from the aerosol delivery system to a user via a mouthpiece.A potential drawback of existing aerosol delivery systems and related aerosol delivery devices is that it is not always easy to discern, particularly for people with visual impairments and / or in situations where visibility is reduced, as to the particular type of consumable that is to be used as part of a particular application of the aerosol delivery system.

[0004] Accordingly, various approaches are described herein that attempt to help address or mitigate some of these issues through the implementation of an aerosol delivery system that implements sensors to determine predetermined characteristics of any consumable proposed for use in the aerosol delivery system (such as the composition of the aerosol generating material within the consumable) before the system uses the consumable to generate any aerosol.

[0005] Also described herein is an aerosol delivery system that can receive a cartridge / consumable in a receptacle of an aerosol delivery device by the aerosol delivery system. The receptacle is configured to be covered by a cover when not in use such that when the cover is moved to expose the receptacle, this movement of the cover is detected and then triggers an operation of a portion of the aerosol delivery system, such as an operation related to an aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system or an operation of a sensor configured to sense a portion of the consumable configured to be received in the receptacle. In this manner, the efficiency of the aerosol delivery system can be increased through these operations related to the position / movement of the cover. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a consumable; and an aerosol delivery device configured to receive the consumable; the aerosol delivery device comprising a receptacle for receiving a consumable; The aerosol delivery system includes a cover, a first position in which the cover at least partially covers the first end of the receptacle to prevent the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle; a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end to allow the consumable to be received by the aerosol delivery device within the receptacle; and A movable cover is provided between the The aerosol delivery system further comprises a first portion, the operation of the first portion being configured to be controlled by the aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system being configured to: determining that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position; and Activating a first portion of the aerosol delivery system in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position. It is configured as follows: An aerosol delivery system is provided.

[0007] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving a consumable; A cover, a first position in which the cover at least partially covers the first end of the receptacle to prevent the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle; a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end to allow the consumable to be received by the aerosol delivery device within the receptacle; and A cover that can be moved between the a first portion, the operation of which is configured to be controlled by an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising: determining that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position; and Operate a first portion of the aerosol delivery device in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position. It is configured as follows: An aerosol delivery device is provided.

[0008] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of controlling operation of a portion of an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising a consumable and an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a receptacle for receiving the consumable, the method comprising: moving a cover of the aerosol delivery system from a first position in which the cover at least partially covers a first end of the receptacle and prevents the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle to a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end and allows the consumable to be received inside the receptacle by the aerosol delivery device; determining that the cover has moved to a second position; responsive to determining that the cover has moved to the second position, operating a first portion of the aerosol delivery system; A method is provided, comprising:

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an aerosol delivery system including a cartridge and an aerosol delivery device (shown separately) according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of cartridge components of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 3A] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the housing portions of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 3B] 2 shows another schematic cross-sectional view of the housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 3C] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 4A] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a septum element of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 4B] 2 shows a schematic plan view of a septum element of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 5A] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of one of the elastic plugs of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 5B] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating another perspective view of the elastic plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 5C] 2 shows a schematic plan view of an elastic plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 6A] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6B] 2 shows a schematic plan view of the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an aerosol delivery system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates generally one embodiment of an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a consumable / cartridge comprising a portion configured to be sensed, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 8B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 8A with the consumable positioned within a receptacle of the aerosol delivery device, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] 8B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 8A, with the consumable positioned within a receptacle of the aerosol delivery device and with the cover encasing the consumable, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates generally one embodiment of an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a consumable / cartridge configured to be positioned at least partially within a receptacle of the aerosol delivery device, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B]9B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 9A, in which the consumable is at least partially positioned within a receptacle of the aerosol delivery device, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 illustrates, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a schematic representation of an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a consumable / cartridge configured to be positioned at least partially within a receptacle of the aerosol delivery device, wherein the cartridge is configured to be inductively heated by including a susceptor within the cartridge. [Figure 10B] 10B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 10A with the consumable at least partially positioned within a receptacle of the aerosol delivery device, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and have not been discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to non-combustion aerosol delivery systems (such as e-cigarettes). According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosolizable materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not or are not burned to facilitate delivery to a user. Aerosolizable materials, which may also be referred to herein as aerosol-generating materials or aerosol precursor materials, are materials that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. Aerosolizable materials may also be flavored in some embodiments.

[0013] Throughout the following description, the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, although it will be understood that the term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system. Note that an electronic cigarette is also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system is a hybrid device configured to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or more of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0015] Typically, a (non-combustion) aerosol delivery system may comprise a cartridge / consumable part and a body / reusable / aerosol delivery device part configured to releasably engage with the cartridge / consumable part.

[0016] The aerosol delivery system may be provided with means for powering a vaporizer therein, and may be provided with an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving the aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol delivery system may also be provided with a reservoir for containing the aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments, a further reservoir for containing a flavoring material for flavoring the vapor generated from the aerosol delivery system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be a heater / heating element that can interact with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form a vapor / aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the vaporizer may be capable of generating a vapor / aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat to the aerosolizable material, for example, via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurized, or electrostatic means.

[0018] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolizable material that may include an active ingredient, a carrier component, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

[0019] The active ingredient may include one or more physiologically and / or olfactory active ingredients contained in the aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological and / or olfactory response in the user. The active ingredient may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active ingredient may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active ingredient 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 ingredient may include components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another botanical substance. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a physiologically active ingredient and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine ditartrate / nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient and, where local regulations permit, may be selected from "flavors" and / or "flavoring agents" that may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers. In some instances, such ingredients may be referred to as flavors, flavorings, flavoring materials, cooling agents, heating agents, and / or sweetening agents.They may be any naturally occurring flavoring material, botanical substance, extract of botanical substance, synthetically derived material, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherries, berries, red berries, cranberries, peaches, apples, oranges, mangoes, clementines, lemons, limes, tallow, thyme, thyme leaves, thyme oils, thyme seeds, thyme oils ... Tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, eggplant, betel quid, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-yi Orchid, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damienne, maggot. The additives may include other additives such as oleic acid, maltitol, stearyl alcohol ...They may be imitation, synthetic or natural raw materials or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, e.g. liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases, such as extracts (e.g. licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherries, berries, peaches, apples, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, The additives may be one or more of the following: jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural raw materials, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

[0021] In some embodiments, the flavoring materials (flavors) may include menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavors include cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavors include eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavors include flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavors may include a sensory elicitor, which is intended to achieve somatic sensations that are usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, and numbing effects. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0022] The carrier component may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier component 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 phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0023] The one or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0024] As mentioned above, aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often comprise modular assemblies that include both reusable (main body or aerosol delivery device) and replaceable consumable (cartridge) parts. Devices that fit this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a substantially elongated shape. To provide a concrete example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure described herein may comprise such a substantially elongated two-part device employing a consumable part. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may equally be employed in other electronic cigarette configurations, such as modular devices with three or more parts, as devices that fit other overall shapes, for example, based on so-called box mod smart devices that typically have a more box-like shape.

[0025] Thus, with reference to the foregoing, and with reference to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic perspective view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system (e-cigarette) 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Terms relating to the relative positions of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g., terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom, etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be understood that this is merely for ease of explanation and is not intended to imply any required orientation of the electronic cigarette in use.

[0026] The e-cigarette 1 (aerosol delivery system 1) comprises two main components: a cartridge 2 and an aerosol delivery device 4. The aerosol delivery device 4 and the cartridge 2 are shown separated in Figure 1 but are coupled together in use.

[0027] The cartridge 2 and the aerosol delivery device 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between the cartridge 2 and the aerosol delivery device 4. The particular manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not primarily important to the principles described herein and may be established according to the prior art, for example, based on a screw thread, bayonet, latch-type, or friction-fit mechanical fastening with appropriately positioned electrical contacts / electrodes to appropriately establish an electrical connection between the two parts. For example, in the electronic cigarette 1 shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge includes a mouthpiece 33, a mouthpiece end 52, and an interface end 54, and is coupled to the aerosol delivery device by inserting an interface end portion 6 of the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 8 / receiving section of the aerosol delivery device. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge includes a protrusion 56 that fits tightly into the receptacle 8 and engages with a corresponding detent in the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device. An electrical connection is established between the aerosol delivery device and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge (not shown in FIG. 1) and corresponding spring-loaded contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in FIG. 1). As noted above, the particular manner in which the electrical connection is established is not important to the principles described herein, and in fact some embodiments may not have any electrical connection between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device at all, for example because the transmission of power from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction technology).

[0028] The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol delivery system) has a substantially elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol delivery device, the overall length (along the longitudinal axis) of the electronic cigarette in this example is about 12.5 cm. The overall length of the aerosol delivery device is about 9 cm, and the overall length of the cartridge is about 5 cm (i.e., there is about 1.5 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the aerosol delivery device when they are coupled to each other). The electronic cigarette has a cross-section that is generally oval, largest near the center of the electronic cigarette and curved and tapered toward the ends. The cross-section near the center of the electronic cigarette has a width of about 2.5 cm and a thickness of about 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of about 2 cm and a thickness of about 0.6 mm, while the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of about 2 cm and a thickness of about 1.2 cm. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is formed from plastic in this example. It will be understood that the particular size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the materials from which the electronic cigarette is made are not primarily critical to the principles described herein and may vary in different embodiments, i.e., the principles described herein may be equally employed in electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes, and / or materials.

[0029] The aerosol delivery device 4 may be broadly conventional in terms of function and general construction techniques of the aerosol delivery device, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 1, the aerosol delivery device 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including a receptacle wall 12 that defines a receptacle 8 for receiving an end of a cartridge as described above. The outer housing 10 of the aerosol delivery device 4 in this example has a generally oval cross-section that fits the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at the interface of the two parts to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetrical when rotated 180°, so that the cartridge can be inserted into the aerosol delivery device in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 includes two aerosol delivery device air inlet openings 14 (i.e., holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol delivery device. Different ones of the openings 14 align with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in different orientations. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the cartridge may not have rotational symmetry such that it can be coupled to the aerosol delivery device in only one orientation, while in other embodiments, the cartridge may have a greater degree of rotational symmetry such that it can be coupled to the aerosol delivery device in more orientations.

[0030] The aerosol delivery device further includes a battery 16 for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 18 for controlling and monitoring operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

[0031] The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the type typically used in e-cigarettes and other applications requiring the supply of relatively high currents for relatively short periods of time. The battery 16 may be recharged via a charging port 24, which may comprise, for example, a USB connector.

[0032] The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button with a spring-mounted component that can be pressed by a user to establish, for example, electrical contact in the underlying circuitry. In this regard, the input button can be considered an input device for detecting user input, for example to trigger aerosol generation, and the particular manner in which the button is implemented is not important. For example, in other implementations, other forms of mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons (e.g., based on capacitive or light sensing technology) may be used, or there may be no button, and the device may rely on a puff detector to trigger aerosol generation.

[0033] Indicator lights 22 are provided to give the user a visual indication of various attributes associated with the electronic cigarette, such as an indication of an operating state (e.g., on / off / standby) and other attributes such as battery life or fault conditions. Different attributes may be indicated, for example, by different colors and / or different flashing sequences, in accordance with common prior art.

[0034] The control circuitry 18 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operational functions in line with established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuit components associated with different aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry 18 may include power control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the battery / power source to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, and other functional unit / circuitry related functions according to the principles described herein and conventional operational aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as indicator light display drive circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated that the functionality of the control circuitry 18 may be provided in a variety of different ways, for example, using one or more suitably programmed programmable computers and / or one or more suitably configured application specific integrated circuits / circuitry / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of cartridge 2 (exploded along longitudinal axis L). Cartridge 2 includes housing portion 32, air channel seal 34, septum element 36, outlet tube 38, vaporizer / heating element 40, aerosolizable material transport element 42, plug 44, and end cap 48 having contact electrode 46. Figures 3-6 show some of these components in schematic form in greater detail.

[0036] Figure 3A is a schematic cut-away view of housing portion 32 through longitudinal axis L where housing portion 32 is at its thinnest. Figure 3B is a schematic cut-away view of housing portion 32 through longitudinal axis L where housing portion 32 is at its widest. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing portion along longitudinal axis L from interface end 54 (i.e., viewed from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

[0037] Fig. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the bulkhead element 36 as viewed from below, and Fig. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the bulkhead element 36 as viewed from below.

[0038] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from above, and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic view of plug 44 along longitudinal axis L as viewed from mouth end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., as viewed from above relative to the orientation of Figures 1 and 2).

[0039] Figure 6A is a schematic top perspective view of end cap 48. Figure 6B is a schematic view of end cap 48 along longitudinal axis L as viewed from mouth end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., from above).

[0040] The housing portion 32 in this example includes an outer housing wall 64 and an inner housing tube 62 formed from a single molding of polypropylene in this example. The outer housing wall 64 defines the exterior of the cartridge 2 and the inner housing tube 62 defines a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. The housing portion is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouth end 52 of the cartridge except for a mouth opening / aerosol outlet 60 from the mouthpiece 33 which is in fluid communication with the inner housing tube 62. The housing portion 32 includes an opening in the side wall that provides an air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example is approximately 2 mm 22. The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes the above-mentioned projection 56 which engages with a corresponding detent in the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion includes a further projection 66 which acts to provide an abutment stop for locating the septum element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 further includes an aperture providing a latch recess 68 arranged to receive a corresponding latch projection 70 in the end cap to secure the end cap to the housing portion when the cartridge is assembled.

[0041] The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 that is in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of an air channel through the cartridge. In this example, the double-walled section 74 of the housing portion 32 is configured such that the gap defines an air channel through the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis and has a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of approximately 3 mm. 2 The gap / portion of the air channel 76 defined by the double wall section of the housing portion extends down to the open end of the housing portion 32.

[0042] The air channel seal 34 is a silicone molding generally in the form of a tube having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes a circumferential ridge 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes circumferential ridges, but these are not visible in FIG. 2. When the cartridge is assembled, the air channel seal 34 is mounted on the inner housing tube 62 with the end of the inner housing tube 62 extending partially into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 of the air channel seal has a diameter of about 5.8 mm in the relaxed state of the air channel seal, while the end of the inner housing tube 62 has a diameter of about 6.2 mm, thereby forming a seal when the air channel seal 34 is stretched to receive the inner housing tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.

[0043] The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section having an inside diameter of about 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of about 0.2 mm, made, for example, of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 88, the end of each slot having a semicircular recess 90. When the cartridge is assembled, the outlet tube 38 rides on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is about 9.0 mm in the air channel seal's relaxed state, thereby forming a seal when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by a ridge 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. A collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.

[0044] The aerosolizable material transport element 42 includes a capillary wick, and the vaporizer (aerosol generator) 40 includes a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to a portion of the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporizer includes an electrical lead 41 that passes through a hole in the plug 44 to a contact electrode 46 attached to the end cap 54, allowing power to be provided to the vaporizer via an electrical interface established when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol delivery device. The vaporizer lead 41 may include the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or may include a different material (e.g., a lower resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example, the heater coil 40 includes nickel-iron alloy wire, and the wick 42 includes fiberglass bundles. The vaporizer and aerosolizable material transport elements may be provided according to any conventional technique and may include different forms and / or different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the wick may include a fibrous or solid ceramic material, and the heater may include a different alloy. In other examples, the heater and wick may be combined, for example in the form of a porous and resistive material. More generally, it will be understood that the particular nature of the aerosolizable material transport element and vaporizer are not of primary importance to the principles described herein.

[0045] When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received within a semicircular recess 90 in the outlet tube 38 so that a central portion of the wick with the heating coil wound therearound is inside the outlet tube, while an end portion of the wick is outside the outlet tube 38.

[0046] The plug 44 in this example comprises a unitary molding of silicone and may be resilient. The plug includes a base portion 100 with an outer wall 102 extending upwardly from the base portion 100 (i.e., toward the mouth end of the cartridge). The plug further includes an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base portion 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 through the base portion 100.

[0047] An outer wall 102 of the plug 44 fits against the inner surface of the housing portion 32 such that the plug 44 forms a seal with the housing portion 32 when the cartridge is assembled. An inner wall 104 of the plug 44 fits against the inner surface of the outlet tube 38 such that the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38 when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 108, the end of each slot having a semicircular recess 110. Extending outwardly (i.e., away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 shaped to receive a section of the aerosolizable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slot 108 and semicircular recess 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slot 88 and semicircular recess 90 of the outlet tube 38 are aligned such that the slot 88 in the outlet tube 38 receives each of the cradles 112 and the respective semicircular recesses in the outlet tube and plug cooperate to define an aperture through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes. The size of the aperture provided by the semicircular recess through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes corresponds closely to the size and shape of the aerosolizable material transport element, but is slightly smaller, so that the elasticity of the plug 44 provides some compression. This allows the aerosolizable material to be transported along the aerosolizable material transport element by capillary action while limiting the extent to which aerosolizable material not transported by capillary action can pass through the opening. As mentioned above, the plug 44 includes a further opening 114 in the base portion 100 through which the vaporizer contact lead 41 passes when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the plug base includes spacers 116 that maintain the offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include openings 114 through which the vaporizer electrical contact leads 41 pass.

[0048] The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene molding having a pair of gold plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted therein.

[0049] The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are approximately flush with the cartridge interface ends 54 provided by the end cap 48. These are the portions of the electrodes that correspondingly aligned spring contacts in the aerosol delivery device 4 connect to when the cartridge 2 is assembled and connected to the aerosol delivery device 4. The ends of the electrode posts inside the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 into holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and include chamfers at their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the holes 114 in the plug which maintains a pressure contact with the vaporizer contact leads.

[0050] The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 which fits against the inside surface of the housing portion 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing portion 32 so that, when the cartridge is assembled, the latch projections 70 engage the latch recesses 68 in the housing portion 32 to snap-fit ​​the end cap 48 into the housing portion. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts the periphery of the plug 44 and the lower surface of the spacer 116 on the plug also abuts the base section 124 of the plug, thereby compressing the resilient portion 44 and maintaining it in a slightly compressed state when the end cap 48 is installed in the housing portion.

[0051] A base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112 having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the outer wall of the housing portion of the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 which aligns with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to help establish their relative position during assembly.

[0052] The septum element 36 comprises a single moulding of polypropylene, with a septum 130 and a collar 132 formed by a protrusion in a direction from the septum 130 towards the interface end of the cartridge. The septum element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e. the septum is disposed around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments the septum element 36 may be formed integrally with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages the lower surface of the septum 130 which in turn engages the protrusion 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32. The septum 130 thus prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing part 32, i.e. the septum 130 is fixedly positioned along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusion 66 in the housing part, thus providing the plug with a fixed surface to press against. A collar 132 formed by a projection from the septum includes a first pair of opposing projections / tangs 134 that engage corresponding recesses on the inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The projections from the septum 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage corresponding ones of the cradle sections 112 in the part 44 when the cartridge is assembled to further define an opening through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes.

[0053] When the cartridge 2 is assembled, an air channel is formed that extends from the air inlet 50 through the cartridge to the aerosol outlet 60. Starting at the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing portion 32, a first section of the air channel is provided by a gap 76 formed by a double wall section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32, and extends from the air inlet 50 through the plug 44 towards the interface end 54 of the cartridge. A second portion of the air channel is provided by a gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third portion of the air channel is provided by a hole 106 through the plug 44. A fourth portion of the air channel is provided by the inner wall 104 of the plug around the vaporizer 40 and the area within the outlet tube. This fourth portion of the air channel is also referred to as the aerosol / aerosol generation region, and is the primary region where aerosol is generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol generation region may be referred to as the air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remaining portion of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by an outer housing inner tube 62 that connects the air channel to an aerosol outlet 60 located at the end of the mouthpiece 33. The air channel that leads from the aerosol-generation region to the aerosol outlet may be referred to as the aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

[0054] Also, when the cartridge is assembled, a reservoir 31 for the aerosolizable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing portion 32. The aerosolizable material may be filled during manufacture, for example through a fill hole that is subsequently sealed, or by other means. The specific nature of the aerosolizable material, for example with respect to the composition of the aerosolizable material, is not primarily important to the principles described herein, and generally any conventional aerosolizable material of the kind typically used in electronic cigarettes may be used. The present disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolizable material, which may be a conventional e-liquid as described above. However, the principles of the present disclosure apply to any aerosolizable material that has the ability to flow and may include liquids, gels, or solids, and in the case of solids, a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered as a bulk.

[0055] The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by a plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the septum 130 and a second region below the septum 130 in the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolizable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through an opening in the wall of the air channel provided by the semicircular recesses 108, 90 in the plug 44 and outlet tube 38, which engage with each other as described above, and the cradle sections 112, 136 in the plug 44 and septum element 36. Thus, the end of the aerosolizable material transport element extends into the second region of the reservoir from which it draws the aerosolizable material through the opening in the air channel and into the vaporizer 40 for subsequent vaporization.

[0056] In standard use, the cartridge 2 is coupled to the aerosol delivery device 4, and the aerosol delivery device is activated to provide power to the cartridge via contact electrodes 46 in the end cap 48. Power then flows through connecting lead 41 to the vaporizer 40. The vaporizer is thus electrically heated, thereby vaporizing a portion of the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element proximate the vaporizer. This generates an aerosol in the aerosol-generating region of the airway. The aerosolizable material vaporized from the aerosolizable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolizable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporizer is operating, the user inhales on the mouth end 52 of the cartridge. This draws air through whichever aerosol delivery device air inlet 14 aligns with the cartridge air inlet 50 (which will depend on the orientation in which the cartridge was inserted into the aerosol delivery device receptacle 8). Air then enters the cartridge through air inlet 50, passes along gap 76 in double-walled section 74 of housing portion 32, passes between plug 44 and end cap 48, and then through hole 106 in base portion 100 of plug 44 into the aerosol-generating region surrounding vaporizer 40. The incoming air mixes with the aerosol generated from the vaporizer to form a condensed aerosol that is then drawn along exit tube 38 and housing portion interior 62 before exiting through mouthpiece outlet / aerosol outlet 60 for user inhalation.

[0057] From Figures 1 to 6B above, one can see the configuration of a possible embodiment of an aerosol delivery system 1 configured to generate an aerosol suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure (potentially together with other forms of aerosol delivery systems).

[0058] 7 to 10B, the present disclosure also provides other uses and embodiments of the aerosol delivery system 1 that may complement those embodiments of the aerosol delivery system illustrated and described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B.

[0059] 7 through 8C, according to some embodiments, an aerosol delivery system 1 for generating an aerosol is provided, the aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a consumable 2 and an aerosol delivery device 4 configured to receive the consumable 2. Although not required, the consumable 2 may be structurally and functionally related to any of the cartridges / consumables previously described. Similarly, the aerosol delivery device / control unit 4 may be structurally and functionally related to any of the aerosol delivery devices / control units previously described.

[0060] According to these embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 4 may include a sensor 101 for sensing a portion 71 of the consumable 2 when the consumable 2 is received by the aerosol delivery device 4. In this manner, the sensor 101 may be configured to output sensor data, and the aerosol delivery device 4 may be configured to use the sensor data to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable 2.

[0061] Thus, at a general level, the application of these embodiments is to facilitate an aerosol delivery system 1 and / or an aerosol delivery device 4 in a state in which the characteristics of the consumable 2 can be identified prior to any operation of the consumable 2.

[0062] At a general level, it should be appreciated that a variety of different sensor configurations may be employed to sense portion 71 of consumable 2 depending on the nature of portion 71. For example, according to some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 7A, sensor 101 may include an optical sensor, such as a camera in very specific embodiments.

[0063] Thus, using sensor 101, it may be configured to sense a portion 71 of consumable 2 when consumable 2 is received by aerosol delivery device 4. Regarding the nature of portion 71, according to some embodiments, portion may include an outer surface 73 of consumable 2, such as an outer surface of base 75 of consumable 2 according to some particular embodiments.

[0064] In particular, in the case of embodiments in which the sensor 101 comprises an optical sensor, according to some embodiments, the portion 71 may then include a suitable appearance to make this portion 71 detectable. In this regard, and according to some embodiments, the portion thus includes indicia 71A, pattern 71B, a bar code, and / or a QR code 71C (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8A). Thus, on a more general level, according to some embodiments, the portion 71 may be machine-readable.

[0065] To facilitate sensing of portion 71 in use, and to avoid portion 71 otherwise taking up too much space on consumable 2, it has been found that portion 71 may, according to some, have a maximum dimension of 30 mm or less, according to some narrower embodiments a maximum dimension of 20 mm or less, in even narrower embodiments a maximum dimension of 15 mm or less, and / or according to some even narrower embodiments a maximum dimension of 10 mm or less. In this specification, the term "maximum dimension" means that none of the maximum length / width / thickness of portion 71 may exceed the amount quoted in millimeters.

[0066] Where a portion 71 is employed, as described above, the portion 71 may include an outer surface 73 of the consumable 2 or may be positioned on such outer surface 73 of the consumable 2, such as via the portion 71 comprising a label that may be attached to a consumable, such as the outer surface 73 of the consumable 2, and / or by forming the outer surface 73 of the consumable 2.

[0067] The exact location of portion 71 may be varied considerably around the surface of consumable 2 as desired, such as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 where portion 71 is shown potentially being positioned at interface end 54 of consumable 2 and / or base 75 of consumable 2.

[0068] However, regardless of the position of portion 71, the functionality of portion 71 can be improved so long as the aerosol delivery device 4 and / or aerosol delivery system 1 are configured such that portion 71 faces and / or is exposed to and / or is readable by sensor 101 when the consumable 2 is received by the aerosol delivery device 4.

[0069] To aid in the above, according to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 4 according to some embodiments may include a receptacle 8 configured to receive the consumable 2. According to some embodiments, the receptacle 8 may include a first end 9 for inserting the consumable 2 into the receptacle 8, and a second end 11 opposite the first end 9. As such, the receptacle may include a side wall 12 (receptacle wall) between the first end 9 and the second end 11.

[0070] When such a receptacle 8 is employed, in order to better protect the sensor from accidental damage during use, according to some embodiments the sensor 101 may be recessed within the side wall 12 and / or second end 11, as shown, for example, in the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8A-8C.

[0071] Regardless of the location of the sensor 101, however, and to the extent that a sensor 101 is employed, as discussed above, the sensor 101 is configured to output sensor data to enable the aerosol delivery device 4 to use the sensor data to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable 2. As to what this predetermined characteristic is, obviously, this can be a number of different things. For example, according to some embodiments, the predetermined characteristic can include the composition of the aerosol generating material inside the consumable 2, and / or the predetermined characteristic can include the remaining amount of aerosol generating material inside the consumable (which can be solid, liquid, and / or gel aerosol generating material as appropriate, depending on the embodiment of the consumable being used). In this manner, and to the extent that the predetermined characteristic can be determined, the aerosol delivery device 4 and / or the aerosol delivery system 1 can be configured to take appropriate action in response to this determination. For example, according to very particular embodiments, in response to determining a predetermined characteristic of the consumable 2, the aerosol delivery device 4 may be configured to select a predetermined power profile or a predetermined power setting for the aerosol generator 40 (e.g., to correspond to a particular flavor or amount of aerosol generating material in the consumable 2). According to some embodiments, the predetermined characteristic may explicitly, alternatively / additionally include an indication of whether the consumable is authorized (or legitimate). In this manner, the aerosol delivery device may be configured to prevent operation of the aerosol generator 40 by the aerosol delivery device 4 until the aerosol delivery system 1 determines the predetermined characteristic of the consumable 2 and / or until the aerosol delivery system 1 determines that the consumable 2 is authorized. This may be particularly useful to prevent any inadvertent damage to the aerosol delivery device 4 by attempting to generate aerosol from an otherwise counterfeit consumable or from some other form of inferior consumable 2 that is not legitimate.These embodiments may also be useful insofar as they better prevent any inadvertent combustion of the flavor(s) of the aerosol-generating material due to application of an inappropriate heating regime for a particular flavor of the aerosol-generating material.

[0072] According to some embodiments, to better protect the consumable 2 and any employed sensor 101 during use, and insofar as the receptacle 8 may be employed, according to some embodiments, the receptacle 8 may be configured to fully enclose the consumable 2 when the consumable 2 is received by the aerosol delivery device, for example as shown in the embodiment of Figures 8A-8C. To assist in this protection, according to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system 1 may additionally / alternatively comprise a cover 103, movable between a first position C1 in which the cover 103 at least partially covers the first end 9 of the receptacle 8 and prevents the consumable 2 from being inserted into (or removed from) the receptacle 2, and a second position C2 in which the cover 103 at least partially exposes the first end 9 of the receptacle 8 and allows the consumable 2 to be received by (or removed from) the aerosol delivery device 4.

[0073] To the extent that a cover 103 may be employed, according to some embodiments, the cover may be removable from the aerosol delivery device 4. This may be accomplished, for example, by making the cover 103 (which in such embodiments may also be described as a cap) feasibly attachable to the aerosol delivery device 4, such as via a thread and / or an interference fit according to very specific embodiments. According to some embodiments, the cover 103 may be configured to block the first end 8 of the receptacle at the first position C1. However, in some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 4 may include the cover 103, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 8A to 8C.

[0074] With regard to how any employed cover 103 may move between the first position C1 and the second position C2, according to some embodiments the cover 103 may be slidable from a first position to a second position, such as in the embodiments shown in Figures 8A-8C, 9A-9B, and 10A-10B. However, obviously, according to some embodiments any employed cover 103 may be configured to rotate between the first position C1 and the second position C2 and / or perform some other movement(s) between the first position C1 and the second position C2.

[0075] Thus, from the above, to the extent cover 103 may be employed, cover 103 may help to better protect some of the components of the aerosol delivery system, such as any inside receptacle 8, particularly while aerosol delivery system 1 is not in use, such as in the positions according to the embodiments of Figures 8A, 9A, and 10A.

[0076] Even if cover 103 is employed, a potential further use of cover 103 is that the aerosol delivery device 4 may be configured to control operation of a sensor (or more generally, some other part / component 79 of the aerosol delivery device 4, as described below) in response to determining that cover 103 has moved i) between a first position C1 and a second position C2, ii) from the first position C1 to the second position C2, and / or iii) from the second position C2 to the first position C1.

[0077] For example, according to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 4 may be configured to operate the sensor 101 in response to the cover 103 being (determined to be) positioned in the second position C2. Thus, according to some related embodiments, the aerosol delivery device may be configured to operate the sensor 101 while the cover 103 is in the second position C2 and / or to disable the sensor in response to the cover being positioned in the first position C1. Thus, according to these examples, the position of the cover 103 may be dictating the operation of the sensor 101 (or more generally any other part / component of the aerosol delivery device 4), which may thus facilitate conserving power in the aerosol delivery device 4 to provide power to the sensor 101 (or other part / component 79, such as the aerosol generator 40, or the light source 81 inside the receptacle 8) only when the sensor (or other component) is expected to be operated.

[0078] Thus, as an example, to the extent that the aerosol delivery device 4 may be configured to operate the sensor 101 in response to the cover 103 being positioned in the second position C2, this may enable the sensor 101 to be activated in accordance with the time when the user may next insert the consumable 2 into the receptacle 8, for example as shown in the positions of FIG. 8B, FIG. 9C, or FIG. 10B.

[0079] As another example, the aerosol delivery device 4 may be configured to operate the aerosol generator 40 in response to the cover 103 being positioned in the second position C2.

[0080] In yet another example, the aerosol delivery device 4 may be configured to operate the light source 81 in the receptacle in response to the cover 103 being positioned in the second position C2. In this manner, operation of the light source 81 may facilitate a user being able to see where / how exactly to insert the consumable 2 into the receptacle 8.

[0081] For completeness, this functionality of the aerosol supply device 4 and aerosol supply system 1 may be employed regardless of whether the above-mentioned sensor 101 and / or portion 71 is employed, so that the aerosol supply device 4 may be configured to operate any portion 79 (or more) or component of the aerosol supply device 4 in response to the cover 103 being positioned in the second position C2.

[0082] With the above disclosure in mind, it will be understood that where a portion 79 of a component of the aerosol delivery device 4 is configured to be operated based on the position of the cover 103, any such operation may be immediate or, in some embodiments, may be operated a predetermined time after the aerosol delivery system 1 (or aerosol delivery device 4) determines that the cover 103 has moved to the associated position.

[0083] For example, according to some embodiments, in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second (or first) position C2, the aerosol delivery system 1 may be configured to operate a portion 79 of the aerosol delivery system (whether this portion is, for example, the aerosol generator 40, the light source 81 mentioned above, and / or the sensor 101, if employed) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the aerosol delivery system has determined that the cover 103 has moved from the first position C1 to the second position C2 (or from the second position to the first position). For some embodiments, the predetermined time may include at least 0.5 seconds, 0.7 seconds, 1 second, 1.5 seconds, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, and / or 5 seconds. In this way, taking the case where the portion to be operated is the aerosol generator 40 or any employed sensor 101 as an example, thus introducing a time delay (predetermined time) may take into account the fact that it may take some time between the user opening the cover 103 and placing the consumable 2 into the receptacle 8. Therefore, by taking this delay into account and thus providing a time delay (a predetermined period of time), battery consumption of the aerosol delivery device 4 can be reduced by not unnecessarily supplying power to a portion 79 of the aerosol delivery system during this period while the user has not yet inserted the consumable 2 into the receptacle 8.

[0084] Similarly, the predetermined time may include 20 seconds or less, 15 seconds or less, 12 seconds or less, 10 seconds or less, 8 seconds or less, 7 seconds or less, and / or 5 seconds or less according to some embodiments. Thus, by providing this maximum timer period, it may provide a convenient upper limit on the time delay by which a user may be reasonably expected to place the consumable 2 in the receptacle 8.

[0085] However, in some embodiments, such as when the aerosol delivery device 2 includes a light source 81 within the receptacle 8 (to help the user see within the receptacle 8), it may not be necessary to provide a time delay, as according to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system (or aerosol delivery device 4) may be configured to operate a portion 79 of the aerosol delivery system (such as a light source) immediately, i.e., without a time delay, in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position C2.

[0086] With regard to the positioning of the above-mentioned portion 79 of the aerosol delivery device 4 (whether this is, for example, the aerosol generator 40, the light source 81, or the sensor 101), to help protect the portion 79 during use, according to some embodiments, the portion 79 may be positioned on a side wall and / or towards or at the second end 11 of the receptacle 8. According to some particular embodiments, the portion 79 may be positioned 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, and / or 10 mm or less from the second end 11 of the receptacle 8. In this way, several advantages may be provided, inter alia, in terms of better positioning the portion 79 away from the first end 9 of the receptacle (where the portion 79 may otherwise be vulnerable to damage). However, in practice, if portion 79 includes light source 81, having this light source proximal to second end 11 may assist in allowing a user to look directly into this end of receptacle 8 and may also provide an element of discretion to better obscure light from a light source contained within receptacle 8. Similarly, if portion 79 includes sensor 101, having this sensor 101 proximal to second end 11 may assist in the accuracy of the sensor such that it does not sense the consumable 8 unless the consumable is fully inserted into receptacle 8, as opposed to being partially or incorrectly inserted.

[0087] To further protect portion 79 and to facilitate insertion of consumable 2 into the receptacle, receptacle 8 (and / or consumable 2) may be generally cylindrical.

[0088] With regard to retention of the consumable 2 within the receptacle 8 during use, this retention may, according to some embodiments, be facilitated by the aerosol delivery device 4 comprising at least one retaining portion 83 or multiple retaining portions 83A-83F for gripping the consumable 2 received within the receptacle 8. According to some embodiments, when multiple retaining portions 83A-83F are provided, the multiple retaining portions 83A-83F may be configured to surround the consumable and / or, in certain embodiments, further to grip multiple different circumferential portions of the consumable 2 received within the receptacle 8.

[0089] According to some embodiments, to assist in gripping the consumable 2 and to provide increased strength to each holding portion 83, each holding portion may protrude into the receptacle 8, such as by each holding portion protruding from a side wall 12 of the receptacle 8 (as shown in the embodiment of Figures 7 to 10B).

[0090] To the extent that any retaining portions 83 are employed, the gripping effect of the retaining portions may be better distributed around the consumable to better prevent any damage to the consumable 2 by, according to some embodiments, each retaining portion extending between the first end 9 and the second end 11 of the receptacle 8, and in some more particular embodiments, by each retaining portion extending at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and / or at least 90% of the distance between the first end 9 and the second end 11 of the receptacle 8. Here, a distance of at least 70% has been found to demonstrate particularly beneficial gripping.

[0091] If optional retaining portions 83 are used, in some embodiments, these retaining portions 83 may also serve to protect the portions 79 from inadvertent damage. This may be accomplished by positioning the portion(s) 79 (such as the aerosol generator 40, any of the optional light sources 81, and / or the sensors 101) between multiple retaining portions 83.

[0092] Thus, with respect to any portion 79 potentially comprising an aerosol generator 40, it will be understood that any employed aerosol generator 40 need not necessarily be positioned as part of the consumable 2. In this regard, for example, according to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 4 may comprise the aerosol generator 40. For example, according to some embodiments, the aerosol generator 40 may be positioned within the receptacle 8 and / or may comprise a tubular aerosol generator 40 configured to at least partially surround the consumable 2 when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device 4 in the receptacle. In this manner, when the aerosol generator 40 is then operated, the aerosol generator 40 (which may comprise, for example, a heating element) may aerosolize the aerosol-generating material within the consumable (e.g., via heat transferred from a [potentially tubular] heating element from the aerosol delivery device 4 to the aerosol-generating material in the consumable 2).

[0093] According to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system 1 may include an inductive or wireless heating arrangement for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, as shown, for example, in the embodiment of Figures 10A-10B. According to such an embodiment, the aerosol delivery device 4 and / or the receptacle 8 may include a coil 40A configured to inductively heat a susceptor 40B positioned within the consumable 2, the susceptor 40B being configured to heat the aerosol-generating material within the consumable 2 to generate an aerosol. In this manner, the aerosol generator may include a susceptor 40B.

[0094] Regardless of what form of aerosol generator 40 is employed, it can be seen back to the cover 103 that in some embodiments, the operation of the aerosol generator 40, or indeed the operation of any other part 79 of the aerosol delivery device or system, can be controlled based on the determined position of the cover 103. It can be seen that a number of different configurations can be employed to make this determination, such as by using a suitable form of sensor or detection circuitry that can sense or determine the position of the cover 103. For completeness, a particular embodiment is shown in the embodiment of Figures 8A to 10B. In this particular embodiment, the aerosol delivery device 4 comprises a first contact 105A for contacting the cover 103 when the cover is in the first position C1, and thus for detecting the cover 103. In this embodiment, the aerosol delivery device 4 then comprises a second contact 105B for contacting the cover 103 when the cover is in the second position C2, and thus for detecting the cover 103. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of detection circuit configurations may be employed as required, for example by using a capacitive or inductive circuit, whereby a portion / component through the cover may be moved and then sensed using a capacitive or inductive circuit to determine the relative position of the portion / component through the cover 103, such as determining whether the cover 103 is in a first position C1 or a second position C2.

[0095] Thus, from the above it can be seen that an effective form of aerosol delivery system is provided whereby operation of the aerosol delivery system and / or portion 79 of the aerosol delivery device may be controlled based on a determined position of the cover 103 by the aerosol delivery device 4. Thus, an aerosol delivery system 1 for generating aerosol is described, the aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a consumable 2 and an aerosol delivery device 4 configured to receive the consumable. The aerosol delivery device 4 comprises a receptacle 8 for receiving the consumable, the aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a cover 103 movable between a first position C1 in which the cover 103 at least partially covers a first end 9 of the receptacle 8 preventing the consumable 2 from being inserted into the receptacle 8 and a second position C2 in which the cover 103 at least partially exposes the first end 9 allowing the consumable 2 to be received by the aerosol delivery device 4 in the receptacle 8. The aerosol supply system further comprises a (first) part 79, the operation of which is configured to be controlled by the aerosol supply system, the aerosol supply system being configured to determine that the cover 103 has moved from the first position C1 to the second position C2, and to operate the (first) part 79 in response to determining that the cover 103 has moved to the second position C2.

[0096] Moving away from cover 103 and returning to the provision of any employed sensor 101 for use in determining the predetermined characteristic of the consumable by the aerosol delivery device, it will be appreciated that according to some embodiments, sensor 103 may be coupled with any control circuitry 18 provided by aerosol delivery device 4 and / or aerosol delivery system 1 to facilitate the determination process in some embodiments. For example, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 7-10B, according to some embodiments, aerosol delivery system 1 may include control circuitry 18 configured to receive sensor data from sensor 103 and use the sensor data to determine the predetermined characteristic of consumable 2.

[0097] After the predetermined characteristic of the consumable 2 has been determined, further appropriate actions may be taken to respond to the particular characteristic determined. For example, according to some embodiments, in response to determining the predetermined characteristic of the consumable 2, the control circuitry 18 and / or the aerosol delivery device 4 or more generally the aerosol delivery system 1 may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator 40, such as by providing power to the aerosol generator, varying / increasing / decreasing the power provided to the aerosol generator (e.g., to correspond to a particular predetermined flavor of the aerosol-generating material detected in the consumable using the sensor 101), and / or by varying / increasing / decreasing the rate of aerosol generation from the aerosol delivery system (e.g., to correspond to a predetermined low or high level of residual aerosol-generating material detected in the consumable using the sensor 101).

[0098] As mentioned above, where sensor 101 is employed, operation of certain embodiments may include the aerosol delivery system 1 (or device 4) being configured to prevent operation of the aerosol generator 40 by the aerosol delivery system (device) until the aerosol delivery system (device) determines a predetermined characteristic of the consumable. This functionality may thus act as a safety feature to better prevent any inadvertent operation of the aerosol generator if the aerosol generator is inappropriate (e.g., because a predetermined small amount of aerosol generating material has been detected remaining in the consumable, and / or because an unauthorized / counterfeit consumable has been detected, and / or more simply, because no consumable has been detected at all).

[0099] Thus, with the above in mind, there is consequently provided an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a consumable; and an aerosol delivery device configured to receive the consumable; the aerosol delivery device includes an optical sensor for sensing a portion of the consumable when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device, the portion including an outer surface of the consumable; the sensor is configured to output sensor data, and the aerosol delivery device is configured to use the sensor data to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable; An aerosol delivery system is described.

[0100] 1. An aerosol delivery device for an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery device comprising: A sensor for sensing an exterior surface portion of a consumable configured to be received by an aerosol delivery device. Equipped with the sensor is configured to output sensor data, and the aerosol delivery device is configured to use the sensor data to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable; An aerosol delivery device is also described.

[0101] Also described is a consumable for use in an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the consumable having an exterior surface portion configured to be received within a receptacle of an aerosol delivery device when the consumable is being used to generate an aerosol, the exterior surface portion including indicia configured to be sensed to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable.

[0102] 1. A method for determining a predetermined characteristic of a consumable in an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: Receiving a consumable into an aerosol delivery device according to an aerosol delivery system; sensing a portion of the consumable when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device using a sensor with the aerosol delivery device, the portion including an exterior surface of the consumable; outputting sensor data from the sensor; determining, by the aerosol delivery device, a predetermined characteristic of the consumable using the sensor data; A method is also described, including:

[0103] 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a consumable; and an aerosol delivery device configured to receive the consumable; the aerosol delivery device comprising a receptacle for receiving a consumable; The aerosol delivery system includes a cover, a first position in which the cover at least partially covers the first end of the receptacle to prevent the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle; a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end to allow the consumable to be received by the aerosol delivery device within the receptacle; and A movable cover is provided between the The aerosol delivery system further comprises a first portion, the operation of the first portion being configured to be controlled by the aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system being configured to: determining that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position; and Activating a first portion of the aerosol delivery system in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position. It is configured as follows: An aerosol delivery system is also described.

[0104] 1. An aerosol delivery device for an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving a consumable; A cover, a first position in which the cover at least partially covers the first end of the receptacle to prevent the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle; a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end to allow the consumable to be received by the aerosol delivery device within the receptacle; and A cover that can be moved between the a first portion, the operation of which is configured to be controlled by an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising: determining that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position; and Operate a first portion of the aerosol delivery device in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position. It is configured as follows: An aerosol delivery device is also described.

[0105] 1. A method of controlling operation of a portion of an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising a consumable and an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a receptacle for receiving the consumable, the method comprising: moving a cover of the aerosol delivery system from a first position in which the cover at least partially covers a first end of the receptacle and prevents the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle to a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end and allows the consumable to be received inside the receptacle by the aerosol delivery device; determining that the cover has moved to a second position; responsive to determining that the cover has moved to the second position, operating a first portion of the aerosol delivery system; A method is also described, including:

[0106] Thus, with this in mind, the above disclosure may obviously relate to additional embodiments set forth in the following numbered clauses at the end of this specification, along with other described embodiments from the claims set forth below.

[0107] [WB1]Also described is an aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a consumable 2 and an aerosol delivery device 4 configured to receive the consumable 2. The aerosol delivery device 4 comprises a receptacle 8 for receiving the consumable. A cover 103 is also provided, the cover 103 being movable between a first closed position C1 in which the cover 103 at least partially covers the receptacle 8 and a second open position C2 in which the cover at least partially exposes the receptacle 8. A first portion 79, such as the light source 81 or the aerosol generator 40, or the sensor 101 is configured to be controlled in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position C2. In this manner, the first portion 79 may be operated in response to determining that the cover 103 has been opened, thereby conserving power of the aerosol delivery system 1 by not previously operating the portion 79.

[0108] To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure illustrates by way of example various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be implemented. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid in understanding and teach the claimed invention(s). The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects described in this disclosure should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the disclosure 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 claims. It will be understood that the various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and thus the features of the dependent claims (or any dependent clauses recited herein) may be combined with the features of the independent claims (or independent clauses) in combinations other than those expressly recited in the claims or clauses. The present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed, but which may be claimed in the future. Thus, any permutation of features from the claims may be combined as appropriate and / or combined with any permutation of features from the recited clauses of this specification at the end of this specification.

[0109] A set of provisions of the Consistency 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a consumable; and an aerosol delivery device configured to receive the consumable; the aerosol delivery device includes an optical sensor for sensing a portion of the consumable when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device, the portion including an outer surface of the consumable; the sensor is configured to output sensor data, and the aerosol delivery device is configured to use the sensor data to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable; Aerosol delivery system.

[0110] 2. The aerosol delivery system of clause 1, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a receptacle configured to receive a consumable.

[0111] 3. The aerosol delivery system of clause 2, wherein the receptacle is configured to completely contain the consumable when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device.

[0112] 4. The receptacle is a first end for inserting the consumable into the receptacle; a second end opposite the first end; and a sidewall between the first end and the second end; 4. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2 or 3, comprising:

[0113] 5. The aerosol delivery system of claim 4, wherein the sensor is recessed into the side wall.

[0114] 6. The aerosol delivery system of clause 4 or 5, wherein the sensor is recessed within the second end.

[0115] 7. The aerosol delivery system is A cover, a first position in which the cover at least partially covers the first end to prevent the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle; a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end to allow the consumable to be received by the aerosol delivery device; and Movable cover between 7. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 4 to 6, further comprising:

[0116] 8. The aerosol delivery system of clause 7, wherein the cover is removable from the aerosol delivery device.

[0117] 9. The aerosol delivery system of clause 7, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a cover.

[0118] 10. The aerosol delivery system of clause 9, wherein the cover is slidable from a first position to a second position.

[0119] 11. An aerosol delivery system described in any one of clauses 7 to 10, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to control operation of the sensor in response to determining that the cover has moved between the first position and the second position.

[0120] 12. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 7 to 11, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to operate the optical sensor in response to the cover being positioned in the second position.

[0121] 13. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 7 to 12, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to operate the optical sensor while the cover is in the second position.

[0122] 14. An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of clauses 7 to 13, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to disable the optical sensor in response to the cover being positioned in the first position.

[0123] 15. An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of clauses 7 to 14, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to disable the optical sensor while the cover is in the first position.

[0124] 16. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 7 to 15, wherein the sensor is positioned on a side wall.

[0125] 17. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 7 to 16, wherein the sensor is positioned at the second end.

[0126] 18. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 4 to 17, wherein the sensor is positioned within 30 mm of the second end.

[0127] 19. An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of clauses 2 to 18, wherein the sensor is positioned within the receptacle.

[0128] 20. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 2-19, wherein the receptacle is generally cylindrical.

[0129] 21. An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of clauses 2 to 20, wherein a portion of the consumable is configured to be positioned within the receptacle when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device.

[0130] 22. An aerosol delivery system described in any one of clauses 2 to 21, wherein the aerosol delivery device has at least one holding portion for gripping a consumable received in the receptacle.

[0131] 23. The aerosol delivery system of clause 22, wherein at least one holding portion includes a plurality of holding portions for gripping consumables received within the receptacle.

[0132] 24. The aerosol delivery system of claim 23, wherein the sensor is positioned between the plurality of holding portions.

[0133] 25. An aerosol delivery system as described in clause 23 or 24, wherein each holding portion protrudes into a receptacle.

[0134] 26. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 22 to 25, further depending on at least clause 4, wherein each holding portion protrudes from a side wall of the receptacle.

[0135] 27. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 22 to 26, further depending on at least clause 4, wherein each holding portion extends between a first end and a second end of the receptacle.

[0136] 28. The aerosol delivery system of any preceding clause, wherein a portion includes indicia.

[0137] 29. The aerosol delivery system of any preceding clause, wherein the portion includes a pattern.

[0138] 30. An aerosol delivery system as described in any preceding clause, wherein a portion has a maximum dimension of 30 mm or less.

[0139] 31. An aerosol delivery system as described in any preceding clause, wherein a portion has a maximum dimension of 20 mm or less.

[0140] 32. An aerosol delivery system as described in any preceding clause, wherein a portion has a maximum dimension of 10 mm or less.

[0141] 33. An aerosol delivery system according to any preceding clause, a portion of which is machine-readable.

[0142] 34. Consumables, a part of which is described in any preceding clause, including a label affixed to the Consumable.

[0143] 35. The aerosol delivery system of any preceding clause, wherein the optical sensor includes a camera.

[0144] 36. The aerosol delivery system of any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined characteristic comprises a composition of the aerosol-generating material within the consumable.

[0145] 37. An aerosol delivery system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined characteristic includes a remaining amount of aerosol generating material within the consumable.

[0146] 38. An aerosol delivery system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined characteristics include an indication of whether the consumable is approved.

[0147] 39. An aerosol delivery system comprising: receiving sensor data from a sensor; and Using the sensor data to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable The aerosol delivery system of any preceding clause, comprising control circuitry configured to:

[0148] 40. The aerosol delivery system further comprises an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol, the control circuitry comprising: Controlling operation of the aerosol generator in response to determining a predetermined characteristic of the consumable 40. The aerosol delivery system of claim 39, further configured to:

[0149] 41. The aerosol delivery system of any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol delivery system is configured to prevent operation of the aerosol generator by the aerosol delivery system until the aerosol delivery device determines a predetermined characteristic of the consumable.

[0150] 42. An aerosol delivery device for an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a sensor for sensing an exterior surface portion of the consumable configured to be received by the aerosol delivery device; the sensor is configured to output sensor data, and the aerosol delivery device is configured to use the sensor data to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable; Aerosol delivery device.

[0151] 43. The aerosol delivery device of clause 42, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to prevent operation of the aerosol generator by the aerosol delivery device until the aerosol delivery device determines a predetermined characteristic of the consumable.

[0152] 44. A consumable for use in an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the consumable having an exterior surface portion configured to be received within a receptacle of an aerosol delivery device when the consumable is being used to generate an aerosol, the exterior surface portion including indicia configured to be sensed to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable.

[0153] 45. A consumable as described in clause 44, wherein the consumable comprises a body portion and a mouthpiece portion, the body portion including indicia.

[0154] 46. ​​A consumable as described in clause 44 or 45, the outer surface portion of which includes a label attached to the consumable.

[0155] 47. A consumable item described in any one of clauses 44 to 46, wherein the outer surface portion is configured to be machine-readable.

[0156] 48. A consumable product according to any one of clauses 44 to 47, wherein the consumable product comprises an aerosol generator for aerosolizing the aerosol-generating material.

[0157] 49. A consumable according to any one of clauses 44 to 48, wherein the consumable is generally cylindrical.

[0158] 50. A consumable product according to any one of clauses 44 to 49, wherein the consumable product comprises a reservoir for an aerosol-generating material configured to be aerosolized to generate an aerosol.

[0159] 51. A consumable product according to any one of clauses 44 to 50, wherein the consumable product comprises a heating element configured to be heated to generate an aerosol.

[0160] 52. The consumable of clause 51, wherein the heating element includes a susceptor.

[0161] 53. A method for determining a predetermined characteristic of a consumable in an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: Receiving a consumable into an aerosol delivery device according to an aerosol delivery system; sensing a portion of the consumable when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device using a sensor with the aerosol delivery device, the portion including an exterior surface of the consumable; outputting sensor data from the sensor; determining, by the aerosol delivery device, a predetermined characteristic of the consumable using the sensor data; A method comprising:

[0162] 54. The method further includes control circuitry by the aerosol delivery device, the control circuitry comprising: Receiving sensor data output from a sensor; Determining a predetermined characteristic of the consumable using the sensor data; The method according to clause 53,

[0163] 55. The method is Controlling operation of the aerosol generator in response to determining a predetermined characteristic of the consumable. 55. The method of claim 53 or 54, further comprising:

[0164] 56. Receiving the consumable into the aerosol delivery device by the aerosol delivery system further includes receiving the consumable into a receptacle of the aerosol delivery device; A portion of the consumable is positioned within the receptacle; 56. The method according to any one of clauses 53 to 55.

[0165] 57. The method is Preventing operation of the aerosol generator by the aerosol delivery device until the aerosol delivery system determines a predetermined characteristic of the consumable. 57. The method of any one of clauses 53 to 56, further comprising:

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a consumable; and an aerosol delivery device configured to receive the consumable; the aerosol delivery device comprising a receptacle for receiving the consumable; the aerosol delivery system comprising a cover, a first position in which the cover at least partially covers a first end of the receptacle to prevent the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle; a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end to allow the consumable to be received by the aerosol delivery device within the receptacle; and A movable cover is provided between the The aerosol delivery system further comprises a first portion, the operation of the first portion being configured to be controlled by the aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system being configured to: determining that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position; and activating the first portion of the aerosol delivery system in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position. It is configured as follows: Aerosol delivery system.

2. 2. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol delivery system is configured to disable the first portion in response to determining that the cover has moved from the second position to the first position.

3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a sensor for sensing the second portion of the consumable when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device.

4. The aerosol delivery system of claim 3 , wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor.

5. The aerosol delivery system of claim 4 , wherein the optical sensor comprises a camera.

6. The aerosol delivery system of claim 3 , wherein the second portion comprises an outer surface of the consumable.

7. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the second portion of the consumable is configured to be positioned within the receptacle when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device.

8. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the second portion includes indicia.

9. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the second portion comprises a pattern.

10. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the second portion has a maximum dimension of 30 mm or less.

11. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the second portion has a maximum dimension of 20 mm or less.

12. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the second portion has a maximum dimension of 10 mm or less.

13. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the second part is configured to be machine readable.

14. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the second part comprises a label attached to the consumable.

15. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the second portion comprises a label attached to the consumable.

16. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 3 to 15, wherein the sensor is configured to output sensor data, and the aerosol delivery device is configured to use the sensor data to determine a predetermined characteristic of the consumable.

17. The aerosol delivery system of claim 16 , wherein the predetermined characteristic comprises a composition of an aerosol-forming material within the consumable.

18. 18. The aerosol delivery system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the predetermined characteristic comprises a remaining amount of aerosol generating material within the consumable.

19. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the predetermined characteristic includes an indication of whether the consumable is approved or not.

20. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first part comprises a light source.

21. 21. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first part comprises an aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol.

22. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the aerosol delivery system is configured to operate the first part of the aerosol delivery system in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position a predetermined time after the aerosol delivery system determines that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position.

23. 23. The aerosol delivery system of claim 22, wherein the predetermined time period comprises at least 0.5 seconds.

24. 24. The aerosol delivery system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the predetermined time period comprises 10 seconds or less.

25. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the receptacle is configured to completely contain the consumable when the consumable is received by the aerosol delivery device.

26. The receptacle is the first end for inserting the consumable into the receptacle; a second end opposite the first end; and a sidewall between the first end and the second end; 26. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, comprising:

27. 27. The aerosol delivery system of claim 26, wherein the first portion is proximate to the side wall.

28. 28. The aerosol delivery system of claim 26 or 27, wherein the first portion is recessed into the side wall.

29. 29. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the first portion is located at the second end.

30. 30. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the first portion is located within 30 mm of the second end.

31. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the first portion is positioned within the receptacle.

32. 32. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is generally cylindrical.

33. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the cover is configured to be removed from the aerosol delivery device in the second position.

34. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises the cover.

35. 35. The aerosol delivery system of claim 34, wherein the cover is slidable from the first position to the second position.

36. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises at least one holding portion for gripping the consumable received in the receptacle.

37. 37. The aerosol delivery system of claim 36, wherein the at least one holding portion includes a plurality of holding portions for gripping the consumable received within the receptacle.

38. 38. The aerosol delivery system of claim 37, wherein the first portion is positioned between the plurality of holding portions.

39. 39. The aerosol delivery system of claim 37 or 38, wherein each holding portion protrudes into the receptacle.

40. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 36 to 39 when further dependent on at least claim 26, wherein each holding portion protrudes from the side wall of the receptacle.

41. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 36 to 40, when further dependent on at least claim 26, wherein each holding portion extends between the first end and the second end of the receptacle.

42. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the consumable is generally cylindrical.

43. 43. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the consumable comprises a heating element configured to be heated to generate the aerosol.

44. 44. The aerosol delivery system of claim 43, wherein the heating element comprises a susceptor.

45. 45. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the aerosol delivery system is configured to prevent operation of an aerosol generator by the aerosol delivery system until the aerosol delivery system determines that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position.

46. 1. An aerosol delivery device for an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving the consumable; A cover, a first position in which the cover at least partially covers a first end of the receptacle to prevent the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle; a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end to allow the consumable to be received by the aerosol delivery device within the receptacle; and A cover that can be moved between the a first portion, the operation of which is configured to be controlled by the aerosol delivery device; and determining that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position; and activating the first portion of the aerosol delivery device in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position. It is configured as follows: Aerosol delivery device.

47. 47. The aerosol delivery device of claim 46, wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to prevent operation of an aerosol generator by the aerosol delivery device until the aerosol delivery device determines that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position.

48. 13. A method of controlling operation of a portion of an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising a consumable and an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a receptacle for receiving the consumable, the method comprising: moving a cover of the aerosol delivery system from a first position in which the cover at least partially covers a first end of the receptacle and prevents the consumable from being inserted into the receptacle to a second position in which the cover at least partially exposes the first end and allows the consumable to be received inside the receptacle by the aerosol delivery device; determining that the cover has moved to the second position; in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position, operating the first portion of the aerosol delivery system; A method comprising:

49. 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the first portion includes an aerosol generator by the aerosol delivery system.

50. 50. The method of claim 48 or 49, wherein the first portion includes a sensor with the aerosol delivery device.

51. 51. The method of any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the aerosol delivery system is configured to operate the first portion of the aerosol delivery system in response to determining that the cover has moved to the second position a predetermined time after the aerosol delivery system determines that the cover has moved from the first position to the second position.

52. 52. The aerosol delivery system of claim 51, wherein the predetermined time period comprises at least 0.5 seconds.

53. 53. The aerosol delivery system of claim 51 or 52, wherein the predetermined time period comprises 10 seconds or less.

54. The method further comprising: Preventing operation of an aerosol generator by the aerosol delivery device until the aerosol delivery system determines a predetermined characteristic of the consumable. The method of any one of claims 48 to 53, further comprising:

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