Method for operating an aerosol supply device

Abstract

A method (400) for operating an aerosol supply device (100) is provided. The method includes a step of determining an ambient temperature, a step of comparing the determined ambient temperature with a threshold value, a step of operating the device (100) in a predetermined usage session, and a step of setting a limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions, wherein the limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions is set depending on a comparison between the determined ambient temperature and the threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating an aerosol supply device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol supply device and an aerosol supply system comprising an article comprising the aerosol supply device and an aerosol generating material.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, and these tobacco products or other non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, a method of operating an aerosol supply device is provided. The method includes determining an ambient temperature, comparing the determined ambient temperature with a threshold value, operating the device in a predetermined usage session, and setting a limit on the number of consecutive usage sessions (continuous sessions), wherein the limit on the number of consecutive usage sessions is set depending on a comparison between the determined ambient temperature and the threshold value.

[0004] The aerosol supply device may comprise a battery, and the ambient temperature may be determined by measuring the temperature of the battery.

[0005] The threshold value may be a predetermined temperature value of the battery.

[0006] The threshold value may be between 20°C and 70°C, or between 30°C and 60°C, or between 40°C and 50°C. In some embodiments, the threshold value may be 50°C.

[0007] The aerosol supply device may include a temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of the battery.

[0008] The temperature sensor may be a thermistor.

[0009] This method may include the step of setting a first limit value for the number of continuous use sessions depending on the determined ambient temperature being higher than the threshold value, and the step of setting a second limit value for the number of continuous use sessions depending on the determined ambient temperature being lower than the threshold value.

[0010] The first limit value may be lower than the second limit value. Alternatively, the first limit value may be higher than the second limit value.

[0011] The first limit value may be two continuous sessions. Alternatively, the first limit value may be three continuous sessions.

[0012] The second limit value may be three continuous sessions. Alternatively, the second limit value may be two continuous sessions.

[0013] The threshold value may be a first threshold value, and the method may include the step of comparing the determined ambient temperature with a second threshold value, and may further include the step of providing at least one additional limit value, and the limit regarding the number of continuous sessions may be set to at least one additional limit value based on the comparison with the second threshold value.

[0014] The method may include the step of determining the ambient temperature at startup of the device.

[0015] The method may include a step of determining when a limit regarding the number of consecutive use sessions has been reached.

[0016] The method may include a step of providing a display indicating that the device should not be used when a limit regarding the number of consecutive use sessions has been reached. The display may be presented by an LED.

[0017] The method may include a step of preventing the device from being used when a limit regarding the number of consecutive use sessions has been reached.

[0018] The method may include a step of resetting the count of consecutive sessions.

[0019] The method may include a step of identifying when the device enters a charging mode and a step of resetting the count of consecutive sessions in response to the device entering the charging mode.

[0020] The method may include a step of determining the length of time the device is in the charging mode, a step of comparing the length of time the device is in the charging mode with a charging time threshold, and a step of resetting the count of consecutive sessions only if the length of this time is longer than the charging time threshold.

[0021] The method may include a step of determining the length of time after the end of a use session, a step of comparing the length of this time with a session interruption threshold, and a step of resetting the count of consecutive sessions only if the length of time is longer than the session interruption threshold.

[0022] The session interruption threshold may be 60 seconds, 50 seconds, 40 seconds, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, or 10 seconds.

[0023] The step of operating the device in a predetermined usage session may include at least one of operating the device for a predetermined length of time, operating the device for a predetermined number of detection performances performed by the user, detecting that at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material is inserted into the device, detecting that at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material is removed from the device, detecting that at least a portion of a first article containing an aerosol-generating material is inserted into or removed from the device, and identifying user input.

[0024] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply device comprising a heating assembly arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, a temperature sensor configured to determine an ambient temperature, a processor, and a memory, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to transmit the determined temperature to the processor, the processor is configured to compare the determined ambient temperature with a threshold value and set a limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions, and the limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions is set depending on a comparison between the determined ambient temperature and the threshold value.

[0025] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol supply device. The method includes before starting an operation session, determining the temperature of a battery as an indication of the housing surface temperature, comparing the determined temperature with a threshold value, and preventing the operation of the operation session of the device when the determined temperature exceeds the threshold value. and includes.

[0026] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described herein.

[0027] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device described herein and an article comprising an aerosol generating material arranged to be at least partially received by the aerosol supply device.

[0028] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] As used herein, the term "aerosol - generating material" is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when energy is applied thereto, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol - generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain, for example, an active substance and / or a flavorant. The aerosol - generating material may include any plant - based material, such as a tobacco - containing material, and may include one or more of, for example, tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol - generating material may also include other non - tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol - generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol - generating material may also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. The aerosol - generating material may also be what is known as a "smoking material".

[0031] The aerosol - generating material may include a binder and an aerosol - forming agent. Optionally, an active substance and / or a filler may further be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is further present, and one or more other components of the aerosol - generating material may or may not have solubility in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material substantially does not contain plant - based materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material substantially does not contain tobacco.

[0032] The aerosol - generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, inside. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material may include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0033] The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol generating film. The aerosol generating film may comprise a sheet or be a sheet, and the sheet may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol generating sheet or shredded sheet may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0034] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol supply system (or a component of the aerosol supply system) is not burned or combusted to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also referred to as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not essential.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0038] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, and one or more of these aerosol generating materials can be heated. Each of these aerosol generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0039] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables configured to include an aerosol-forming material and to be used with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a power source and a controller, such as the non-combustible aerosol supply device of the non-combustible aerosol supply system. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-forming material or the heat-transfer material in the vicinity of the heat-generating power source.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving the consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0043] In some embodiments, the consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage region, an aerosol-forming material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0044] An aerosol generating device is capable of receiving an article containing an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that contains or holds an aerosol generating material during use and is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components during use. After the user inserts the article into the aerosol generating device, the article is heated to generate an aerosol, and then the user inhales this aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed, for example, within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0045] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Generally, device 100 can be used to heat an exchangeable article 300 containing an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium inhaled by a user of device 100. Article 300 and device 100 together form an aerosol supply system.

[0046] Device 100 comprises a body 101. A housing 102 surrounds and houses various components of body 101. An opening 103 is formed at one end of body 101, and article 300 can be inserted through the opening for heating by an aerosol generator 150 (see Figure 2). During use, article 300 may be fully or partially inserted into aerosol generator 150 and may be heated there by one or more components of aerosol generator 150.

[0047] Device 100 further includes a button assembly 200 that operates device 100 when pressed. For example, the user may switch device 100 on by operating button assembly 200.

[0048] The aerosol generator 150 defines a longitudinal axis X.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of device 100. Device 100 includes electrical components such as a connector / port 160 capable of receiving a cable for charging the battery of device 100. For example, connector 160 may be a charging port such as a USB charging port. In some examples, connector 160 may be additionally or alternatively used to transfer data between device 100 and another device such as a computing device.

[0050] Device 100 includes a power source 170, which in the illustrated embodiment is a battery such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to aerosol generator 150 to supply power to heat the aerosol-forming material when needed and under the control of the controller.

[0051] The device includes a user interface display 111. In the illustrated embodiment, user interface display 111 is an LED, but in other embodiments, a screen or other suitable user interface display 111 may be provided.

[0052] The body 101 has an end surface of the device 100. The end of device 100 closest to the opening 103 is sometimes known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 104 of device 100 because it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts an article 300 into the opening 103, operates the aerosol generator 150 to start heating the aerosol-forming material, and inhales the aerosol generated by the device. Thereby, the aerosol flows through the device 100 along the flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

[0053] The other end of the device that is farthest from the opening 103 is known as the distal end 106 of the device 100, as it is the end that is farthest from the user's mouth during use. When the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of the device 100 are described with reference to the relative position of such features with respect to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0054] As used herein, a single component refers to a component of the device 100 that cannot be separated into two or more components after assembly of the device 100. Being integrally formed relates to two or more features that are formed into single components during the manufacturing stage of the components.

[0055] The air flow passage 180 extends through the body 101. The air flow passage 180 extends to the air inlet 190.

[0056] In one example, the aerosol generator 150 comprises an inductive type heating system including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil assembly. The aerosol generator 150 comprises a heating element. The heating element is also known as a susceptor.

[0057] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, in which case inductive heating of the heating material occurs by the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the susceptor. The heating material may be a magnetic material, so that magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material occurs by the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, in which case the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0058] The aerosol generator 150 is an induction heating assembly and includes various components for heating the aerosol - generating material of the article 300 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an induction element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing an alternating current or other fluctuating current through the induction element. The fluctuating current in the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately placed relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. Since the susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, the susceptor is heated by Joule heat as the eddy currents flow against this resistance. When the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, additional heat can be generated due to the magnetic hysteresis loss of the susceptor, that is, as a result of the orientation of the magnetic dipoles of the magnetic material fluctuating as it aligns with the fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, since heat is generated inside the susceptor, for example, compared to heating by conduction, rapid heating is possible. Furthermore, since no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, the degrees of freedom in structure and application can be increased.

[0059] The inductor coil assembly includes an inductor coil. In some embodiments, the number of inductor coils is different. In some embodiments, two or more inductor coils are used. The inductor coil assembly further includes a coil support. The coil support is tubular.

[0060] The heating element is part of the heating assembly. The heating element in this example is hollow and thus defines at least part of a receptacle in which the aerosol - generating material can be received. For example, the article 300 can be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular with a circular cross - section. The heating element has a substantially constant diameter along the axial length of the heating element.

[0061] In some embodiments, the heating assembly defines a receptacle and the heating element stands upright in the receptacle.

[0062] The heating element is formed from a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in this example is formed from carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, such as ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt.

[0063] In other embodiments, the feature that functions as the heating element may not be limited to being inductively heated. Thus, the feature that functions as the heating element may be heatable by electrical resistance. Thus, the aerosol generator 150 may comprise an electrical contact for electrically connecting to a device for electrically actuating the heating element by passing an electric energy stream through the heating element. Other heating modalities by the aerosol generator 150 are also contemplated.

[0064] The receptacle and the article 300 are dimensioned such that the article 300 is received by the heating element. This helps to ensure that heating is most efficient. The article 300 of this example comprises an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is placed within the receptacle. The article 300 may further comprise other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0065] The air flow path 180 extends from the receptacle. The air flow path 180 is located at the distal end. The air flow path 180 protrudes from the heating element. The air flow path 180 extending from the heating element is defined by the flow path member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 form part of the air flow path assembly 181.

[0066] The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element and the opening 190. The flow path member 182 is tubular. The flow path member 182 defines a bore. The flow path member extends axially along the length of the flow path member.

[0067] Device 100 includes an electronic module 112 having at least one controller with a processor 114 and a memory 116. The electronic module 112 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller. The PCB may further include one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components of the device 100 together. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100.

[0068] Device 100 includes a temperature sensor 175. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 175 is a thermistor. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermistor 175 is attached to the battery 170 such that the temperature of the battery 170 is measured. The thermistor 175 may be fixed to the battery 170 by any suitable means. For example, the thermistor 175 may be adhered to the battery 170. In some embodiments, the battery 170 is fixed using an adhesive. The thermistor 175 may be supported near or in contact with the battery 170 by a support structure such as, for example, a bracket (not shown).

[0069] As is well known, the thermistor 175 is connected to a temperature-calibrated microammeter and is electrically connected to the battery 170 to power the thermistor-microammeter circuit. This connection may be realized via the PCB. In other embodiments, the thermistor 175 may be separately powered, for example, by a separate dedicated battery (not shown). The temperature sensor 175 is provided to monitor the temperature of the battery 170 during use of the device 100.

[0070] The temperature sensor 175 is electrically connected to the controller such that a temperature reading obtained by the temperature sensor 175 can be transmitted to the processor 114.

[0071] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor is provided in battery 170 to monitor the temperature of the battery and detect overheating in real time. Thus, in such embodiments, the same temperature sensor 175 can be used for both real-time overheating detection and obtaining the temperature readings required for the method of the present invention. This results in a reduction in the number of components, which in turn can reduce the size, weight, and cost of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0072] In some embodiments, temperature sensor 175 may not be provided in battery 170. For example, in some embodiments, temperature sensor 175 may be fixed to the inner surface of housing 102 so as to be able to measure the surface temperature of device 100.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a pen-type aerosol supply device 350 that is removable from case 360. Case 360 is configured to charge the device when the device 350 is housed inside the case 360. Case 360 may utilize a contact point or wireless charging as is known.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a flowchart depicting method 400. In step 401, the ambient temperature of device 100 is measured. The ambient temperature is determined based on the measured device ambient temperature. The device ambient temperature indicates the ambient temperature of the air surrounding device 100.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ambient temperature is defined as the temperature of the surrounding environment in the immediate vicinity of device 100. The ambient temperature is the air ambient temperature surrounding the device. At startup, device 100 has not yet begun to generate heat, and thus the temperature of device 100 may be or may be close to its surrounding ambient temperature. The temperature of the device is the device ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the ambient temperature is defined as the device ambient temperature of device 100. In some embodiments, prior to startup of device 100, the device ambient temperature is at least substantially consistent with the air ambient temperature surrounding the device. The ambient temperature of device 100 may be different from the air ambient temperature surrounding the device. For example, prior to startup, one or more components within the device may generate some thermal energy. Additionally, for example, thermal radiation such as sunlight may heat the device.

[0076] Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature is determined at startup of device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, this includes measuring the temperature of battery 170 using thermistor 175. Before device 100 begins a usage session, the temperature of battery 170 will indicate the ambient temperature. The ambient temperature in such an embodiment is determined by the temperature of battery 170. Thus, the operation of the device can be adjusted based on the determined environmental conditions without the need for dedicated components for measuring such environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the step of determining the ambient temperature may include measuring the surface temperature of the device, the outside air temperature, or the temperature of internal components of device 100. In such embodiments, a temperature sensor having another primary function may be used to determine the ambient temperature, or a separate dedicated ambient temperature sensor may be provided.

[0077] After the ambient temperature of device 100 is measured in step 401, in step 405, device 100 is operated in a predefined usage session. The step of operating the device in a predefined usage session can be defined in several ways. The step of operating device 100 in a predefined usage session may include at least one of operating the device over a predefined length of time, operating the device in response to a predefined number of detection operations performed by the user, detecting that at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material is inserted into the device, detecting that at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material is removed from the device, detecting that at least a portion of a first article containing an aerosol-generating material is inserted into or removed from the device, and identifying user input. Such predefined usage sessions are known. Memory 116 records a count of the number of consecutive usage sessions that have occurred. When a predefined usage session is started, the count in memory 116 is incremented by one. In step 403, the measured ambient temperature is transmitted from temperature sensor 175 to processor 114 and compared by processor 114 to a threshold value stored in memory 116. In some embodiments, the threshold value is set to 40°C. In some embodiments, the threshold value is set to 50°C. If the ambient temperature is higher than the threshold value, then the method proceeds to step 407 and processor 114 sets a limit regarding the number of consecutive sessions to a first limit value.

[0078] In some embodiments, when applied to a usage session, the term "continuous" is intended to mean that the time period elapsed between the end of one usage session and the start of a subsequent usage session is less than a predetermined value (session interruption threshold). In some embodiments, the predetermined time period corresponds to 30 seconds. By setting a limit on the number of such continuous sessions based on the measured ambient temperature, it is possible to reduce the likelihood that the device overheats, while still allowing the user to perform continuous sessions when the risk is low, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, if the device has a low ambient temperature that can occur as a result of the user being outdoors on a cold day, the device may be able to perform a greater number of continuous sessions before overheating. This additional functionality can be achieved by setting a limit based on the measured ambient temperature.

[0079] In such embodiments, the first limit value may be lower than the second limit value.

[0080] In other embodiments, when applied to a usage session, the term "continuous" is intended to mean that those sessions are carried out during the same usage period between two charging periods. By setting a limit value on the number of such continuous sessions based on the determined ambient temperature, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the influence of the ambient temperature on battery performance is taken into account, so the likelihood that the device's battery runs out during a session is reduced. Accordingly, the user can have a better experience. For example, if the device has a low ambient temperature that can occur as a result of the user being outdoors on a cold day, the battery within the device may have a reduced number of continuous sessions that can be carried out before recharging is required because battery performance deteriorates at low temperatures. By setting a limit based on the determined ambient temperature, it is possible to take into account and adjust for this temperature effect.

[0081] In such an embodiment, the first limit value may be higher than the second limit value.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first limit value is two consecutive sessions. If the ambient temperature does not exceed the threshold value, then the method proceeds to step 409, and the processor sets the limit regarding the number of consecutive sessions to the second limit value. In some embodiments, the second limit value is three consecutive sessions. In the illustrated embodiment, if the measured ambient temperature corresponds to the threshold value, then the limit is set to the second limit value. However, in some embodiments, the limit can be set to the first limit value if the measured ambient temperature corresponds to the threshold value.

[0083] When the predetermined usage session of step 405 ends, the user may request that another session be started before the device 100 is recharged / before the session interruption threshold elapses (one consecutive session). Thus, at step 411, a user input for starting another consecutive session is received. This input may be received in any suitable manner, but in the illustrated embodiment, this input is received via the button assembly 200 and transmitted to the processor 114. Upon receiving this input, at step 413, the processor 114 obtains the count of consecutive sessions from the memory 116 and determines whether the consecutive session count has reached the set limit value. If the limit value is reached, the method proceeds to step 415. At step 415, a display indicating that the limit value of the consecutive sessions has been reached may be presented to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the display is presented by the LED 111. For example, the display may include a blinking of the LED. In other embodiments, the display may be provided via any suitable display means such as a reading value on a screen.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, at step 415, the device may be temporarily disabled to prevent the user from starting another continuous session despite the notification that the limit value has been reached. The device may be disabled in any suitable manner. For example, to prevent registration of user input requesting a further session, power to the aerosol generator 150 may be cut off for a certain time period, or power to the button assembly 200 may be cut off for a certain time period.

[0085] If the limit value has not been reached, the method returns to step 405, enabling a further predetermined usage session to be started.

[0086] In some embodiments, the threshold of step 403 is a first threshold, and the method includes a further step (not shown) of comparing the measured ambient temperature with a second threshold in response to the comparison with the first threshold. For example, the second threshold may be higher than the first threshold. Thus, if the measured ambient temperature is lower than the first threshold, the limit is set to the first limit value, and if the measured ambient temperature is higher than the first threshold, then the limit is then compared with the second threshold. If the measured ambient temperature is higher than the first threshold but lower than the second threshold, then the limit is then set to the second limit value, and if the measured ambient temperature is higher than the second threshold, then the limit is then set to the third limit value. The third limit value may correspond to 1. In an alternative embodiment, the second threshold may be lower than the first threshold. In some embodiments, a plurality of thresholds lower and higher than the first threshold may be provided so that the limit can be more specifically adjusted with respect to the measured ambient temperature.

[0087] After a time period equal to the session interruption threshold has elapsed, the count of consecutive sessions is reset to zero. In embodiments where consecutive sessions are defined as sessions occurring within the same usage period, when the device is recharged, the count of consecutive sessions is reset to zero.

[0088] In some embodiments, the method includes determining when device 100 enters a charging mode. This may be achieved by monitoring the current flowing through the charging port of the device. In some embodiments, the count of consecutive sessions is reset to zero in response to device 100 entering the charging mode. However, in other embodiments, the method may include determining the length of time that device 100 is in the charging mode and comparing this length of time that device 100 is in the charging mode to a charging time threshold, and resetting the count of consecutive sessions only if the length of time is longer than the charging time threshold. In other embodiments, the step of determining whether the charging level is high enough may include comparing the charging level to a charging level threshold and resetting the count of consecutive sessions if the charging level exceeds the charging level threshold. In some embodiments, the charging level threshold is set to one of 50%, 60%, 80%, 90%, or 100%.

[0089] After the count of consecutive sessions has been reset to zero, if device 100 is next activated, the method resumes from step 401. In some embodiments, the charging level threshold is set to one of 50%, 60%, 80%, 90%, or 100%.

[0090] In some embodiments, both the charging level and the ambient temperature may be considered when setting the consecutive session limit value.

[0091] Embodiments of the present invention, defined as sessions in which consecutive sessions occur within the same usage period, may be particularly applicable to pen-type aerosol supply devices that are frequently stored in a charging case. The device is removed from the case by the user for use of the device.

[0092] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of the embodiments and are not inclusive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims, or limitations on equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Further, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A method of operating an aerosol supply device, comprising: determining an ambient temperature; comparing the determined ambient temperature with a threshold value; operating the device in a predetermined usage session; setting a limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions; and wherein the limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions is set depending on the comparison between the determined ambient temperature and the threshold value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a battery, and the ambient temperature is determined by measuring the temperature of the battery.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the threshold value is a predetermined temperature value of the battery.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of the battery.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising setting a first limit value for the number of consecutive usage sessions depending on the determined ambient temperature being lower than the threshold value, and setting a second limit value for the number of consecutive usage sessions depending on the determined ambient temperature being higher than the threshold value.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first limit value is two consecutive sessions.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second limit value is three consecutive sessions.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the threshold value is a first threshold value, the method comprises comparing the measured ambient temperature with a second threshold value, comprises preparing at least one further limit value, and the limit regarding the number of consecutive sessions is set to the at least one further limit value based on the comparison with the second threshold value.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising determining the ambient temperature at startup of the device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising determining when the limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions is reached.

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising the step of providing an indication that the device should not be used when the limit regarding the number of said consecutive use sessions is reached.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the step of preventing the device from being used when the limit regarding the number of said consecutive use sessions is reached.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the step of resetting the consecutive session limit.

14. The step of operating the device in a predetermined use session includes operating the device over a predetermined length of time, operating the device in response to a predetermined detection parameter performed by a user, detecting that at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material is inserted into the device, detecting that at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material is removed from the device, detecting that at least a portion of a first article containing an aerosol-generating material is inserted into or removed from the device, and identifying a user input, and the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 includes at least one of them.

15. A heating assembly arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A temperature sensor configured to detect temperature, A processor, A memory Comprising, The temperature sensor is configured to transmit the detected temperature to the processor, the processor is configured to compare the detected temperature with a threshold value and set a limit regarding the number of consecutive sessions, and the limit regarding the number of said consecutive use sessions is set depending on the comparison between the detected temperature and the threshold value. An aerosol supply device.

16. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. An aerosol supply system comprising the aerosol supply device according to claim 15 and an article containing an aerosol-generating material arranged to be at least partially received by the aerosol supply device.

Images