Aerosol supply device

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol supply device comprising a first alignment mechanism and a first magnetic holding mechanism provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device, a charging unit comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, the charging cavity comprising a base, the base comprising a second alignment mechanism for engaging with the first alignment mechanism, and the base further comprising a second magnetic holding mechanism for engaging with the first magnetic holding mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device, a charging unit, and a method for charging an aerosol supply device.

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 by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating type" products that release compounds by heating a material without burning it, or tobacco heating devices or products. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above-described devices and products are known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In many cases, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used to supply different aerosols for inhalation. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetration by the varying magnetic field for heating a suitable medium.

[0004] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0005] It is known to provide an aerosol supply device that is charged by a charging unit, wherein power is supplied to the aerosol supply device by the charging unit to charge the aerosol supply device.

[0006] There is a desire to provide an improved aerosol supply system.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol supply device comprising a first alignment mechanism and a first magnetic holding mechanism provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device; a charging unit comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, the charging cavity comprising a base, the base comprising a second alignment mechanism for engaging with the first alignment mechanism, the base further comprising a second magnetic holding mechanism for engaging with the first magnetic holding mechanism; an aerosol supply system is provided.

[0008] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device and a charging unit are provided, the aerosol supply device can be self-inductively inserted into the charging unit, and the aerosol supply device can be recharged and / or transmit data to / from the charging unit. receive data from the charging unit by docking with the charging unit. The aerosol supply device may be inserted into the charging unit in a plurality of different orientations, but may also be docked with the charging unit in a single orientation, thereby achieving an improved connection with the charging unit.

[0009] Optionally, in use, the aerosol supply device can be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit in a plurality of different orientations with respect to the cavity.

[0010] Optionally, the first alignment mechanism comprises one or more recesses provided within the distal end of the aerosol supply device.

[0011] Optionally, the second alignment mechanism comprises one or more protrusions provided within the base of the charging unit.

[0012] Optionally, one or more protrusions include one or more tapered protrusions arranged to guide the aerosol supply device onto the base, such that the aerosol supply device is oriented in a single orientation with respect to the cavity.

[0013] Optionally, the first alignment mechanism comprises one or more protrusions provided within the distal end of the aerosol supply device.

[0014] Optionally, one or more protrusions include one or more tapered protrusions arranged to guide the aerosol supply device onto the base, such that the aerosol supply device is oriented in a single orientation with respect to the cavity.

[0015] Optionally, the second alignment mechanism comprises one or more recesses provided within the base of the charging unit.

[0016] Optionally, the first magnetic retention mechanism comprises one or more permanent magnets, one or more electromagnets, or one or more magnetizable elements.

[0017] Optionally, the second magnetic retention mechanism comprises one or more permanent magnets, one or more electromagnets, or one or more magnetizable elements.

[0018] Optionally, the aerosol supply system further comprises one or more electrical connection parts and / or data connection parts provided within the distal end of the aerosol supply device and one or more corresponding electrical connection parts and / or data connection parts provided within the base of the charging unit.

[0019] According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol supply device comprising an alignment mechanism and a magnetic retention mechanism provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device.

[0020] According to another aspect, there is provided a charging unit for charging an aerosol supply device, the charging unit comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, the charging cavity comprising a base, the base comprising an alignment mechanism for engaging with an alignment mechanism provided on the aerosol supply device, and the base further comprising a magnetic holding mechanism for engaging with a magnetic holding mechanism provided on the aerosol supply device.

[0021] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of charging an aerosol supply device, comprising providing an aerosol supply device having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol supply device comprising a first alignment mechanism and a first magnetic holding mechanism provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device; providing a charging unit comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, the charging cavity comprising a base, the base comprising a second alignment mechanism for engaging with the first alignment mechanism, and the base further comprising a second magnetic holding mechanism for engaging with the first magnetic holding mechanism; inserting the aerosol supply device into the cavity of the charging unit; and a method is provided that includes.

[0022] Next, various embodiments will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 1D

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0024] Certain examples and aspects and features of embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be practiced as in the prior art and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed in detail or described herein. Accordingly, it will be understood that among the aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail, those aspects and features may be practiced according to the prior art for practicing such aspects and features.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating material (or its components) of the aerosol supply system is neither burned nor ignited in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0026] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol supply system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known 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 a requirement.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-combustion 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.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials that one or more aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or 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 non-tobacco products.

[0030] Typically, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustion aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol supply device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that comprise an aerosol-generating material and are configured to be used with a non-combustion aerosol supply device. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system, such as its non-combustion aerosol supply device, etc., may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source comprises a carbon-based substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the heat-generating power source.

[0033] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0034] In some embodiments, the consumables for use with a non-combustion aerosol supply device may comprise an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0035] The aerosol generating material is, for example, a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized by any other method. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain, for example, an active substance and / or a flavorant.

[0036] The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material does not substantially contain plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating material does not substantially contain tobacco.

[0037] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may contain 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 in the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may contain, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0038] The aerosol - generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavors, one or more aerosol - forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0039] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol - generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol - generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol - generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol - generating material.

[0040] A consumable is an article that comprises or consists of an aerosol - generating material, and part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may comprise one or more other components such as an aerosol - generating material storage area, an aerosol - generating material transfer component, an aerosol - generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator such as a heater that generates heat during use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0041] The non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol supply device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustion aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may comprise a power supply such as a battery or a rechargeable battery, for example. In some implementations, the non-combustion aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol generating article may partially or wholly comprise the aerosol generating component.

[0042] To complete, aerosol supply devices comprising an induction element are known. The aerosol supply device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor configured to be heated by the one or more inductors.

[0043] The susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration of the conductive material by the varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the magnetic material by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0044] Next, various embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0045] FIG. 1A shows an aerosol supply device 100 positioned within a charging unit 101, according to one embodiment. FIG. 1B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100 and the charging unit 101 along line B-B of FIG. 1A, with the internal components of the aerosol supply device 100 removed for clarity. The aerosol supply device is shown positioned within an elongated cavity 110 of the charging unit 101. The cavity 110 and the aerosol supply device 100 may share a longitudinal axis L-L, as shown in FIG. 1B.

[0046] The charging unit 101 may include a power source (shown generally as 111 in FIG. 1B). The power source 111 may include, for example, a hermetically sealed battery, a pouch cell battery, or some combination thereof, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery, a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable all-solid-state battery (SSB), or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB).

[0047] The aerosol supply device 100 may be left within the charging unit 101 for a predetermined time to enable sufficient charging of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the charging unit 101 may be configured to charge the aerosol supply device 100 to full charge in a time of <10 minutes, 10 - 20 minutes, 20 - 30 minutes, 30 - 40 minutes, 40 - 50 minutes, 50 - 60 minutes, or >60 minutes.

[0048] The charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol supply device 100 may optionally have an indicator for providing the user with a visual or other representation of the charge level of the aerosol supply device 100. Additionally, there may be a separate indicator providing a visual representation of the charge level of the charging unit 101. The current charge level of the aerosol supply device 100 and / or the charging unit 101 may be determined by control means disposed within the aerosol supply device 100 and / or the charging unit 101.

[0049] The visual indicator may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). However, other embodiments are contemplated where the visual indicator may be replaced with an auditory indicator (e.g., a speaker) or a tactile indicator.

[0050] The aerosol supply device 100 may comprise an outer housing 108 having a tubular and / or cylindrical shape, or a substantially tubular and / or cylindrical shape. For example, FIG. 1C shows the aerosol supply device 100 alone, and the outer housing 108 of the aerosol supply device 100 is shown as cylindrical, except for (i) a planar region 113 that truncates the cylindrical shape and extends longitudinally along the length of the outer housing, and (ii) a tapered region 114 positioned at the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100. However, other embodiments are envisioned where the aerosol supply device 100 may take other desired forms, for example, the aerosol supply device 100 may be box-shaped. According to one embodiment, the outer housing 108 of the aerosol supply device 100 may comprise an electrical insulator and may be formed, for example, of polyetheretherketone (「PEEK」).

[0051] FIG. 1D shows a charging unit 101 separated from the aerosol supply device 100 such that the interior of the elongated cavity 110 is partially visible. The base 115 of the charging unit 101 is shown at one end of the elongated cavity 110.

[0052] As described above, the aerosol supply device 100 may be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tube-shaped, or substantially cylindrical. In other examples, the aerosol supply device 100 may also have a cross-section that is substantially rectangular, rhombus-shaped, or triangular, or a polyhedral shape, etc. The cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 may be manufactured according to the shape of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, it will be understood that the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 may accordingly be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tube-shaped, or substantially cylindrical, have a cross-section that is substantially rectangular, rhombus-shaped, or triangular, or a polyhedral shape, etc.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 may comprise one or more orienting mechanisms and / or one or more magnets for securing the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 to the base 115 of the charging unit 101, as will be discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0054] The aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 in order to recharge the aerosol supply device 100 by receiving power from the charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may comprise an internal battery (e.g., power source 111) for supplying power to the aerosol supply device 100. The charging unit 101 may also be connected to an external power source.

[0055] The charging unit 101 may comprise a lid or cover 102 that can be slid by the user between an open position and a closed position. The lid or cover 102 is provided within the charging unit 101 and at the entrance of the cavity 110 configured to receive the aerosol supply device 100.

[0056] The aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material. According to one embodiment, the aerosol supply device 100 comprises a resistance heater for heating an aerosol-forming article.

[0057] When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, the opening to the cavity 110 is exposed, thereby enabling the user to either remove the aerosol supply device 100 from the charging unit 101 (for use of the aerosol supply device 100) or alternatively insert the aerosol supply device 100 into the charging unit 101 (for charging of the aerosol supply device 100).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1D, it will be appreciated that the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 may open along the side surface 118 of the charging unit 101. This side opening 118 may correspond to the planar region 113 of the aerosol supply device 100, for example, so as to be partially visible to the user when the aerosol supply device is inserted into the charging unit. However, the side opening 118 may be sized such that it is impossible or prevented for the user to insert the aerosol supply device 110 into the charging unit through the side opening 118. Thus, the side opening may be configured to allow the button or user interface 119 of the aerosol supply device 100 to be visible and / or accessible to the user when the aerosol supply device 100 is within the charging unit 101. In some embodiments, the button or user interface 119 of the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to allow the orientation of the aerosol supply device 100 when inserted within the charging unit 101 by allowing the user to fully insert the aerosol supply device 100 only when the button or user interface 119 is substantially aligned with the side opening 118 of the charging unit 101.

[0059] In other embodiments, the cavity 110 is shaped such that the opening that is exposed when the lid of the cover 102 is in the open position is the only opening to the cavity 110.

[0060] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100 and the charging unit 101 above line B-B of FIG. 1A, showing the aerosol supply device 100 positioned or docked within the charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 includes a main housing 105, and the heating element 104 projects into the main housing 105. The aerosol supply device 100 further includes a removable cap 106 that can be magnetically held to the main housing 105.

[0061] The removal cap 106 includes a receptacle 120 for receiving a consumable. In use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the receptacle 120. The receptacle comprises a tubular housing having a base 121. The base 121 of the receptacle 120 has an aperture, and the heating element 104 is arranged to project through the aperture. An aerosol-generating article (not shown) can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 by inserting the aerosol-generating article through an opening in the removable cap 106 and then inserting the aerosol-generating article into the receptacle 120 and onto the heating element 104. The heating element 104 may have a blade-shaped profile, and in use, the aerosol-generating article can be pressed onto the heating element 104, whereby the blade-shaped profile of the heating element 104 is inserted into the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The heating element 104 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article internally.

[0062] In some embodiments, the heating element 104 may be a resistive heating element, and the aerosol supply device is configured to pass an electric current through one or more resistive heating elements to resistively heat the heating element 104.

[0063] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heating element 104 may be a susceptor or other heating material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field. In such embodiments, the aerosol supply device 100 comprises one or more magnetic field generators (such as one or more induction coils) for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor or other heating material, thereby heating the heating element.

[0064] When the session is terminated and the aerosol-generating article has been consumed, the removable cap 106 may be detached from the main housing 105. It will be appreciated that the process of detaching the removable cap 106 will have the effect that the base 121 of the receptacle 120 will contact the bottom surface of the aerosol-generating article. When the removable cap 106 is pulled out, the base 121 of the receptacle 120 will be in contact with the distal end of the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article will be detached from the heating element 104 or otherwise removed.

[0065] Figure 3 shows the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 shows the corresponding base 115 of the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 configured to receive the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0066] The cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 may have a fixing mechanism for fixing the aerosol supply device 100 within the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 when the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101. The fixing mechanism may comprise, for example, one or more magnets. According to one embodiment, one or more magnets 160 may be disposed within the bottom 115 of the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101, and one or more magnets 107 may be disposed at the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100. The one or more magnets 107 provided on the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 may have a polarity opposite to that of the one or more magnets 160 positioned within the bottom of the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 such that there is an attractive magnetic force that pulls the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 towards the base 115 of the charging unit 101 when the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101.

[0067] Other fixing mechanisms can be considered, such as threaded mechanisms at the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 and at the base 115 of the cavity of the charging unit 101. According to a further embodiment, the aerosol supply device 100 may form a press-fit engagement or an interference fit engagement with the charging unit 101.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 may include one or more orientation mechanisms 116 and / or one or more magnets 107 for fixing the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 to the base 115 of the charging unit 101.

[0069] Figure 4 shows the base 115 of the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 in more detail. A plurality of electrical contacts 121a-d provided within the base 115 of the charging unit 101 are shown, and these plurality of electrical contacts 121a-d facilitate electrical and / or data connection with the aerosol supply device 100. During use, conductive tracks 117a-d may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100 so as to form electrical and / or data connection portions with respective contacts 121a-d provided on the charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may include a battery pack that can be used to charge the aerosol supply device 100 via a connection portion formed between one of the conductive tracks 117a-d provided on the aerosol supply device 100 and one or more contacts 121 provided on the charging unit 101. According to various embodiments, the number of conductive tracks 117a-d provided on the aerosol supply device 100 may correspond to the number of electrical contacts 121a-d provided on the base 115 of the charging unit 101. One or more of the contacts may be utilized to facilitate power transmission, one or more of the contacts may be utilized to facilitate grounding, and one or more of the contacts may be utilized to facilitate data transmission. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive track 117a and the corresponding electrical contact 121a may facilitate power transmission, the conductive track 117b and the corresponding electrical contact 121b may facilitate grounding, while the conductive tracks 117c-d and their respective corresponding electrical contacts 121c-d may facilitate data transmission. Although four conductive tracks 117a-d and corresponding electrical contacts 121a-121d are shown, it will be understood that the number may be less than 4 or more than 4.

[0070] An orienting mechanism 140 and one or more magnets 160 may be provided within the base 115 of the charging unit 101, and these may be arranged to engage with complementary orienting mechanism 116 and one or more magnets 107 provided on the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0071] The orientation mechanism 116 provided on the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 may be embedded within the outer housing 108 of the aerosol supply device 100. On the other hand, the corresponding orientation mechanism 140 provided within the base of the charging unit 101 may include a protrusion that can correspond to the volume of the recess of the orientation mechanism 116 of the aerosol supply device 100. As a result, the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured such that it can only dock with the charging unit 101 in a single orientation in order to ensure that one or more conductive tracks 117a - b provided on the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 connect with the exact corresponding contacts 121 provided within the base of the charging unit 101.

[0072] In other examples, the orientation mechanism 116 of the aerosol supply device 100 may alternatively include a protrusion, and the orientation mechanism 140 of the charging unit 101 may include a recess. One or more magnets 107 provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 may have a polarity opposite to that of one or more magnets 160 positioned within the base of the charging unit 101 such that when the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the cavity of the charging unit 101, there is an attractive magnetic force that pulls the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 towards the base of the charging unit 101.

[0073] The magnetic attractive force connects or self - inductively docks together the orientation mechanism 116 provided on the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 and the orientation mechanism 140 provided within the base of the charging unit 101.

[0074] Thus, it will be understood that the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to self - inductively connect to the charging unit 101 via the conductive tracks 117a - d provided on the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 and the contacts 121a - d provided within the base of the charging unit 101 when the user places the aerosol supply device 100 within the cavity of the charging unit 101.

[0075] The orientation mechanism 140 of the charging unit 101 may have a substantially trapezoidal shape at the end of the orientation mechanism farthest from the base 115.

[0076] When inserted into the charging unit 101 by the user, it will be understood that the aerosol supply device 100 can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the cavity 110 (for example, about the line L-L shown in FIG. 1B). For example, the shapes of the aerosol supply device 100 and the cavity 110 may be such that the aerosol supply device 100 can rotate somewhat freely within the cavity 110 without being prevented by the corresponding shape of the cavity 110. This is because otherwise, the conductive tracks 117a - d of the aerosol supply device 100 may not connect to the contacts 121a - d of the charging unit, or may only connect in a sub - optimal way (for example, such that the magnitude or quality of power transmission or data transmission between them is reduced).

[0077] Accordingly, the orientation mechanism 116 provided on the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100 and the orientation mechanism 140 provided within the base of the charging unit 101, together with one or more magnets 107 provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 and one or more magnets 160 positioned within the base of the charging unit 101, act to guide the aerosol supply device 100 into the correct orientation for docking with the charging unit 101 when the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101.

[0078] In particular, the tapered or inclined surface of the trapezoidal shape of the orientation mechanism 140 of the charging unit 101 engages and cooperates with the corresponding tapered or inclined receiving surface of the orientation mechanism 116 of the aerosol supply device 100 even when the center points 151, 152 of the orientation mechanisms 140, 116 are not perfectly aligned, thereby enabling the aerosol supply device 100 to self - inductively dock with the charging unit 101.

[0079] In an embodiment, the protrusion of the orientation mechanism 140 may have a shape other than a trapezoid such as a triangle, or any shape having one or more chamfered portions or inclined edges. As will be appreciated, an orientation mechanism in which the inclined side extends over a larger segment of the circumference around the base 115 enables self-alignment over a wider range of misalignment angles between the aerosol supply device and the charging unit.

[0080] Although the orientation mechanisms 116, 140 of FIGS. 3 and 4 are shown to provide self-alignment in the rotational direction, the inclined sides may be provided in a specific direction (other than the radial direction around the base) so as to provide lateral self-alignment of the aerosol supply device 100 that docks with the charging unit 101. For example, the protrusion of the orientation mechanism 140 has a cross-arrow shape to provide lateral self-alignment in the orthogonal direction.

[0081] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 100 and the charging unit 101 may include one or more corresponding pairs of orientation mechanisms.

[0082] In some embodiments, the cavity of the charging unit 101 and the aerosol supply device 100 may also include corresponding grooves, such as grooves on the inner surface of the cavity and grooves on the outer surface of the aerosol supply device 100, to ensure that further self-alignment occurs.

[0083] The magnetic force between the two opposing magnets 107, 160 may be sufficient to ensure that the aerosol supply device 100 docks with the charging unit 101 in order to facilitate power transmission / data transmission without interruption of the connection, for example, by knocking or vibration.

[0084] Thus, it will be appreciated that various embodiments provide an improved aerosol supply system that enables the aerosol supply device to be self-aligningly docked to the charging unit.

[0085] 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 exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized 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. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

**Claim 1** An aerosol supply device having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol supply device comprising a first alignment mechanism and a first magnetic holding mechanism provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply device; A charging unit comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, the charging cavity comprising a base, the base comprising a second alignment mechanism for engaging with the first alignment mechanism, the base further comprising a second magnetic holding mechanism for engaging with the first magnetic holding mechanism; An aerosol supply system. **Claim 2** The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein in use, the aerosol supply device can be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit in a plurality of different orientations with respect to the cavity. **Claim 3** The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first alignment mechanism comprises one or more recesses provided within the distal end of the aerosol supply device. **Claim 4** The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the second alignment mechanism comprises one or more protrusions provided within the base of the charging unit. **Claim 5** The aerosol supply system according to claim 4, wherein the one or more protrusions include one or more tapered protrusions arranged to guide the aerosol supply device onto the base, such that the aerosol supply device is oriented in a single orientation with respect to the cavity. **Claim 6** The aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first alignment mechanism comprises one or more protrusions provided within the distal end of the aerosol supply device. **Claim 7** The aerosol supply system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more protrusions include one or more tapered protrusions arranged to guide the aerosol supply device onto the base, such that the aerosol supply device is oriented in a single orientation with respect to the cavity. **Claim 8** The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, 2, 6, or 7, wherein the second alignment mechanism comprises one or more recesses provided within the base of the charging unit. **Claim 9** The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first magnetic holding mechanism includes one or more permanent magnets, one or more electromagnets, or one or more magnetizable elements.

10. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second magnetic holding mechanism includes one or more permanent magnets, one or more electromagnets, or one or more magnetizable elements.

11. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising one or more electrical connection parts and / or data connection parts provided in the distal end of the aerosol supply device and one or more corresponding electrical connection parts and / or data connection parts provided in the base of the charging unit.

12. An aerosol supply device having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the aerosol supply device includes an alignment mechanism and a magnetic holding mechanism provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device.

13. A charging unit for charging an aerosol supply device, the charging unit including a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, the charging cavity including a base, the base including an alignment mechanism for engaging with the alignment mechanism provided on the aerosol supply device, and the base further including a magnetic holding mechanism for engaging with the magnetic holding mechanism provided on the aerosol supply device.

14. A method for charging an aerosol supply device, comprising the steps of: providing an aerosol supply device having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol supply device including a first alignment mechanism and a first magnetic holding mechanism provided on the distal end of the aerosol supply device; providing a charging unit including a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, the charging cavity including a base, the base including a second alignment mechanism for engaging with the first alignment mechanism, and the base further including a second magnetic holding mechanism for engaging with the first magnetic holding mechanism; inserting the aerosol supply device into the cavity of the charging unit. A method including the above steps.

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