Steady state resistance estimation for overheating protection of a non-nicotine e-vaping device

Abstract

A non-nicotine e-vaping device, system, method, and / or non-transitory computer-readable medium for protecting the non-nicotine e-vaping device from overheating based on a steady state resistance estimation.SOLUTION: A reservoir, a heating element 2215, and control circuitry 2105, wherein the reservoir contains a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the heating element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir, and the control circuitry is configured to monitor a resistance value of the heating element over a first time period after a first application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaping device, determine an estimated steady state resistance value of the heating element based on the monitored resistance value using a trained neural network, and control power to the heating element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to systems, devices, methods, and / or non-transitory computer-readable media for estimating and / or predicting the steady-state resistance of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device (or non-nicotine e-vaping device) to protect the EVD from overheating. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices (e.g., non-nicotine e-vaping devices, non-nicotine electronic vaping devices, non-nicotine vapor generators, etc.) generate a non-nicotine vapor by heating a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, such as a liquid, solid, and / or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, a solvent, an active ingredient, ethanol, a botanical extract, a natural or artificial flavor, and / or at least one non-nicotine vapor former such as glycerin or propylene glycol, by contacting the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation carried by a wick with a heater (e.g., a resistive heating coil, an induction heater, etc.), which heats the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a desired temperature (e.g., 100°C to 200°C, etc.), thereby vaporizing the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation into a non-nicotine vapor. However, as the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored by a non-nicotine e-vaporing device, such as a non-nicotine cartridge, reservoir, or pod, begins to empty, the wick may begin to dry out (e.g., not fully wet, not fully adsorb the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, etc.), which may cause the heater to overheat the wick and / or the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. For example, overheating the wick and / or non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may introduce a "burnt," "acidic," and / or "bitter" odor or flavor into the resulting non-nicotine vapor inhaled by an adult vaper. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as a "dry puff" and / or "dry wick" event. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various exemplary embodiments relate to systems, devices, methods, and / or non-transitory computer-readable media for detecting dry puff events based on an estimated steady-state resistance value of a heater in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0004] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a non-nicotine electronic vaporizing device (EVD) comprises a reservoir, a heating element, and control circuitry, wherein the reservoir contains a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is nicotine-free and includes at least one non-nicotine compound; the heating element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir; and the control circuitry is configured to: monitor a resistance value of the heating element over a first time period after a first application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaporizing device; determine an estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the monitored resistance value using a trained neural network; and control power to the heating element based on the estimated steady-state resistance value.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, the control circuitry is further configured to detect a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device based on the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element, and to disable power to the heating element in response to the detected dry puff condition.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, the control circuit is further configured to prevent application of power to the heating element in response to detecting a second application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine e-vaping device, the control circuitry is configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element by determining a peak resistance of the heating element during the first time period and determining at least one additional resistance of the heating element at a time subsequent to the peak resistance determined during the first time period. The control circuitry may also be configured to determine the estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element by estimating the estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element using the trained neural network based on the peak resistance and the at least one additional resistance.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine e-vaping device, the trained neural network is a function-fitting network configured to receive the peak resistance value and the at least one additional resistance value as input values, determine a decay of the input values ​​over the first time period, and output the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the determined decay of the resistance value of the heating element over the first time period.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, the peak resistance is determined at a time when the application of power to the heating element is stopped after a first application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, the at least one additional resistance value includes at least a second resistance value and a third resistance value, the second resistance value being determined at a time after the peak resistance value is determined and before the third resistance value is determined, and the third resistance value being determined at a time after the second resistance value is determined and before detecting a second application of negative pressure.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine e-vaping device, the heating element is configured to be connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit, and the control circuit is further configured to detect a variable resistance value corresponding to the heating element over the first time period, detect a resistance value corresponding to the Wheatstone bridge circuit over the first time period, and estimate the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element using the trained neural network based on the detected variable resistance value corresponding to the heating element and the detected resistance value corresponding to the Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and the at least one non-nicotine compound.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, the at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component.

[0014] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a non-nicotine (EVD) comprises monitoring a resistance of a heating element, determining an estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element, and controlling power to the heating element, wherein monitoring the resistance of the heating element comprises using control circuitry of the non-nicotine electronic vaporizing device to monitor a resistance of a heating element included in the non-nicotine electronic vaporizing device for a first time period after a first application of a negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaporizing device, the heating element being configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from a reservoir of the non-nicotine electronic vaporizing device, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being nicotine-free and including at least one non-nicotine compound; determining the estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element comprises using the control circuitry to determine an estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element based on the monitored resistance using a trained neural network; and controlling power to the heating element comprises using the control circuitry to control power to the heating element based on the estimated steady-state resistance.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises detecting a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine e-vaping device using the control circuitry based on the estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element, and disabling power to the heating element using the control circuitry in response to the detected dry puff condition.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes detecting, using the control circuitry, a second application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device; and, using the control circuitry, preventing application of power to the heating element in response to detecting the second application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, monitoring the peak resistance value of the heating element includes determining a peak resistance value of the heating element during the first time period and determining at least one additional resistance value of the heating element at a time after the peak resistance value determined during the first time period, and determining the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element includes estimating the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element using the trained neural network based on the peak resistance value and the at least one additional resistance value.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the trained neural network is a function-fitting network, and the method further comprises using the control circuit to receive the peak resistance value and the at least one additional resistance value as input values; using the control circuit to determine a decay of the resistance value of the heating element over the first time period; and using the control circuit to output the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the determined decay of the resistance value of the heating element over the first time period.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the peak resistance value is determined at a time when application of power to the heating element is stopped after the first application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one additional resistance value includes at least a second resistance value and a third resistance value, the second resistance value being determined at a time after the peak resistance value is determined but before the third resistance value is determined, and the third resistance value being determined at a time after the second resistance value is determined but before a second application of negative pressure is detected.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises using the control circuit to detect a variable resistance value corresponding to the heating element over the first time period; using the control circuit to detect a resistance value corresponding to a Wheatstone bridge circuit over the first time period; and using the control circuit to estimate the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element using the trained neural network based on the detected variable resistance value corresponding to the heating element and the detected resistance value corresponding to the Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and the at least one non-nicotine compound.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component.

[0024] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a non-nicotine electronic vaporizing device (EVD) comprises a reservoir, a heating element, a heater resistance monitoring circuit, a trained neural network, and a control circuit, wherein the reservoir contains a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation does not contain nicotine and includes at least one non-nicotine compound; the heating element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir; the heater resistance monitoring circuit is configured to determine a peak resistance value of the heating element during a first time period after a first application of a negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaporizing device and to determine at least one load resistance value of the heating element during the first time period; the trained neural network is configured to estimate a steady-state resistance value of the heating element during the first time period based on the determined peak resistance value and the determined at least one load resistance value; and the control circuit is configured to disable power to the heating element based on the estimated steady-state resistance value.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the trained neural network is further configured to detect a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine e-vaping device based on the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element, and the control circuitry is further configured to disable power to the heating element in response to the detected dry puff condition.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the trained neural network is a function-fitting network configured to receive the peak resistance value and the at least one additional resistance value as input values, determine a decay of the input values ​​over the first time period, and output the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the determined decay of the resistance value of the heating element over the first time period.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the peak resistance is determined at a point after a first application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device when power to the heating element is stopped.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and the at least one non-nicotine compound.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent from a consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly stated. Various dimensions of the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0031] It should be noted that the figures disclosed herein illustrate general features of methods and / or structures utilized in certain exemplary embodiments and are intended to supplement the description provided below. However, these drawings are not to scale, may not accurately reflect the exact structure or performance characteristics of any exemplary embodiment, and should not be construed as defining or limiting the range of values ​​or characteristics encompassed by the exemplary embodiments.

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-nicotine electronic vaping or e-vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device system including an exemplary non-nicotine electronic vaping device body connected to an exemplary non-nicotine pod system according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating various elements of an exemplary heater resistance monitoring circuit in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating various elements of an exemplary heater resistance monitoring circuit in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0035] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 illustrates a neural network for predicting the resistance value of a heating element in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 illustrates a neural network for predicting the resistance value of a heating element in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 illustrates a neural network for predicting the resistance value of a heating element in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 5] 1 is a graph corresponding to the resistance of a heating element of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device during one puff event according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 6] 10 is a graph illustrating resistance decay following a single puff event in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 7A] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting a dry puff event using steady-state resistance of a heating element in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting a dry puff event using steady-state resistance of a heating element in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Although several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments, however, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to only the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0040] Thus, while exemplary embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, such exemplary embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but rather that the exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0041] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or "covering" another element or layer, it should be understood that it can be directly connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer, or that intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, like numbers refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] It should be noted that, although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0043] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Also, the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees, oriented in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. Note that, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0045] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the illustrated embodiment belongs. Furthermore, terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment, but exemplary embodiments are not so limited and the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may take other forms. Referring to FIG. 1 , a non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 includes a device body 10 configured to receive a non-nicotine pod assembly 30 (e.g., a non-nicotine electronic vaping cartridge, etc.). The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 is a modular item configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation and may be replaceable. Additionally, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into a non-nicotine vapor.

[0048] In at least one exemplary embodiment, flavorings (at least one flavoring) and / or non-nicotine compounds may be included in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is a liquid, solid, dispersion, and / or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, a solvent, an active ingredient, ethanol, a botanical extract, a natural or artificial flavor, and / or at least one non-nicotine vapor former, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0049] The non-nicotine compound does not include nicotine. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound does not include tobacco or is not a tobacco-derived compound. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is cannabis or includes at least one cannabis-derived component. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the cannabis-derived component includes at least one of a cannabis-derived cannabinoid (e.g., a phytocannabinoid, or a cannabinoid synthesized by the cannabis plant), at least one cannabis-derived terpene, at least one cannabis-derived flavonoid, or a combination thereof.

[0050] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of or contained in a solid, semi-solid, gel, hydrogel, or combination thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is injected into, mixed with, or bound to the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of or contained in a liquid or partially liquid form, including an extract, oil, tincture, suspension, dispersion, colloid, alcohol, a general non-neutral (weakly acidic or weakly basic) solution, or a combination thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is injected into, mixed with, or bound to the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is a component of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation is in the form of or is part of a dispersion, suspension, gel, hydrogel, colloid, or combination thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is a component of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation.

[0051] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound undergoes a slow, natural decarboxylation process over an extended period of time at low temperatures, including room temperature (72°F) or below. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound may undergo a significantly increased decarboxylation process, on the order of 50% or more decarboxylation, when exposed to elevated temperatures, particularly in the range of about 175°F or above, for periods of time (minutes or hours, at relatively low pressures, such as 1 atmosphere), and even higher temperatures (about 240°F or above) may result in rapid or instantaneous decarboxylation with potentially high decarboxylation rates (50% or more), although ever higher temperatures may result in degradation of some or all of the chemical properties of the non-nicotine compound.

[0052] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one non-nicotine vapor-forming agent of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes a diol (e.g., propylene glycol and / or 1,3-propanediol), glycerin, and combinations or partial combinations thereof. Various amounts of the non-nicotine vapor-forming agent may also be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the at least one non-nicotine vapor-forming agent is present in an amount ranging from about 20% by weight of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to about 90% by weight of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation (e.g., the non-nicotine vapor-forming agent is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 80%, about 55% to 75%, or about 60% to 70%). As another example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes a weight ratio of diol to glycerin ranging from about 1:4 to 4:1, and the diol is propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, or a combination thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, this ratio is about 3:2, although other amounts or ranges may also be used.

[0053] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation includes water. Various amounts of water may be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, water may be present in an amount ranging from about 5% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation to about 40% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation, or from about 10% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation to about 15% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. Other amounts or percentages may also be used. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the remainder of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation that is not water (and that is not the non-nicotine compound and / or flavoring) is the non-nicotine vapor former described above, where the non-nicotine vapor former is between 30% and 70% by weight propylene glycol, and the remainder of the non-nicotine vapor former is glycerin. Other amounts or percentages may also be used.

[0054] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation includes at least one flavorant in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 15% by weight (e.g., the flavorant may range from about 1% to 12%, about 2% to 10%, or about 5% to 8%). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one flavorant includes volatile cannabis flavor compounds (flavonoids). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one flavorant includes flavor compounds instead of or in addition to cannabis flavor compounds. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one flavorant may be at least one of a natural flavorant, an artificial flavorant, or a combination of a natural flavorant and an artificial flavorant. For example, the at least one flavorant may include menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, combinations thereof, and / or extracts thereof. Flavoring agents may also be included to provide herbal flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, booze flavors, roasted flavors, mint flavors, savory flavors, combinations thereof, or any other desired flavor.

[0055] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound may be a naturally occurring component of a medicinal plant or a plant with medically acceptable therapeutic effects. The medicinal plant may be the cannabis plant, and the component may be at least one cannabis-derived component. Cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) are an example of cannabis-derived components. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body to exert various effects. As a result, cannabinoids have been used for various medical purposes. The cannabis-derived material may include leaves and / or flower material from one or more species of cannabis plants, or extracts from one or more species of cannabis plants. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the one or more species of cannabis plants include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. In some exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation comprises a mixture of cannabis and / or cannabis-derived components that is or is derived from 60% to 80% (e.g., 70%) Cannabis sativa and 20% to 40% (e.g., 30%) Cannabis indica.

[0056] Non-limiting examples of cannabis-derived cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a precursor to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a precursor to cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiol acid (CBDA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, via heating. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heat from the heater may cause decarboxylation to convert tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or may cause decarboxylation to convert cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0057] When both tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in a non-nicotine prevapor formulation, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion result in a decrease in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and an increase in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via a decarboxylation process during heating of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation for vaporization. Similarly, in instances where both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in a non-nicotine prevapor formulation, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion result in a decrease in cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and an increase in cannabidiol (CBD). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD) via a decarboxylation process during heating of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation for vaporization.

[0058] Non-nicotine prevapor formulations may include non-nicotine compounds that provide a medically recognized therapeutic effect (e.g., treatment of pain, nausea, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders). Details of the therapeutic method are described in U.S. Application No. 15 / 845,501, entitled "VAPORIZING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVER A COMPOUND USING THE SAME," filed December 18, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0059] 1 , in at least one exemplary embodiment, the device body 10 includes a front cover 104, a frame 106, and a rear cover 108. The front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108 form a device housing that contains mechanical elements, electronic elements, and / or circuitry related to the operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60. For example, the device housing of the device body 10 may include a power source (e.g., a power source, a battery, etc.) configured to power the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60, and may also include providing electrical current to the non-nicotine pod assembly 30. Additionally, when assembled, the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108 may comprise the majority of the visible portion of the device body 10, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0060] The front cover 104 (e.g., the first cover) defines a first opening configured to accommodate a bezel structure 112. The bezel structure 112 defines a through hole 150 configured to receive the non-nicotine pod assembly 30.

[0061] Front cover 104 also defines a second opening configured to accommodate a light guide arrangement. The second opening may resemble a slot (e.g., a segmented slot), although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the light guide arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, the light guide arrangement includes a light guide lens 116. Front cover 104 also defines a third opening and a fourth opening configured to accommodate first button 118 and second button 120. Each of the third and fourth openings may resemble a rounded square, although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the buttons. First button housing 122 is configured to expose first button lens 124, and second button housing 123 is configured to expose second button lens 126.

[0062] Operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 may be controlled by a first button 118 and a second button 120. For example, the first button 118 may be a power button and the second button 120 may be an intensity button. Note that although two buttons are shown in the drawings associated with the light guide arrangement, more (or fewer) buttons may be provided depending on the available functionality and desired user interface.

[0063] The frame 106 (e.g., a base frame) is the central support structure of the device body 10 (and the entire non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60). The frame 106 is sometimes referred to as a chassis. The frame 106 also includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of side sections between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end and the distal end are sometimes referred to as the downstream end and the upstream end, respectively. As used herein, "proximal" (and conversely, "distal") refers to the relationship to the adult vapor during non-nicotine vaping, and "downstream" (and conversely, "upstream") refers to the relationship to the non-nicotine vapor flow path. For additional strength and stability, a bridging section may be provided between the opposing inner surfaces of the side sections (e.g., approximately midway along the length of the frame 106). The frame 106 may be integrally formed to be a monolithic structure.

[0064] The rear cover 108 (e.g., the second cover) also defines an opening configured to receive the bezel structure 112. The front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 via a snap-fit ​​arrangement.

[0065] The device body 10 also includes a mouthpiece 102. The mouthpiece 102 may be secured to a proximal end of a frame 106. At least one end of the mouthpiece 102 may also include a plurality of air outlets (not shown) through which the non-nicotine vapor produced by the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 may be inhaled.

[0066] The distal end of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 includes a port 110 (e.g., a mini-USB connector, etc.). The port 110 is configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a mini-USB cable, a USB cable, a power cable, etc.) to charge a power source (e.g., a power source, a battery, etc.) (not shown) within the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 may be configured to receive current from a wireless power source (e.g., a wireless charging pad, etc.). The port 110 may also be configured to transmit data to and / or receive data (e.g., via a mini-USB cable, a USB cable, etc.) from another non-nicotine electronic vaping device or another electronic device (e.g., a phone, a tablet, a computer, etc.). The non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 may also be configured to wirelessly communicate with another electronic device, such as a phone, a tablet, a computer, a server, a kiosk, a wireless beacon, a VR / AR device, etc., via application software (app) (e.g., a non-nicotine electronic vaping device application, etc.) installed on the electronic device. In such an example, the adult vaper may control or otherwise interface with the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 (e.g., find the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60, examine non-nicotine electronic vaping device and / or non-nicotine pod assembly status information, change operating parameters, lock / unlock the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60, etc.) via the app.

[0067] The non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 includes a non-nicotine pod assembly 30 configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may be removable (e.g., replaceable) or may be permanently affixed to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 and refillable with the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 has an upstream end (facing the light guide arrangement) and a downstream end (facing the mouthpiece 102). In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the upstream end is the opposite surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 from the downstream end. The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 includes a connector module (not shown) disposed within the non-nicotine pod body and exposed by an opening in the upstream end. The outer surface of the connector module includes at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contact may include a plurality of power contacts configured to electrically connect with at least one power contact (not shown) of the device body 10 (e.g., at least one power contact of the port 110). Additionally, the at least one electrical contact of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 includes a plurality of data contacts configured to electrically connect with data contacts (not shown) of the device body 10 (e.g., at least one power contact of the port 110, etc.).

[0068] The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may include a reservoir (not shown) within the assembly configured to hold the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir may be configured to seal the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation until the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 is activated to release the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir. As a result of this sealing, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be isolated not only from the environment but also from internal elements of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 that may potentially react with the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, thereby reducing or preventing potential adverse effects on the shelf life and / or sensory characteristics (e.g., flavor) of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may include structure configured to activate the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 and to receive and heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation released from the reservoir following activation.

[0069] The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 can be manually activated by an adult vaper before the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 is inserted into the device body 10. Alternatively, the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may be activated as part of the insertion of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 into the device body 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pod body includes a perforator (e.g., a pin, etc.) configured to release the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir during activation of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30.

[0070] As shown, the device body 10 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 include mechanical elements, electronic elements, and / or circuitry related to the operation of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 60. For example, the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may include a mechanical element configured to operate to release the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from an internal sealed reservoir. The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may also have mechanical features configured to engage with the device body 10 to facilitate insertion and seating of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30.

[0071] The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may also be a "smart pod" that includes electronic elements and / or circuitry configured to store, receive, and / or transmit information to and from the device body 10. Such information may be used to authenticate the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 for use with the device body 10 (e.g., to reduce and / or prevent the use of unauthorized / modified / counterfeit non-nicotine pod assemblies). This information may also be used to identify the type of non-nicotine pod assembly 30 and associate a vaping profile based on the identified type. The vaping profile may be designed to define general parameters for heating the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation and may be adjusted, refined, or otherwise regulated by the adult vaper before and / or during non-nicotine baking.

[0072] The non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may also communicate other information with the device body 10 that may be relevant to the operation of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 60. Examples of relevant information may include the level of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 and / or the amount of time that has elapsed since the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 was inserted into the device body 10 and activated.

[0073] The device body 10 may include mechanical elements (e.g., complementary structures) configured to engage, retain, and / or actuate the non-nicotine pod assembly 30. The device body 10 may also include electronic elements and / or circuitry configured to receive an electrical current to charge an internal power source, where the internal power source is configured to power the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 during non-nicotine vaping. The device body 10 may also include electronic elements and / or circuitry configured to communicate with the non-nicotine pod assembly 30, a different non-nicotine electronic vaping device, a nicotine electronic vaping device, other electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, computers, etc.), and / or adult vapers, etc.

[0074] The device body 10 may include a device electrical connector (not shown) configured to electrically engage the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 and supply power from the device body 10 to the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 via the device electrical connector during non-nicotine vaping. Data may also be transmitted to and / or received from the device body 10 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 via the device electrical connector.

[0075] According to some exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may include a wick (not shown) configured to transfer the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a heater (not shown). The heater is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to generate a non-nicotine vapor during non-nicotine vaping. The heater is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of the device electrical connector. Also, in exemplary embodiments, the heater includes a folded heating element, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In such examples, the wick may have a planar configuration configured to be held by the folded heating element, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. When the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 is assembled, the wick is configured to be in fluid communication with the absorbent material such that the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation present in the absorbent material (when the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 is activated) transfers to the wick via capillary action. As used herein, the heater may also be referred to as a heating engine, heating coil, or the like.

[0076] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the wick may be a fibrous pad or other structure with pores / gaps designed for capillary action, and, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, the wick may have a rectangular shape.

[0077] In exemplary embodiments, the heater is configured to undergo Joule heating (also called ohmic / resistive heating) when an electric current is passed through it. More specifically, the heater may be formed of one or more conductors and configured to generate heat when an electric current is passed therethrough. The electric current may be supplied from a power source (e.g., a power source, a battery, etc.) within the device body 10 and transferred to the heater via power contacts.

[0078] The heater and related structures are described in more detail in U.S. Application No. 15 / 729,909 (Atty. Dkt. No. 24000-000371-US), entitled "Folded Heater For Electronic Vaping Device," filed October 11, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example device system including an exemplary non-nicotine e-vaping device body connected to an exemplary non-nicotine pod system according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0080] The device system 2100 includes a control unit 2105, a power source 2110, an actuator control 2115, a non-nicotine pod electrical / data interface 2120, a device sensor 2125, an I / O interface 2130, a vapor indicator 2135, at least one antenna 2140, on-product controls 2150, a storage medium 2145, and / or a heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000. However, the device system 2100 is not limited to the features shown in FIG. 2 and may include a greater or lesser number of components.

[0081] The controller 2105 may be hardware, firmware, hardware executing software, or any combination thereof. When the controller 2105 is hardware, such existing hardware may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate array (FPGA) computers, etc., configured as special-purpose machines for performing the functions of the controller 2105. CPUs, microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, and FPGAs are sometimes commonly referred to as processing devices.

[0082] If controller 2105 is or includes a processor that executes software, controller 2105 is configured as a dedicated device (e.g., a processing device) that performs the functions of controller 2105 by executing software stored in a memory (e.g., storage medium 2145 or another storage device) accessible by controller 2105. This software may be embodied as program code that includes instructions for performing and / or controlling any or all of the operations described herein as being performed by controller 2105.

[0083] As disclosed herein, the terms "storage medium," "computer-readable storage medium," or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" may refer to one or more devices for storing data, including Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other tangible machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, portable or non-portable storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media that can store, store, or carry instruction(s) and / or data.

[0084] According to an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 2105 may include at least one microprocessor, etc. The control unit 2105 may also include an input / output interface such as a general-purpose input / output (GPIO), an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, or a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI) interface, a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and / or a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and / or a clock input terminal, etc. However, the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this example. For example, the control unit 2105 may further include an arithmetic circuit or circuitry.

[0085] Returning to FIG. 2, the control unit 2105 communicates with a power source 2110, an actuator control 2115, a non-nicotine pod electrical / data interface 2120, a device sensor 2125, an input / output interface 2130, a vapor indicator 2135, on-product controls 2150, and at least one antenna 2140, among others.

[0086] The controller 2105 may also communicate with a non-volatile memory (NVM) 2205b within the non-nicotine pod assembly 30, the heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000, and / or the non-nicotine pod sensor 2220 via the non-nicotine pod electrical / data interface 2120 and the body electrical / data interface 2210. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the NVM 2205b may be a Cryptographic Coprocessor and Non-Volatile Memory Package (CC-NVM) (not shown), although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. More specifically, the controller 2105 may utilize encryption to authenticate the non-nicotine pod assembly 30. As described, the controller 2105 communicates with the NVM or CC-NVM package to authenticate the non-nicotine pod assembly 30. More specifically, the non-volatile memory is encoded during manufacture with product information and other information for authentication.

[0087] The memory device may be encoded with an electronic identity that enables at least one of authentication of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 and pairing of operating parameters specific to the type (or physical structure, such as a heating engine type) of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 when the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 is inserted into the device body 10. In addition to authentication based on the electronic identity of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30, the control unit 2105 may authorize use of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 based on an expiration date of the stored non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation and / or heater encoded in the non-volatile memory of the NVM or CC-NVM. If the control unit 2105 determines that the expiration date encoded in the non-volatile memory has passed, the control unit 2105 may not authorize use of the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 and may disable the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device 60.

[0088] The control unit 2105 (or storage medium 2145) stores the primary encryption material and proprietary algorithm software. For example, encryption algorithms rely on the use of random numbers. The security of these algorithms depends on how truly random these numbers are. These numbers are typically pre-generated and coded into a processor or memory device. Exemplary embodiments may increase the randomness of the numbers used for encryption by using non-nicotine vapor drawing parameters (e.g., the duration of an instance of non-nicotine vapor drawing, the interval between instances of non-nicotine vapor drawing, or a combination thereof) to generate numbers that are more random and more individual-specific than pre-generated random numbers. All communications between the control unit 2105 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may be encrypted.

[0089] The controller 2105 may also include a cryptographic accelerator to enable the resources of the controller 2105 to perform functions other than encoding and decryption related to authentication. The controller 2105 may include other security features, such as preventing unauthorized use of communication channels and preventing unauthorized access to data if a non-nicotine pod or adult vaporizer is not authenticated.

[0090] In addition to the cryptographic accelerator, the control unit 2105 may include other hardware accelerators, such as a floating point unit (FPU), another DSP core, a digital filter, and a fast Fourier transform (FFT) module.

[0091] The control unit 2105 is configured to run a real-time operating system (RTOS) and control the device system 2100. The RTOS may be updated by communicating with the NVM or CC-NVM, or by connecting the device system 2100 to another device (e.g., a smartphone) via the input / output interface 2130 and / or the antenna 2140. The input / output interface 2130 and the antenna 2140 enable the device system 2100 to connect to various external devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. For example, the input / output interface 2130 may include, but is not limited to, a micro USB connector. The micro USB connector may be used by the device system 2100 to charge the power source 2110b.

[0092] The controller 2105 includes on-board RAM and flash memory to store and execute code, including analysis, diagnostics, and software upgrades. Alternatively, the storage medium 2145 may store the code. In another exemplary embodiment, the storage medium 2145 may be on-board the controller 2105.

[0093] The control unit 2105 may further include an on-board clock, reset, and power management module to reduce the area covered by the PCB within the device body 10.

[0094] The device sensors 2125 may include multiple sensor transducers that provide measurement information to the controller 2105. The device sensors 2125 may include, but are not limited to, a power supply temperature sensor, an external non-nicotine pod temperature sensor, a heater current sensor, a power supply current sensor, an air flow sensor, and an acceleration sensor for monitoring movement and orientation. The power supply temperature sensor and the external non-nicotine pod temperature sensor may be thermistors or thermocouples, and the heater current sensor and the power supply current sensor may be resistance-based sensors or other types of sensors configured to measure current. The air flow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure airflow, such as a hot wire anemometer. Alternatively, or in addition to measuring airflow using a flow sensor included in the device sensor 2125 of the device system 2100 of the device body 10, one or more sensors disposed in the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 may be used to measure airflow.

[0095] Data generated from one or more of the device sensors 2125 may be sampled at a sample rate appropriate to the parameter being measured using a discrete, multi-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).

[0096] The controller 2105 may adapt heater profiles and other profiles for non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations based on the measurement information received from the controller 2105. For brevity, these are commonly referred to as vaping profiles or vapor profiles. The heater profile specifies the power profile supplied to the heater during the few seconds during which a non-nicotine vapor draw is made. For example, the heater profile may supply full power to the heater when an instance of a non-nicotine vapor draw is initiated, and then immediately reduce the power by half or a quarter after a desired period of time (e.g., about one second, or thereabouts). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, modulation of the power supplied to the heater may be implemented using pulse width modulation.

[0097] The heater profile may also be altered based on the negative pressure applied to the non-nicotine e-vaping device 60. The use of a MEMS flow sensor allows the draw intensity of the non-nicotine vapor to be measured and used as feedback to the control unit 2105 to adjust the power delivered to the heater of the non-nicotine pod, which may be referred to as heating or energy delivery.

[0098] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, once the controller 2105 recognizes that a non-nicotine pod is currently installed (e.g., via SKU, serial number, unique identification number, public encryption key corresponding to the individual non-nicotine pod, etc.), the controller 2105 matches the associated heating profile designed for that particular non-nicotine pod. The controller 2105 and storage medium 2145 will store data and algorithms that enable the generation of heating profiles for various non-nicotine pod types, non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may read the heating profile from the non-nicotine pod. Adult vapers may also adjust the heating profile to suit their personal preferences.

[0099] 2, the control unit 2105 transmits data to and receives data from the power source 2110. The power source 2110 includes a power source 2110b and a power control unit 2110a for managing the power output by the power source 2110b.

[0100] The power source 2110b may be a lithium-ion battery or a variant thereof, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source 2110b may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. The power source 2110b may also be rechargeable and include circuitry that allows the battery to be charged by an external charging device. In that case, once charged, the circuitry provides power for a desired (or alternatively predetermined) number of instances of non-nicotine vapor puffing, after which the circuitry must be reconnected to the external charging device.

[0101] The power supply controller 2110a provides commands to the power source 2110b based on instructions from the controller 2105. For example, the power supply 2110 may receive a command from the controller 2105 (via the non-nicotine pod electrical / data interface 2120) to provide power to the non-nicotine pod when the non-nicotine pod is authenticated and the adult vaper activates the device system 2100 (e.g., by activating a switch such as a toggle button, capacitance sensor, or IR sensor, applying negative pressure to the mouthpiece, etc.). If the non-nicotine pod is not authenticated, the controller 2105 may not send a command to the power supply 2110 or may send an instruction to the power supply 2110 not to provide power. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may disable all operation of the device system 2100 if the non-nicotine pod is not authenticated.

[0102] In addition to powering the non-nicotine pod, the power supply 2110 also powers the controller 2105. The power supply controller 2110a may also provide feedback to the controller 2105 indicative of the performance of the power source 2110b.

[0103] The controller 2105 transmits data to and receives data from at least one antenna 2140. The at least one antenna 2140 may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) modem, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) modem, and / or other modems for other wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the communication stack resides within the modem, which is controlled by the controller 2105. The BLE modem is used for data and control communication with applications on external devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, computers, wireless beacons, etc.). The NFC modem may be used for pairing with applications on the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 and obtaining diagnostic information. The BLE modem may also be used to provide location information (to allow adult vapers to locate the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60) or authentication during a purchase.

[0104] The control unit 2105 provides information to the vapor indicator 2135 to indicate to the adult vapor the status and actions occurring. The vapor indicator 2135 includes a power indicator (e.g., an LED) that may be activated when the control unit 2105 senses a button being pressed by the adult vapor. The vapor indicator 2135 may also include a vibrator, a speaker, indicators regarding the current state of non-nicotine vaping parameters that the adult vapor controls (e.g., non-nicotine vapor amount), and other feedback mechanisms.

[0105] The device system 2100 may also include a number of on-product controls 2150 that provide commands from the adult vaper to the control unit 2105. The on-product controls 2150 include, for example, an on-off button, which may be a toggle button, a capacitance sensor, or an IR sensor. The on-product controls 2150 may also include a non-nicotine vaping control button (if the adult vaper wishes to override the buttonless non-nicotine vaping function and energize the heater), a hard reset button, a touch-based slider control (for setting and controlling non-nicotine vaping parameters such as non-nicotine vapor withdrawal amount), and a mechanical adjustment for the non-nicotine vaping control button and air inlet that activates the slider control. Hand-to-mouth gesture (HMG) detection is another example of buttonless non-nicotine vaping. A keystroke combination (e.g., keystrokes entered by the adult vaper via the on-product controls 2150) can also be used to lock the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 and prevent it from operating to generate non-nicotine vapor. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the keystroke combination may be set by the manufacturer of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 60 and / or device system 2100. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the keystroke combination may be set or changed by the adult vaper (e.g., by keystrokes entered by the adult vaper via on-product controls 2150).

[0106] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pod system 2200 may include, but is not limited to, a heater 2215, a non-volatile memory 2205b, a body electrical / data interface 2210, one or more non-nicotine pod sensors 2220, and / or a heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000. The non-nicotine pod system 2200 communicates with the device system 2100 via the body electrical / data interface 2210 and the non-nicotine pod electrical / data interface 2120.

[0107] The heater 2215 may be activated by the controller 2105 and may transfer heat to at least a portion of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotine pod assembly 30 according to, for example, a commanded profile (volume, temperature (based on the power profile), and flavor) from the controller 2105 to vaporize the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation into a non-nicotine vapor. The controller 2105 may determine the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to heat based on feedback from the non-nicotine pod sensor or the heater 2215. The flow of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be regulated by microcapillary or wicking action. The controller 2105 may also send commands to the heater 2215 to adjust the air inlet to the heater 2215.

[0108] The heater 2215 may be, for example, a planar body, a ceramic body, a solid wire, a cage of resistive wire, a wire coil surrounding a core, a mesh, a surface, or any other suitable form. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-titanium-zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel. For example, the heater may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material with an alumina layer on its surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials. The electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded, encapsulated, or coated in an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physicochemical properties. In one embodiment, heater 2215 is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, heater 2215 is formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In at least one exemplary embodiment, heater 2215 may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on its outer surface.

[0109] In other exemplary embodiments, the heater 2215 may be constructed of iron aluminide (e.g., FeAl or FeAl). Also, according to some exemplary embodiments, the heater 2215 may be included in the device system 2100 rather than in the non-nicotine pod system 2200.

[0110] 2, the non-nicotine pod system 2200 may include a non-volatile memory 2205b instead of the CC-NVM, and the cryptographic coprocessor may be omitted. If the non-nicotine pod system 2200 does not have a cryptographic coprocessor, the controller 2105 may read data from the non-volatile memory 2205b to control / define the heating profile without using the cryptographic coprocessor. However, if a cryptographic coprocessor is included in the non-nicotine pod system 2200, the cryptographic coprocessor may control the transmission (e.g., reading) of information encoded on the NVM 2205b to the controller 2105 and / or the reception (e.g., writing) of information to be stored on the NVM 2205b from the controller 2105.

[0111] The non-volatile memory 2205b may also store product usage information, such as the stock-keeping unit (SKU) of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation (including the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition) in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation compartment, software patches for the device system 2100, the number of non-nicotine vapor withdrawal instances, the duration of non-nicotine vapor withdrawal instances, and the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level. The non-volatile memory 2205b may also store operating parameters specific to the type of non-nicotine pod and the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition. For example, the non-volatile memory 2205b may store the electrical and mechanical design of the non-nicotine pod for use by the controller 2105 to determine commands corresponding to a desired non-nicotine vaping profile. The non-volatile memory 2205b may also store special-purpose computer-readable instructions corresponding to a trained neural network. The trained neural network is described in further detail in connection with FIGS. 4A through 7B.

[0112] The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level may be an approximate measurement of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level in the non-nicotine pod, and may be determined, for example, by directly measuring the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level in the non-nicotine pod using one of the non-nicotine pod sensors 2220, and / or may use the control unit 2105 to count the number of non-nicotine vapor extraction instances corresponding to the non-nicotine pod in non-volatile memory 2205b, and use the count of non-nicotine vapor extraction instances as a proxy for the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation vaporized.

[0113] The controller 2105 and / or storage medium 2145 may store non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data that identifies an operating point for the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition. The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data may include data describing how the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flow rate varies with the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation remaining or how the volatility varies with the age of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation and may be used for calibration by the controller 2105. The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data may be stored in tabular form by the controller 2105 and / or storage medium 2145. The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data enables the controller 2105 to equate non-nicotine vapor draw instance counts with the amount of vaporized non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

[0114] The control unit 2105 writes back the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level and the non-nicotine vapor drawing instance count to the non-nicotine pod's non-volatile memory 2205b, so that even if the non-nicotine pod is removed from the device main body 10 and later reinstalled, the control unit 2105 will be able to grasp the non-nicotine pod's exact non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level.

[0115] The operating parameters (e.g., power supply parameters, power duration parameters, air channel control parameters, etc.) are referred to as a vaping profile. The non-volatile memory 2205b may also record information communicated from the control unit 2105. The non-volatile memory 2205b may retain the recorded information even when the device main body 10 is detached from a non-nicotine pod.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the non-volatile memory 2205b may be a programmable read-only memory.

[0117] Data generated from the non-nicotine pod sensor 2220 may be sampled at a sample rate appropriate for the parameter being measured using a discrete, multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The non-nicotine pod sensor 2220 may include, for example, a heater temperature sensor, a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flow monitor, an airflow sensor, an ohmmeter measuring the resistance of the heater, and / or a puff detector. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater temperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple, and non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flow sensing may be performed by the non-nicotine pod system 2200 using electrostatic interference or a pre-vapor formulation internal rotation device.

[0118] Also, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pod system 2200 further includes a heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000 that measures the resistance of the heater 2215. The heater resistance monitoring circuit is described in further detail in connection with Figures 3A and 3B. Also, according to other exemplary embodiments, the heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000 may be included in the device system 2100.

[0119] 1 and 2 depict exemplary embodiments of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device is not limited thereto and may include additional and / or alternative hardware configurations that may be suitable for the purposes depicted. For example, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may include multiple additional or alternative elements, such as additional or alternative heating elements, reservoirs, batteries, etc. Also, while FIGS. 1 and 2 depict exemplary embodiments of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device as embodied in two separate housing elements, additional exemplary embodiments may be directed to non-nicotine electronic vaping devices disposed in a single housing and / or two or more housing elements.

[0120] 3A and 3B are block diagrams illustrating various elements of an example heater resistance monitoring circuit for a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to some example embodiments.

[0121] 3A , according to at least one exemplary embodiment, a non-nicotine e-vaping device may include, but is not limited to, a heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000A for detecting the resistance of a heater (e.g., a heating coil), such as heater 2215, in real time (e.g., continuously and / or dynamically monitoring the heater's resistance value) or at a desired time point, controlled by a controller of the non-nicotine e-vaping device, such as controller 2105. Heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000A may include at least controller 2105, power supply 2110, and a voltmeter 2221 (e.g., a voltmeter) connected to heater 2215, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, exemplary embodiments may further include one or more reference resistors having known resistance values ​​connected in series between power supply 2110 and heater 2215 to facilitate calculation of heater 2215's resistance value, a second special-purpose controller for measuring the heater's resistance value and implementing a trained neural network to estimate the heater's steady-state resistance value, etc. The power supply 2110 may be configured to output at least two power signals to the heater 2215 based on a trigger signal (e.g., a command signal, instruction, etc.) output from the controller 2105: a first power signal during a normal operation mode of the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device 60; and a second power signal during a heater resistance measurement operation mode, although the illustrated embodiment is not limited thereto. During normal operation of the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device, normal operating power from the power supply 2110 flows to the heater 2215. In response to the controller 2105 outputting a trigger signal indicating the start of a heater resistance measurement operation, the power supply 2110 may output the second power signal of a known current value. A voltmeter 2221 is connected to the power supply 2110 and the controller 2105 in parallel with the heater 2215. The voltmeter 2221 measures the voltage drop across the heater 2215 and outputs the measured voltage drop to the controller 2105. Then, the control unit 2105 calculates the resistance value of the heater 2215 using Ohm's law based on the known current value output by the power supply 2110 and the voltage drop measured by the voltmeter 2221.After a short period of time (eg, about 50 ms to about 100 ms), the control unit 2105 stops outputting the trigger signal to the power supply 2110, allowing normal power from the power supply 2110 to flow to the heater 2215 again.

[0122] 3B, according to at least one other exemplary embodiment, the heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000B may be configured to detect the resistance of the heater in real time (e.g., continuously and / or dynamically monitoring the resistance of the heater) or at a desired time point controlled by the controller 2105. The heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000B may include, but is not limited to, multiple MOSFETs, a load switch 3130, at least one controller 2105, a voltage divider 3120, and / or a Wheatstone bridge 3140. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, the heater resistance monitoring circuit 3000B may further include a second special-purpose controller for implementing a trained neural network to measure the resistance of the heater and estimate the steady-state resistance of the heater. The multiple MOSFETs may include at least a first PMOSFET 3151 and a second PMOSFET 3152 connected in a back-to-back configuration and coupled between a power source (e.g., power source 2110) and the heater 2215, and at least one NMOSFET 3153 having a drain D connected to a gate G of the PMOSFETs 3151 and 3152 and a gate G of the NMOSFET 3153 connected to the controller 2105. During normal operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device, power from the power source 2110 flows to the heater 2215 through the closed PMOSFETs 3151 and 3152.

[0123] The Wheatstone bridge may include, but is not limited to, at least a first resistor R1, a second resistor R3, and a third resistor R5, all of which may have fixed resistance values ​​(e.g., known, non-variable resistance values). The Wheatstone bridge may be connected to the heater 2215, which may be used as a variable resistor in combination with the fixed-value resistor R1, with resistors R3 and R5 forming the fixed resistance of the Wheatstone bridge. The Wheatstone bridge may also be connected in series with the load switch 3130. The load switch 3130 may output a signal R_SENSE_nEN to the controller 2105, which may cause the controller 2105 to output a COIL_LOCKOUT_nEN signal to the PMOSFET 3151 and the PMOSFET 3152 to start detecting / monitoring the heater resistance. In response to the COIL_LOCKOUT_nEN signal, PMOSFET 3151 and PMOSFET 3152 are opened and power to heater 2215 is cut off (e.g., turned off). Next, controller 2105 senses variable resistor COIL_RES and fixed resistor BRIDGE_REF using voltage V_BRIDGE from load switch 3130. After a short period of time (e.g., about 50 ms to about 100 ms), controller 2105 stops outputting the COIL_LOCKOUT_nEN signal, and power from power supply 2110 is again allowed to flow to heater 2215 via PMOSFET 3151 and PMOSFET 3152.

[0124] The controller 2105 may calculate the difference between the measured variable resistance COIL_RES and the known resistance of resistor R1 to determine the resistance of the heater 2215 during the resistance monitoring period.

[0125] Although exemplary embodiments of heater resistance monitoring circuits are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the exemplary embodiments are not so limited and other heater resistance monitoring circuits may include additional and / or alternative hardware configurations that may be suitable for the purposes shown.

[0126] 4A-4C illustrate a neural network for predicting and / or estimating the steady-state resistance of a heating element of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the resistance of a heating element of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device during a puff event according to at least one exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the resistance decay following a puff event according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0127] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a neural network implemented in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may detect a steady-state resistance of a heating element (e.g., heater 2215) included in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device (e.g., baseline resistance value, final resistance value, etc.) after a puff event of an adult vapor, where the steady-state resistance value may be used to detect a dry puff event (e.g., dry wick event, etc.) of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0128] 5, the electrical resistance of heater 2215 depends on the temperature and metallurgy of the heater, and can change as the temperature of the heater increases or decreases, such as when power is applied to heater 2215 to vaporize a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored on a wick. For example, if the heater is constructed from Nichrome 60 wire, the resistance of the heater will only change by about 2% with temperature, whereas the resistance of a heater constructed from stainless steel can change by up to about 20% with temperature, etc., depending on the temperature of the stainless steel heater.

[0129] During a puff event (e.g., the application of negative pressure to the mouthpiece of a non-nicotine e-vaporizing device by an adult vaper), power is supplied from power source 2110 to heater 2215, thereby raising the temperature of heater 2215 to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. After the puff event is completed (and assuming no other puff event occurs), power supplied from power source 2110 to heater 2215 is terminated by controller 2105, and the temperature of heater 2215, and correspondingly, the resistance of heater 2215, decays until it reaches a steady-state temperature / resistance value.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 5 , the resistance of an exemplary heater of a non-nicotine e-vaping device over time corresponding to multiple puff events (e.g., a training set of puff events) is illustrated, and as shown in FIG. 6 , which illustrates the decay of resistance over time after a single puff event, the initial resistance measurement during the puff event may reach a local maximum resistance value (e.g., approximately 3.67 ohms) and then decay to a local minimum resistance value (e.g., approximately 3.6 ohms) over a decay period of approximately 30 to 60 seconds. The local maximum resistance value may be considered the peak resistance value of the heater 2215 for the puff event, and the local minimum resistance value may be considered the steady-state resistance value (e.g., final resistance value) of the heater 2215 for the puff event. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the resistance of the heater 2215 may be measured in real time using the heater resistance monitoring circuit of FIG. 3A or 3B , although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto and other real-time heater resistance monitoring circuits may be used.

[0131] Additionally, the steady-state resistance value of the heater 2215 increases as the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored on the wick decreases, and thus a dry puff event may be detected based on the steady-state resistance value being compared to a dry puff detection threshold. Also, according to some exemplary embodiments, if the non-nicotine e-vapor device does not include a wick, the steady-state resistance value also increases as the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being heated and / or vaporized by the heating element decreases. The dry puff detection threshold may be determined for each particular non-nicotine e-vapor device based on empirical data (e.g., laboratory tests, etc.) regarding the heater metallurgical composition, heater design type, and steady-state resistance values ​​observed for known values ​​of power supplied to the heater.

[0132] However, while a heater resistance monitoring circuit can be used to accurately measure the steady-state resistance of a heater after one puff event, if multiple puff events occur before the completion of the decay period, the heater resistance monitoring circuit may not provide an accurate measurement of the steady-state resistance of the heater. For example, typical adult vaping behavior may include two or more puff events occurring within approximately 30 seconds (e.g., an adult vaper applies a first negative pressure at t0, then a second negative pressure at t1, where t1 <= t0 + 30 seconds). As a result, because the heater in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device is not powered down for the entire decay period (e.g., about 30 seconds to about 60 seconds), the steady-state resistance for the first puff event is not reached as the heater is powered again for the second puff event.

[0133] Exemplary embodiments provide a method for determining a more accurate estimate of steady-state resistance that does not require an adult vaper to wait approximately 30 to 60 seconds between puff events to detect whether a dry puff event has occurred.

[0134] 4A-4C, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, a neural network may be provided to estimate a steady-state resistance value of a heater in a non-nicotine e-vaping device based on at least two measured resistance values ​​of the heater during and / or after a puff event. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the two or more measured resistance values ​​of the heater may be used to estimate (and / or predict) a heater resistance value 30 to 60 seconds after the end of a puff event that corresponds to an estimated steady-state resistance value (e.g., an estimated final resistance value), thereby eliminating the need for an adult vaper to wait until the expiration of a decay period (e.g., about 30 to about 60 seconds) to accurately detect and complete a dry puff event. For example, a first measured heater resistance value may be observed at the time power to the heater 2215 is removed (to measure the heater's peak resistance value), and a second measured heater resistance value may be observed shortly thereafter at the beginning of the resistance decay slope (e.g., about 0.5 seconds). However, the illustrated embodiment is not limited thereto, and for example, the number of heater resistance measurements used to estimate the steady-state heater resistance may be three or more, for example, a third measured heater resistance may be observed following the second measured heater resistance at the beginning of the ankle of the decay curve (e.g., approximately 2.0 seconds after power to the heater 2215 is cut off), and a fourth measured heater resistance may be observed following the third measured heater resistance before the occurrence of the second pulse event, etc. In addition, the time over which the heater resistance is measured may be adjusted, and the decay period may be adjusted to an appropriate period based on, for example, the temperature / resistance characteristics of the heater included in the non-nicotine e-vaping device.

[0135] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the neural network may be implemented as special purpose program code (e.g., special purpose computer readable instructions) that is loaded into a controller of the non-nicotine e-vaping device, such as controller 2105, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto and the neural network may be included in the non-nicotine e-vaping device in a separate special purpose processor (e.g., a specially programmed FPGA, a special purpose ASIC, a special purpose SoC, etc.), and / or in an external computing device on which the neural network is specially programmed, which may be provided via a wired and / or wireless network connection.

[0136] 4A, which illustrates the overall topology of a neural network in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment. The neural network itself may be a function-fitting network that approximates a "best-reason" function corresponding to the decay process of the heater resistance, and in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, the neural network may calculate the following function:

number

[0137] In Equation (1), R(t) refers to the resistance function with respect to time (e.g., a function covering the range from a peak resistance value to a steady-state resistance value), A and B refer to the first and second decay magnitudes, t1 refers to a first decay rate corresponding to a first (e.g., fast) temperature decay rate observed in a non-nicotine e-vapor device, t2 refers to a second (e.g., slower) temperature decay rate observed in a non-nicotine e-vapor device, and Rf refers to the original resistance value of the heater 2215 (e.g., the resistance value of the heater when no power is applied to the heater or when the heater is "cold"). The decay magnitudes A and B, the decay rate t1, and the decay rate t2 are constant values ​​that vary based on the composition of a particular non-nicotine pod (e.g., based on / influenced by the composition of the heater, wick, and / or materials forming the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation). These constant values ​​can be obtained from experimental data.

[0138] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the neural network topology may include at least an input stage in which the measured resistance value(s) of the heater of the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device are input into the neural network, and at least one hidden layer that outputs vector(s) to at least one output layer, which may output a single scalar value as the estimated steady-state (e.g., final-state) resistance value of the heater of the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited in this regard, and the neural network may include more or fewer layers, inputs, and / or outputs.

[0139] FIG. 4B illustrates at least one hidden layer (e.g., a first layer, a hidden layer, an active layer, etc.) of a neural network according to at least one exemplary embodiment, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For simplicity and explanation, the present invention refers to the first layer (e.g., a hidden layer) of the neural network as a “hidden” layer, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments, the first layer may be externally connected with the input layer and therefore may not be a true “hidden” layer. In FIG. 4B , the at least one hidden layer may include three neurons (e.g., activation nodes, etc.) in a hidden layer, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The number of hidden layers may be more than one, the number of neurons may be more or less than three, etc. Each of the three neurons may receive an input vector including a weight matrix as well as a measured heater resistance value (e.g., R0, R1, R2, etc.). Each neuron in the at least one hidden layer may take a dot product of the input vector with one row of the weight matrix, resulting in a 3-tuple vector. A bias value vector may then be appended to the 3-tuple vector to produce vector "n", which may then be applied element-wise to the transfer function to produce vector "a".

[0140] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the transfer function used may be a tangent sigmoid, or tansig, as shown below, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

number

[0141] However, according to some example embodiments, to make the hidden layer calculations more efficient, especially for controllers with lower processing power (e.g., 8-bit controllers with or without floating-point units), a Taylor expansion of the tangent function (Equation (3)) and / or an application of Horner's law (Equation (4)) may be used as a transfer function instead of the tangent function.

number

number

[0142] However, the illustrated embodiment is not so limited.

[0143] Referring now to FIG. 4C , FIG. 4C illustrates an output layer of a neural network according to at least one exemplary embodiment. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the output layer of the neural network may include one neuron, which may include an output weight vector, an input vector output by the hidden layer, a bias value, and a transfer function, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The neuron in the output layer may take the dot product of the hidden layer output vector “a” and the output weight vector. The neuron may add the bias value to the resulting output and input the result into the transfer function. As shown in FIG. 4C , according to at least one exemplary embodiment, the bias value may be Rf, an asymptotic value to which the heater resistance decays over time (e.g., the Rf value used in Equation 1 above), and the transfer function may be a pass-through function, e.g., y=x, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The output layer then outputs an estimate of the steady-state heater resistance value.

[0144] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the weight matrix and bias values ​​of at least one hidden layer of the neural network and the weight vector and bias values ​​of at least one output layer may be determined by training the neural network on a training data set corresponding to actual measured resistance values ​​of the heater in the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device (or an equivalent heater exhibiting similar thermal / electrical characteristics to the heater included in the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device), measured resistance values ​​corresponding to times at which the measured resistance values ​​used as inputs to the neural network are measured (e.g., when power to the heater is turned off, at the beginning of the decay slope, at the beginning of the decay curve ankle, etc.), or actual steady-state resistance measurements (e.g., measurements taken at the end of the decay period, such as 30 to 60 seconds after the heater is turned off). During the neural network training phase, resistance values ​​from the training data set that do not include the measured steady-state resistance value are input to the neural network, and the mean squared error (MSE) between the estimated steady-state resistance value and the actual steady-state resistance value is measured to generate an estimation algorithm for the neural network. Then, using this estimation algorithm, the neural network parameters (e.g., weight matrix values ​​of the hidden layer and output layer, bias values, etc.) are adjusted, and training is repeated until the neural network outputs an estimated steady-state resistance value (and / or an estimated asymptotic resistance value) whose error from the actual steady-state resistance value is within a desired range. Based on conducted experiments, the training data set may include 20 to 100 puff / collapse events, and five runs of the training set may be performed to accurately train the neural network. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0145] 7A-7B are flowcharts illustrating a method for detecting a dry puff event using steady-state resistance of a heating element in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0146] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, in act S710, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may detect the application of negative pressure (e.g., a puff event) by the adult vaper. In act S720, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may take at least one real-time measurement of the resistance of the heater of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device following termination of the application of negative pressure and subsequent interruption of power between the power source and the heater of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device. According to some exemplary embodiments, three or more measurements of the resistance of the heater may be obtained, including, but not limited to, a measurement when power to the heater is interrupted, a measurement when the beginning of the decay slope is observed, and / or a measurement when the beginning of the decay curve ankle is observed. In act S725, the measured resistance of the heater is then input into a trained neural network, and the non-nicotine electronic vaping device utilizes the trained neural network to estimate the steady-state resistance of the heater (e.g., an estimated final resistance). An example of calculating the estimated steady-state resistance is described in further detail in connection with FIG. 7B.

[0147] In operation S730, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device determines whether a dry puff condition exists in the heater of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device based on the estimated steady-state resistance of the heater and the desired threshold resistance, and if the non-nicotine electronic vaping device determines that a dry puff condition does not exist, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device continues normal operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device (S740) and returns to operation S710.

[0148] Returning to operation S730, if the non-nicotine electronic vaping device determines that a dry puff condition exists, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device disables power to the heater (S750). According to some exemplary embodiments, information indicating that the non-nicotine pod assembly is empty may be stored in a memory of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device and / or a memory of a non-nicotine pod assembly containing a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation (e.g., a non-nicotine cartridge, a reservoir containing a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, etc.). This information may include a unique identifier for identifying the non-nicotine pod assembly. Power to the heater may also remain disabled until a new non-nicotine pod assembly (e.g., a non-empty non-nicotine pod assembly) is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device may determine whether the newly inserted non-nicotine pod assembly is a new non-nicotine pod assembly or an empty non-nicotine pod assembly based on information stored in the memory of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device and / or the non-nicotine pod assembly.

[0149] As described above, FIG. 7B illustrates a method for estimating a steady-state heater resistance value using a trained neural network. Referring to FIG. 7B, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, in operation S726, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device measures a peak resistance value of the heater (e.g., the resistance value at the time power to the heater is cut off) during a decay period (e.g., a first period) using a heater resistance measurement circuit. In operation S727, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device measures at least one additional resistance value of the heater during the decay period (e.g., the first period) using the heater resistance measurement circuit. In operation S728, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may input the measured peak resistance value and the measured at least one additional resistance value into the trained neural network. In operation S729, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device performs calculations on the trained neural network and outputs an estimated steady-state resistance value of the heater, which is used in operation S730 of FIG. 7A.

[0150]

[0006] Exemplary embodiments described herein provide methods, systems, devices, and / or non-transitory computer-readable media for detecting dry puff events based on an estimated steady-state resistance value of a heater in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device. Additionally, one or more exemplary embodiments may reduce the size and / or manufacturing costs of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device and / or provide more accurate temperature measurements.

[0151] While illustrative embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications that would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A non-nicotine electronic vaping device (EVD), comprising: a reservoir, a heating element, and a control circuit; The reservoir comprises: a non-nicotine prevapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine prevapor formulation does not contain nicotine and contains at least one non-nicotine compound; The heating element comprises: configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir; The control circuit monitoring a resistance of the heating element for a first period of time after a first application of a negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device; determining an estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the monitored resistance value using a trained neural network; configured to control power to the heating element based on the estimated steady-state resistance value. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

2. 10. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, The control circuit further comprises: detecting a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device based on the estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element; configured to disable power to the heating element in response to the detected dry puff condition. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

3. 3. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 2, The control circuit further comprises: configured to prevent application of power to the heating element in response to detecting a second application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

4. 10. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, The control circuit determining a peak resistance value of the heating element during the first period of time; determining at least one additional resistance value of the heating element at a time subsequent to the peak resistance value determined during the first period of time, thereby monitoring the resistance of the heating element; estimating the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the peak resistance value and the at least one load resistance value using the trained neural network; configured to determine the estimated steady state resistance value of the heating element; Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

5. 5. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 4, the trained neural network is a function adaptation network; The function adaptation network receiving the peak resistance value and the at least one additional resistance value as input values; determining a decay of the input value over the first period of time; configured to output the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the determined decay of the resistance value of the heating element over the first period of time. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

6. 5. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 4, the peak resistance value is determined at a time when application of power to the heating element is stopped after a first application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaping device. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

7. 7. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 6, the at least one additional resistance value includes at least a second resistance value and a third resistance value; the second resistance value is determined at a time point after the peak resistance value is determined and before the third resistance value is determined; the third resistance value is determined at a time point after the second resistance value is determined and before the second application of negative pressure is detected. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

8. 10. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, the heating element is configured to be connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit; The control circuit further comprises: detecting a variable resistance value corresponding to the heating element over the first period of time; detecting a resistance value corresponding to the Wheatstone bridge circuit over the first time period; configured to estimate the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element using the trained neural network based on the detected variable resistance value corresponding to the heating element and the detected resistance value corresponding to the Wheatstone bridge circuit. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

9. 10. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, The non-nicotine prevapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and the at least one non-nicotine compound. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

10. 10. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component; Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

11. 1. A method of operating a non-nicotine electronic vaping device (EVD), comprising: monitoring a resistance value of the heating element; determining an estimated steady state resistance value of the heating element; and controlling power to the heating element. monitoring the resistance of the heating element includes using a control circuit of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to monitor a resistance of a heating element included in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device for a first period of time after a first application of a negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device; wherein the heating element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from a reservoir of the non-nicotine e-vapor device, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being nicotine-free and including at least one non-nicotine compound; determining an estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element using the control circuit and a trained neural network based on the monitored resistance value; and controlling power to the heating element using the control circuit to control power to the heating element based on the estimated steady state resistance value. method.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, detecting a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine e-vaping device using the control circuitry based on the estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element; and disabling power to the heating element using the control circuit in response to the detected dry puff condition. method.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, detecting a second application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device using the control circuitry; and preventing application of power to the heating element in response to detecting the second application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaping device using the control circuit. method.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, monitoring the peak resistance of the heating element includes: determining a peak resistance value of the heating element during the first period of time; determining at least one additional resistance value of the heating element at a time subsequent to the peak resistance value determined during the first period of time; The step of determining the estimated steady state resistance of the heating element comprises: estimating the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element using the trained neural network based on the peak resistance value and the at least one load resistance value. method.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, the trained neural network is a function adaptation network; The method comprises: using the control circuit and receiving as inputs the peak resistance value and the at least one additional resistance value; determining, using the control circuit, the decay in the resistance of the heating element over the first period of time; and outputting, using the control circuitry, the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the determined decay of the resistance value of the heating element over the first period of time. method.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, the peak resistance value is determined at a time when application of power to the heating element is stopped after the first application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaping device. method.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, the at least one additional resistance value includes at least a second resistance value and a third resistance value; the second resistance value is determined at a time point after the peak resistance value is determined and before the third resistance value is determined; the third resistance value is determined at a time point after the second resistance value is determined and before the second application of negative pressure is detected. method.

18. 12. The method of claim 11, using the control circuitry to sense a variable resistance value corresponding to the heating element over the first period of time; using the control circuit to sense a resistance value corresponding to the Wheatstone bridge circuit over the first time period; and using the control circuit to estimate the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element using the trained neural network based on the detected variable resistance value corresponding to the heating element and the detected resistance value corresponding to the Wheatstone bridge circuit. method.

19. 12. The method of claim 11, The non-nicotine prevapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and the at least one non-nicotine compound. method.

20. 12. The method of claim 11, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component; method.

21. 1. A non-nicotine electronic vaping device (EVD), comprising: a reservoir, a heating element, a heater resistance monitoring circuit, a trained neural network, and a control circuit; The reservoir comprises: a non-nicotine prevapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine prevapor formulation does not contain nicotine and contains at least one non-nicotine compound; The heating element comprises: configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir; The heater resistance monitoring circuit determining a peak resistance of the heating element during a first time period after a first application of a negative pressure to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device; configured to determine at least one additional resistance value of the heating element during the first period; The trained neural network configured to estimate a steady-state resistance value of the heating element during the first time period based on the determined peak resistance value and the determined at least one additional resistance value; The control circuit configured to disable power to the heating element based on the estimated steady state resistance value. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

22. 22. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 21, The trained neural network further comprises: configured to detect a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device based on the estimated steady-state resistance of the heating element; The control circuit further comprises: configured to disable power to the heating element in response to the detected dry puff condition. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

23. 22. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 21, the trained neural network is a function adaptation network; The function adaptation network receiving the peak resistance value and the at least one additional resistance value as input values; determining a decay of the input value over the first period of time; configured to output the estimated steady-state resistance value of the heating element based on the determined decay of the resistance value of the heating element over the first period of time. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

24. 22. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 21, the peak resistance value is determined at a time when application of power to the heating element is stopped after a first application of negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaping device. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

25. 22. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 21, The non-nicotine prevapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and the at least one non-nicotine compound. Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

26. 22. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 21, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component; Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.

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