Aerosol delivery system

Abstract

To provide a new aerosol supply system or the like for generating aerosol.SOLUTION: An aerosol provision system (300) for generating an aerosol, the system (300) comprising a feedback arrangement (200) for providing feedback (F) to a user (400) of the aerosol provision system (300). The feedback arrangement 200 may be configured to provide feedback after the aerosol provision system has generated aerosol in the operational mode, and may be further configured not to provide feedback F while the aerosol provision system is generating aerosol in the operational mode. In this way, the feedback F may be delivered at an appropriate time such that the user 400 may see the feedback F at a glance after the user 400 has finished operating the aerosol provision system 300, such as when an aerosol provision device from the aerosol provision system 300 is not in the user's mouth.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8C

Description

Field

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

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

[0003] Once vapor is generated, it may be passed through a flavoring material to add flavor to the vapor (if the aerosolizable material is not itself flavored), and the (flavored) vapor may then be delivered from the aerosol delivery system to the user via the mouthpiece.

[0004] A potential drawback of some existing aerosol delivery systems and related aerosol delivery devices relates to the inability to provide adequate feedback to the user in a manner that is readily apparent to the user. Accordingly, various approaches are described herein that attempt to help address or mitigate some of these problems by using a feedback component that can provide user feedback after the aerosol delivery system has produced aerosol in an operational mode, rather than while the aerosol delivery system is producing aerosol in that mode.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment, there is provided an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: A feedback unit for providing feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery system is configured to provide the feedback after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode, and is further configured not to provide feedback while the aerosol delivery system is generating aerosol in the operational mode.

[0006] According to a second aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a method of providing feedback to a user of an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the method comprising: The method includes using the feedback unit to provide feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery system after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in the operational mode, rather than while the aerosol delivery system is generating aerosol in the operational mode.

[0007] It will be understood that the features and aspects of the invention described above for the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention and can be combined with embodiments of the invention, if desired, in accordance with other aspects of the invention, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates an aerosol delivery system including a cartridge and an aerosol delivery device (shown separately) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating components of a cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3A]2A-2C are various cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3B] 2 is another of various cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3C] 2 is yet another of various cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic representation of a septum element of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4B] 2 is a schematic plan view of a septum element of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5A] 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an elastic plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5B] 1. FIG. 4 is another perspective view schematically illustrating the elastic plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. [Figure 5C] 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating an elastic plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6A] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6B] 2 is a schematic plan view of the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A-6B are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of an aerosol delivery system that can be used with the aerosol delivery system as shown in FIGS. 1A-6B and that include a feedback portion configured to provide feedback after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode, but not while the aerosol delivery system is generating aerosol in the operational mode, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A]1A and 1B illustrate schematic diagrams of an embodiment of an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol delivery system and a feedback portion at a first time when the aerosol delivery system is in an operational mode and generating aerosol, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 8B is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 8A at a second time point after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode, the second time point corresponding to the time point at which the feedback section is providing feedback, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] 8B is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 8A at a third time after the second time, after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode, the third time corresponding to the time at which the feedback section is providing feedback, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8D] 8B is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 8A at a fourth time after the third time, after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode, the fourth time corresponding to a time when the feedback section is no longer providing feedback, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0010] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed / described in detail. Accordingly, it will be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol delivery systems (such as e-cigarettes). According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is one that does not burn or incinerate the aerosolizable components of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) to facilitate delivery to a user. An aerosolizable material, sometimes referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material or aerosol precursor material, is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in some other way. The aerosolizable material may also be flavored in some embodiments.

[0012] Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, with the understanding that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems. Note that electronic cigarettes are also known as vaping devices or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system is a hybrid device configured to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or more of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0014] Typically, a (non-combustible) aerosol delivery system may comprise a cartridge / consumable part and a body / reusable / aerosol delivery device part configured to releasably engage with the cartridge / consumable part.

[0015] The aerosol delivery system may be provided with means for powering a vaporizer therein and may be provided with an aerosolizable material transfer element for receiving the aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol delivery system may also include a reservoir for containing the aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments, a further reservoir for containing a flavoring material for flavoring the vapor generated from the aerosol delivery system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vaporizer can be a heater / heating element that can interact with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form a vapor / aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat. For example, the vaporizer can generate a vapor / aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat, for example, via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurized, or electrostatic means.

[0017] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosolizable material that can include an active ingredient, a carrier component, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

[0018] The active ingredient may include one or more physiologically and / or olfactorily active ingredients contained in the aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological and / or olfactory response in the user. The active ingredient may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active ingredient may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived. The active ingredient may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active ingredient may include components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another plant. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a physiologically active ingredient and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine tartrate / nicotine tartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient and may be selected from "flavors" and / or "flavorings," which, where local regulations permit, can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in products for adult consumers. In some examples, such ingredients may be referred to as fragrances, flavors, flavoring materials, cooling agents, heating agents, and / or sweetening agents.These include naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime). , tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascara, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine Ming, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, pimenta, ginger, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway seeds, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.These may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas, one or more extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, osmanthus, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, The additives may be selected from the group consisting of caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

[0020] In some embodiments, the flavoring material (flavoring) may include menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavoring ingredients. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring may include sensates intended to achieve somatosensory sensations typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to, or instead of, scent or taste nerves, and these may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, and numbing effects. A suitable heating agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0021] The carrier component may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier component may comprise one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0022] The one or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0023] As noted above, aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often comprise modular assemblies that include both a reusable component (the main body or aerosol delivery device) and a replaceable consumable component (the cartridge). Devices that conform to this type of two-component modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-component devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have an elongated shape. To provide a concrete example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure described herein may comprise this type of generally elongated two-component device that uses a consumable component. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may equally be employed in other e-cigarette configurations, e.g., modular devices with three or more components, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, e.g., based on so-called box-mod high-performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape.

[0024] Thus, from the above and with reference to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic perspective view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system (e-cigarette) 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Terms relating to the relative orientation of various aspects of the e-cigarette (e.g., terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom, etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the e-cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be understood that this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to imply that there is any required orientation of the e-cigarette during use.

[0025] The e-cigarette 1 (aerosol delivery system 1) comprises two main components: a cartridge 2 and an aerosol delivery device 4. The aerosol delivery device 4 and cartridge 2 are shown separated in Figure 1 but are coupled together in use.

[0026] The cartridge 2 and the aerosol delivery device 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection therebetween. The particular method of establishing the mechanical and electrical connection is not of primary importance to the principles described herein and may be established according to conventional techniques, for example, based on threaded, bayonet, latching, or friction-fit mechanical fastening, with appropriately positioned electrical contacts / electrodes to establish electrical connection between the two components as needed. For example, in the electronic cigarette 1 shown in FIG. 1 , the cartridge includes a mouthpiece 33, a mouthpiece end 52, and an interface end 54, and is coupled to the aerosol delivery device by inserting an interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 8 / receiving section of the aerosol delivery device. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is a close fit with the receptacle 8 and includes a protrusion 56 that engages with a corresponding detent on the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 forming the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device. An electrical connection is established between the aerosol delivery device and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts (not shown in FIG. 1 ) on the bottom of the cartridge and corresponding spring-loaded contact pins (not shown in FIG. 1 ) on the base of the receptacle 8. As noted above, the particular method of establishing the electrical connection is not critical to the principles described herein, and indeed some implementations may not have any electrical connection between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device, for example, because the transmission of power from the reusable component to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction technology).

[0027] The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol delivery system) has a generally elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol delivery device, the overall length (along the longitudinal axis) of the electronic cigarette in this example is approximately 12.5 cm. The overall length of the aerosol delivery device is approximately 9 cm, and the overall length of the cartridge is approximately 5 cm (i.e., when they are coupled together, there is approximately 1.5 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the aerosol delivery device). The cross section of the electronic cigarette is generally oval, being largest near the center of the electronic cigarette and curving and tapering toward both ends. The cross section near the center of the electronic cigarette is approximately 2.5 cm wide and approximately 1.7 cm thick. The end of the cartridge is approximately 2 cm wide and approximately 0.6 mm thick, while the other end of the electronic cigarette is approximately 2 cm wide and approximately 1.2 cm thick. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is formed from plastic in this example. It will be understood that the particular size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the materials from which it is made are not of primary importance to the principles described herein and may vary in different implementations, i.e., the principles described herein may be equally employed in electronic cigarettes having a variety of sizes, shapes, and / or materials.

[0028] The aerosol delivery device 4, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, may be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. In the example of FIG. 1 , the aerosol delivery device 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including receptacle walls 12 that form a receptacle 8 for receiving the end of a cartridge, as described above. The outer housing 10 of the aerosol delivery device 4 in this example has a generally oval cross-section that matches the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at their interface, allowing a smooth transition between the two components. The receptacle 8 and end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetrical when rotated 180 degrees, allowing the cartridge to be inserted into the aerosol delivery device in two different orientations. The receptacle walls 12 include two aerosol delivery device air inlet openings 14 (i.e., holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with the air inlets 50 for the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol delivery device. Different ones of the openings 14 align with the air inlets 50 of the cartridge in different orientations. It will be understood that some implementations may not have a degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge can be coupled to the aerosol delivery device in only one orientation, while other implementations may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge can be coupled to the aerosol delivery device in more orientations.

[0029] The aerosol delivery device further includes a battery 16 for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 18 for controlling and monitoring operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

[0030] Battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be a conventional type, for example, of the type typically used in e-cigarettes and other applications requiring a relatively large current supply for a relatively short period of time. Battery 16 may be recharged via charging port 24, which may include, for example, a USB connector.

[0031] The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, including a spring-loaded component, which may establish electrical contact within an underlying circuit when pressed by a user, for example. In this regard, the input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, for example, to trigger aerosol generation, and the particular method for implementing the button is not important. For example, other forms of mechanical buttons (based on capacitive or optical sensing technology) or touch-sensitive buttons may be used in other implementations, or a button may not be present and the device may rely on a smoke detector to trigger aerosol generation.

[0032] Indicator lights 22 are provided to give the user a visual indication of various features associated with the e-cigarette, such as an indication of operational status (e.g., on / off / standby) or other features such as battery life or fault conditions. The various features may be indicated, for example, by different colors and / or different flashing sequences, generally in accordance with the prior art.

[0033] The control circuitry 18 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the e-cigarette and provide conventional operational functions consistent with established techniques for controlling e-cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 can be thought of as logically comprising various subunits / circuit elements associated with various aspects of the operation of the e-cigarette. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry 18 may include power control circuitry for controlling the delivery of power from a battery / power source to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, and other functional unit / circuit-related functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and typical operational aspects of an e-cigarette, such as indicator light display driver circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated that the functionality of the control circuitry 18 can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as using one or more suitably programmed programmable computers and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0034] 2 is an exploded, schematic perspective view of cartridge 2 (exploded along longitudinal axis L). Cartridge 2 includes housing portion 32, air channel seal 34, septum element 36, outlet tube 38, vaporizer / heating element 40, aerosolizable material transfer element 42, plug 44, and end cap 48 having contact electrode 46. FIGS. 3-6 schematically illustrate some of these components in more detail.

[0035] Figure 3A is a schematic cutaway view of housing portion 32 through longitudinal axis L, where housing portion 32 is at its thinnest. Figure 3B is a schematic cutaway view of housing portion 32 through longitudinal axis L, where housing portion 32 is at its widest. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing portion from interface end 54 along longitudinal axis L (i.e., viewed from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

[0036] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of the partition element 36 as seen from below, and Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper part of the partition element 36 as seen from below.

[0037] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from above, and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic view of plug 44 along longitudinal axis L as viewed from mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., as viewed from above in the orientation of Figures 1 and 2).

[0038] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view from above of end cap 48. Figure 6B is a schematic view of end cap 48 along longitudinal axis L as viewed from mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., from above).

[0039] The housing portion 32 in this example includes an outer housing wall 64 and an inner housing tube 62, which in this example are formed from a single molding of polypropylene. The outer housing wall 64 forms the exterior of the cartridge 2, and the inner housing tube 62 forms part of the air channel through the cartridge. The housing portion is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge, except for a mouthpiece opening / aerosol outlet 60 from the mouthpiece 33, which is in fluid communication with the inner housing tube 62. The housing portion 32 includes an opening in its side wall that serves as the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example is approximately 2 mm 2The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes the projections 56 discussed above, which engage corresponding detents on the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 forming the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion further includes projections 66, which function as abutment stops for locating the septum element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 further includes holes that define latch recesses 68 that are positioned to receive corresponding latch projections 70 on the end caps that are secured to the housing portion when the cartridge is assembled.

[0040] The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that forms a gap 76 that is in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 forms a portion of an air channel through the cartridge. In this example, the double-walled section 74 of the housing portion 32 is such that the gap forms an air channel through the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis and has a cross section of approximately 3 mm in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 2 The gap / portion of the air channel 76 formed by the double wall section of the housing portion extends downward to the open end of the housing portion 32.

[0041] The air channel seal 34 is a silicone molding in a generally tubular form having a through-hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes a peripheral ridge 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes a peripheral ridge, but these are not visible in FIG. 2 . When the cartridge is assembled, the air channel seal 34 is attached to the inner housing tube 62 with the end of the inner housing tube 62 extending partially into the through-hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through-hole 80 of the air channel seal has a diameter of approximately 5.8 mm in its relaxed state, while the end of the inner housing tube 62 has a diameter of approximately 6.2 mm, so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 stretches to accommodate the inner housing tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.

[0042] The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section made, for example, of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an inner diameter of approximately 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 88, each with a semicircular recess 90 at the end. When the cartridge is assembled, the outlet tube 38 is attached to the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is approximately 9.0 mm in its relaxed state, thereby forming a seal when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by a ridge 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. A collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.

[0043] The aerosolizable material transfer element 42 includes a capillary wick, and the vaporizer (aerosol generator) 40 includes a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the portion of resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporizer includes a lead 41 that passes through a hole in the plug 44 and contacts an electrode 46 attached to the end cap 54, allowing power to be supplied to the vaporizer via an electrical interface established when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol delivery device. The vaporizer lead 41 may include the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or it may include a different material (e.g., a low-resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example, the heater coil 40 includes nickel-iron alloy wire, and the wick 42 includes a glass fiber bundle. The vaporizer and aerosolizable material transfer elements may be provided according to any conventional technique and may include various forms and / or various materials. For example, in some implementations, the wick may include a fibrous or solid ceramic material, and the heater may include a different alloy. In other examples, the heater and wick may be combined, for example, in the form of a porous material and a resistive material. More generally, it will be understood that the particular nature of the aerosolizable material transfer element and vaporizer is not of primary importance to the principles described herein.

[0044] When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in a semicircular recess 90 in the outlet tube 38 so that the central portion of the wick, around which the heating coil is wound, is located inside the outlet tube, while the end portions of the wick are located outside the outlet tube 38.

[0045] The plug 44 in this example is made from a single molded piece of silicone and may be resilient. The plug includes a base portion 100 from which an outer wall 102 extends upwardly (i.e., toward the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further includes an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base portion 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 extending through the base portion 100.

[0046] An outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the housing portion 32 such that the plug 44 forms a seal with the housing portion 32 when the cartridge is assembled. An inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the outlet tube 38 such that the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38 when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 108, the end of each slot having a semicircular recess 110. Extending outward (i.e., away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 that is shaped to receive a section of the transfer element 42 for aerosolizable material when the cartridge is assembled. The slot 108 and semicircular recess 110 defined by the inner wall of the plug 44 are aligned with the slot 88 and semicircular recess 90 of the outlet tube 38, such that the slot 88 of the outlet tube 38 receives one of the cradles 112, and the semicircular recesses of the outlet tube and the plug cooperate to define an opening through which the transfer element of the aerosolizable material passes. The size of the opening defined by the semicircular recess through which the transfer element of the aerosolizable material passes closely corresponds to the size and shape of the transfer element of the aerosolizable material, but is slightly smaller, allowing some compression to be achieved by the resilience of the plug 44. This allows the aerosolizable material to be transported along the transfer element of the aerosolizable material by capillary action, while limiting the extent to which aerosolizable material not transported by capillary action can pass through the opening. As mentioned above, the plug 44 includes an additional opening 114 in the base portion 100 through which the vaporizer contact lead 41 passes when the cartridge is assembled. At the bottom of the base portion of the plug are spacers 116 that maintain the offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base portion and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include openings 114 through which the electrical contact leads 41 for the vaporizer pass.

[0047] The end cap 48 consists of a molded polypropylene body to which a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 are attached.

[0048] The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are approximately flush with the cartridge interface ends 54 on the end cap 48. These are the portions of the electrodes to which correspondingly aligned spring-loaded contacts in the aerosol delivery device 4 connect when the cartridge 2 is assembled and connected to the aerosol delivery device 4. The ends of the electrode posts inside the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 into holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and have chamfered upper ends to facilitate insertion into the plug holes 114, where they are maintained in pressure contact with the vaporizer contact leads.

[0049] The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 that fits against the inner surface of the housing portion 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing portion 32 so that, when the cartridge is assembled, the latch projections 70 engage with the latch recesses 68 in the housing portion 32 to snap the end cap 48 into the housing portion. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts the peripheral portion of the plug 44, and the lower surface of the spacer 116 on the plug also abuts the base section 124 of the plug, thereby pressing against the resilient portion 44 and maintaining it in a slightly compressed state when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing portion.

[0050] A base portion 124 of the end cap 48 extends beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112 and includes a peripheral lip 126 having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the outer wall of the housing portion at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 that aligns with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to help determine their relative positions during assembly.

[0051] The septum element 36 is made from a single molding of polypropylene and includes a septum 130 and a collar 132 formed to project from the septum 130 in a direction toward the interface end of the cartridge. The septum element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e., the septum is disposed around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, the septum element 36 may be integrally formed with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages the lower surface of the septum 130, which in turn engages with a protrusion 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32. The septum 130 therefore prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing portion 32—i.e., the septum 130 is fixedly positioned along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusion 66 in the housing portion, thereby providing the plug with a fixed surface to press against. A collar 132 formed by a protrusion from the septum includes a first pair of opposing projections / tongues 134 that engage corresponding recesses in the inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The protrusion from the septum 130 further forms a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with a corresponding one of the cradle sections 112 in the portion 44, further forming an opening through which a transfer element of the aerosolizable material passes when the cartridge is assembled.

[0052] When the cartridge 2 is assembled, an air channel is formed that extends through the cartridge from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60. A first section of the air channel begins at the air inlet 50 in the sidewall of the housing portion 32 and is realized by a gap 76 formed by a double-wall section 74 of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32, extending from the air inlet 50 toward the interface end 54 of the cartridge and beyond the plug 44. A second section of the air channel is realized by a gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third section of the air channel is realized by a hole 106 through the plug 44. A fourth section of the air channel is realized by the interior region of the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet duct around the vaporizer 40. This fourth section of the air channel is also referred to as the aerosol region / aerosol-generation region, which is the primary region where aerosol is generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol-generation region is sometimes referred to as the air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by an outer housing inner tube 62 that connects the air channel to an aerosol outlet 60 located at the end of the mouthpiece 33. The air channel that leads from the aerosol-generation region to the aerosol outlet may be referred to as the aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

[0053] Additionally, when the cartridge is assembled, a reservoir 31 for aerosolizable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing portion 32. This may be filled during manufacturing, for example, through a fill hole that is later sealed, or by other means. The specific nature of the aerosolizable material, e.g., its composition, is not of primary importance to the principles described herein; generally, any conventional aerosolizable material of the type typically used in electronic cigarettes can be used. This disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolizable material, which, as noted above, may be a conventional e-liquid. However, the principles of this disclosure apply to any aerosolizable material capable of flowing, which may include liquids, gels, or solids; in the case of solids, multiple solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered in bulk.

[0054] The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above septum 130 and a second region below septum 130 within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. A transfer element (capillary wick) 42 of the aerosolizable material passes through an opening in the wall of the air channel formed by semicircular recesses 108, 90 of plug 44 and outlet tube 38 and cradle sections 112, 136 of plug 44 and septum element 36, which engage with each other as discussed above. Thus, the end of the transfer element of the aerosolizable material extends into the second region of the reservoir, from which it draws the aerosolizable material through the opening in the air channel and into vaporizer 40 for subsequent vaporization.

[0055] In normal use, cartridge 2 is coupled to aerosol delivery device 4, which is activated to supply power to the cartridge via contact electrode 46 in end cap 48. Power is then transmitted to vaporizer 40 through connecting conductor 41. The vaporizer is thus electrically heated, vaporizing a portion of the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transfer element adjacent to the vaporizer. This generates an aerosol in the aerosol-generating region of the air channel. The aerosolizable material vaporized from the aerosolizable material transfer element is replaced by more aerosolizable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporizer is activated, the user inhales into mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge, drawing air from whichever aerosol delivery device air inlet 14 is aligned with the cartridge air inlet 50 (depending on the orientation of the cartridge inserted into receptacle 8 of the aerosol delivery device). Air then enters the cartridge through air inlet 50, passes along gap 76 in double-walled section 74 of housing portion 32, passes between plug 44 and end cap 48, and then through hole 106 in base portion 100 of plug 44 into the aerosol-generating region surrounding vaporizer 40. The incoming air mixes with the aerosol generated from the vaporizer to form a condensed aerosol, which is then drawn along outlet tube 38 and inner housing tube 62 before exiting through mouthpiece outlet / aerosol outlet 60 for the user to inhale.

[0056] From Figures 1-6B above, one can see the structure of a possible embodiment of an aerosol delivery system 1 configured to generate an aerosol, which is suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure (potentially together with other forms of aerosol delivery systems).

[0057] 7-9B, the present disclosure also provides an aerosol delivery system 300 for generating an aerosol (which may be based, for example, on aerosol delivery system 1 as shown in FIGS. 1-6B, although other forms of aerosol delivery systems may obviously be used as long as they are capable of generating aerosol), the aerosol delivery system 300 further comprising a feedback unit 200 for providing feedback F to a user 400 of the aerosol delivery system 300. At a general level, the feedback unit 200 may be configured to provide feedback F after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode, and may be further configured not to provide feedback F while the aerosol delivery system is generating aerosol in an operational mode. Thus, in this way, operational mode feedback F can be provided at an appropriate time after the user has finished operating the system, such as when any aerosol delivery device 4 (and / or any associated cartridge 2, if such a cartridge-type arrangement is used) is less likely to be in the user's mouth, so that the user 400 can see the feedback F immediately, and in a manner that makes it less likely that the user 400 will overlook or not see the feedback F.

[0058] As described above, the feedback unit 200 can be configured to provide feedback F at some point after the aerosol delivery system (or aerosol delivery device 4) generates aerosol in an operational mode (i.e., at some point after the situation / position of FIG. 8A), so that feedback F can be provided within a time frame after the aerosol has been generated in a predetermined operational mode (as in FIGS. 8B and 8C), but then provide feedback F quickly enough so that feedback F can still be provided while the user 400 is holding the aerosol delivery device, as opposed to the device being returned to a location out of sight of the user 400, such as in the user's 400's bag 401 or pocket (as in FIG. 8D).

[0059] Therefore, in view of the above, to allow for at least a certain amount of time before user 400 removes the aerosol delivery device from their mouth so that any provided feedback F is immediately apparent to user 400, according to some embodiments, feedback unit 200 may be configured to provide feedback F (i.e., begin providing) within 10 seconds, within 8 seconds, within 5 seconds, within 4 seconds, within 3 seconds, within 2 seconds, within 1 second, within 0.8 seconds, within 0.5 seconds, and / or within 0.3 seconds after the aerosol delivery system (or, more specifically, aerosol delivery device 4) has ceased aerosol generation in the operational mode. By the term ceased herein, this may be interpreted as the point in time at which power is no longer supplied from the aerosol delivery system to any provided aerosol generator 40 to generate aerosol in the operational mode, according to some embodiments.

[0060] Similarly, to avoid providing feedback F too early after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode, to reduce the likelihood of feedback F being provided while any corresponding aerosol delivery device 4 (or its cartridge 2, if such a cartridge is also used) is still in the user's mouth (where the user 400 may be more distracted and therefore less able to perceive feedback F from the feedback unit 200, as shown in FIG. 8A), according to some embodiments, the feedback unit 200 may be configured to provide (i.e., begin providing) feedback 5 seconds or more, 3 seconds or more, 2 seconds or more, 1 second or more, 0.8 seconds or more, and / or 0.5 seconds or more after the aerosol delivery system has finished generating aerosol in an operational mode.

[0061] With respect to the duration "d" of any provided feedback F, it will be appreciated that this may be selected to be long enough for user 400 to best perceive in sufficient detail after the aerosol delivery system has finished generating aerosol in operational mode, such as in the situations of Figures 8B and 8C. Thus, in some embodiments, feedback portion 200 may be configured to provide feedback F for a duration "d" of at least 2 seconds, at least 3 seconds, at least 4 seconds, at least 5 seconds, at least 7 seconds, and / or at least 10 seconds.

[0062] Similarly, according to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system 300 and / or the feedback section 200 may be configured to provide feedback F until the controller 18 of the aerosol delivery system 300 determines that a predetermined event has occurred.

[0063] For example, according to some very specific embodiments, the predetermined event may be the operation of an input button 20 from the aerosol delivery system (or from the aerosol delivery device 4) (e.g., the user 400 operates the input button 20 to confirm the feedback F).

[0064] Obviously, another very particular embodiment may be the predetermined event that the temperature of aerosol delivery system 300 (such as the temperature of aerosol generator 40) no longer exceeds a predetermined temperature. Thus, in some particular embodiments, feedback F may be provided until the temperature no longer exceeds the predetermined temperature, insofar as feedback F may include an indication that aerosol delivery device 4 or aerosol delivery system 300 has experienced a failure, such as a failure in the form of the aerosol delivery system being determined to be overheated.

[0065] According to some embodiments, if one adheres to duration "d" of feedback F, feedback F may be configured to be provided for a duration "d" that is not so long as to excessively drain power source 16 and / or cause discomfort or annoyance to user 400 of the aerosol delivery system. Thus, in such embodiments, feedback portion 200 may be configured to provide feedback F for a duration of 30 seconds or less, 25 seconds or less, 20 seconds or less, 15 seconds or less, 10 seconds or less, 8 seconds or less, and / or 5 seconds or less. Clearly, according to some particular embodiments, feedback F may be configured in a hybrid approach to be provided for the shorter of: i) any one of the above durations; or ii) until controller 18 of aerosol delivery system 300 determines that a predetermined event has occurred (e.g., user 400 activates input button 20 to acknowledge feedback F). Such a latter hybrid duration "d" may better provide feedback F in a manner that is best perceived by the user 400, yet is not so long as to consume excessive power from the power source 16 and / or may not be considered annoying or irritating to the user 400.

[0066] Regardless of how long the duration "d" of feedback F is, once feedback F is provided, user 400 may then consider replacing any aerosol delivery devices from the aerosol delivery system in either bag 401 or pocket for later reuse as needed, as disclosed in FIG. 8D.

[0067] In view of the above, it is envisioned that feedback F may be provided for any desired number of (different) operating modes, and in this regard it should also be understood that the feedback F provided after each operating mode may or may not necessarily be the same for each different operating mode.

[0068] It is contemplated that for any given mode of operation, according to some embodiments, the feedback F may be configured to provide an indication of a predetermined characteristic of the aerosol delivery system (or aerosol delivery device 4).

[0069] As described below, in accordance with some embodiments, it is contemplated that this predetermined characteristic may include a physical parameter (such as, in some particular embodiments, the rate of aerosol generation from the aerosol supply system while generating aerosol in an operational mode).

[0070] Similarly, according to some embodiments, the predetermined characteristics may include chemical parameters (such as the composition of the aerosol-forming material vaporized to generate the aerosol in the operational mode).

[0071] Similarly, according to some additional / alternative embodiments, the predetermined characteristics may include electrical parameters (e.g., the amount of power delivered to the aerosol generator 40 while generating aerosol in an operational mode).

[0072] Turning now to the form of any provided feedback from feedback unit 200, this may take a variety of different forms. For example, any provided feedback may include at least one of visual feedback, audio feedback, and / or haptic feedback. The use of audio or haptic feedback may be particularly effective, particularly for those with visual impairments.

[0073] To implement the above-described feedback F, according to some embodiments, feedback unit 200 may include any one or combination of an optical or visual feedback element (such as an LED, light source, or display), an acoustic element (such as a speaker), and / or a tactile feedback element (such as a vibrator), as needed. Such visual feedback may be particularly useful insofar as, once the aerosol delivery system 4 is in an operational mode and generating aerosol, the user may subsequently remove any part of aerosol delivery system 4 from their lips and then observe feedback unit 200 (such as any optical or visual feedback element) to potentially observe the feedback provided by feedback unit 200 (e.g., as shown in the embodiment associated with FIG. 8C ).

[0074] With the above in mind, it will be apparent that in some particular embodiments to those described above, any such feedback portion 200, including any potential visual / audio / tactile feedback elements, may be most conveniently located on the aerosol delivery device 4 (which may, according to some embodiments, comprise a cartridge 2 / aerosol delivery device 4 type arrangement). However, likewise, according to some other potential embodiments, the feedback portion 200 may not be located on the aerosol delivery device 4 (i.e., in other words, the aerosol delivery device 4 may not comprise the feedback portion 200), and so may instead be located elsewhere, such as as part of the electrical device 250, which may be operable to communicate with the aerosol delivery device 4. Thus, in this manner, the electrical device 250 may comprise the feedback portion 200.

[0075] As to what such electrical device 250 might be, it is envisioned that it may comprise any form of electrical device 250 that may be in operative communication with aerosol delivery system 300 or aerosol delivery device 4, such as (but certainly not limited to) a portable device such as a tablet computer, smartphone, handheld computer, smartwatch, or smart device (such as an electrical wrist strap or ankle strap) that may be carried or worn by a user 400 of aerosol delivery device 4. It will be appreciated that, if desired, electrical device 250 may be operable to communicate with aerosol delivery device 4 wirelessly, such as via wireless connection protocol 270. Thus, in this case, it is clear that electrical device 250 may also comprise wireless transmitter / receiver / transceiver 252, as desired, to facilitate any such wireless communication with aerosol delivery device 4 (which may also comprise wireless transmitter / receiver / transceiver 97 in communication with controller 18).

[0076] With the above potential forms of feedback F in mind, at a general level, it is envisioned that the feedback F described herein may be configured to indicate many different things. For example, as noted above, feedback F may be configured to provide an indication, according to some embodiments. In more specific embodiments, this indication may include the following items:

[0077] i) an indication of a predetermined characteristic of the aerosol delivery system or aerosol delivery device 4; ii) an indication that the aerosol delivery system or device has experienced a malfunction, such as a malfunction that, in very particular embodiments, includes determining that the aerosol delivery device 4 and / or any aerosol generators 40 thereof have overheated; iii) an indication that the remaining power of the power source 16 is less than a predetermined amount (e.g., in very particular embodiments, less than 5% or less than 10% remaining power); iv) an indication suggesting replacement or refilling of cartridge 2, depending on the embodiment in which the cartridge 2 / aerosol delivery device 44 arrangement is used; v) An indication that the amount of aerosol-generating material in at least a portion of the aerosol delivery system (and / or in particular the cartridge 2, if such a cartridge 2 is used) is less than a predetermined amount.

[0078] Thus, at a general level, it can be appreciated that any provided indication can assist the user 400 in gathering feedback about how the aerosol delivery system performed.

[0079] Obviously, to enhance the effectiveness of some of the above-described embodiments, aerosol delivery system 300 may, in some embodiments, include a controller, such as control circuit 18 described above. Accordingly, in such embodiments, controller 18 may be configured to determine whether the aerosol delivery system has ceased generating aerosol in the operational mode. In response to controller 18 determining that the aerosol delivery system has ceased generating aerosol in the operational mode, controller 18 may be configured to generate an output signal for feedback portion 200 to provide feedback.

[0080] Although not required, according to some embodiments, any provided aerosol delivery system 300 or device 4 may also include a sensor 91 for generating sensor data. In this manner, controller 18 may then be configured to receive the sensor data from sensor 91 and use the sensor data to determine an indication of feedback F. In response to controller 18 determining an indication of feedback F, controller 18 may then be configured to generate an output signal for feedback portion 200 to provide feedback F including an indication after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode.

[0081] As to what such a sensor 91 may be, obviously this may depend on the indication intended to be provided as part of the feedback F.

[0082] For example, according to some embodiments, the sensor 91 can include a temperature sensor 93, and the sensor data includes a temperature value indicating a temperature, such as the temperature of a portion of the aerosol supply system 1 in some embodiments, or the temperature of the aerosol generator 40 in some particular embodiments, as in the embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0083] Thus, in such an embodiment, controller 18 may be configured to use the sensor data to determine whether the temperature value exceeds a predetermined temperature. In this manner, in response to controller 18 determining that the temperature value exceeds the predetermined temperature, controller 18 may be further configured to generate an output signal for feedback portion 200 to provide feedback F including an indication after the aerosol delivery system has produced aerosol in an operational mode. Notably, such an indication may include an indication that the aerosol delivery system or aerosol delivery device has experienced a malfunction and / or overheating, as the case may be.

[0084] Another potential use of feedback F may be to provide an indication of the composition of the aerosol-generating material vaporized to generate the aerosol in the operational mode. Such a use may be advantageous in cases where the user 400 may not be familiar with the composition (or flavor) of the vaporized aerosol-generating material. Thus, feedback F provided in this manner after the aerosol delivery system generates aerosol in the operational mode may consequently help the user 400 better understand which aerosol-generating material has been vaporized. For these embodiments, while in some cases composition information may be provided directly to the controller 18, e.g., as part of any connection between the cartridge 2 and the aerosol delivery device 4, in some embodiments, the composition may be determined using sensor data from a sensor 91, 99 configured to generate sensor data indicative of the composition of the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol delivery system 300. According to some embodiments, the sensor 91, 99 may be configured to be in fluid communication and / or contact with the aerosol generation from the aerosol delivery system 300. Similarly, according to some particular embodiments, any dispensing cartridge 2 and / or reservoir 31 from the aerosol delivery system may therefore include any such dispensing sensor 91, 99, as shown in the embodiment of FIG.

[0085] Yet another potential application of feedback F may require feedback F to include an indication that the aerosol-generating material is low and / or that cartridge 2 needs to be replaced and / or that aerosol-generating material needs to be refilled, as described above, in response to a determination by controller 18 that the amount of aerosol-generating material in at least a portion of the aerosol delivery system (and / or cartridge 2, if such a cartridge 2 is used) is less than a predetermined amount. Accordingly, for these embodiments, aerosol delivery system 300 may be configured such that sensor data from sensor 91 indicates the amount of aerosol-generating material in at least a portion of the aerosol delivery system (or cartridge 2, according to some narrower embodiments). Thus, in this manner, controller 18 may be configured to use the sensor data to determine whether the amount of aerosol-generating material is less than the predetermined amount. In this manner, in response to determining that the amount of aerosol-generating material is less than the predetermined amount, controller 18 may then be configured to generate an output signal for feedback unit 200 to provide feedback F including an indication after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode. Thus, as a result of this feedback F, when user 400 has completed operating aerosol delivery system in operational mode, user 400 may perceive feedback to let them know that they are low on aerosol-generating material.

[0086] Therefore, in view of the above, there has been appropriately described an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: A feedback unit for providing feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery system is provided, the feedback unit being configured to provide feedback after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in the operational mode, and further configured not to provide feedback while the aerosol delivery system is generating aerosol in the operational mode.

[0087] Also described is a method for providing feedback to a user of an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the method comprising: The method includes using the feedback unit to provide feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery system after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in the operational mode, rather than while the aerosol delivery system is generating aerosol in the operational mode.

[0088] Also described is an aerosol delivery system 300 for generating an aerosol, the system 300 comprising a feedback unit 200 for providing feedback F to a user 400 of the aerosol delivery system 300. The feedback unit 200 is configured to provide feedback after the aerosol delivery system has generated aerosol in an operational mode, and is further configured not to provide feedback F while the aerosol delivery system is generating aerosol in an operational mode. In this manner, feedback F can be delivered at an appropriate time such that the user 400 can immediately and easily view the feedback F, such as after the user 400 has finished operating the aerosol delivery system 300, for example, when the aerosol delivery device from the aerosol delivery system 300 is not in the user's mouth.

[0089] To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure provides, by way of example, various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid understanding and teach the claimed invention. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or to the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably be composed of, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and thus it will be understood that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly recited in the claims. The present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

[0090] For example, with regard to how any providing feedback sections 200 (if present) may be powered, it will be understood that each feedback section 200 may be powered using either the power supply 16 or its own power supply (not shown).

[0091] Similarly, with regard to the placement of any such feedback unit 200 and / or sensor 91, it will be understood that these locations may be provided anywhere within the aerosol delivery system 300 required to provide the necessary functionality. This placement may even include locations where the feedback unit 200 and / or sensor 91 are not actually located within the aerosol delivery device 4 (e.g., in a separate electrical device 250 attachable to the user 400, such as a strap or some other patch or device that may be secured to the user 400 (releasably, if necessary, e.g., via an adhesive patch)).

[0092] Similarly, where the aerosol delivery system includes a cartridge 2 and an aerosol delivery device 4, the optional delivery feedback section 200 and / or sensor 91 may be located in either the cartridge 2 or the aerosol delivery device 4, as necessary, to enable the necessary functionality of the feedback section 200 or sensor 91.

[0093] For completeness, it will be understood that with respect to any feedback unit 200 or sensor 91 within the aerosol delivery device or system, any power or signal sent thereto may be provided using either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuit 18 and the respective feedback unit 200 / sensor 91. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 7, for example, a wired connection is provided between the associated feedback unit 200 and / or sensor 91 and the control circuit 18, which extends via contact electrodes 46 located on each of the aerosol delivery device 4 and cartridge 2 when the components are located within the cartridge 2 across interface end 54.

[0094] Finally, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to a particular number of operating modes, and as a result, the teachings may correspond to any integer number of operating modes (e.g., a number between 1 and 100, for example). In this manner, feedback portion 200 may be configured to provide the (nth) feedback after the aerosol delivery system generates aerosol in the (nth) operating mode, and may be further configured to not provide the (nth) feedback while the aerosol delivery system is generating aerosol in the (nth) operating mode.

[0095] It will be understood that when multiple operating modes are used, in some embodiments thereof, the feedback F for each operating mode does not necessarily have to be provided simultaneously and / or for the same duration after the aerosol delivery system generates aerosol in the operating mode.

[0096] Thus, for example, in some very particular embodiments, one operational mode may have feedback F provided no earlier than 1 second after the aerosol delivery system has ceased generating aerosol in the operational mode and provided for a duration of no more than 5 seconds, while another operational mode in such embodiments and potentially other embodiments may have feedback F provided no earlier than 0.5 seconds after the aerosol delivery system has ceased generating aerosol in the operational mode and provided for a duration of no more than 10 seconds (e.g., if the feedback F associated with this latter operational mode is deemed more important for the user 400 to see compared to the feedback F associated with the first operational mode).

[0097] It will also be understood that when multiple operating modes are used, the level of feedback corresponding to each operating mode may be different. Thus, in other words, according to some embodiments, feedback F associated with a first operating mode may include a higher level of feedback F than the level of feedback corresponding to another operating mode. With respect to the "level" of feedback F, this may include the amount of feedback (e.g., feedback brightness in the case of visual feedback, or feedback magnitude in the case of acoustic feedback), the magnitude of the feedback (e.g., feedback brightness in the case of visual feedback, or feedback F intensity in the case of haptic feedback), or even the conspicuousness of the feedback (e.g., feedback brightness in the case of visual feedback, feedback F intensity in the case of haptic feedback, feedback magnitude in the case of acoustic feedback). Obviously, when such a level is used, it could also include an average level or a maximum level according to some narrower embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 200...feedback unit, 300...aerosol supply system, 400...user.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising: a feedback unit for providing feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery system; The aerosol delivery system, wherein the feedback unit is configured to provide the feedback after the aerosol delivery system generates the aerosol in an operating mode, and is further configured not to provide the feedback while the aerosol delivery system is generating the aerosol in the operating mode.

2. 2. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the feedback component is configured to provide the feedback within 5 seconds after the aerosol delivery system finishes generating the aerosol in the operational mode.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the feedback unit is configured to provide the feedback at least 1 second after the aerosol delivery system has finished generating the aerosol in the operating mode.

4. 4. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the feedback portion is configured to provide the feedback for a duration of at least 5 seconds.

5. 5. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the feedback portion is configured to provide the feedback for a duration of 10 seconds or less.

6. 6. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises a display, and the feedback unit comprises the display.

7. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the feedback comprises visual feedback.

8. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the feedback comprises tactile feedback.

9. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the feedback comprises acoustic feedback.

10. The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein the feedback is configured to provide an indication of a predetermined characteristic of the aerosol delivery system.

11. 11. The aerosol delivery system of claim 10, wherein the predetermined characteristic comprises an aerosol production rate from the aerosol delivery system while producing the aerosol in the operational mode.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol, and the predetermined characteristic includes an amount of power delivered to the aerosol generator while generating the aerosol in the operating mode.

13. The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein the feedback includes an indication that the aerosol delivery system has experienced a fault.

14. 14. The aerosol delivery system of claim 13, wherein the fault comprises determining that the aerosol delivery system is overheated.

15. 15. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises a power source, and the feedback comprises an indication that the power source has less than a predetermined amount of power remaining.

16. The method further includes a sensor for generating sensor data and a controller, the controller receiving the sensor data from the sensor; determining an indication for the feedback using the sensor data; generating an output signal for the feedback unit to provide the feedback including the indication after the aerosol delivery system generates the aerosol in the operational mode; 16. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, further configured to:

17. 17. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising an aerosol delivery device for generating the aerosol, the aerosol delivery device comprising the feedback portion.

18. 18. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising an aerosol delivery device for generating the aerosol, and further comprising an electrical device operable to communicate with the aerosol delivery device, the electrical device comprising the feedback unit.

19. 20. The aerosol delivery system of claim 18, wherein the electrical device comprises a handheld device.

20. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a cartridge and an aerosol delivery device configured to receive the cartridge.

21. 21. The aerosol delivery system of claim 20, wherein the aerosol delivery device includes the feedback portion.

22. the sensor data indicates an amount of aerosol-forming material in at least a portion of the cartridge; The controller: using the sensor data to determine whether the amount of the aerosol-forming material is less than a predetermined amount; and generating the output signal in response to determining that the amount of the aerosol-forming material is less than the predetermined amount, for the feedback portion to provide the feedback including the indication after the aerosol delivery system generates the aerosol in the operational mode.

22. An aerosol delivery system according to claim 20 or 21 when further dependent on claim 16, configured so that

23. 23. The aerosol delivery system of claim 22, wherein the indication includes a suggestion to replace or refill the cartridge.

24. 1. A method for providing feedback to a user of an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising: The method includes providing feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery system using a feedback unit after the aerosol delivery system has generated the aerosol in an operational mode, but not while the aerosol delivery system is generating the aerosol in the operational mode.

25. a controller, the method further comprising: the controller receiving sensor data from a sensor of the aerosol delivery system; the controller using the sensor data to determine an indication for the feedback; the controller generating an output signal for the feedback portion to provide the feedback including the indication after the aerosol delivery system has produced the aerosol in the operational mode; 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

26. removing a portion of the aerosol delivery system from the user's mouth after the aerosol delivery system generates the aerosol in the operational mode; providing the feedback to the user after the portion of the aerosol delivery system is removed from the mouth of the user; 26. The method of claim 24 or 25, further comprising:

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the portion includes an aerosol delivery device from the aerosol delivery system.

28. 28. The method of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the feedback is provided to the user as visual feedback on a display from an aerosol delivery device from the aerosol delivery system.

Images