Aerosol delivery system

Abstract

To provide an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generator.SOLUTION: An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generator, the aerosol provision system comprising a controller and an indicator, wherein the controller is configured to, after an end of a usage session, determine that a temperature of the aerosol provision system is below a predefined threshold temperature, and in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol provision system is below the predefined threshold temperature, control the indicator to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol provision system is below the predefined threshold temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Field) The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems. [Background technology]

[0002] (background) Aerosol delivery systems generally include a reservoir of aerosol-generating material, such as a solid, liquid, or gel portion, or a precursor liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or flavoring, from which an aerosol or vapor is generated for inhalation by a user, for example, by thermal vaporization. Thus, aerosol delivery systems / electric smoking systems typically include an aerosol generator, such as a heating chamber or aerosol-generation chamber, including a heating element, arranged to vaporize or aerosolize a portion of an aerosolizable material (e.g., a solid material such as tobacco) to generate a vapor or aerosol in the aerosol-generation chamber. When a user holds the device in their mouth and inhales, power is supplied to the heating element, and air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet channel that leads to the aerosol-generation chamber, where it mixes with the vaporized precursor material to generate a condensed aerosol. An exhaust channel leads from the aerosol-generation chamber to an outlet of the mouthpiece, and air drawn into the aerosol-generation chamber when the user holds the mouthpiece in their mouth and inhales travels along an outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, entraining the aerosol for inhalation by the user. Some aerosol delivery systems may include a flavoring element in the airflow path through the device to provide additional flavor. Such devices are sometimes referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavoring element may include, for example, a portion of a solid aerosol-generating material, such as tobacco, and / or a flavoring material disposed in the airflow path between the aerosol-generating chamber and the mouthpiece, with the aerosol / condensation aerosol drawn through the device passing through the portion of the solid material before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation. In some aerosol delivery systems, the aerosol-generating material includes a liquid feedstock contained in a cartridge or pod that also includes a heating element and an aerosol-generating chamber, and the cartridge is mechanically and electrically coupled to a control unit for use. The control unit includes a battery and control circuitry that cooperate to power the heating element via the cartridge.

[0003] As described above, aerosol delivery systems use an aerosol generator, such as a heater, to transfer energy to an aerosol-forming material to generate an aerosol, for example, by thermal vaporization. However, energy may dissipate or be otherwise transferred (i.e., by conduction, convection, or radiation) to components other than the heater and the aerosol-forming material (e.g., structural components supporting the heater or the aerosol-forming material), which can cause temperatures to rise in other components of the system. This can result in undesirable results.

[0004] Described herein are various techniques that may help address or mitigate at least some of the problems discussed above. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (overview) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, the aerosol delivery system comprising a controller and an indicator, wherein the controller is configured to determine that after a use session, the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature, and in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature, control the indicator to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a controller for use with an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, the aerosol delivery device comprising a controller and an indicator, wherein the controller is configured to determine that after a use session, the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature, and in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature, control the indicator to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, the method comprising: determining, after completion of a use session, that a temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature; and controlling an indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol supply means for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generation means using an aerosol generator means for user inhalation, the aerosol supply means comprising control means and indicator means, wherein the control means is configured to determine that the temperature of the aerosol supply means is below a predefined threshold temperature after completion of a use session, and to control the indicator means in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol supply means is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol supply system is below the predefined threshold temperature.

[0010] It will be understood that the features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention according to the other aspects of the invention and can be combined as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described above.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling an aspect of an electronic aerosol delivery device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary device component 2 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram of a further method of controlling an aspect of an electronic aerosol delivery device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (Detailed explanation) Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed / described in detail. Thus, it should be understood that non-specified aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein may be implemented in accordance with any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

[0014] As described below, aerosol delivery systems having an aerosol generator, such as a heater, are configured to transfer energy to an aerosol-forming material to generate an aerosol, for example, by thermal vaporization. Excess or "lost" energy may be dissipated or otherwise transferred (i.e., by conduction, convection, or radiation) to components other than the heater and aerosol-forming material (e.g., structural or housing components supporting the heater or aerosol-forming material), which may cause an increase in temperature of other components of the system. In particular, the dissipation of energy may cause an increase in temperature of exterior surfaces of the system that may come into contact with a user's skin, clothing, and other objects.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol delivery device or system is provided having a control unit configured to determine (e.g., calculate, establish) that the temperature of the device is below a predefined threshold temperature after use of the device, and to control an indicator (e.g., by audio, visual, or tactile means) in response to determining that the temperature of the device has fallen below the predefined threshold temperature (e.g., a predefined level or value) to indicate that the temperature of the device is below the predefined threshold temperature.

[0016] The threshold temperature can be set to mitigate the risk of adverse effects. For example, a device that is still warm when placed in a backpack or pocket may cause adverse effects to the user (e.g., discomfort) or to the user's other belongings (e.g., cell phone, cosmetics, food, drink, etc.). After noticing the indicator, the device user may later be notified that they can safely put the device away (e.g., in a bag or clothing pocket), minimizing or mitigating such adverse effects. Devices having a control unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageous because users may find elevated device surface temperatures undesirable because they may feel uncomfortable in close proximity to the skin or may cause marks or other damage to sensitive belongings due to heating.

[0017] For example, when a device having a temperature above a predefined level is placed in a pocket, the device is held relatively close to a portion of the user's skin (e.g., the user's thigh in the case of a pants pocket), shielded from ambient airflow, and insulated by layers of pocket and clothing material, which may make the device's presence uncomfortable to the user. Additionally or alternatively, when a device having a relatively high temperature is placed in close proximity to an object that is susceptible to heat damage or placed in an enclosed space (e.g., in a pocket or bag) with such an object, heat transfer (i.e., direct or indirect, via conduction, convection, or radiation) from the device to the object may mark or damage the object. For example, an object containing delicate fabrics such as silk may be damaged by the transfer of energy from the device to the object, causing discoloration of the delicate fabric. For example, an object containing food may be damaged by the transfer of energy from the device to the object, causing the properties of the food to change (e.g., the chocolate in a chocolate bar or biscuits may melt and deform).

[0018] As discussed above, the present disclosure relates to aerosol supply / delivery systems (also referred to as vapor delivery systems). As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, including non-combustion aerosol supply systems that liberate compounds from aerosol-forming materials without burning the aerosol-forming materials and that use a combination of aerosol-forming materials to generate an aerosol, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the component aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) are not burned or caused to burn to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0020] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0022] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0023] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0024] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices.

[0026] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system, e.g., the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat-transfer material proximate to the heat-generating power source.

[0027] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0028] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol-generating materials, aerosol-generating material storage areas, aerosol-generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol-generating areas, housings, packaging, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0029] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized, either of which may optionally include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0030] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain an active agent and / or flavoring. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, from about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid by weight to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0031] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials. The aerosol former material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material may include one or more of 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. The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0032] A consumable is an item containing or consisting of an aerosol-forming material that is intended to be consumed in part or in whole during use by a user. A consumable may include one or more components, such as an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0033] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that the penetration of a changing magnetic field into the susceptor causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of a changing magnetic field into the heating material causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0034] An aerosol modifier is a substance that is typically disposed downstream of the aerosol-generation region and configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by altering the taste, flavor, acidity, or another property of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided on an aerosol modifier-releasing component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0035] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring, a coloring, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not include a filtration material.

[0036] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to liberate one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0037] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system / non-combustion heated device 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main components: a reusable device part 2 and a replaceable consumable / cartridge / cartomizer part 4.

[0038] In typical use, the reusable component 2 and the consumable component 4 are releasably coupled / attached to one another by partially or fully inserting the consumable component 4 into a chamber 50 of the reusable device component 2, which comprises a heater chamber region / heating area 53. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the reusable device component 2 with the consumable component 4 partially received in the chamber 50. The chamber 50 comprises a cylindrical tube extending from an outer housing surface of the reusable device component into the reusable device component 2. In this example, the chamber extends into the device from the outer surface of the mouthpiece end of the reusable device component 2, which is defined as the top of the reusable device component when held by a user for use, and the chamber 50 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reusable device component 2. An aperture 51 connects the chamber 50 to the exterior of the device.

[0039] In overview, the reusable device component 2 is typically configured to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user by heating one or more aerosol-generating materials in the consumable component 4, either directly by one or more heating elements associated with the heating region 53 of the chamber 50, or by transmitting electrical energy or a magnetic field to the consumable component 4 to activate an aerosol generator, such as a heating element in the consumable component 4. In use, a user inserts the consumable component 4 into the chamber 50 of the reusable device component through the aperture 51 and then activates the reusable device component 2, for example, using the button 14, which causes the reusable device component 2 to provide power from the power source / battery 26 to the aerosol-generating element(s) to aerosolize the aerosol-generating material(s) contained in the consumable component 4 for inhalation by the user. The user then sucks on the mouthpiece 41 of the consumable component 4, which extends from the aperture 51 at the mouthpiece end of the reusable device component 2, to inhale the aerosol generated by the reusable device component 2. When a user draws on the mouthpiece 41 of the consumable part 4, air is drawn into the air inlet 24 disposed on the exterior surface of the reusable part 2, passes through the air inlet channel 25, and enters the heated region 53 of the chamber 50. The air enters at least one air inlet 42 of the consumable part 4, entraining vapor / aerosol generated by aerosolization / heating of a portion of the aerosol-forming material 43 contained in the consumable part 4. As a specific example, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a heating element 48 disposed around the heated region 53 of the chamber 50, as described further herein, which transfers heat to the portion of the consumable part 4 containing the aerosol-forming material 43. The entrained vapor / aerosol travels through the consumable part 4 toward the mouthpiece end of the reusable device part 2 (from which the mouthpiece 41 of the consumable part 4 extends), where aerosol droplets condense, or further condense from the vapor / aerosol, to form a condensed aerosol that exits the mouthpiece 41 of the consumable part 4 for inhalation by the user.

[0040] The reusable component 2 comprises an outer housing having an opening defining an air inlet 24, a power source 26 (e.g., a battery) for providing operating power for the aerosol delivery system, control circuitry 22 for controlling and monitoring operation of the aerosol delivery system, optional user input buttons 14, an optional display 16, and a visual display / visual feedback indicator 28. The outer housing of the reusable device component 2 can be formed, for example, from a plastic or metal material, or any other material known to those skilled in the art. To provide a specific example, in some embodiments, the reusable device component 2 has a length of approximately 80 mm, and the consumable component 4, when fully inserted into the chamber 50, extends approximately 10-30 mm from the mouthpiece end of the reusable device component; therefore, the overall length of the aerosol delivery system 1 when the consumable and reusable device components are combined is approximately 90-110 mm. The consumable component 4 may have a diameter of approximately 80 mm. However, as previously mentioned, it should be understood that the overall shape and scale of an aerosol delivery system implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is not critical to the principles described herein.

[0041] The power source 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, such as a type typically used in aerosol delivery systems such as non-combustion heating devices, tobacco heating devices, e-cigarettes, and other applications requiring the delivery of relatively high currents for relatively short periods of time (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). The power source 26 is recharged via a charging connector on the reusable component housing, which may comprise, for example, a micro-USB or USB-C connector, which may also provide an interface for data transfer between the controller 22 and an external processing device such as a smartphone or personal computer.

[0042] Optionally, user input button 14 may be provided, which in this example is a conventional mechanical button, e.g., comprising a spring-loaded component that a user can press to establish electrical contact. In this regard, input button 14 is considered an input device for detecting user input, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not important (e.g., it may comprise a capacitive touch sensor and / or a touch-sensitive display element). Multiple such buttons may be provided, with one or more buttons assigned to functions such as turning aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, adjusting user settings such as the power supplied from power source 26 to aerosol generator 48, and / or selecting one or more device modes. However, the inclusion of a user input button is optional, and in some embodiments, such a button may not be included.

[0043] In some cases, an optional display unit 16 may be provided on an exterior surface of the housing of the reusable device component 2. If included, the display unit 16 may comprise a pixelated or non-pixelated display unit (e.g., a single LED, an array of LEDs, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an e-ink display) connected to the controller 22. One skilled in the art can implement such a display according to any technique known in the art. Such a display can be used to display usage information to a user regarding use of the aerosol delivery system 1. Exemplary forms of usage information that may be displayed to a user via the optional display unit 16 are described further herein.

[0044] At least one visual feedback indicator 28 is provided, with a display area visible on the exterior surface of the housing of the reusable device component 2, configured to provide visual feedback to the user regarding one or more aspects of the device's operation or status. Such visual feedback may include, for example, information regarding whether the system is on or off, the selected operating mode, the charge or amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the aerosol delivery system, the temperature of the heating element, or the strength with which the user is breathing into the device (e.g., derived from an airflow sensor described further herein). Such information may be shown before, during, and / or after a puff or session with the aerosol delivery device. The visual feedback indicator used to display such information may comprise a display panel comprising a plurality of pixels, including, for example, an LCD, LED, OLED, AMOLED, ELD, PDP, e-ink display, or any other type of pixelated display panel known to those skilled in the art. Additionally or alternatively, the visual feedback indicator 28 may comprise one or more non-pixelated display elements, such as one or more LEDs. As further described herein, at least one visual feedback indicator 28 may further comprise one or more light-guiding elements, such as one or more light pipes, optical fibers, or other transparent or translucent light-transmitting elements, configured to guide visual feedback signals from one or more light-emitting visual feedback elements disposed within the housing of the reusable device part 2 to one or more display areas visible on, within, or through the housing surface of the reusable device part 2.

[0045] Controller 22 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, as well as conventional operational functionality of aerosol delivery systems in conjunction with established techniques for controlling such devices. Controller (processor circuitry) 22 can be thought of as logically comprising various subunits / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of aerosol delivery system 1. In this example, controller 22 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from power supply 26 to aerosol generator 48 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 units / circuitry associated with functioning in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operational aspects of the aerosol delivery system, such as display driver circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It should be understood that the functionality of controller 22 can be provided in a variety of different ways, for example, using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computer(s) and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality. Controller 22 may include a wireless transceiver and associated control circuitry to enable transfer of data between reusable device component 2 and an external computing device, such as a smartphone or personal computer (not shown), via a wireless transfer protocol such as Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), or Zigbee. Controller 22 also includes one or more data storage elements (e.g., memory elements such as ROM or RAM elements) that can be used to store data related to use of the aerosol delivery system, according to established techniques for data storage and transfer.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the reusable device component 2 may include an airflow sensor 30, such as a pressure or flow sensor (e.g., a hot wire anemometer), electrically connected to the controller 22 and in fluid communication with a portion of the air flow path between the air inlet 24 and the mouthpiece 41. The airflow sensor 30 may, for example, be disposed in a wall of the air inlet channel 25 or chamber 50 and / or may extend at least partially into a portion of the air flow path defined by the air inlet channel 25 or chamber 50. In some embodiments, a combined airflow and temperature sensor is used that allows the temperature of the airflow in a portion of the air flow path within the device to be determined. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor comprises a so-called "puff sensor," and a signal from the airflow sensor 30 is used by the controller 22 to detect when the user is taking a puff on the device. In some embodiments, detection of a user puff (e.g., by controller 22 detecting a signal from airflow sensor 30 indicative of the pressure and / or flow rate in the airflow path between air inlet 24 and mouthpiece 41 and determining that the signal is above or below a predefined threshold) is used by controller 22 to control the supply of power to aerosol generator / heater 48. Thus, controller 22 may allocate power from power source 26 to aerosol generator 48 in response to at least the signal received by controller 22 from airflow sensor 30. The specific manner in which the signal output from airflow sensor 30 (which may include a measure of the capacitance, resistance, or other property of the airflow sensor, as generated by controller 22) is used by controller 22 to control the supply of power from power source 26 to aerosol generator 48 can be achieved according to any technique known to those skilled in the art (e.g., by providing an amount of power to aerosol generator 48 that is proportional to a property (e.g., pressure, flow rate, and / or velocity) of the airflow through the aerosol delivery system that is determined based on the signal output by airflow sensor 30).In some cases, the signal received from the pressure sensor (i.e., the aerosol generator 48 is “puff activated”) is used by the controller 22 to switch the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48 on and / or off (e.g., by providing power when an airflow parameter value determined based on a signal received from the airflow sensor 30 is on one side of a predefined threshold and not providing power when the airflow parameter value is on the other side of the predefined threshold). In other embodiments, the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48 is controlled by other means (e.g., by button 14), and the delivery of power is modified based on a signal received by the controller 22 from the airflow sensor (e.g., modulated proportionally to an airflow parameter determined based on a signal received from the airflow sensor 30). However, it should be understood that the inclusion of an airflow sensor is optional, and that in some embodiments, an airflow sensor is not included. In such embodiments, power to the aerosol generator 48 can be switched on and off via the button 14, or can be switched on via the button 14 and turned off by the controller 22 after a predetermined or predefined period of time has elapsed. For example, when the controller 22 detects a predetermined or predefined input signal (e.g., provided via the button 14 or detecting via an appropriate sensor that a user has inserted the consumable part 4 into the chamber 50), the controller may begin providing power to the aerosol generator 48 from the battery 26 and start a timer. When the elapsed time / operation duration of the timer reaches a predefined threshold (e.g., 210 seconds), the controller 22 may stop providing power to the aerosol generator 48. The operation duration of the aerosol generator 48 at a given power level can be set based on the time it takes the aerosol generator 48 to aerosolize / volatilize a predefined amount of the aerosol-generating material 48 in the consumable part 4.An appropriate activation duration (i.e., the time from activation of the aerosol generator 48 until the controller 22 subsequently automatically turns off the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48) can be determined for a given consumable part 4 using experimentation or modeling.

[0047] In some embodiments, the aperture 51 in the reusable component 2 through which the consumable component 4 is inserted into the chamber 50 is opened and closed by a door (not shown) that is movable between a closed position and an open position and that, when in the open position, allows insertion of the consumable component 4 into the reusable device component 2. The door may be flush with the mouthpiece end face of the reusable device component and configured to slide along an axis between the open and closed positions or to rotate between the open and closed positions. A spring or magnet biases the door to the open and closed positions and can hold the door in either the open or closed position after a user slides or rotates the door to either position.

[0048] The reusable part 2 typically includes an aerosol generator 48 located near the heated region 53 of the consumable chamber 50. The aerosol generator is an element or device configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part 4, for example, by heating. Thus, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 includes a heater configured to expose the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part 4 to thermal energy to liberate one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator 48 is configured to expose the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part 4 to one or more of vibration, pressure, or electrostatic energy to volatilize the aerosol-generating material. It should be understood that in a two-component device such as that shown in FIG. 1 , portions of the aerosol generator 48 may be located in either the reusable device part 2 and / or the consumable part 4. Further, in some cases, the consumable part 4 may include a cartridge containing an electrically powered aerosol generator (e.g., a heater), and in addition to or instead of the aerosol generator 48 of the reusable device part 2, the reusable device part 2 may include an electrical interface with electrical contacts disposed in the chamber 50, which electrically connects the aerosol generator in the consumable part 4 with the power source 26 and controller 22 in the reusable device part 4 when the consumable part 4 is fully received in the chamber 50.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator 48, which includes at least one heating element, is formed as a cylindrical tube having a hollow internal heating chamber and is configured to provide thermal energy, during use, to a heated region 53 of a chamber / receiving recess 50 into which a consumable part 4, including an aerosol-generating material 43, is inserted for heating. As described further herein, the heating element may directly form part of the tube comprising the chamber 50, or may be disposed around or proximate to the heated region 53 of the tube comprising the chamber 50. Various configurations for the aerosol generator / heater 48 are possible. In some embodiments, the heater 48 may include a single heating element (e.g., a resistive trace, track, and / or winding) or may be formed of multiple heating elements aligned longitudinally or transversely (e.g., radially) relative to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 50. Each of the one or more heating elements included in the heater 48 may be annular or tubular, or may be at least partially annular or partially tubular around its circumference. The one or more heating elements may comprise one or more thin-film heaters comprising one or more resistive tracks on a heat-resistant substrate, including, for example, a polyimide film. The one or more heating elements may comprise a ceramic material, including, for example, an aluminum nitride or silicon nitride ceramic, which is laminated and sintered with one or more heat-generating layers according to techniques known in the art to form a heater. Other heater configurations are also possible, including, for example, induction heating elements, infrared heating elements that heat by emitting infrared radiation, or resistive heating elements formed, for example, by resistive electrical windings. In the case of resistive heating elements, the resistive windings may be disposed around or embedded within a ceramic, metal, or heat-resistant polymer tube that comprises or is positioned around the heating region 53 of the chamber 50 and radiates heat to a cavity within the heating region 53. Battery 26 is electrically coupled to the heating element to provide power when needed to heat the aerosolizable material of consumable 4 under the control of control circuitry 22 (to volatilize the aerosolizable material without burning it, as discussed further herein).

[0050] The rate at which the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part is vaporized by the aerosol generator / heater 48 depends on the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Thus, power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part 4, and the rate of aerosol generation can be varied by varying the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example, by pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques under the control of the controller 22.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least one heating element included in the aerosol generator 48 is supported by and surrounds a heat-conducting tube, e.g., formed of stainless steel, that comprises a portion of the wall of the chamber 50 that receives the consumable part 4. At least the portion of the tube proximate to the heating element(s) can be considered to comprise the heated region 53 of the chamber 50. The inner diameter of the tube that comprises the chamber 50 is sized according to the diameter of the consumable part 4 to be inserted therein. The tube may be slightly tapered (not shown) from a wider diameter at the aperture 51 to a narrower diameter at the bottom of the chamber distal to the aperture 51, so that when the consumable part 4 is slid into the chamber 50, the end distal to the mouthpiece 41 is slightly radially compressed as the consumable part 4 reaches the end of its travel into the chamber 50, gently holding the consumable part 4 within the chamber 50. This arrangement can prevent the consumable part 4 from unintentionally slipping out of the reusable device part 4, for example, if the reusable device part 4 is inverted during use. Additionally, the chamber 50 is slightly flared or chamfered at the aperture end to facilitate orientation of the consumable part within the chamber 50. Thus, in use, the chamber 50 can act as an elongated support for supporting the consumable part 4 containing the aerosol-generating material. The diameter of the chamber 50 at the heating region 53 is generally selected to closely match the diameter of the consumable part 4, ensuring contact between the outer surface of the consumable part 4 and most of the inner surface of the heating region 53 of the chamber 50, allowing efficient transfer of heat from one or more heating elements included in the aerosol generator 48 to the consumable part 4.

[0052] In embodiments in which the aerosol generator 48 includes a heater, the tube comprising the heated region 53 of the chamber 50 includes a material that transfers heat from the heater 48 to the consumable part 4, typically including one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, copper, and bronze. In other embodiments, sections of the tube comprising the heated region 53 of the chamber 50 may be made from different materials, so long as they are thermally conductive. In other embodiments, other heating elements 48 may be used. For example, the heating element 48 may include a susceptor (e.g., a portion of the tube comprising the chamber 50) that is inductively heated when exposed to a magnetic field generated by one or more magnetic field generators, such as a drive coil (not shown) disposed within the reusable part 2.

[0053] Typically, when the aerosol generator 48 includes one or more heating elements, the aerosol generator 48 is sized according to the distribution of the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part 4 so that, in use, substantially all of the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part 4 can be heated when the consumable part 4 is inserted into the reusable device part 2 (e.g., when the consumable part 4 is fully received in the chamber 50, the longitudinal extent of the heating region 53 along the axis of the chamber 50 can match the longitudinal extent of the distribution of the aerosol-generating material 43 of the consumable part 4). In some embodiments, the one or more heating elements included in the aerosol generator 48 can be arranged to independently heat selected areas of the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part 4, e.g., sequentially (over time) or together (simultaneously), as desired (e.g., by distributing independently controllable heating elements along the length of the chamber 50 that includes the heating region 53).

[0054] As described further herein, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube that includes, is embedded in, or surrounds the heated region 53 of the chamber 50. The chamber formed by the inner portion of the tube that includes the heated region 53 is typically in fluid communication with an aperture 51 at the mouthpiece end of the reusable device part 2 via an unheated region 52 of the chamber 50 (sometimes referred to as an elongated region / chamber). In such embodiments, the unheated region 52 comprises a tube having a first open end adjacent to or including the aperture 51 and a second open end adjacent to the heated chamber region 53 of the chamber 50. In this manner, the unheated region 52 and the heated region 53 can be considered tubular portions of the chamber 50 arranged end-to-end. Generally, the diameters of the elongated region 52 and the heated region 53 are matched at the interface between them to ensure that the non-mouthpiece end of the consumable part 4 flows smoothly through the unheated region 52 and into the heated region 53. The unheated / stretched region 52 and heated region 53 of the tube comprising chamber 50 may be formed separately and connected by a mechanical joining process, or may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, unheated region 52 comprises a flared section (not shown) that widens toward aperture 51 and a section of substantially constant inner diameter proximal to its interface with heated region 53.

[0055] In some embodiments, the consumable part 4 is in the shape of a cylindrical rod having or including aerosol-generating material 43 at its end distal to the mouthpiece 41, in a region of the consumable part 4 that is within the heated region 53 of the chamber 50 when the consumable part 4 is fully inserted into the reusable device part 2. To provide a concrete example, in one embodiment, the consumable part 4 has a diameter of approximately 8 mm and a length of approximately 84 mm. The depth of the chamber 50 of the reusable device part is sized relative to the length of the consumable part 4, and the mouthpiece end 41 of the consumable part 4 typically extends out of the aperture 51 (e.g., by 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, or more than 30 mm) when the consumable part 4 is fully inserted into the chamber 50. Thus, the mouthpiece end of the consumable part 4 typically extends out of the aperture 51 from the reusable device part 2. The consumable part 4 may include a filter / cooling element 44 disposed between the mouthpiece 41 and the region of the aerosol-generating material 43 for filtering / cooling the aerosol. The consumable part 4 is typically circumferentially wrapped in a wrapping / outer layer (not shown), which may include a paper material, and / or metal foil, and / or a polymer film such as Natureflex™. The outer layer of the consumable part 4 may be breathable, allowing some heated volatiles from the aerosol-forming material 43 to escape from the consumable part 2 before reaching the mouthpiece 41. In some embodiments, the wrapping may include a metallic material in proximity to the aerosol-forming material 43, configured to function as a susceptor that is inductively heated by one or more magnetic field generators / drive coils (not shown) in the reusable device part 2, thereby inductively heating the aerosol-forming material 43. For example, in such an embodiment, the aerosol generator 48 may include one or more magnetic field generators / drive coils configured to induce inductive heating of the metal packaging of the consumable part 4, and / or one or more susceptor elements embedded in the aerosol-generating material 43 of the consumable part 4 to induce heating of the aerosol-generating material 43 of the consumable part 4. It should be understood that the configuration of the consumable part 4 described above is exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may modify the overall structure of the consumable part according to techniques known in the art.

[0056] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 comprises at least one heating element configured to transfer heat to the consumable part 4 (according to techniques for heating described further herein) and at least one magnetic field generator / drive coil configured to inductively heat at least one susceptor element included in the consumable part 4 (according to techniques described further herein). In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 43 may comprise multiple aerosol-generating materials, at least a first aerosol-generating material being heated by heat transferred from the aerosol generator 48 to the consumable part 4 and at least a second aerosol-generating material being heated by one or more susceptors included in or on the consumable part 4.

[0057] If the aerosol generator 48 is configured to heat the consumable part 4, the temperature of a portion of the aerosol generator 48 and / or the heated region 53 of the chamber 50, or the consumable part 4, or any portion of the reusable device component 2, may be detected by the controller 22 using one or more temperature sensors. For example, a heating element included in the aerosol generator 48 may include a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic such that its resistance changes with temperature. The controller 22 can determine the resistance of the heating element by known techniques, compare the result to a lookup table derived by experiment or modeling that correlates the resistance of the heating element to temperature, and estimate the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 based on the measured resistance. Alternatively or additionally, one or more temperature-sensing elements, such as thermistors, may be positioned near the heated region 53 (e.g., attached to or embedded in tubing comprising the heated region 53 of the chamber 50), and the thermistors may be connected to the controller 22 to enable the controller to monitor the temperature of the consumable part 4 and / or the heated region 53. Similarly, the temperature of the air at the air inlet channel 25 may be monitored by one or more temperature sensors (eg, a combined temperature and pressure sensor or a thermistor).

[0058] Typically, the primary flow path for heated volatiles generated by heating of aerosol-forming material 43 by heater 48 is axially through consumable part 4, through filter / cooling element 44 (if included), and into the user's mouth through the open end of mouthpiece 41. However, some of the volatiles may escape from consumable part 4 through its permeable outer packaging and into the space surrounding consumable part 4 in unheated chamber region 52 (e.g., the space formed by an optional gap (not shown) between the outer surface of consumable part 4 and the inner surface of chamber 50 at the flared portion of unheated / extended chamber region 53).

[0059] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" 43 typically includes materials that, upon heating, provide volatile components, typically in the form of a vapor or an aerosol. An "aerosol-forming material" may be tobacco-free or tobacco-containing. An "aerosol-forming material" may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. An aerosol-forming material may be in the form of ground tobacco, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted aerosol-forming material, liquid, gel, amorphous solid, gelled sheet, powder, or mass. An "aerosol-forming material" may also include other non-tobacco products and may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. An "aerosol-forming material" may also include one or more humectants, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0060] As noted above, the aerosol-generating material 43 may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous) or a "dry gel." An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of amorphous solid, up to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material consists of an amorphous solid.

[0061] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is a non-liquid aerosol-forming material, and the reusable device part is for heating the non-liquid aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material.

[0062] Once all or substantially all of the volatile component(s) of the aerosol-generating material of the consumable part 4 are consumed, the user can detach the consumable part 4 from the reusable device part 1 and discard the consumable part 4. The user can then reuse the reusable device part 2 with another consumable part 4. However, in other embodiments, the consumable part 4 and the reusable device part 2 may be discarded together after the volatile component(s) of the aerosol-generating material are consumed. The consumable part 4 may be configured with an amount of aerosol-generating material 43 configured to be heated and consumed over a single heating cycle (e.g., 210 seconds of actuation duration) or may be configured with an amount of aerosol-generating material 43 configured to be consumed over multiple heating cycles. In the latter case, the consumable part 4 may be considered a reusable consumable part 4.

[0063] In some embodiments, the consumable parts 4 may be sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the reusable device parts 2 that can be used with the consumable parts 4. However, in some embodiments, the reusable device parts 2 and one or more of the consumable parts 4 may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components such as cleaning implements.

[0064] As described further herein, the controller 22 may indicate to the user via one or more feedback mechanisms / indicators included in the reusable device 1. Such information may be referred to as "feedback" or "usage information" and may be indicated to the user using one or more of visual feedback indicators 28 (described further herein), the display unit 16, an audio feedback mechanism (such as a speaker), or a haptic feedback mechanism (such as an eccentric rotating mass actuator).

[0065] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation is described, the aerosol delivery system comprising a controller 22 and an indicator (e.g., a display 16, a visual feedback indicator 28, or an audio or tactile feedback device), wherein the controller is configured to determine, after completion of a use session, that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature, and to control the indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature. By controlling the indicator, the control unit is configured to alter the operation of the indicator. In some examples, the control unit can activate (e.g., turn on / emit an indication) the indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature. In some examples, the control unit can deactivate (e.g., turn off / cry out an indication) the indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature. In some examples, the control unit may cause the indicator to change or adjust the indication emitted by the indicator (e.g., change the mode of the indication) in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature. Device components 2 having a controller 22 according to embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageous given that users may find increased device surface temperatures undesirable because they may feel uncomfortable in close proximity to the skin and / or may cause marks or other damage to sensitive personal belongings due to heating.

[0066] A "use session" refers to a period of time during which a user uses or is able to use the aerosol delivery device 1 (i.e., a session of use). In some examples, a use session may be a continuous period from the start of the use session to the end of the use session. In some examples, a use session is a period of time during which the controller 22 controls the aerosol delivery system 1 to generate aerosol from the consumables 4 for the user to inhale (in some examples, a preheating phase may also be considered part of a use session). In some examples, a use session is a cumulative period of time during which the user holds the device in their mouth and sucks (e.g., as measured by the airflow sensor 30). In some examples, a use session is a moving time window (i.e., period of time) during which cumulative usage of the device 1 is monitored (e.g., cumulative usage within a moving window of one minute is monitored).

[0067] By "predefined," it is meant that the controller 22 obtains or determines the relevant value or parameter (e.g., a predefined level or threshold) before the start of a use session, at the start or during use of a use session, or at the end of a use session. In some examples, the controller 22 is provided with the relevant value or parameter during manufacturing (e.g., as part of software installation) or during a software update. Thus, the controller 22 may obtain the relevant value, such as from a memory that stores the relevant value. In some examples, the controller 22 determines (e.g., calculates or estimates) the relevant value or parameter before, at the start or during, or at the end of a use session (e.g., during a start-up or initialization process that takes into account ambient conditions such as ambient temperature). In either case, the value is predetermined or preselected, and then the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is compared to the relevant value (e.g., a level or threshold).

[0068] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to identify the start of a use session (e.g., a starting point for a use session at which the use session is considered to have started or begun). For example, the start of a use session can be the first time a command indicating that a user intends to use the device is received by the controller 22, or the first time the aerosol generator is activated after a period of non-use. In some examples, a user interacts with a user interface, such as the button 14, to indicate a desire to use the aerosol delivery device 1, and the controller 22 identifies the start of a use session based on the user interaction. In some examples, a user takes a breath (i.e., puffs) on the device, the airflow sensor 30 indicates to the controller 22 that the user has begun puffing, and the controller 22 identifies the start of a use session based on an indication from the airflow sensor 30 (e.g., identifies the start of a use session as the time when the signal from the airflow sensor 30 crosses a predefined threshold). In some examples, a user inserts a new consumable part 4 into the reusable device component 2, and the controller 22 identifies the start of a use session based on a determination that the new consumable part 4 has been inserted.

[0069] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to identify the end of a use session (e.g., when the aerosol generator stops generating aerosol and / or when power is removed from the aerosol generator 48). Identifying the end of a use session allows the indication provided by the indicator to be provided at a more precise point in time corresponding to the time since the end of the use session (e.g., at the end of a cool-down period after the end of the use session). In some examples, the controller 22 can start a cool-down timer after identifying the end of the use session. In some examples, the cool-down timer is a predefined period based on the length of the use session and / or based on the amount of usage (e.g., a determined or estimated amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol delivery system). In some examples, after identifying the end of a use session, the controller 22 can start analyzing sensor readings (e.g., one or more temperature sensor readings described further herein) to determine when the temperature of the system 1 drops below a predefined threshold temperature. In some examples, the predefined cool-down period after the end of a use session is greater than a duration selected from the group including 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, and 180 seconds. In some examples, the predefined cool-down period is less than a duration selected from the group including 180 seconds, 120 seconds, 60 seconds, 30 seconds, and 20 seconds.

[0070] For example, the controller 22 can be configured to identify the start of a usage session and measure (by counting) the time since the identified start of the usage session. The predefined duration may be referred to as a session length and, in some examples, may correspond to the amount of time a user is expected or permitted to use the device to generate aerosol. In some examples, the duration is between 30 seconds and 360 seconds, preferably between 1 minute and 4 minutes, and more preferably between 2 minutes and 3 minutes. It should be understood that the appropriate length of a usage session depends on the consumable 4 (e.g., the type, amount, and distribution of aerosol-generating material) and the process of generating aerosol from the consumable (e.g., the type of aerosol generator 48 and the settings used to control the aerosol generator 48, e.g., the power level supplied to the aerosol generator 48). In these examples, the method is advantageously simplified (and therefore uses fewer processing resources of the controller 22) in that the controller 22 only needs to establish one parameter (the time point corresponding to the start of the session) before counting. The counted period is selected to be long enough for the device to heat up (to aerosolize the aerosol-generating material) and then cool down to the required temperature within the counted period (e.g., the total period includes the heating and cooling phases). As will be appreciated, the particular period for counting from the start of a use session can be selected depending on the expected session length. For example, if the controller has one or more predefined session heating schemes for each use session, an appropriate total period can be preselected or predefined for each predefined heating scheme.

[0071] In some examples, the predefined duration or period (session length) is based on an average usage session length. The controller 22 may compare the time since the start of the current usage session with an average usage session length accessible by the controller 22. In some examples, the average usage session length is stored in the memory of the controller 22. In some examples, the average usage session length is a predefined value provided during manufacture of the aerosol delivery system 1 or via a software update and may correspond to the expected average usage length of the consumable determined by experimentation or modeling. Such an average usage session length may be referred to as a global usage session length in that similar devices manufactured at the same time have the same predefined value. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to calculate or otherwise establish the average usage session length based on a user's previous use of the device 1 (such an average usage session may be referred to as a local usage session because it is device-specific). It should be understood that in some cases, the controller 22 may overwrite the predefined value (e.g., global value) of the average usage session length after a set number of uses of the device 1 (i.e., after a learning period).

[0072] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to identify the end of a use session as occurring after a predefined duration from the start of the use session. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to identify the end of a use session based on user input to the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g., user interaction with the aerosol delivery system). In some examples, the controller 22 can be configured to identify that a use session has ended based on a last activation of the aerosol delivery system by a user, the last activation corresponding to a user interaction or input to the aerosol delivery system 1. In some examples, the last activation is determined based on a user interacting with the device's user interface (e.g., button 14) and / or the airflow sensor 30. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to assume that any detected activation is the last activation (i.e., the activation that marked the end of the use session). Thus, if the device 1 is activated again before a trigger condition is met (e.g., the device temperature drops below a level or threshold and / or a cool-down period expires), the controller 22 will consider the new activation to be the last activation. The controller 22 may continue to monitor for new actuations until a trigger condition is met (eg, the device temperature drops below a level or threshold and / or a cool-down period expires).

[0073] In some examples, the controller is configured to establish the end of a usage session based on a user indicating the end of the usage session by interacting with the aerosol delivery system 1. In some examples, a user interaction with a user interface (e.g., button 14) is captured by the controller 22 to indicate the end of the usage session. For example, a user can transition the device to a sleep, inactive, or off mode by interacting with the user interface. In some examples, a user interacts with the aerosol delivery system 1 by removing or detaching the consumable part 4 from the reusable device part 2, and the controller 22 is configured to identify when the consumable part 2 is decoupled from the reusable device part 2. In some examples, a user interacts with the aerosol delivery system 1 by closing a door or the like configured to cover the aperture 51 through which the consumable part 2 is at least partially inserted into the reusable device part 2.

[0074] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to identify the end of a use session based on the last actuation of the aerosol generator 48 of the aerosol delivery system. In some examples, the actuation of the aerosol generator 48 is controlled by the controller 22 according to a predefined heating profile, such that the last actuation occurs at a predefined time (e.g., an elapsed time from the start of the predefined heating profile). In some examples, the aerosol generator 48 is actuated in accordance with a user interacting with a user interface (e.g., button 14) of the device and / or with the airflow sensor 30, and the last actuation of the aerosol generator 48 substantially corresponds to the last actuation of the user interface and / or airflow sensor 30.

[0075] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to identify the end of a usage session based on estimated usage by monitoring or estimating the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material 43 of the consumable part 4. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to calculate or estimate the amount of aerosol generated based on one or more of heater power, air flow rate, consumable type, and session time. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to implement a cutoff after a certain amount of usage (e.g., a certain amount of aerosol determined or estimated to have been generated from the aerosol-generating material 43), where the cutoff includes the controller 22 cutting off power to the aerosol generator 48 and / or preventing further power from being supplied to the aerosol generator 48.

[0076] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to identify or determine the end of a use session based on a combination of the above approaches for identifying the end of a use session. In some examples, the controller 22 determines the end of a use session when multiple criteria are met (e.g., the estimated usage amount is met and the last actuation of the aerosol generator is met). In some examples, the controller 22 determines that the end of a use session has occurred when one or more criteria from a set of multiple criteria are met (example criteria may include the user interacting with the device to indicate that the session is ending, and / or a predefined threshold regarding the estimated usage amount is met, and / or the total time since the start of the session). Based on the above examples, it should be understood that there are many possible combinations of criteria that can be used to identify the end of a use session.

[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method for controlling one aspect of an electronic aerosol delivery system / device 1 for generating aerosol, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] In a first step 220 of FIG. 2 , the controller 22 is configured to determine that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature (e.g., after the end of a use session). In some examples, the temperature of the aerosol delivery system 1 or reusable device component 2 includes the temperature of a predefined location within the aerosol delivery system 1 or reusable device component 2 (e.g., the location of a temperature sensor within the device). In some examples, the predefined location within / on the aerosol delivery device / system 1 includes a location on the outer housing of the reusable device component 2 of the aerosol delivery system 1. In some examples, the temperature of the aerosol delivery device 1 includes the average temperature of the aerosol delivery device 1 or device component 2. In some examples, the temperature of the device at one or more locations (e.g., adjacent to one or more sensors, respectively) is used to infer the temperature at a separate location (e.g., on the surface of the device).

[0079] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to determine / estimate that the temperature of the system is below a predefined threshold temperature after a predefined period (e.g., duration) from the start of the identified use session. The predefined period expires or ends after the use session ends, and when the predefined period ends, the device 1 is estimated to be cool or have cooled down after use (e.g., after a heating period / cycling during the use session). The predefined period is sometimes referred to as a total period because it includes both the period during which the device is in use or usable (i.e., the use session) and the cool-down period. In other words, the controller 22 determines that the temperature of the reusable device component 2 is estimated to be below a predefined threshold temperature based on the elapsed period from the start of the use session. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to estimate that the temperature of the system is below a predefined threshold temperature after a predefined total period from the start of the identified use session, the first predefined total period ending after the end of the use session. In some examples, the first predefined total period is a period selected from the group including a period of at least 1 minute, a period of at least 2 minutes, and a period of at least 5 minutes. It should be appreciated that the predefined total period can be selected based on a predefined aerosolization profile that defines the duration and magnitude of power (and thus the amount of energy supplied to the aerosol generator) supplied to the aerosol generator 48. The total period includes the length of time that the predefined aerosolization profile is active and any cool-down period selected for that predefined aerosolization profile, and takes into account the amount of energy that may have been dissipated to surrounding components during the predefined aerosolization profile.

[0080] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to determine that the temperature of the system is estimated to be below a predefined threshold temperature after a predefined period of time following the end of a specified use session. The predefined period can be referred to as a cool-down period or duration, as it includes a period during which the device is expected to cool down from its operating temperature to a lower temperature after use (e.g., after a session / puff). In some examples, the cool-down period is a period selected from the group including a period of at least 15 seconds, a period of at least 30 seconds, a period of 60 seconds, and a period of at least 180 seconds. It should be understood that the device may continue to cool after the cool-down period ends, and thus the cool-down period is an estimate of the amount of time required for the device to cool down from its operating temperature to a lower / smaller temperature. The smaller temperature may be a “safe” or “comfortable” temperature, e.g., a temperature determined from user trials to be appropriately low for the aerosol delivery system 1 (or one or more of the reusable device components 2 and consumables 4) to be safely and / or comfortably handled or stored.

[0081] In some examples, the cool-down period determined by controller 22 varies depending on the duration of the usage session, with longer usage session durations resulting in longer cool-down periods. In some examples, the cool-down period is determined when controller 22 determines that a session has ended, and the controller determines the length of the session and calculates or determines an appropriate cool-down period for the determined session length. Thus, the cool-down period is predetermined at the end of the session. In these examples, if the user uses the device for a shorter period than average or expected, the aerosol delivery system 1 does not need to cool down to or below a given temperature because heat from the aerosol generator 48 has not dissipated to the device components to the same extent; in these examples, the cool-down period duration can be shortened. Conversely, if the user uses the device for a longer period than average or expected, a greater amount of heat is dissipated to the device components; in these examples, the cool-down period duration can be extended.

[0082] In some examples, as described in more detail in connection with FIG. 3 , controller 22 is configured to determine, after a use session has ended, that the temperature of aerosol delivery system 1 is estimated to be below a predefined threshold temperature based on at least one signal from a temperature sensor or one or more temperature sensors included in aerosol delivery system 1. In some examples, controller 22 receives a measurement or signal indicating a temperature below the predefined threshold temperature. In some examples, controller 22 receives a measurement indicating a temperature above the predefined threshold temperature and calculates, estimates, or establishes based on the measurement that the temperature of the device at a location other than the sensor location is below the predefined threshold temperature based on a relationship between the sensor location and another location (e.g., a surface location). For example, controller 22 is configured to calculate the temperature at the other location as the sensor temperature minus an absolute value (e.g., 5° C.) or a relative value (e.g., the sensor temperature minus the ambient temperature measured before the use session multiplied by a coefficient such as 0.2).

[0083] In some examples, the predefined threshold temperature value is a value selected from the group including temperatures below 45°C, temperatures below 40°C, and temperatures below 35°C. In some examples, the predefined threshold temperature is a level or value at which the device is considered comfortable for a user and / or at which the risk of damage to any material in contact with the aerosol delivery system 1 is reduced. In some examples, the predefined threshold temperature corresponds to a sensor temperature at which a surface region of the device (separate from the temperature sensor) is considered comfortable for a user and / or at which the risk of damage is reduced. For example, a relationship between the temperature measurements of one or more sensors within the device and the temperature of the device's exterior surface may be established by testing or simulation, and the threshold temperature can be set to a value such that when the sensor temperature is below the threshold temperature, the temperature of the surface region is estimated to be below 45°C, below 40°C, or below 35°C. For example, a relationship may specify that after use of the device, the temperature of the exterior surface of the device is below 35°C when the temperature of the sensor drops below 70°C; thus, in this particular example, the threshold temperature is set to 70°C and provides an indication when the temperature of the exterior surface of the device is estimated to be at a temperature of 35°C (e.g., a "safe" and / or "comfortable" temperature). Thus, the value of the pre-defined threshold temperature need not be a "safe" temperature per se (i.e., a temperature considered safe / comfortable to touch), but can be selected with respect to the expected temperature of the exterior surface of the device based on prior testing and / or simulations.

[0084] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to implement multiple control schemes for determining when the temperature of the system is estimated to be below a predefined / predetermined threshold temperature after the end of a use session. The use of multiple control schemes provides redundancy in case any one of the above-described techniques for determining when the temperature of the system is estimated to be below a predefined threshold temperature fails or malfunctions. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to determine when the temperature of the system is estimated to be below a predefined threshold temperature after the end of a use session based on at least one signal received from one or more temperature sensors of the aerosol delivery system 1, and the controller is further configured to determine when the temperature of the system is estimated to be below the predefined threshold temperature after a predefined period of time has elapsed since the end of the identified use session. In some of the examples described herein, the predefined period can be set to have a duration during which the temperature (e.g., the temperature of one or more areas / components of the aerosol delivery system 1) is expected to drop a required amount (e.g., to a "safe" and / or "comfortable" temperature as further described herein), and thus the controller 22 will determine, based on at least one signal received from one or more temperature sensors of the aerosol delivery system 1, that the temperature of the system is estimated to be below a predefined threshold temperature before the predefined period has elapsed. Thus, in these examples, the timer using the predefined duration serves as a backup for determining, based on the sensors, that the temperature has dropped to a certain level.

[0085] 2 , in a second step 230, the controller 22 is configured to control an indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature. In some examples, the indicator is configured to provide at least one indication selected from the group including a visual indication, a haptic indication, and an audio indication. In other words, when the controller 22 determines or infers that the temperature has fallen below the predefined threshold temperature, the controller causes the indicator to behave or operate in a different manner, and the indicator indicates to the user that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature.

[0086] In some examples, the indicator emits (e.g., activates) an indication to a user that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature. For example, when the controller 22 determines or infers that the system has cooled below a predefined threshold temperature, the controller 22 controls the indicator to indicate that the system is "cold" or "safe."

[0087] In some examples, the indicator ceases or stops (e.g., deactivates) emitting an indication to indicate to a user that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature. For example, the controller 22 first controls the indicator to indicate that the system is "hot," and then controls (e.g., switches off) the indicator to stop indicating that the system is "hot" when the controller 22 determines or estimates that the system has cooled below the predefined threshold temperature.

[0088] In some examples, the indicator emits a first indication when the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is determined or estimated to be above a predefined threshold temperature, and emits a second, different indication when the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is determined or estimated to be below the predefined threshold temperature, indicating to a user that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature. For example, the controller 22 first controls the indicator to indicate that the system is "hot," and then, when the controller 22 determines or estimates that the system has cooled below the predefined threshold temperature, the controller 22 controls the indicator to indicate that the system is "cold" or "safe."

[0089] The indication may include visual, audio, and / or haptic or tactile indications. For example, the visual feedback mechanism 28 or the display 16 (or another display provided by the device component 2) may be used to provide the indication to the user. In some examples, the indication is provided to the user via a separate device (e.g., a smartphone) that communicates wired or wirelessly with the controller 22 (e.g., via a Bluetooth link provided by wireless transceiver circuitry included in the controller 22). The user can observe a change in the indication (e.g., from on to off, off to on, or from a first mode to a second mode) to identify that the temperature of the device (or one or more regions of the device) has dropped to a “safe” temperature and that the device can be safely stored (e.g., in a bag, pocket, or case). In some examples in which the controller 22 causes an indicator to indicate that the system is “cold” or “safe,” the controller 22 continues to cause the indicator to indicate that the system is “cold” or “safe” until the device is manually turned off and / or a period of non-use (e.g., a timeout period) has elapsed. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary device component 2 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In contrast to the exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 of Figure 1, the replaceable / disposable consumables 4 of Figure 1 have been omitted for simplicity. Features of Figure 3 that are labeled with the same reference numbers as Figure 1 operate in the same manner as described above in accordance with Figure 1 and will not be described again.

[0090] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device component 2 of FIG. 3 differs from the device component 2 of FIG. 1 in that it further comprises a temperature sensor 61 for sensing a temperature of the device (or at least a portion of the device), where the temperature sensor 61 is electrically connected to the controller 22. The electrical connection allows the temperature sensor 61 to communicate with the controller 22. For example, the electrical connection may enable the temperature sensor 61 to provide a signal corresponding to a temperature measurement to the controller 22. In other examples, the temperature sensor 61 is instead configured to communicate wirelessly with the controller 22.

[0091] In some examples, the signal communicated from the temperature sensor 61 to the controller 22 corresponds to a temperature measurement by the temperature sensor 61. For example, the sensor 61 is configured to calculate or otherwise determine the temperature for communication to the controller 22. Thus, in some examples, the signal communicated from the temperature sensor 61 to the controller 22 includes a parameter indicative of the temperature. For example, an electrical characteristic, such as a voltage or resistance, associated with the temperature sensor 61 may be indicative of the temperature obtained at the temperature sensor 61. In some of these examples, the controller 22 is configured to calculate or otherwise determine the temperature based on the parameter indicative of the temperature. For example, the controller 22 may obtain a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor 61, or a measurement indicative of the temperature (e.g., a temperature-dependent voltage or resistance measurement if the temperature sensor 61 includes a material having a non-zero temperature coefficient of resistance).

[0092] In some of these examples, temperature sensor 61 comprises a thermistor. By thermistor, we mean that the resistance of the thermistor changes with temperature, and the temperature can be established based on that change in resistance (e.g., based on a measurement of an electrical property that changes with resistance). In some of these examples, temperature sensor 61 is a component that allows controller 22 to obtain a temperature reading by passing an electrical current through temperature sensor 61, without requiring processing power of the sensor itself. In some examples, the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is an estimated temperature of a predefined location on reusable device component 2 or the outer housing of aerosol delivery system 1.

[0093] In some examples, controller 22 is configured to measure or otherwise establish the temperature of the device via temperature sensor 61 and determine whether the temperature of the device (obtained by the temperature sensor) is below a predefined threshold temperature. In some examples, the temperature of the device refers to the temperature of the entire device (e.g., the average temperature of the reusable device parts 2, the consumable parts 4, or the entire aerosol delivery system 1), the temperature of a portion of the aerosol delivery system 1 near (e.g., adjacent to, positioned proximal to) the temperature sensor 61, or the temperature of a portion of the aerosol delivery system 1 distant from the temperature sensor 61, which temperature can be inferred from the temperature measured by one or more temperature sensors 61 (e.g., a measurement of the temperature inside the device can be used to infer that a surface of the device is below a certain temperature).

[0094] In some examples, controller 22 is configured to control aspects of operation of device component 2 based on the temperature of temperature sensor(s) 61. In some examples, controller 22 is configured to distribute or withhold power from power source 26 to aerosol generator 48 in response to a temperature measurement. In some examples, controller 22 is configured to display or otherwise communicate the temperature to a user (e.g., via display 16, visual feedback mechanism 28 of device component 2, audio or haptic feedback mechanism, or via a separate device such as a mobile computing device in communication with controller 22).

[0095] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to indicate, after the end of a usage session, when the temperature of the system is estimated to have dropped below a predefined threshold temperature based on sensor readings from the sensor. In some examples, the indication to the user includes a visual, audio, and / or tactile indication. For example, the indication can be provided to the user using a visual feedback mechanism 28 or another display provided by the device component 2.

[0096] In some examples, the temperature sensor 61 is located substantially in an area that separates the aerosol generator 48 from the housing of the device component 2. In some examples, the temperature sensor 61 is located closer to the exterior surface of the device component 2 than the aerosol generator 48. As a result, the temperature of the temperature sensor 61, or the temperature recorded by the temperature sensor 61, is more indicative of the temperature of the exterior surface of the device and less indicative of the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 and the receiving recess / chamber 50.

[0097] In some examples, the first temperature sensor 61 is located adjacent to the outer housing of the reusable device part 2 (e.g., adjacent to the inner surface of a wall located on the outer housing). In some examples, the temperature of the aerosol delivery system 1 is an estimated temperature of the outer housing (e.g., an average temperature throughout the housing or a local temperature of a region of the housing). In some examples, the predefined threshold temperature is a temperature selected from the group including a temperature below 45°C, a temperature below 40°C, and a temperature below 35°C.

[0098] In some instances where the aerosol generator 48 is asymmetrically positioned on the device component 2, the temperature sensor 61 is provided in the area of ​​shortest separation between the aerosol generator 48 (and / or the heated region 53 of the receiving recess / chamber 50) and the housing of the device component 2. In such asymmetrical positions, the housing closest to the aerosol generator 48 is expected to be heated more by heat dissipation from the heater than the housing further from the heater. Thus, placement of the first temperature sensor 61 at this location can be used to measure or otherwise establish the temperature of the expected "hottest" exterior surface region of the device component 2.

[0099] In some examples, controller 22 is configured to receive measurements from temperature sensor 61 and estimate (e.g., receive, calculate, or infer) the temperature of the device based on the received measurements. In some examples, the determined temperature is the temperature of temperature sensor 61. In some other examples, the temperature of the device is the temperature of an exterior surface of the device. For example, controller 22 may be configured to infer the temperature of the exterior surface by establishing a temperature measured by temperature sensor 61 positioned at a first location on aerosol delivery system 1 and calculating a corresponding temperature of the exterior surface (i.e., the second location on aerosol delivery system 1) based on a predetermined relationship between the temperature at the first location and the temperature at the second location (the relationship being established, for example, by experimentation or modeling).

[0100] It should be appreciated that in some examples, the reusable device part 2 and / or the consumable part 4 may include additional or alternative temperature sensors in addition to or as an alternative to temperature sensor 61 for use in estimating the temperature of the device. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to use temperature measurements from two or more temperature sensors to determine that the temperature of the reusable device part 2 (or multiple device parts) is below a predefined threshold temperature and to provide an indication to the user based on the measurements from the two or more temperature sensors.

[0101] In some examples, airflow sensor 30 is a combined pressure and temperature sensor, providing an alternative temperature sensor to temperature sensor 61 or an additional temperature sensor for use in conjunction with temperature sensor 61. In these examples, controller 22 is configured to receive a signal indicative of the temperature from airflow sensor 30.

[0102] In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to obtain an indication of temperature from the aerosol generator 48. In these examples, the aerosol generator 48 may provide an alternative temperature sensor to the temperature sensor 61 or an additional temperature sensor for use in conjunction with the temperature sensor 61. In some examples, the temperature of the aerosol delivery system 1 is an estimated temperature of the aerosol generator 48. In some examples, the controller 22 is configured to determine the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 based on the resistance of the aerosol generator 48, or a portion of the aerosol generator 48, and / or one or more components associated with the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., the aerosol generator 48 may include an integrated temperature sensor). The controller 22 may measure the temperature by providing power to the aerosol generator 48 or may obtain a signal indicative of the temperature to determine the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 and / or a heater included in or comprising the aerosol generator 48.

[0103] In examples where the aerosol generator 48 is used to estimate the temperature of the aerosol delivery system 1, a relationship between the temperature measurements of the aerosol generator 48 and the temperature of the exterior surface of the device (e.g., the reusable device component 2 and / or the consumable component 4) may be established by testing, and the threshold temperature may be set such that when the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 is determined to be at or below the threshold temperature, the temperature of the exterior surface is estimated to be below 45°C, below 40°C, or below 35°C. For example, the heating element may have an operating temperature (e.g., the temperature at which the aerosol is generated) between 150°C and 300°C. In some examples, the relationship may specify that after use of the device, the temperature of the exterior surface of the device will be below 35°C when the temperature of the heating element falls below a temperature between 80°C and 120°C. In some particular examples, the threshold temperature is set to a value between 80°C and 120°C to provide an indication to the user when the temperature of the exterior surface of the device is estimated to be at or below 35°C (e.g., an exemplary "safe" or "comfortable" temperature). Thus, the predefined threshold temperature need not itself be a "safe" temperature (i.e., users are not expected or allowed to handle the heater directly), but instead may be selected based on previous testing and / or simulations used to derive a relationship between heater temperature and the expected temperature of the exterior surface of the device.

[0104] In some examples, the reusable device part 2 includes a battery temperature sensor that can be used as an alternative temperature sensor to the temperature sensor 61 or as an additional temperature sensor for use in conjunction with the temperature sensor 61. For example, the battery temperature sensor may be a sensor integrated with the battery 26. In these examples, the controller 22 is configured to receive a signal from the battery temperature sensor that is indicative of the temperature of the battery.

[0105] 4 schematically illustrates a method for controlling one aspect of an electronic aerosol delivery device for generating aerosol, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example according to FIG. 4, controller 22 is configured to provide a first indication to the user when it is established that the temperature of the device is below a predefined threshold temperature, and to provide a second indication to the user when the temperature of the device is below a second or further predefined threshold temperature. Advantageously, the method of FIG. 4 can be used to first notify the user of a "caution" condition, that the device has residual heat and should be used with caution, and secondly, to notify the user of a "safe" or "comfort" condition, that the device is believed to have cooled to at least a certain predefined temperature.

[0106] In a first step 225 of Figure 4, the controller 22 determines that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a (first) predefined threshold temperature after the end of the use session. The first step 225 of Figure 4 differs from the first step 220 of Figure 2 in that the predefined threshold temperature can be considered the first predefined threshold temperature.

[0107] In a second step 235 of Figure 4, the controller 22 is configured to control an indicator (e.g., the display 16 or the visual feedback indicator 28, and / or an audio or tactile feedback indicator) in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system 1 is below the first predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the first predefined threshold temperature. The second step 235 of Figure 4 is substantially similar to the second step 230 of Figure 2.

[0108] In a third step 240 of Figure 4, the controller 22 determines that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a further predefined threshold temperature after the end of the use session. The third step 240 of Figure 4 differs from the first step 220 of Figure 2 in that the predefined threshold temperature is a further or second predefined threshold temperature, the second predefined threshold temperature being a temperature lower than the first predefined threshold temperature according to step 225.

[0109] In some examples, the second predefined threshold temperature is an absolute value lower than the first predefined threshold temperature. For example, the second predefined threshold temperature may be at least 15°C lower than the first predefined threshold temperature, the second predefined threshold temperature may be at least 10°C lower than the first predefined threshold temperature, or the second predefined threshold temperature may be at least 5°C lower than the first predefined threshold temperature. For example, the first predefined threshold temperature may be a value between 40 and 45°C, and the second predefined threshold temperature may be a value between 30 and 35°C. In some examples, the second predefined threshold temperature is a relative value compared to the first predefined threshold temperature. For example, the second predefined threshold temperature may be a value that is less than 30% of the first predefined threshold temperature, the second predefined threshold temperature may be a value that is less than 20% of the first predefined threshold temperature, or the second predefined threshold temperature may be a value that is less than 10% of the first predefined threshold temperature.

[0110] In a fourth step 250 of Figure 4, the controller 22 is configured to control an indicator to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system 1 is below a further predefined threshold temperature in response to determining that the temperature is below a further predefined threshold temperature. The fourth step 250 of Figure 4 is substantially similar to the second step 230 of Figure 2, except that step 250 occurs in response to the temperature falling below, or being estimated to have fallen below, a second or further predefined threshold temperature.

[0111] In some examples, the controller controls the indicator to emit an indication to indicate to a user that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a first predefined threshold temperature, then controls the indicator to indicate to a user that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a further predefined threshold temperature, or alternatively, stops indicating to a user that the aerosol delivery system is below the first predefined threshold temperature when the controller determines or estimates that the aerosol delivery system is below the further predefined threshold temperature. For example, the controller 22 controls the indicator to indicate that the system is “cold” or “safe” when the controller determines or estimates that the system has cooled below the first predefined threshold temperature, and then controls (e.g., switches off) the indicator to stop indicating that the system is “cold” or “safe” when the controller determines or estimates that the system has cooled below the further predefined threshold temperature. In some examples, the controller may also cause the indicator to indicate to a user that the system is “hot” when the controller determines or estimates that the aerosol delivery system is above a predefined threshold temperature.

[0112] In some examples, the indication to the user includes visual, audio, and / or tactile / kinesthetic indications. For example, the indication can be provided to the user using visual feedback mechanism 28 or another display provided by device component 2. In some examples, the indication is provided to the user via a separate device (e.g., a smartphone) that communicates with controller 22. Upon viewing the second indication, the user identifies that the device has further dropped to or is below a second predefined "safe" temperature and can therefore safely put the device away.

[0113] In some examples, the second indication is a repeat of the first indication (e.g., may be presented to the user in the same manner as the first indication). In some examples, the second indication is different from the first indication (e.g., may be a deactivation of the indicator or a different operating mode of the indicator). In some examples, the first activation of the indicator may include one of an audio, visual, and haptic indication, and the second activation may include two of an audio, visual, and haptic indication, or an alternate one of an audio, visual, and haptic indication. The second indication is selected to communicate to the user that a lower temperature is estimated to have been reached.

[0114] While Figure 4 describes a process in which the controller 22 is configured to provide two indications regarding when the temperature of the aerosol delivery system 1 is established to be below two different predefined threshold temperatures, it should be understood that in other examples, there may be more than two predefined threshold temperatures. For example, in these examples, there may be more than three, more than five, or more than ten predefined threshold temperatures, with each threshold temperature triggering a respective indication. In some examples, the indication may be different for each predefined threshold temperature, with a series of indications being presented to the user as the aerosol delivery system 1 (or reusable device component 2 or consumable component 4) cools. In some of these examples, the controller may stop or deactivate the indicator when it is determined or estimated that the temperature has fallen below a minimum temperature threshold.

[0115] Thus, an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation is described, comprising a controller and an indicator, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature after completion of a use session, and to control the indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature.

[0116] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, the system comprising: a controller; and an indicator, the controller comprising: determining, after a use session has ended, that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature; controlling an indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature. An aerosol delivery system configured as follows.

2. 2. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature by determining that a predefined cool-down period has elapsed since the end of the use session.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2, wherein the predefined cool-down period is greater than a duration selected from the group consisting of 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, and 180 seconds.

4. 4. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the predefined cool-down period is less than a duration selected from the group consisting of 180 seconds, 120 seconds, 60 seconds, 30 seconds, and 20 seconds.

5. 5. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2, wherein the predefined cool-down period depends on the length of the use session, the longer the length of the use session, the longer the length of the predefined cool-down period.

6. the aerosol delivery system including a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature at a sensing location on the aerosol delivery system; the controller is configured to use measurements from the temperature sensor to determine, after the end of the use session, that the temperature of the system is below the predefined threshold temperature.

6. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 1.

7. 7. The aerosol delivery system of claim 6, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises an exterior surface and an aerosol generator, and the sensing location is closer to the exterior surface of the aerosol delivery system than to the aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system.

8. 7. The aerosol delivery system of claim 6, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generator, and the sensing location is at the aerosol generator.

9. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the temperature sensor forms part of a combined pressure and temperature sensor for detecting user inhalation.

10. 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the use session has ended and, after determining that the use session has ended, determine that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature.

11. 11. The aerosol delivery system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the use session has started and determine that the use session has ended by determining that a predefined period of time for the use session has elapsed from the start of the use session.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the use session has ended based on user input.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery system of claim 10, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises an aerosol generator, and the controller is configured to identify the end of the usage session by determining the time of the last activation of the aerosol generator.

14. 14. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature by determining that the use session has started and that both a predefined period for the use session and a predefined cool-down period have elapsed since the start of the use session.

15. 15. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the indicator is configured to provide at least one indication selected from the group consisting of a visual indication, a tactile indication, and an audio indication.

16. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a consumable supply containing an aerosol-generating material.

17. 17. The aerosol delivery system of claim 16, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises a solid aerosol-forming material.

18. 17. The aerosol delivery system of claim 15 or 16, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises a liquid aerosol-forming material.

19. 19. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises an outer housing, and the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is an estimated temperature of the outer housing.

20. 20. The aerosol delivery system of claim 19, wherein the predefined threshold temperature is a temperature selected from the group consisting of a temperature below 45°C, a temperature below 40°C, and a temperature below 35°C.

21. 19. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises an aerosol generator, and the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is an estimated temperature of the aerosol generator.

22. 19. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises an outer housing, and the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is an estimated temperature at a predefined location within the outer housing.

23. The controller: determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a further predefined threshold temperature after the end of the use session; further configured to, in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is less than the further predefined threshold temperature, control the indicator to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is less than the further predefined threshold temperature; the further predefined threshold temperature is a temperature lower than the predefined threshold temperature; 23. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. 24. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate heat during operation of the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.

25. A controller for use with an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator according to any preceding claim.

26. 1. An aerosol delivery device for an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a controller; and an indicator, the controller comprising: determining, after a use session has ended, that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature; controlling the indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature. The aerosol delivery device is configured to:

27. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, comprising: determining, after a use session has ended, that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below a predefined threshold temperature; controlling an indicator in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature; A method comprising:

28. 1. An aerosol delivery means for causing an aerosol generator means to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating means for inhalation by a user, said aerosol delivery means comprising: control means; and indicator means; said control means comprising: determining, after a use session has ended, that the temperature of the aerosol delivery means is below a predefined threshold temperature; controlling the indicator means in response to determining that the temperature of the aerosol delivery means is below the predefined threshold temperature to indicate that the temperature of the aerosol delivery system is below the predefined threshold temperature. The aerosol supply means is configured as follows.

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