Customization of feedback for aerosol supply systems

Abstract

A feedback unit for a feedback provision system including an aerosol supply system provides a first feedback and a second feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system. [Solution] The feedback provision system is configured to make it impossible to selectively prevent the provision of first feedback by the feedback unit, and to enable the selective prevention of the provision of second feedback by the feedback unit. In this way, feedback related to critical operating mechanisms of the aerosol supply system is provided to ensure the safe operation of the aerosol supply system. On the other hand, feedback related to useful but non-critical information is selectively provided by the feedback unit so that the user has the option to decide whether or not the feedback is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system, such as, but not limited to, a nicotine delivery system (e.g., an electronic cigarette, etc.).

Background Art

[0002] Electronic aerosol supply systems often use an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or more generally an aerosol supply device. Such an aerosol supply device typically encloses a fluid or liquid reservoir containing a formulation that typically contains nicotine but not necessarily, or an aerosolizable material such as a solid material like a tobacco-based product, from which vapor / aerosol is generated for inhalation by the user, for example by heating and vaporizing. Thus, an aerosol supply system typically comprises an aerosolizer configured to vaporize a portion of the aerosolizable material to produce vapor, such as an aerosol supply device comprising a heating element.

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

[0004] A potential drawback of existing aerosol supply systems and related aerosol supply devices is that they often provide insufficient user feedback to indicate to the user the need to act in response to events that occur on or in relation to / around the aerosol supply device. Thus, this can cause problems when the aerosol supply device is used in a way it is not intended to be used and / or when used in a less optimal way than otherwise.

[0005] Various techniques that attempt to address or help mitigate some of the problems described above are described herein. [Overview of the project]

[0006] According to a first aspect of a particular embodiment, an aerosol feedback providing system is provided, which includes an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol and a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system, wherein the feedback providing system is configured to make it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and to enable the selective prevention of the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit.

[0007] According to a second aspect of a particular embodiment, an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol is provided, the aerosol supply system further comprising a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system, the aerosol supply system being configured such that it is impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and such that it is possible to selectively prevent the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit.

[0008] According to a third aspect of a particular embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided for use in an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol supply device and consumables including an aerosol generating material for aerosolization, the aerosol supply device including a feedback unit for providing first and second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system, the aerosol supply device being configured to make it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit and to enable the selective prevention of the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of a particular embodiment, a method is provided for controlling the provision of feedback in a feedback aerosol providing system comprising an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol, the method comprising the steps of providing a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system, making it impossible to selectively prevent the provision of the first feedback by the feedback unit, and enabling the provision of the second feedback by the feedback unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] It will be understood that the features and aspects of the Disclosure described above are applicable to various aspects of the Disclosure, as well as to other embodiments of the Disclosure as they may be, if necessary, in combination with the specific combinations described herein. [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view shows an aerosol supply system comprising a cartridge and a control unit / aerosol supply device (shown separately) according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the components of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 3A]Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing component of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 3B] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another housing component of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 3C] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another housing component of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 4A] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the partition element of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 4B] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of the partition element of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 5A] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the elastic plug of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 5B] A schematic perspective view of the elastic plug of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 1 is provided. [Figure 5C] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of the elastic plug of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 6A] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 6B] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 7A] A schematic diagram shows a cartridge and an aerosol supply device from an aerosol supply system, which include a feedback section, a user interface, and a toggle indicator, and which can be used as part of a feedback supply system according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] A schematic diagram shows a cartridge and an aerosol supply device from an aerosol supply system, which include a feedback section, a user interface, and a toggle indicator, and which can be used as part of a feedback supply system according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A]A cartridge and an aerosol supply device that can be used as part of a feedback providing system according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, provided with a feedback unit as shown in FIG. 7A and a user interface having an integral toggle indicator, are schematically shown. [Figure 8B] A cartridge and an aerosol supply device that can be used as part of a feedback providing system according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, provided with a feedback unit as shown in FIG. 7B and a user interface having an integral toggle indicator, are schematically shown. [Figure 9A] A cartridge and an aerosol supply device provided with a plurality of feedback units according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure are schematically shown. [Figure 9B] A cartridge and an aerosol supply device provided with a plurality of feedback units according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure are schematically shown. [Figure 10] An aerosol supply system according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, using a sensor coupled to a reservoir, an aerosol generating material transport element / aerosol generator, and a power source (battery), is schematically shown. [Figure 11] A feedback providing system according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising an aerosol supply system and a remote electrical device, is schematically shown. [Figure 12] A feedback providing system according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising an aerosol supply system and a remote electrical device, and capable of customizing feedback from the feedback providing system, is schematically shown.

[0011] Here, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Certain examples and aspects and features of embodiments are described / recounted herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented as in the past and these are not described / recounted in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that of the aspects and features of the apparatus and methods described herein that are not described in detail, they may be implemented by any prior art for implementing such aspects and features.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a non-combustible aerosol supply device (such as an e-cigarette) used as part of a broader aerosol supply system. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply device is one in which the constituent aerosolizable material (or its constituents) of the aerosol supply device is not burned or ignited in order to facilitate delivery to the user. Herein, the aerosolizable material, which may sometimes be referred to as an aerosol generating material or an aerosol precursor material, is a material that can generate an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosolizable material may also be flavored in some embodiments.

[0014] Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that this term may be used interchangeably with an aerosol supply device. An electronic cigarette is also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but note that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device is a hybrid device configured to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, and one or more of the aerosolizable materials may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may, for example, be tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0016] Typically, a (non-combustible) aerosol supply system may comprise cartridges / consumable parts and a body / aerosol supply device / reusable parts configured to engage detachably with the cartridges / consumable parts.

[0017] The aerosol supply device may include means for supplying power to a vaporizer (aerosol generator) internally, and may include an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving the aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply device may also include a reservoir for containing the aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments, a further reservoir for containing flavoring materials for flavoring the vapor produced from the aerosol supply device may be included.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be a heater / heating element capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material (also called an aerosol-generating material) to release one or more volatile substances from the material to form a vapor / aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be able to generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the vaporizer may be able to generate a vapor / aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat to the material, for example, by one or more means of vibration, mechanical means, pressurizing means, or electrostatic means.

[0019] In some embodiments, the delivered substance may be an aerosolizable material that may contain an active ingredient, a carrier ingredient, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

[0020] The active ingredient may include one or more physiological and / or olfactory active ingredients contained in the aerosolizable material to achieve the user's physiological and / or olfactory response. The active ingredient may be selected from, for example, nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active ingredient may be naturally occurring or obtained by synthesis. The active ingredient may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active ingredient may include components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another plant substance. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a physiological active ingredient and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine ditartrate / nicotine tartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient, which may be selected from “flavors” and / or “flavoring agents,” and may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory effect in products intended for adult consumers, where local regulations permit. In some examples, such ingredients may be called flavors, flavoring agents, flavoring materials, refrigerants, heating agents, and / or sweeteners.These are naturally derived flavorings, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, dwarf spice, cherry, berries, red berries, cranberries, peaches, apples, oranges, mangoes, clementines, lemons, limes, tropical fruits). Papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, eggplant, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang Iran, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any of the Mentha species, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, ma It may also contain other additives such as joram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, etc.), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners.They may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases, or extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, dwarf spice, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac). The ingredients may include: mint oil from any of the following species (e.g., jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or any of the Mentha genus), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and one or more other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, e.g., oil, liquid, or powder.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flavoring ingredients (flavor) may include menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavorings may include flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry. In some embodiments, the flavorings may include eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavorings may include flavoring components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavorings may include sensory stimulants, which are intended to achieve somatosensations that are normally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to, or instead of, aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A suitable heat-reducing agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable coolant may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3.

[0023] The carrier component may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier component may comprise one or more of the following: glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0024] One or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0025] As described above, aerosol supply devices (e-cigarettes) often comprise a modular assembly that includes both reusable components (body) and replaceable consumable components (cartridges). Devices that conform to this type of two-component modular configuration may generally be called two-component devices. Electronic cigarettes also commonly have a substantially elongated shape. To provide specific examples, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein may comprise this type of substantially elongated two-component device using consumable components. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein can also be equally applied to other electronic cigarette configurations, such as modular devices comprising three or more components, based on so-called box-mod high-performance devices, which typically have a more box-like shape, as devices that conform to other overall shapes.

[0026] Accordingly, with reference to Figure 1, a schematic perspective view of an exemplary aerosol supply system / device (e-cigarette) 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Terms relating to the relative positions of various aspects of the e-cigarette (e.g., top, bottom, upward, downward, apex, bottom, etc.) are used herein in relation to the orientation of the e-cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be understood that this is merely for the sake of clarity and is not intended to indicate that there is a required orientation for the e-cigarette in use.

[0027] The e-cigarette 1 comprises two main components: a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4. Although the control unit 4 and cartridge 2 are shown separately in Figure 1, they are coupled together when in use.

[0028] The cartridge 2 and the control unit 4 are coupled by establishing mechanical and electrical connections between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connections are established is not of primary importance to the principles described herein and may be established according to prior art, for example, screw threads, bayonet, latching, or friction-fitting mechanical fastenings, which have electrical contacts / electrodes appropriately positioned to establish electrical connections between the two parts as needed. For example, in the electronic cigarette 1 shown in Figure 1, the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54, and is coupled to the control unit by inserting the interface end portion 6 of the interface end of the cartridge into the corresponding receptacle 8 / receiving section of the control unit. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge includes a projection 56 that engages with a corresponding stopper in the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 in order to tightly fit into the receptacle 8 and provide a removable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. Electrical connections are established between the control unit and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge (not shown in Figure 1) and corresponding spring-loaded contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in Figure 1). As stated above, the specific manner in which the electrical connections are established is not important to the principles described herein, and in practice, some embodiments may have no electrical connections at all between the cartridge and the control unit, for example, because the transmission of power from the reusable parts to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction technology). With respect to such embodiments, for example, the aerosol supply device 4 and / or receptacle 8 may comprise a coil configured to inductively heat a susceptor located in the consumable / cartridge, the susceptor configured to heat the aerosol-generating material in the consumable / cartridge to generate an aerosol. Thus, the aerosol generator may comprise a susceptor.

[0029] The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol supply device) has a substantially elongated shape extending along its longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the control unit, the total length of the electronic cigarette in this example (along the longitudinal axis) is approximately 12.5 cm. The total length of the control unit is approximately 9 cm, and the total length of the cartridge is approximately 5 cm (i.e., when the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the control unit are coupled to each other, there is an overlap of approximately 1.5 cm between them). The electronic cigarette has a roughly elliptical cross-section, which is widest near the center of the electronic cigarette and curves and tapers towards the ends. The cross-section near the center of the electronic cigarette has a width of approximately 2.5 cm and a thickness of approximately 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of approximately 2 cm and a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, while the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of approximately 2 cm and a thickness of approximately 1.2 cm. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is formed from plastic in this example. It will be understood that the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette, as well as the materials used to manufacture it, are not of primary importance to the principles described herein and may differ in different embodiments. That is, the principles described herein can be equally applied to electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes, and / or materials.

[0030] The control unit 4 may be broadly conventional in terms of its function and general construction techniques, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example of Figure 1, the control unit 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including a receptacle wall 12 defining a receptacle 8 for receiving the end of a cartridge as described above. The outer housing 10 of the control unit 4 in this example has a substantially elliptical cross-section that conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at the interface of the two parts to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetrical when rotated 180° so that the cartridge can be inserted into the control unit in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 includes two control unit air inlet openings 14 (i.e., holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with the cartridge air inlet 50 when the cartridge is coupled to the control unit. One of the different openings 14 aligns with the cartridge air inlet 50 in a different orientation. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the cartridge may not have rotational symmetry so that it can be coupled to the control unit in only one orientation, while in other embodiments, the cartridge may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry so that it can be coupled to the control unit in more orientations.

[0031] The control unit further includes a battery 16 for supplying operating power to the electronic cigarette lighter, a control circuit 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette lighter, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

[0032] In this example, the battery 16 is rechargeable and may be a conventional type, for example, one commonly used in electronic cigarette lighters and other applications requiring a relatively high current supply for a relatively short period of time. The battery 16 may be recharged via a charging port 24, which may have, for example, a USB connector.

[0033] In this example, the input button 20 is a conventional mechanical button having a spring-loaded component that can be pressed by a user, for example, to establish electrical contact in the circuit below. In this regard, the input button can be considered an input device for detecting user input, for example, to trigger aerosol generation, and the particular mode in which the button is implemented is not important. For example, in other embodiments, other forms of mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons (e.g., based on capacitive or optical sensing technology) may be used, or there may be no button at all, and the device may rely on a puff detector to trigger aerosol generation.

[0034] The indicator lights 22 are provided to visually indicate to the user various characteristics related to the electronic cigarette lighter, such as the operating status (e.g., on / off / standby), and other characteristics such as battery life and fault status. Different characteristics may be indicated, for example, by different colors and / or different flashing sequences, in accordance with common prior art.

[0035] The control circuit 18 is appropriately configured / programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette in accordance with established techniques for controlling the electronic cigarette, so as to provide conventional operating functions. The control circuit (processor circuit) 18 can be considered to logically comprise various subunits / circuit elements related to different modes of operation of the electronic cigarette. For example, depending on the functions provided in different embodiments, the control circuit 18 may comprise a power supply control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery / power source to the cartridge in response to user input, a user programming circuit for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, and other functional units / circuits related to functions according to the principles described herein and conventional modes of operation of the electronic cigarette, such as an indicator light display drive circuit and a user input detection circuit. It will be understood that the functions of the control circuit 18 can be provided in various different ways, for example, using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to produce the desired functions.

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of cartridge 2 (disassembled along the longitudinal axis L). Cartridge 2 comprises a housing component 32, an air channel seal 34, a partition element 36, an outlet pipe 38, a vaporizer / heating element 40, an aerosolizable material transport element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 having a contact electrode 46. Figures 3 to 6 show some of these components in more detail.

[0037] Figure 3A is a schematic cutaway of the housing component 32 along the longitudinal axis L where it is thinnest. Figure 3B is a schematic cutaway of the housing component 32 along the longitudinal axis L where it is widest. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing component along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e., a view from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

[0038] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of the partition element 36 seen from below. Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper part of the partition element 36 seen from below.

[0039] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above, and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L as seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., a view from above relative to the orientations in Figures 1 and 2).

[0040] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L as viewed from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., from above).

[0041] The housing component 32 in this example comprises a housing outer wall 64 and a housing inner tube 62 formed from a single molded polypropylene piece. The housing outer wall 64 defines the appearance of the cartridge 2, and the housing inner tube 62 defines a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. The housing component is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the suction end 52 of the cartridge, except for a suction opening / aerosol outlet 60 which communicates with the housing inner tube 62. The housing component 32 includes an opening within the side wall that provides an air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example is approximately 2 mm 2The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing component 32 includes the aforementioned projection 56 which engages with a corresponding stopper in the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8, in order to provide a removable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing component includes further projections 66 which act to provide a contact stopper for positioning the partition element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing component 32 further includes a hole which becomes a latch recess 68 arranged to receive a corresponding latch projection 70 in the end cap for securing the end cap to the housing component when the cartridge is assembled.

[0042] The outer wall 64 of the housing component 32 includes a double-wall section 74 that defines a gap 76 that is in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example, the double-wall section 74 of the housing component 32 defines an air channel through the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is approximately 3 mm 2 The arrangement is such that the gap / part of the air channel 76 defined by the double-wall section of the housing component extends downward to the open end of the housing component 32.

[0043] The air channel seal 34 is generally a silicone molded product in the form of a tube having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes a circumferential ridge 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes a circumferential ridge, but these are not visible in Figure 2. When the cartridge is assembled, the air channel seal 34 is fitted into the housing inner tube 62 with the end of the housing inner tube 62 partially extending into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 of the air channel seal has a diameter of approximately 5.8 mm in the relaxed state of the air channel seal, while the end of the housing inner tube 62 has a diameter of approximately 6.2 mm, thereby forming a seal when the air channel seal 34 is stretched to receive the housing inner tube 62. This seal is enhanced by the ridge on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.

[0044] The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section made of, for example, ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, having an inner diameter of approximately 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 88, the ends of which have semicircular recesses 90. When the cartridge is assembled, the outlet tube 38 rests on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is approximately 9.0 mm in the relaxed state, thereby forming a seal when the air channel seal 34 is compressed and fitted inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by a ridge 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. A collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 acts as a stopper for the outlet tube 38.

[0045] The aerosolizable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick, and the vaporizer 40 comprises a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the resistance wire portion wound around the capillary wick, the vaporizer comprises electrical lead wires 41 that pass through holes in the plug 44 to contact electrodes 46 mounted on the end cap 54, thereby enabling power to be supplied to the vaporizer via an electrical interface established when the cartridge is connected to the control unit. The vaporizer lead wires 41 may contain the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or may contain a different material (e.g., a low-resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example, the heater coil 40 comprises nickel-iron alloy wire, and the wick 42 comprises a bundle of glass fibers. The vaporizer and aerosolizable material transport element may be provided according to any prior art and may contain different forms and / or different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the wick may contain fibrous or solid ceramic material, and the heater may contain different alloys. In other examples, the heater and wick may be combined in the form of, for example, porous and resistant materials. More generally, it will be understood that the aerosolizable material transport elements and vaporizers of specific properties are not of primary importance to the principles described herein.

[0046] When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semicircular recess 90 of the outlet tube 38, so that the central part of the wick around which the heating coil is wound is inside the outlet tube, and the end parts of the wick are outside the outlet tube 38.

[0047] The plug 44 in this example comprises a single molded silicone product, which may be elastic. The plug comprises a base 100 having an outer wall 102 extending upward from there toward (i.e., toward the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upward from the base 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 passing through the base 100.

[0048] The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 fits to the inner surface of the housing component 32, thereby forming a seal between the plug 44 and the housing component 32 when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 fits to the inner surface of the outlet tube 38, thereby forming a seal between the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38 when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 108, the ends of which have semicircular recesses 110. Extending outward from the bottom of each slot within the inner wall 104 (i.e., away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) is a cradle section 112, molded to receive a section of the aerosolizable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semicircular recesses 110 on the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slots 88 and semicircular recesses 90 in the outlet tube 38 are aligned such that the slot 88 in the outlet tube 38 accommodates each of the cradles 112, and the respective semicircular recesses in the outlet tube and plug work together to define a hole through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes. The size of the hole in the semicircular recess through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes closely corresponds to the size and shape of the aerosolizable material transport element, but is slightly smaller, so that the elasticity of the plug 44 brings about a certain degree of compression. This makes it possible to transport the aerosolizable material along the aerosolizable material transport element by capillary action while limiting the extent to which the aerosolizable material that is not transported by capillary action can pass through the opening. As described above, the plug 44 includes a further opening 114 within the base 100, through which the vaporizer contact lead wires 41 pass when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the plug base includes spacers 116, which maintain an offset between the rest of the bottom surface of the base and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include openings 114 through which the carburetor's electrical contact leads 41 pass.

[0049] The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene molded product with a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted inside.

[0050] The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are substantially coplanar with the interface end 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48. These are the portions of the electrodes to which the correspondingly aligned spring contacts in the control unit connect when the cartridge is assembled and connected to the control unit. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 into the hole 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact lead wires 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly larger than the hole 114 and include chamfered edges on their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the hole 114 in the plug, and are maintained in press contact with the vaporizer contact lead wires by the plug.

[0051] The end cap has a base section 124 and an upright wall 120 that fits into the inner surface of the housing component 32. The upright wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing component 32, and as a result, when the cartridge is assembled, the latch projection 70 engages with the latch recess 68 in the housing component 32, snapping the end cap 48 into the housing component. The top of the upright wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts against the periphery of the plug 44, and the lower surface of the spacer 116 on the plug also abuts against the base section 124 of the plug, so when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing component, it is pressed against the elastic portion 44 and maintained in a slightly compressed state.

[0052] The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral edge 126 that extends beyond the base of the upright wall 112, having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the outer wall of the housing component at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upright positioning pin 122, which aligns with a corresponding positioning hole 128 in the plug to help determine their relative positions during assembly.

[0053] The partition element 36 consists of a single molded polypropylene piece and includes a partition 130 and a collar 132 formed by a projection extending from the partition 130 toward the interface end of the cartridge. The partition element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet pipe 38 passes (i.e., the partition is positioned around the outlet pipe 38). In some embodiments, the partition element 36 may be formed integrally with the outlet pipe 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the partition 130, and in turn the upper surface of the partition 130 engages with a projection 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing component 32. Thus, the partition 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing component 32; that is, the partition 130 is fixedly positioned along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the projection 66 within the housing component, and thus provides a fixed surface to press against the plug. The collar 132, formed by projections from the partition wall, includes a first pair of opposing projections / tongues 134 that engage with corresponding recesses on the inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The projections from the partition wall 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with corresponding ones of the cradle section 112 within the component 44 when the cartridge is assembled and further defines an opening through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes.

[0054] When the cartridge is assembled, an air channel is formed that extends from the air inlet 50 through the cartridge to the aerosol outlet 60. Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing component 32, the first section of the air channel is provided by a gap 76 formed by a double-wall section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing component 32, and extends from the air inlet 50 toward the interface end 54 of the cartridge through the plug 44. The second portion of the air channel is provided by the gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. The third portion of the air channel is provided by a hole 106 through the plug 44. The fourth portion of the air channel is provided by a region in the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet pipe around the vaporizer 40. This fourth portion of the air channel may also be called the aerosol / aerosol-generating region and is the main region where aerosols are generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol-generating region may be called the air inlet section of the air channel. The fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet pipe 38. The sixth portion of the air channel is provided by an inner tube 62 of the outer housing that connects the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60. The air channel that goes from the aerosol generation region to the aerosol outlet may be called the aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

[0055] Furthermore, when the cartridge is assembled, a reservoir 31 for the aerosolizable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing component 32. The aerosolizable material may be filled during manufacturing, for example, through a filling hole that is subsequently sealed, or by other means. The specific properties of the aerosolizable material are not of primary importance to the principles described herein, for example with respect to the composition of the aerosolizable material, and generally any conventional aerosolizable material of the type standardly used in electronic cigarettes may be used. The disclosure may also refer to a liquid as the aerosolizable material, which may be a conventional e-liquid as described above. However, the principles of the disclosure apply to any aerosolizable material having the ability to flow, which may include liquids, gels, or solids, and in the case of solids, a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow if considered as a bulk.

[0056] The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by a plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the partition wall 130 and a second region below the partition wall 130, within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolizable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through openings in the walls of the air channel, provided by semicircular recesses 108, 90 in the plug 44 and outlet tube 38, which engage with each other as described above, and by cradle sections 112, 136 in the plug 44 and partition element 36. Thus, the end of the aerosolizable material transport element extends into the second region of the reservoir, from which it draws the aerosolizable material through the opening in the air channel into the vaporizer 40, where it is then vaporized.

[0057] In normal use, cartridge 2 is coupled to control unit 4, which operates to supply power to the cartridge via contact electrodes 46 in end cap 48. Power then flows to vaporizer 40 through connecting lead wires 41. Thus, the vaporizer is electrically heated, thereby vaporizing a portion of the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element near the vaporizer. This generates an aerosol within the aerosol-generating region of the air passage. The aerosolizable material vaporized from the aerosolizable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolizable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporizer is operating, the user inhales over the inlet end 52 of the cartridge. This draws air through it, regardless of which control unit air inlet 14 aligns with the cartridge air inlet 50 (depending on the orientation in which the cartridge is inserted into the control unit receptacle 8). Next, air enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double-wall section 74 of the housing component 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48, and then enters the aerosol generation region surrounding the vaporizer 40 through the hole 106 in the base 100 of the plug 44. The incoming air mixes with the aerosol generated from the vaporizer to form a condensed aerosol, which is then drawn in along the outlet tube 38 and the inside 62 of the housing component, before exiting through the inlet outlet / aerosol outlet 60 for the user to inhale.

[0058] Figures 1 to 6B above show possible configurations of aerosol supply system 1 configured to generate aerosols suitable for use in the context of this disclosure.

[0059] Referring here to Figures 7A to 12, the disclosure also provides a feedback providing system comprising an aerosol supply system 1 for generating an aerosol and a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system 1, wherein the feedback providing system is configured to make it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and to enable the selective prevention of the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit.

[0060] In this way, for example, feedback relating to an important operating mechanism of an aerosol supply system may be presented in a format that is essential to ensure the safe operation of the aerosol supply system. On the other hand, for example, feedback relating to useful but non-essential information may be selectively provided by the feedback unit, such that the user has the option to decide whether or not this non-essential feedback is provided by the feedback unit.

[0061] As will be explained in more detail below, the feedback system may ensure that important first feedback is displayed regardless of user preference, so that the system can continue to operate safely, by selectively preventing second (non-essential) feedback rather than first (essential) feedback. This may be particularly useful when the first feedback concerns whether the device is operating within acceptable parameters, such as the temperature parameters of an aerosol supply system, such as its aerosol generator 40.

[0062] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the feedback units 702a and 702b may be located on either the cartridge / consumable 2 of the aerosol supply system or on the aerosol supply device 4 in various embodiments. In some embodiments, multiple feedback units may be used, such that the first feedback unit 702a is located on the cartridge and the second feedback unit 720b is located on the aerosol supply device 4.

[0063] The feedback unit may take several different forms. For example, the feedback unit may include a light indicator (e.g., an LED), a visual display screen (e.g., an LCD, LED, etc.), an acoustic device (e.g., a speaker, buzzer, etc.), a tactile device, a thermal device, or any other suitable means of conveying information to the user. It should also be understood that the feedback unit may include any number and combination of feedback mechanisms necessary to convey the required information.

[0064] Furthermore, in some very specific embodiments, a particular feedback mechanism may be reserved for a particular "type" of feedback. For example, acoustic type feedback may be reserved for the first feedback described herein. In this way, when the user receives acoustic feedback, the user immediately understands that the feedback relates to the essential first feedback, as opposed to other types of feedback such as tactile and / or visual type feedback, which may instead be reserved for a second optional feedback (and / or an optional third optional feedback). Thus, more efficient communication of feedback may be achieved.

[0065] Regarding how the feedback unit may be designed to selectively prevent the provision of a second feedback by the feedback unit, the feedback providing system may include user interface units 252, 704a, 704b that enable the user of the aerosol supply system to switch between a first operating mode configured such that the second feedback is provided by the feedback unit and a second operating mode configured such that the second feedback is prevented from being provided by the feedback unit. In this way, the user can preferably enable or disable optional feedback as desired. For example, the user may want to check the power level of the power supply of the aerosol supply system. The user may then selectively enable this feedback to switch the device to the first operating mode, observe the feedback, and then selectively disable it to switch the device to the second operating mode.

[0066] Toggle indicators 706a, 706b are also provided to indicate whether the second feedback is enabled or disabled. For example, the toggle indicators may include LED indicator lights, acoustic elements, tactile elements, or any other means suitable for providing the user with an indication of whether the second feedback is enabled or disabled.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the toggle indicator may be integrated with the user interface. For example, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the user interface may include slide switches 804a, 804b, and the toggle indicators 806a, 806b form part of the user interface 804a, 804b. In this example, the second feedback is enabled, and the dashed line indicates the position of the slide switch when the second feedback is disabled. As previously stated, this configuration may be equally located in the cartridge / consumable 2 or the aerosol supply device 4. It should also be noted that the slide switches shown in Figures 8A and 8B are merely examples, and other toggle mechanisms may be used. For example, a button switch may be provided as the user interface, which can be selectively moved between two positions having different heights corresponding to whether the second feedback is enabled or disabled. Non-mechanical means such as a touchpad may also be provided as the user interface.

[0068] Clearly, according to some embodiments, the feedback system may have three or more positions in the user interface section, which may be configured to allow the user of the feedback system to switch between a first operating mode M1, a second operating mode M2, and a third operating mode configured such that a third feedback is provided by the feedback section. With respect to any such third feedback, this third feedback (as with the second feedback) may be configured to be disabled and / or prevented from being provided by the feedback section by switching the user interface section to the second operating mode. However, the level of the third feedback may be configured to be different from (e.g., greater or less than) the level of the second feedback.

[0069] The "level" of feedback may include the frequency and / or amount of feedback (e.g., brightness of feedback in the case of visual feedback, or volume of feedback in the case of acoustic feedback), the magnitude of feedback (e.g., brightness of feedback in the case of visual feedback, or strength of feedback in the case of haptic feedback), or even the prominence of feedback (e.g., brightness of feedback in the case of visual feedback, or strength of feedback in the case of haptic feedback, or volume of feedback in the case of acoustic feedback). Obviously, where such a level is used, it may also include an average level or a maximum level, according to some narrower embodiments.

[0070] It should be understood that not only the level of feedback, but also the type of feedback provided in relation to different modes can differ. For example, the first mode may allow feedback to be provided via haptic elements, while the second mode may allow feedback to be provided via audio elements.

[0071] Therefore, from the above, it can be seen that, in some cases, there may be three or more operating modes, such as a second operating mode for providing only the (essential) first feedback, and then at least two other operating modes (e.g., the first and third operating modes) which may also provide other additional (non-essential) feedback at different levels.

[0072] Similarly, for completeness, it should be noted that any such feedback unit used, and / or other devices for controlling the provision of a second (optional) feedback, may be located on or within the aerosol supply system 1, such as either the consumable 2 or the aerosol supply device 4 therefrom (if such a consumable 2 / aerosol supply device 4 configuration is used). However, obviously, according to some embodiments, any such feedback unit and / or other devices for controlling the provision of a second (optional) feedback may be located within the electrical device 250 as part of a broader feedback provision including the aerosol supply system 1 and the electrical device 250, and the electrical device 250 may be operable to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol supply system 1 via a wireless connection protocol such as Bluetooth®. Such embodiments are shown, for example, in the embodiments of Figures 11 and 12.

[0073] Regarding what such electrical devices 250 may be, it is assumed that they may include any form of electrical device 250 that is capable of operationally communicating with the aerosol supply system 1, such as (but not limited to) any portable device such as a tablet computer, smartphone 250A, or portable computer that may be carried by a user of the aerosol supply system 1.

[0074] As can be understood, the ability to selectively enable / disable specific feedback offers several technical advantages. For example, by selectively providing specific feedback, the aerosol supply system may operate more efficiently in terms of power consumption. Furthermore, the user does not have an overwhelming amount of optional feedback that could distract from more important feedback, although they still have optional feedback that is easily accessible via the user interface as needed.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first and second feedbacks may be provided by / in different sections or parts of the feedback unit, or by a separate feedback unit. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the aerosol supply system 1 is provided with a plurality of feedback units 902, 904, and 906, but in other embodiments (as described above) they may be located in some other electrical device (for example, in some embodiments, a portable device such as a tablet computer or smartphone).

[0076] In this way, the user may more easily and efficiently identify more important and essential feedback information compared to optional feedback information. For example, essential first feedback may be provided by feedback unit 902, and optional second feedback may be provided by feedback units 904 and 906.

[0077] According to some embodiments, the first feedback F1 is configured to be provided in response to the fulfillment of a first predetermined criterion. For example, the predetermined condition may be detected using a sensor included in the aerosol supply system. Such a sensor may be configured to detect parameters relating to the important operation of the aerosol supply system, such as the operating state of the aerosol supply system and / or the temperature of the aerosol supply system, which may reflect a safe level of operation of the aerosol supply system. Thus, the user may be notified of this change in the operating state of the aerosol supply system via the first feedback, which cannot be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback unit as described above.

[0078] As briefly explained above, the first predetermined criterion may relate to the operating state of the aerosol supply system 1. In some embodiments, the first predetermined criterion includes determining that the aerosol supply system is malfunctioning. This determination may be based on measurements taken by sensors included in the aerosol supply system. For example, the determination may be based on the detection of characteristics of device components such as the aerosol-generating material transport element 42 (if used) and the power supply 16. If the characteristics of any of these components are outside a predetermined normal operating range, it may be determined that the aerosol supply system is not operating according to safety standards and is therefore malfunctioning.

[0079] The above determination may be made by the control circuit 18 from the aerosol supply system based on sensor measurements received by the control circuit 18. As shown in Figure 10, sensors 1002a, 1002b, and 1002c may be positioned to measure the characteristics of the reservoir 31, the aerosol generator 40 / aerosol-generating material transport element 42, and the power supply (battery) 16, respectively. Each of the sensors 1002a, 1002b, and 1002c in this embodiment may be electronically connected to the control circuit 18 as shown by the connection lines in Figure 10.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first predetermined criterion may include a temperature value exceeding a predetermined temperature (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 11, for example). This predetermined temperature may relate to the temperature of the aerosol-generating material transport element 42, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6B. In this case, if the temperature of the aerosol-generating material transport element rises above a certain temperature, there may be a risk of the aerosol-generating material transport element igniting. The temperature of the aerosol-generating material transport element may rise in this way if the wick dries out due to insufficient amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the reservoir 31 of the aerosol supply system 1, or if the aerosol-generating material transport element is consistently heated for a long period of time without an opportunity to cool, for example. The predetermined temperature may be configured to be lower by a predetermined margin than the ignition temperature of the aerosol-generating material transport element so that first feedback is provided (and any corrective action is taken) before the aerosol-generating material transport element 42 could ignite and cause damage to the aerosol supply system 1 and / or the user.

[0081] In another embodiment, the temperature may be the temperature of the power supply 16 or battery from the aerosol supply system 1 (or from such device 4, if an aerosol supply device 4 is used), as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6B. In this case, if the temperature of the power supply 16 rises above a certain temperature, there may be a serious risk of the power supply catching fire. A malfunctioning battery is at risk of such overheating, and therefore, sensing the temperature of the power supply may simultaneously indicate whether the aerosol supply system 1 is malfunctioning.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the second feedback F2 may be configured to be provided in response to the fulfillment of a second predetermined criterion. Similar to the first criterion, the second criterion may also be detected using a sensor included in the aerosol supply system 1. Such a sensor may be configured to detect parameters relating to auxiliary characteristics of the aerosol supply system 1. In other words, the second predetermined criterion may also relate to characteristics that do not have as high priority as the first predetermined criterion, for example, from a safety standpoint. Thus, the second feedback is configured to be provided for useful auxiliary information relating to the operation of the device, such feedback not essential for the safe operation of the device, but nevertheless useful to know when needed.

[0083] For example, in some embodiments, the second criterion includes determining that the power supply from the aerosol supply system 1 contains less residual power than a predetermined amount. This preferably triggers a second feedback to indicate that the aerosol supply system 1 requires charging. However, since the power level may not necessarily be critical to the safe operation of the device, this feedback can be selectively prevented by the user as described above.

[0084] In more specific embodiments, the second feedback may be further configured to indicate the amount of power remaining in the power supply 16 (as shown, for example, in the embodiment of Figure 11). This indication may be provided, for example, through the user interface described above. Alternatively, this indication may be provided by a separate display means.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second criterion includes determining whether the amount of aerosol-generating material is less than a predetermined amount. For example, the user interface described above may be configured to indicate the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material when it reaches a predetermined amount, or alternatively, to indicate that a predetermined amount has been reached without indicating the exact remaining amount of aerosol-generating material.

[0086] The amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the aerosol supply system may be measured in several different ways. As a specific example, an optical sensor in the reservoir 31 may be configured to detect the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material by sensing the distance to the surface of the aerosol-generating material contained in the reservoir 31. As is understood, this distance may vary depending on the orientation of the aerosol supply system 1, and in some embodiments, the optical sensor may be configured to measure the distance only when it is determined that the aerosol supply system is in a particular orientation (for example, determined by a gyroscope device included in the aerosol supply system).

[0087] In some embodiments, the second criterion includes determining that the aerosol generator from the aerosol supply system has not been operating to generate aerosols for a period exceeding a predetermined time. This may be effective as optional feedback to remind the user to operate the aerosol supply system to avoid inefficient use of the power supply 16 during idle periods. In a further specific embodiment, the feedback providing system may be configured to turn off the power when it determines that a second predetermined time has elapsed since the aerosol supply system was used to generate aerosols, and the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time. This may be even more preferable in improving the efficiency of the aerosol supply system 1 by reducing wasteful use of the power supply 16.

[0088] As can be understood from the above, several different types of first and second feedback may be provided based on several different first and second criteria. Note that these feedbacks may be provided to the feedback section individually or simultaneously to the feedback section in any combination.

[0089] With respect to any first, second, and / or further feedback provided (e.g., any third feedback F3 provided, as described above in some embodiments), it should be noted that in some embodiments, feedbacks F1, F2, F3 may be provided visually, as part of the display 252 from the feedback providing system, for example, via a feedback unit comprising the display 252, and / or as part of any required modes of operation M1, M2 from the feedback providing system (or aerosol supply system 1). With respect to such embodiments, the outputted feedback may, if and as needed, take the form of appropriate visual instructions on the display 252.

[0090] Regarding what such visual instructions may be, it will be understood that these visual instructions may take the form of any appropriate (visual) indicator as needed. For example, indicators 254 in some embodiments may include symbols such as warning symbols 256 (e.g., exclamation marks 258, and / or warning triangles 260), strings of text 262, error messages, or some other graphic symbols 264. In this way, indicators may represent the underlying purpose of the feedback being provided.

[0091] According to some embodiments, in order to better distinguish between a first feedback (potentially more important) and a second (potentially potentially optional) feedback, the first feedback F1 includes a first indicator 254A on the display 252 and the second feedback F2 includes a second indicator 264B on the display 252, in some of these embodiments, the first indicator may include a first color and the second indicator may include a second color different from the first color. By providing different colors in this way, the user may be able to more easily identify when a particular type of feedback is being provided. For example, in an embodiment in which a first feedback F1 that may indicate safety-important information is provided, the first color for the first indicator may be a color more associated with the hazard, such as a color including at least one of black, purple, red, orange, amber, or yellow. In this way, if a second feedback F2 (or even a third feedback F3) is provided, since this may indicate information that is less important from a safety perspective, the second color (or a third color for the third feedback, if used) may be a color less associated with danger than the first color, such as a color that includes at least one of blue, green, orange, amber, yellow, or white. Such an embodiment is shown, for example, in a particular embodiment of Figure 11, where the first indicator 254A includes red, the second indicator 254B includes amber / orange, and the third indicator 254C (for the third feedback F3) includes green.

[0092] Regardless of the type of feedback provided, whether it be tactile / visual / acoustic feedback, or the first feedback F1 or second feedback F2 (or a third feedback in some embodiments where a third operating mode is used), it will be understood that, according to some of these embodiments, the first feedback F1 may be provided in a more prominent manner than the second (or third) feedback F2 (e.g., louder, longer, brighter, and / or stronger), and may be configured to more strongly emphasize to the user the more significant properties of the first feedback than the second (or third) feedback F2, F3. This is illustrated, for example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 11.

[0093] In particular, with reference to at least some of these embodiments, in embodiments configured to display feedback on a display 252, such as a display 252 from a remote electrical device 250 from a feedback providing system, the display 252 / feedback unit may be configured to display a graphical representation of the aerosol supply system 1 (for example, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 11). Thus, according to some embodiments, the feedback unit and / or display 252 may be configured to display an identifier 266 (e.g., a graphical representation of 268, and / or description / name 270) of the aerosol supply system 1 on the display 252, so as to enable the user to more easily associate any given feedback (e.g., a first feedback F1, a second feedback F2, and / or a third feedback F3) with the aerosol supply system 1 in question. Again, such potential embodiments are shown, for example, in embodiments of Figures 11 and 12. In such embodiments, at least one of the first feedback F1 and the second feedback F2 may be provided adjacent to the identifier 266, such as above or below.

[0094] With regard to the foregoing, the Disclosure also provides a method for controlling the provision of feedback in an aerosol feedback provisioning system including an aerosol supplying system for generating an aerosol, the method comprising the steps of providing a feedback unit for providing first and second feedback to a user of the aerosol supplying system, making it impossible to selectively prevent the provision of the first feedback by the feedback unit, and enabling the selective prevention of the provision of the second feedback by the feedback unit.

[0095] Therefore, with the understanding of the above, according to a first aspect of a particular embodiment, an aerosol feedback providing system is described which includes an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol and a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system, wherein the feedback providing system is configured to make it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and to enable the selective prevention of the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit.

[0096] Also described is an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol supply system further comprising a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system, the aerosol supply system being configured such that it is impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and such that it is possible to selectively prevent the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit.

[0097] Also described is an aerosol supply device for use in an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol supply device and consumables including an aerosol generating material for aerosolization, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a feedback section for providing first and second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system, and the aerosol supply device is configured to make it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback section, and to enable the selective prevention of the second feedback from being provided by the feedback section.

[0098] Furthermore, a feedback unit for a feedback providing system comprising an aerosol supply system 1 is described. The feedback unit provides first and second feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system. The feedback providing system is configured such that it is impossible to selectively prevent the provision of the first feedback by the feedback unit, and it is possible to selectively prevent the provision of the second feedback by the feedback unit. In this way, for example, feedback relating to an important operating mechanism of the aerosol supply system may be presented in a form essential to ensure the safe operation of the aerosol supply system. On the other hand, for example, feedback relating to useful but non-essential information may be selectively provided by the feedback unit such that the user has the option to decide whether or not this non-essential feedback is provided by the feedback unit.

[0099] To address a variety of issues and to advance the technology, this disclosure provides examples of various embodiments in which the claims may be implemented. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid in and teach the understanding of the claims. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations to the disclosure as defined by the claims, or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the claims. Various embodiments may suitably include, be composed of, or essentially consist of, various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and it should be understood that the features of dependent claims may be combined with the features of independent claims in combinations other than those expressly described in the claims. For example, any dependent claim relating to independent claim 1 (or any other independent claim) may, if necessary, be used in correspondence as a corresponding feature of any of the related independent claims enumerated in the claims. Obviously, similarly, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

[0100] For example, at a more general level, it will be understood that the aspects of the above disclosure can also effectively change the type and / or level of feedback that can be provided and, in some cases, provide an effective system that can be provided as part of different operating modes M1, M2.

[0101] Accordingly, as part of any given operating mode, it is also conceivable that at least one of the first feedback F1 and / or the second feedback F2 (or third feedback) potentially includes an indication 274 regarding the remaining power in the power supply 16 from the aerosol supply system 1. According to some embodiments, the indication regarding the remaining power in the power supply 16 from the aerosol supply system 1 may include a battery symbol 276 to make the remaining power in the power supply 16 more easily visualized for the user.

[0102] According to some embodiments, as part of any given operating mode, in order to assist the user in determining whether the aerosol supply system 1 is currently powered, at least one (or both) of the first and second feedbacks F1, F2 may include an instruction 278 relating to whether the aerosol supply system is i) currently powered and / or ii) currently charged, or i) currently powered and / or ii) currently charged. In these examples, in some embodiments thereof, the instruction 278 may obviously include a lightning bolt 280 or potentially a power plug / socket symbol.

[0103] In some embodiments, at least one of the first feedback F1 and the second feedback F2 may include an indication 284 of whether the aerosol supply system is turned on. In very specific embodiments, this may be achieved, for example, by an indication including a predetermined symbol.

[0104] It should be noted that in some embodiments of the aerosol supply system 1, the aerosol supply system 1 may be configured to be placed in a case, such as a charging case, when the aerosol supply system 1 is not in use. With respect to these embodiments, in some specific embodiments thereof, at least one of the first feedback F1 and / or the second feedback F2 may include instructions 286, 286A, 286B regarding whether a case for the aerosol supply system 1 has been detected, and / or ii) instructions regarding whether the aerosol supply system 1 is placed in a case for holding the aerosol supply system 1.

[0105] With respect to any of the embodiments described above, instructions 274, 278, and 286 may be provided, as necessary, from a part of the feedback providing system and / or aerosol supply system 1, such as on any provided display 252 and / or as part of the feedback section and / or as part of an electrical device 250 (if such an electrical device is used). Figure 12 shows at least one embodiment of a feedback providing system that includes the above instructions, which may vary as necessary between each selected operating mode M1, M2. It is therefore clear that, if any permutation of these instructions is used as part of a first feedback F1, a second feedback F2 (or any further feedback such as a third feedback F3 used), the extent to which these instructions 274, 278, and 286 are provided may vary between any given operating modes M1, M2 from the feedback providing system.

[0106] In this way, the feedback providing system (or aerosol supply system in which all components are arranged as part of the aerosol supply system 1) may be effectively configured to allow the user to modify each operating mode M1, M2 to customize the amount of feedback provided as part of the operating modes M1, M2, and potentially to have as part of that operating mode any given feedback (whether this is any other feedback such as a first feedback F1, a second feedback F2, and / or a third feedback F3) which includes any of the combinations of features or instructions described herein as part of each such feedback in that operating mode. Thus, obviously, the present disclosure also provides an effective feedback providing system (or aerosol supply system 1) which enables convenient customization of feedback delivered to the user as part of a plurality of operating modes.

[0107] This is evident with reference to the disclosure in Figure 12, which allows the user to customize each of the first operating mode M1 and the second operating mode M2, change any of the level / amount / degree / type of feedback, and / or change the instructions provided as part of such feedback for each operating mode. Such customization may be achieved, for example, via a display 252 from a feedback providing system (or in some embodiments, an aerosol supply system 1) configured to display a feedback customization interface 290 to allow at least one of the first feedback F1 and / or the second feedback F2 to be customized from the feedback customization interface as part of each of the mode operations M1, M2.

[0108] Therefore, taking the above into consideration, it will be clear that what is described herein is a variety of different embodiments, as defined by at least the following additional embodiments clauses. [Clause 1] A feedback system comprising an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, and a feedback unit for providing first and second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system. [Clause 2] The feedback providing system according to Clause 1, wherein the feedback providing system is configured to make it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and to enable the selective prevention of the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit. [Clause 3] The feedback providing system according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the feedback providing system is configured to allow a user of the feedback providing system to switch between a first operating mode configured such that the second feedback is provided by the feedback unit and a second operating mode configured such that the first feedback is provided by the feedback unit. [Clause 4] The feedback providing system according to Clause 3, further configured so that the first feedback is provided by the feedback unit in the first operating mode. [Clause 5] The feedback providing system according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, configured in the second operating mode to prevent the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit. [Clause 6] The feedback provision system according to any one of clauses 3 to 5, further comprising a user interface for enabling a user of the feedback provision system to switch between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. [Clause 7] The feedback system according to Clause 6, wherein the user interface unit further comprises a toggle device for enabling a user of the feedback system to switch between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. [Clause 8] The feedback system according to Clause 7, wherein the toggle device comprises a movable switch. [Clause 9] The feedback provision system according to any one of clauses 6 to 8, wherein the aerosol supply system includes the user interface unit. [Clause 10] The feedback providing system according to any one of the clauses 3 to 9, further configured to allow a user of the feedback providing system to switch between the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and a third operating mode configured such that the first and third feedbacks are provided by the feedback unit. [Clause 11] The feedback provision system described in Clause 10, wherein the third level of feedback is different from the second level of feedback. [Article 12] A feedback system as described in Clause 11, wherein the third level of feedback is less than the second level of feedback. [Clause 13] A feedback providing system according to any one of clauses 10 to 12, configured to prevent the third feedback from being provided by the feedback unit in the second operating mode. [Clause 14] A feedback providing system according to any one of clauses 10 to 13, configured to prevent the third feedback from being provided by the feedback unit in the first operating mode. [Article 15] A feedback system according to any one of clauses 10 to 14, wherein the third type of feedback is different from at least one of the first and second types of feedback. [Clause 16] A feedback system as described in any one of clauses 10 to 15, wherein the third type of feedback is the same as the second type of feedback. [Article 17] A feedback system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the first type of feedback is different from the second type of feedback. [Clause 18] A feedback provision system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 17, configured such that the first feedback is provided in response to the fulfillment of a first predetermined criterion. [Article 19] The feedback system described in Clause 18, wherein the first predetermined criterion includes determining that the aerosol supply system is malfunctioning. [Clause 20] A feedback system as described in Clause 18 or 19, wherein the first predetermined criterion includes a temperature value exceeding a predetermined temperature. [Article 21] A feedback system according to any one of clauses 1 to 20, configured such that the aforementioned second feedback is provided in response to the fulfillment of a second predetermined criterion. [Article 22] The feedback system according to Clause 21, wherein the second predetermined criterion includes determining that the power supply from the aerosol supply system contains less than a predetermined amount of residual power. [Article 23] The feedback system according to clause 21 or 22, wherein the second predetermined criterion is determined to be less than a predetermined amount of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol supply system. [Article 24] A feedback system according to any one of clauses 21 to 23, wherein the second predetermined criterion includes determining that the aerosol generator from the aerosol supply system has not been operating to generate aerosols for a period exceeding a predetermined period. [Article 25] The feedback provision system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 24, wherein the aerosol supply system comprises the feedback unit. [Article 26] The feedback providing system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 25, further comprising an electrical device capable of wirelessly communicating with the aerosol supply system. [Article 27] The feedback providing system according to Clause 26, wherein the electrical device is capable of operating to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol supply system via Bluetooth. [Article 28] The feedback provision system according to Clause 26 or 27, wherein the aforementioned electrical device includes a smartphone. [Article 29] The feedback system described in any one of the clauses 26 to 28, wherein the aforementioned electrical device comprises a smartwatch. [Clause 30] The feedback system according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the aforementioned electrical device comprises a feedback unit. [Article 31] A feedback providing system according to any one of the clauses 26 to 30, wherein the electrical device is configured to provide the first feedback. [Article 32] A feedback providing system according to any one of the clauses 26 to 31, wherein the electrical device is configured to provide the second feedback. [Article 33] The feedback system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 32, further comprising: an aerosol supply system; a consumable for storing an aerosol generating material; and an aerosol supply device configured to receive the consumable for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material. [Article 34] The feedback system according to Clause 33, wherein the consumable comprises an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol from the aerosol generating material. [Article 35] The feedback system according to Clause 34, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a susceptor. [Article 36] The feedback providing system according to Clause 35, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a coil configured to inductively heat the susceptor located within the consumable. [Article 37] A feedback system according to any one of clauses 33 to 37, wherein the consumables are substantially cylindrical. [Article 38] The feedback providing system according to any one of the clauses 33 to 38, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a receptacle for removably receiving the consumables. [Article 39] The feedback provisioning system according to clause 39, as further subject to clause 36, wherein the coil is configured to surround the receptacle. [Clause 40] The feedback provision system according to any one of the clauses 33 to 39, wherein the aerosol supply system is configured to wirelessly supply power from the aerosol supply device to the cartridge. [Article 41] The feedback system according to any one of the clauses 33 to 40, wherein the aerosol supply system is configured to supply power from the aerosol supply device to the consumables by electromagnetic induction. [Article 42] The feedback system according to any one of the clauses 33 to 41, wherein the aerosol generating material includes a solid material. [Article 43] The feedback system according to any one of clauses 33 to 42, wherein the aerosol-generating material includes tobacco. [Article 44] The feedback system according to any one of the clauses 33 to 43, wherein the aerosol supply system is configured to be removably coupled to the aerosol supply device via a friction fit. [Article 45] The feedback system according to any one of the clauses 33 to 44, wherein the consumables can be coupled to the aerosol supply device in two or more orientations. [Article 46] The feedback provision system according to any one of the clauses 33 to 45, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a feedback unit. [Article 47] The feedback system according to Clause 46, wherein the feedback unit comprises a speaker for providing at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback. [Clause 48] The feedback system according to Clause 47, wherein the feedback unit comprises a tactile element for providing at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback. [Article 49] The feedback system according to Clause 48, wherein the feedback unit comprises a display for providing at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback. [Clause 50] The feedback provision system according to Clause 49, wherein the first feedback includes a first indicator on the display. [Article 51] The feedback provision system according to Clause 49 or 50, wherein the second feedback includes a second indicator on the display. [Article 52] The feedback provision system according to Clause 51, wherein the first indicator includes a first color and the second indicator includes a second color different from the first color. [Article 53] The feedback system described in Clause 52, wherein the first color is at least one of black, purple, red, orange, amber, or yellow. [Article 55] The feedback system described in Clause 52 or 53, wherein the second color is at least one of blue, green, yellow, or white. [Article 55] A feedback system as described in Clause 51, as further subject to Clause 50, wherein the first indicator is displayed more prominently than the second indicator. [Article 56] The feedback provision according to any one of the clauses 1 to 55, wherein the feedback unit is configured to provide an identifier for the aerosol supply system. [Article 57] The feedback provision described in any one of the clauses 1 to 56, as further dependent on clause 49, wherein the feedback unit is configured to display an identifier of the aerosol supply system on the display. [Article 58] The feedback provision according to any one of the clauses 1 to 57 further comprises a display for displaying an identifier of the aerosol supply system on the display. [Article 59] The feedback provision described in any one of clauses 56 to 58, configured such that the identifier is provided in each operating mode. [Clause 60] The feedback provision described in Clause 58 or 59, wherein the identifier includes a graphical representation of the aerosol supply system. [Article 61] The feedback provision described in any one of the clauses 56 to 60, including the identifier, which includes a description of the aerosol supply system. [Article 62] The feedback provision described in any one of the clauses 56 to 61, wherein the identifier includes the name of the aerosol supply system. [Article 63] The feedback provision described in any one of clauses 56 to 62, configured such that at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback is provided next to the identifier. [Article 64] The feedback provision described in any one of the clauses 56 to 63, configured such that at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback is provided above the identifier. [Article 65] The feedback provision described in any one of the clauses 56 to 63, configured such that at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback is provided below the identifier. [Article 66] The feedback provision described in any one of the clauses 56-64, further subject to at least clause 57 or 58, wherein the identifier remains in the same position on the display for all operating modes. [Article 67] A feedback system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 66, wherein the first feedback includes haptic feedback. [Article 68] A feedback system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 67, wherein the first feedback includes acoustic feedback. [Article 69] A feedback system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 68, wherein the first feedback includes visual feedback. [Article 70] A feedback system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 69, wherein the second feedback includes haptic feedback. [Article 71] A feedback system as described in any one of the clauses 1 to 70, wherein the second feedback includes acoustic feedback. [Article 72] A feedback system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 71, wherein the second feedback includes visual feedback. [Article 73] A feedback system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 72, wherein the first type of feedback is different from the second type of feedback. [Article 74] A feedback system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 73, wherein the first level of feedback is different from the second level of feedback. [Article 75] A feedback system as described in Clause 74, wherein the level of the first feedback is greater than the level of the second feedback. [Article 76] A feedback providing system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 75, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback includes an instruction regarding the remaining amount of power in the power supply from the aerosol supply system. [Article 77] The feedback system according to Clause 76, wherein the instruction regarding the remaining amount of power in the power source from the aerosol supply system includes a battery symbol. [Article 78] A feedback providing system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 77, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback includes an indication of whether the aerosol supply system is currently powered. [Article 79] A feedback providing system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 78, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback includes an instruction that the aerosol supply system is currently being charged. [Clause 80] The feedback providing system according to Clause 79, wherein the indication that the aerosol supply system is currently being charged includes a lightning bolt. [Clause 81] A feedback providing system according to any one of the first and second feedbacks, wherein at least one of the first and second feedbacks includes an indication of whether the aerosol supply system has been switched on. [Article 82] A feedback providing system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 81, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback includes an indication of whether a case for the aerosol supply system has been detected. [Clause 83] A feedback providing system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 82, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback includes an indication of whether the aerosol supply system is located in a case for holding the aerosol supply system. [Clause 84] The feedback providing system according to clause 82 or 83, wherein the case comprises a charging case for charging a power source from the aerosol supply system. [Clause 85] A feedback provision system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 84, configured to allow customization of the first and / or second feedback. [Clause 86] A feedback provision system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 85, configured to allow customization of the first level of feedback and / or the second level of feedback. [Article 87] A feedback provision system as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 86, configured to allow customization of the first type of feedback and / or the second type of feedback. [Clause 88] The feedback providing system according to any one of the clauses 85 to 87, wherein a display from the feedback providing system is configured to display a feedback customization interface, enabling the customization of the first feedback and / or the second feedback from the feedback customization interface. [Clause 89] The feedback providing system according to Clause 88, wherein the feedback customization interface includes an identifier for the aerosol supply system. [Clause 90] An aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol, further comprising a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol supply system. [Article 91] The aerosol supply system according to Clause 90, wherein the aerosol supply system is configured to make it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and to enable the selective prevention of the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit. [Article 92] An aerosol supply device for use in an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, comprising an aerosol supply device and consumables including aerosol generating material for aerosolization, A feedback unit for providing first and second feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system. An aerosol supply device comprising the above features. [Article 93] The aerosol supply device according to Clause 92, wherein the aerosol supply device is configured to prevent selective prevention of the provision of the first feedback by the feedback unit, and to enable selective prevention of the provision of the second feedback by the feedback unit. [Article 94] A method for providing feedback in a feedback system comprising an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, The step of providing a feedback unit for providing first and second feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system. Methods that include... [Article 95] The method according to Clause 94, which is a method for controlling the provision of the feedback in the feedback provision system. [Article 96] A step that makes it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit. The method described in Clause 94 or 95, further including the method described in Clause 94 or 95. [Article 97] A step that enables selective prevention of the provision of the second feedback by the feedback unit. The method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 96, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 96. [Clause 98] A step of switching between a first operating mode configured such that the second feedback is provided by the feedback unit, and a second operating mode configured such that the first feedback is provided by the feedback unit. The method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 97, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 97. [Clause 99] A step of switching between a first operating mode configured such that the second feedback is provided by the feedback unit, and a second operating mode configured such that the second feedback is prevented from being provided by the feedback unit. The method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 98, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 98. [Clause 100] Steps to switch the user interface unit from the feedback provision system between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The method described in clause 98 or 99, further including the method described in clause 98 or 99. [Clause 101] The method according to clause 100, wherein the aerosol supply system includes the user interface unit. [Article 102] The method according to any one of the claims 94 to 101, wherein the feedback unit is provided as part of an electrical device capable of wirelessly communicating with the aerosol supply system. [Clause 103] The method according to Clause 102, wherein the electrical device comprises a smartphone. [Clause 104] The method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 103, wherein the first type of feedback is different from the second type of feedback. [Article 105] The method according to Clause 104, wherein the first type of feedback includes acoustic feedback and the second type of feedback includes at least visual feedback and / or tactile feedback. [Clause 106] The step of displaying the identifier of the aerosol supply system on the display from the feedback system. The method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 105, further including the method described in any one of the clauses 94 to 105. [Article 107] The step of displaying the identifier in each of the first and second operating modes. The method described in at least the method described in [Clause 108] The method according to clause 106 or 107, wherein the feedback unit comprises the display. [Article 109] The method according to any one of the clauses 106 to 108, further dependent on at least clause 102, wherein the electrical device comprises the display. [Article 110] The method described in any one of clauses 94 to 109, wherein the first feedback is provided in a manner that is more prominent than the second feedback.

[0109] For completeness, it should be understood that any toggle indicators, user interface sections, and feedback sections may be powered (if any), and that each such section (if necessary) may be powered using the power supply / battery 16, or each may be powered by its own power supply.

[0110] Similarly, with regard to the placement of any such toggle indicators, user interface units, feedback units, or anything suggested above, it will be understood that their location may be anywhere in the aerosol supply system 1 (or, if a broader feedback supply system is used, as part of such a latter system) as necessary to enable them to provide the required functionality. This placement may even include locations where the feedback unit or sensor is not actually located in the aerosol supply system 1, consumables 2, or aerosol supply device 4 (e.g., in a separate electrical device that can be attached to the user, such as a strap or some other patch or device that can be attached to the user (removably if necessary, e.g., via an adhesive patch)).

[0111] Similarly, if the aerosol supply system 1 comprises consumables 2 and an aerosol supply device 4, any provided toggle indicators, user interface units, feedback units 702a, 702b, or sensors may be placed in either the consumables 2 or the aerosol supply device 4, as necessary, to enable the required functions of the toggle indicators 706a, 706b, feedback units 702a, 702b, or sensors 1002a, 1002b, 1002c.

[0112] Similarly, for completeness, it will be understood that with respect to any toggle indicators, user interface units, feedback units, or sensors 1002a, 1002b, 1002c in the aerosol supply device 4 or aerosol supply system 1, either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuit 18 and the associated device may be used to provide any power or signals transmitted thereto. In the particular embodiment shown in the figure, for example, a wired connection is provided between each of the toggle indicators / user interface units / feedback units / sensors and the control circuit 18, which extends through contact electrodes 46 located in each of the aerosol supply device 4 and consumables 2, where the toggle indicators / user interface units / feedback units / sensors are located in the consumables 2 across the interface end 54.

Claims

1. A feedback provision system, an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, A feedback unit for providing first and second feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system, Equipped with, The aforementioned feedback provision system is: The first feedback is configured to be unable to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback unit, and A feedback provisioning system configured to selectively prevent the provision of the second feedback by the feedback unit.

2. The feedback provision system allows the user of the feedback provision system to A first operating mode configured such that the second feedback is provided by the feedback unit, A second operating mode configured to prevent the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and A feedback providing system according to claim 1, configured to enable switching between the following.

3. The feedback provision system allows the user of the feedback provision system to The first operating mode is configured such that the second feedback is provided by the feedback unit, The second operating mode is configured to prevent the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, and The feedback providing system according to claim 2, further comprising a user interface section for enabling switching.

4. The feedback system according to claim 3, further comprising a toggle device for enabling a user of the feedback system to switch between a first operating mode configured such that the second feedback is provided by the feedback unit and a second operating mode configured such that the second feedback is prevented from being provided by the feedback unit.

5. The feedback system according to claim 4, wherein the toggle device comprises a movable switch.

6. The feedback provision system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the aerosol supply system comprises the user interface unit.

7. The feedback provision system allows the user of the feedback provision system to The first operating mode described above, The second operating mode described above, A third operating mode configured such that the first and third feedbacks are provided by the feedback unit, and A feedback providing system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further configured to enable switching.

8. The feedback provision system according to claim 7, wherein the third level of feedback is different from the second level of feedback.

9. The feedback provision system according to claim 8, wherein the level of the third feedback is smaller than the level of the second feedback.

10. The feedback providing system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, configured to prevent the third feedback from being provided by the feedback unit in the second operating mode.

11. The feedback providing system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, configured to prevent the third feedback from being provided by the feedback unit in the first operating mode.

12. The feedback provision system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the third type of feedback is different from at least one of the first and second types of feedback.

13. The feedback provision system according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the third type of feedback is the same as the second type of feedback.

14. The feedback provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first type of feedback is different from the second type of feedback.

15. The feedback providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first feedback is provided in response to the fulfillment of a first predetermined criterion.

16. The feedback provision system according to claim 15, wherein the first predetermined criterion includes determining that the aerosol supply system is malfunctioning.

17. The feedback provision system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first predetermined criterion includes a temperature value exceeding a predetermined temperature.

18. The feedback provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the second feedback is provided in response to the fulfillment of a second predetermined criterion.

19. The feedback provision system according to claim 18, wherein the second predetermined criterion includes determining whether the power supply from the aerosol supply system contains residual power less than a predetermined amount.

20. The feedback system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the second predetermined criterion is determined to be less than a predetermined amount of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol supply system.

21. The feedback system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the second predetermined criterion includes determining that the aerosol generator from the aerosol supply system has not been operating to generate aerosols for a period exceeding a predetermined period.

22. The feedback provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the aerosol supply system comprises the feedback unit.

23. The feedback providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising an electrical device capable of wirelessly communicating with the aerosol supply system.

24. The feedback provision system according to claim 23, wherein the electrical device comprises a feedback unit.

25. The aerosol supply system, Consumables for storing aerosol-generating materials, an aerosol supply device configured to receive the consumables for generating the aerosol from the aerosol generating material, A feedback provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising:

26. The feedback system according to claim 25, wherein the consumable includes an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol from the aerosol generating material.

27. The feedback provision system according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises the feedback unit.

28. an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, The aerosol supply system further comprises a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system. The aerosol supply system is The first feedback is configured to be unable to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback unit, and An aerosol supply system configured to selectively prevent the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit.

29. An aerosol supply device for use in an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, comprising an aerosol supply device and consumables including aerosol generating material for aerosolization, The aerosol supply system is equipped with a feedback unit for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system. The aerosol supply device is The first feedback is configured to be unable to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback unit, and An aerosol supply device configured to selectively prevent the second feedback from being provided by the feedback unit.

30. A method for controlling the provision of feedback in a feedback provision system that includes an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, The steps include providing a feedback unit for providing first and second feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system, A step of making it impossible to selectively prevent the first feedback from being provided by the feedback unit, A step that enables selective prevention of the provision of the second feedback by the feedback unit, and Methods that include...

31. A step of switching between a first operating mode configured such that the second feedback is provided by the feedback unit, and a second operating mode configured such that the second feedback is prevented from being provided by the feedback unit. The method according to claim 30, further comprising:

32. Steps to switch the user interface unit from the feedback provision system between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The method according to claim 31, further comprising:

33. The method according to claim 31, wherein the aerosol supply system includes the user interface unit.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the feedback unit is provided as part of an electrical device capable of wirelessly communicating with the aerosol supply system.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the electrical device comprises a smartphone.

36. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the first type of feedback is different from the second type of feedback.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the first type of feedback includes acoustic feedback, and the second type of feedback includes at least visual feedback and / or tactile feedback.

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