Heating engine control algorithm for non-nicotine e-vaping devices

Abstract

This provides a method for controlling the heater of a device. [Solution] The solution includes a removable container for containing a material, and includes detecting power information indicating a first operating point and a second operating point from the removable container, and supplying power to a heater based on the detected power information by determining a first amount of energy based on the first operating point, supplying the first amount of energy to the heater in a first operating mode of the heater, determining a second amount of energy based on the second operating point, and supplying the second amount of energy to the heater in a second operating mode of the heater, wherein the second amount of energy is higher than the first amount of energy, the device is a non-nicotine E vaping device or a heat not-burn aerosol generating device, and the material is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol forming substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a nicotine-free electronic vapor device including a self-contained object containing a nicotine-free pre-vapor formulation.

Background Art

[0002] Nicotine-free e-vaping devices are used to vaporize nicotine-free pre-vapor formulation materials into nicotine-free vapors. These nicotine-free e-vaping devices are sometimes referred to as nicotine-free electronic vapor devices. A nicotine-free e-vaping device includes a heater that vaporizes a nicotine-free pre-vapor formulation material to produce a nicotine-free vapor. A nicotine-free electronic vapor device can include several e-vaping elements including a power source, a cartridge or nicotine-free e-vaping tank containing the heater, and a reservoir capable of holding a nicotine-free pre-vapor formulation material.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a method of controlling a heater of a device, the device including a removable container containing a material, the method including detecting power information indicating a first operating point and a second operating point from the removable container, and based on the detected power information, supplying power to the heater includes determining a first amount of power based on the first operating point and supplying the first amount of power to the heater in a first operating mode of the heater, determining a second amount of power based on the second operating point, and supplying the second amount of power to the heater in a second operating mode of the heater, the second amount of power being higher than the first amount of power, the device being a nicotine-free E-vaping device or a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device, and the material being a nicotine-free pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol forming substrate.

[0004] The first amount of power supplied in the first operating mode may be an amount that heats the heater to a temperature below the dispersion temperature of the material contained in the device, and the second amount of power supplied in the second operating mode may be an amount that heats the heater to a temperature equal to or higher than the dispersion temperature of the material, wherein the dispersion temperature is the boiling point of the material if the material is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, and the dispersion temperature is the aerosolization temperature of the material if the material is an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0005] The materials may be housed in a removable container.

[0006] The detachable container may include a heater.

[0007] The power information may have multiple operating points corresponding to multiple coarse preference levels, and the method may include receiving the selection of a coarse preference level from among multiple coarse preference levels via one or more touch sensors placed on the device, and selecting an operating point corresponding to the selected coarse preference level as a second operating point from among multiple operating points.

[0008] Determining the second energy quantity may involve accepting the selection of a fine preference level from among several fine preference levels by an external element or device, and determining the second energy quantity based on the selected second operating point and the selected fine preference level.

[0009] The external element may be a wireless communication device, and the ability to accept fine-grained preference level selections may include the device accepting fine-grained preference level selections via a wireless communication link between the device and the external element.

[0010] The power information may include a first set of operating points, each corresponding to a set of coarse preference levels. The method may further include receiving a selection of a coarse preference level from among the set of coarse preference levels via one or more touch sensors placed on the device, and selecting an operating point from the first set of operating points that corresponds to the selected coarse preference level as the first operating point.

[0011] Determining the first amount of power may involve accepting a selection of a fine preference level from among several fine preference levels by an external element or device, and determining the first amount of power based on the selected first operating point and the selected fine preference level.

[0012] The external element may be a wireless communication device, and the ability to accept fine-grained preference level selections may include the device accepting fine-grained preference level selections via a wireless communication link between the device and the external element.

[0013] The power information may include a second set of operating points, each corresponding to a different coarse preference level. The method may further include selecting an operating point from among the second set of operating points that corresponds to a selected coarse preference level as the second operating point.

[0014] Determining the second energy quantity may involve determining the second energy quantity based on a selected second operating point and a selected fine-grain preference level.

[0015] The external element may be a wireless communication device, and the ability to accept fine-grained preference level selections may include the device accepting fine-grained preference level selections via a wireless communication link between the device and the external element.

[0016] Detecting power information may involve the device reading power information from an image placed in a removable container.

[0017] The image may include a QR code (registered trademark), and the reading of power information may include reading power information from a QR code (registered trademark) placed on a removable container, depending on the device.

[0018] The removable container may have memory, and the memory of the removable container may store data including power information, and detecting the power information may involve the device reading the power information from the memory of the removable container.

[0019] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a method for controlling a heater of a device, the device being configured to hold a removable container for containing a material, and comprising: receiving a selection of a coarse taste level from a plurality of coarse taste levels via one or more touch sensors positioned in the device; receiving a selection of a fine taste level from a plurality of fine taste levels from an external element by the device; determining a first energy amount based on the selected coarse taste level and the selected fine taste level; and supplying the determined first energy amount to the heater, wherein the device is a non-nicotine E vaping device or a heat not-burn aerosol generating device, and the material is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0020] The external element may be a wireless communication device, and the ability to accept fine-grained preference level selections may include the device accepting fine-grained preference level selections via a wireless communication link between the device and the external element.

[0021] The method comprises a device receiving a first removable container by inserting the first removable container into the device, wherein the first removable container contains a material, the device detecting a first formulation type as the type of material in the first removable container, and storing a selected coarse taste level and a selected fine taste level in the device's memory in relation to the detected first formulation type, wherein the determined first energy is the amount by which a heater heats the material contained in the first removable container to a temperature equal to or greater than the dispersion temperature of the material contained in the first removable container, where the dispersion temperature is the boiling point of the material contained in the first removable container if the material contained in the first removable container is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, and where the dispersion temperature is the aerosolization temperature of the material contained in the first removable container if the material contained in the first removable container is an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0022] The detection may include the device reading formulation type information from an image placed on a first removable container, and detecting a first formulation type as the material type of the first removable container based on the read formulation type information.

[0023] The image may include a QR code (registered trademark), and reading the formulation type information may involve the device reading the formulation type information from a QR code (registered trademark) placed on a first detachable container.

[0024] The first removable container is equipped with memory, which may store data including formulation type information, and detection may include by the device reading formulation type information from the memory of the first removable container and detecting a first formulation type as the material type of the first removable container based on the read formulation type information.

[0025] The method is for a device to receive a second detachable container by inserting the second detachable container into the device, where the second detachable container contains a material, and for the device to detect a first formulation type as the type of the material of the second detachable container, and based on detecting the first formulation type as the type of the material of the second detachable container, read from the memory of the device the coarse preference level and the fine preference level stored in the memory of the device in relation to the first formulation type, and determine a second amount of electric power based on the read coarse preference level and the read fine preference level, and supply the determined second amount of electric power to a heater to heat the material contained in the second detachable container to a temperature equal to or higher than the dispersion temperature of the material contained in the second detachable container, where the dispersion temperature is the boiling point of the material contained in the second detachable container if the material contained in the second detachable container is a non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation, and the dispersion temperature is the aerosolization temperature of the material contained in the second detachable container if the material contained in the second detachable container is an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0026] The detection may include the device reading formulation type information from an image disposed on the second detachable container, and detecting the first formulation type as the type of the material of the second detachable container based on the read formulation type information.

[0027] The image may include a QR code (registered trademark), and the reading of the formulation type information may include the device reading the formulation type information from the QR code (registered trademark) disposed on the second detachable container.

[0028] The second removable container includes a memory, and the memory of the second removable container may store data including formulation type information. Detection may include the device reading the formulation type information from the memory of the first removable container and detecting the first formulation type as the type of material of the second removable container based on the read formulation type information.

[0029] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a method of controlling a heater of a device, the device being configured to hold a removable container that houses a material, the method comprising the device receiving a plurality of vaping preference levels, the device determining a current time, the device determining a predicted vaping preference level based on the determined current time, the device determining an amount of power to supply to the heater based on the predicted vaping preference level, and the device supplying the determined amount of power to the heater, wherein the device is a non-nicotine vaping device or a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device, and the material is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0030] The plurality of vaping preference levels may include a first received vaping preference level received by the device in a first time period and a second received vaping preference level received by the device in a second time period, and the determination of the predicted vaping preference level includes the device determining a predicted vaping preference level based on the first received vaping preference level when the determined current time is within the first time period, and the device determining a predicted vaping preference level based on the second received vaping preference level when the determined current time is within the second time period.

[0031] Receiving the plurality of vaping preference levels may include receiving, via one or more touch sensors disposed on the device, one or more of the plurality of vaping preference levels.

[0032] Accepting multiple vaping preference levels may include accepting one or more of these vaping preference levels from external elements.

[0033] The external element may be a wireless communication device, and the acceptance of one or more of a plurality of vaping preference levels may be provided by the device via a wireless communication link between the device and the external element.

[0034] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a method for controlling a heater of a device, the device being configured to hold a removable container for containing a material, and comprising: accepting a selection of a coarse taste level from a plurality of coarse taste levels via one or more touch sensors positioned in the device; detecting power information from the removable container contained in the device indicating a plurality of operating points corresponding to each of the plurality of coarse taste levels; selecting an operating point from the plurality of operating points corresponding to the selected coarse taste level as a first operating point; determining a first amount of power based on the first operating point; and supplying the determined first amount of power to the heater, wherein the device is a non-nicotine E-vaping device or a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device, and the material is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0035] The first energy charge may be the amount by which the heater heats the material contained in the device to a temperature below the dispersion temperature of the material, where the dispersion temperature is the boiling point of the material if the material is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, and the dispersion temperature is the aerosolization temperature of the material if the material is an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0036] The first energy charge may be the amount by which the heater heats the material contained in the device to a temperature equal to or greater than the dispersion temperature of the material, where the dispersion temperature is the boiling point of the material if the material is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, and the dispersion temperature is the aerosolization temperature of the material if the material is an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0037] Detecting power information may involve the device reading power information from an image placed in a removable container.

[0038] The image may include a QR code (registered trademark), and reading power information may include, depending on the device, reading power information from a QR code (registered trademark) placed on a removable container.

[0039] The removable container includes memory, and the memory of the removable container may store data including power information, and detecting the power information may involve the device reading the power information from the memory of the removable container.

[0040] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a method for controlling a heater of a device, the device being configured to hold a removable container for containing a material, comprising determining a heater temperature value, obtaining a target temperature value, and controlling the level of power supplied to the heater based on the heater temperature value and the target temperature value by a PID controller, wherein the device is a non-nicotine E vaping device or a heat not-burn aerosol generating device, and the material is a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0041] Determining the heater temperature may involve obtaining one or more electrical attributes of the heater, determining the heater's resistance based on the obtained electrical attributes, and obtaining a first temperature value from a lookup table (LUT) based on the determined resistance.

[0042] The LUT may store multiple temperature values ​​corresponding to multiple heater resistors, and the obtained first temperature value may be the temperature value corresponding to the resistor determined from among the multiple temperature values ​​stored in the LUT, and the heater temperature value may be the obtained first temperature value.

[0043] Obtaining a target temperature value may involve detecting power information indicating multiple temperature setpoints from a removable container included in the device, determining the current operating mode of the device, and selecting a temperature setpoint from among the multiple temperature setpoints that corresponds to the determined current operating mode of the device as the target temperature value.

[0044] Controlling the level of power supplied to the heater may involve controlling the level of power supplied to the heater by a PID controller so that the difference between the target temperature and the heater temperature is minimized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments described herein will become more apparent upon closer examination of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided solely for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the claims. The accompanying drawings are not considered to be drawn to scale unless expressly stated otherwise. For clarity, various dimensions in the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0046] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a non-nicotine e-vaping device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 1.

[0048] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear view of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 1.

[0049] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the proximal end (proximal tip) of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 1.

[0050] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the distal end (distal end) of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 1.

[0051] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 1.

[0052] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a magnified view of the pod inlet shown in Figure 6.

[0053] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 6.

[0054] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the device body of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 6.

[0055] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a front view of the device body shown in Figure 9.

[0056] [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the through hole in Figure 10.

[0057] [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the device electrical connector shown in Figure 10.

[0058] [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the pod component of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 6.

[0059] [Figure 14] Figure 14 is another perspective view of the pod component shown in Figure 13.

[0060] [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a partially exploded view of the pod components shown in Figure 13.

[0061] [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the connector module shown in Figure 15.

[0062] [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the role of the connector module in Figure 15.

[0063] [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the connector module from Figure 17 without the wick and heater.

[0064] [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an exploded view of the connector module shown in Figure 18.

[0065] [Figure 20] Figure 20 is another exploded view of the connector module shown in Figure 18.

[0066] [Figure 21A] Figure 21A is a device system diagram of a dispensing body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] [Figure 21B] Figure 21B shows an example of a controller in the device system of Figure 21A according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] [Figure 22A] Figure 22A is a pod system diagram of a dispensing body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0069] [Figure 22B] Figure 22B shows an example of the pod system of Figure 22A in which the cryptographic coprocessor is omitted, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0070] [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows a pod system connected to a device system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0071] [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows a heating engine control algorithm and associated inputs according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0072] [Figure 25A] Figure 25A is a block diagram showing a setpoint heating engine control algorithm according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0073] [Figure 25B] Figure 25B shows at least some examples of power level waveforms generated by the setpoint heating engine control algorithm shown in Figure 25A, according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0074] [Figure 25C] Figure 25C is a block diagram showing an adaptive heating engine control algorithm according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0075] [Figure 25D] Figure 25D shows an exemplary relationship between detected airflow and adaptive power level, generated by the adaptive heating engine control algorithm of Figure 25C, in at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0076] [Figure 25E] Figure 25E is a block diagram showing a temperature heating engine control algorithm according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0077] [Figure 25F] Figure 25F shows at least some examples of power level waveforms generated by the temperature heating engine control algorithm shown in Figure 25E, according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0078] [Figure 25G] Figure 25G is a block diagram showing a waveform heating engine control algorithm according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0079] [Figure 25H] Figure 25H shows at least some examples of temperature value waveforms generated by the waveform heating engine control algorithm of Figure 25G, according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0080] [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the buttonless vaping function 2310 according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

[0081] [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of a heat-knot-burn aerosol generation device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0082] [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of another heat-knot-burn aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0083] [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a plan view of an arrangement including an electrode and a capsule engaged by a seal in an exemplary embodiment of a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device.

[0084] [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Figure 29.

[0085] [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in Figure 29. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0086] When an element or layer is said to be “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer. On the other hand, when an element is said to be “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer. In this specification, the same number means the same element. In this specification, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant entries.

[0087] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections, but it should be understood that these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, the first element, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as the second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teaching of the exemplary embodiments.

[0088] In this specification, for the sake of clarity, spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used to describe the relationship between one element or function and another, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" of other elements or features will be oriented "above" of those elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" may encompass both up and down orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other directions (it may be rotated 90 degrees or oriented in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0089] The terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” used herein identify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0090] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to schematic cross-sectional views of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, variations from the illustrated shapes are expected, for example, as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions illustrated herein, and should include, for example, variations in shape due to manufacturing. The regions illustrated in the figures are essentially schematic, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shapes of the regions of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0091] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as they are generally understood by an ordinary person skilled in the art to which the illustrated embodiments belong. Furthermore, terms including those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and it will be understood that they should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. Example structure of a non-nicotine e-vapor device

[0092] As used herein, “non-nicotine e-vapor device” may occasionally be referred to and considered synonymous with any of the terms “non-nicotine e-vaping device,” “non-nicotine e-vapor apparatus,” and “non-nicotine e-vaping apparatus.” Pod components (e.g., pod component 300) may also be referred to herein as “pods” or “removable pods.”

[0093] Figure 1 is a front view of a non-nicotine e-vaping device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the non-nicotine e-vaping device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a rear view of the non-nicotine e-vaping device of Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 includes a device body 100 configured to receive a pod component 300. The pod component 300 is a modular object configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. As used herein, the term “non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation” (or “non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation material”) refers to a material (or combination of materials) that does not contain nicotine and can be converted into a non-nicotine vapor. For example, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid, and / or gel formulation containing (but not limited to) water, oil, emulsion, beads, solvent, active ingredient, ethanol, plant extract (such as cannabinoids), natural or artificial flavor, and vapor-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol. During vaping, the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to produce non-nicotine vapor. As used herein, “vapor” means any substance produced or output from any non-nicotine e-vaping device according to any exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. Non-nicotine prevapor formulations may also be those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 540,433, filed on 14 August 2019, entitled “NON-NICOTINE E-VAPING SECTION, AND NON-NICOTINE E-VAPING DEVICE INCLUDING NON-NICOTINE E-VAPING SECTION” (Atty.Dkt.No.24000NV-000612-US), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] The device body 100 includes a front cover 104, a frame 106, and a rear cover 108. The front cover 104, frame 106, and rear cover 108 form a device housing that encloses mechanical components, electronic components, and / or circuits related to the operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500. For example, the device housing of the device body 100 may enclose a power supply configured to power the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500, including supplying current to the pod component 300. Furthermore, when assembled, the front cover 104, frame 106, and rear cover 108 may constitute the majority of the visible portion of the device body 100.

[0095] The front cover 104 (e.g., the first cover) defines a primary opening configured to accommodate the bezel structure 112. The bezel structure 112 defines a through-hole 150 configured to receive the pod component 300. The through-hole 150 is described in more detail herein, for example, in relation to Figure 9.

[0096] The front cover 104 also defines a secondary opening configured to accommodate a light guide arrangement. The secondary opening may resemble a slot (e.g., a segmented slot), but other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the light guide arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, the light guide arrangement includes a light guide lens 116. Furthermore, the front cover 104 defines tertiary and quaternary openings configured to accommodate a first button 118 and a second button 120. Each of the tertiary and quaternary openings may have other shapes depending on the shape of the button, but may resemble a rounded square. The first button housing 122 is configured to expose the first button lens 124, while the second button housing 123 is configured to expose the second button lens 126.

[0097] The operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 may be controlled by a first button 118 and a second button 120. For example, the first button 118 may be a power button, and the second button 120 may be an intensity button. In the drawings, two buttons are shown in relation to the light guide arrangement, but more (or fewer) buttons may be provided depending on the available functions and the desired user interface. The frame 106 (e.g., base frame) is the central support structure for the device body 100 (and the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 as a whole). The frame 106 may also be called the chassis. The frame 106 includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of sides between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal and distal ends may also be called the downstream end and upstream end, respectively. In this specification, “proximal” (and conversely, “distal”) refers to the relationship with the adult vapor during vaping, and “downstream” (and conversely, “upstream”) refers to the relationship with the vapor flow. To enhance strength and stability, a bridging section may be provided between opposing inner surfaces of the side (for example, approximately midway along the length of frame 106). Frame 106 may be integrally formed to form a monolithic structure.

[0098] Regarding the structural materials, the frame 106 may be formed of an alloy or plastic. The alloy (e.g., die-cast grade, machinable grade) may be an aluminum (Al) alloy or a zinc (Zn) alloy. The plastic may be polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination thereof (PC / ABS). For example, the polycarbonate may be LUPOY SC1004A. Furthermore, the frame 106 may be surface-finished for functional and / or aesthetic reasons (e.g., to provide a high-quality appearance). In exemplary embodiments, the frame 106 (e.g., formed of an aluminum alloy) may be anodized. In another embodiment, the frame 106 (e.g., formed of a zinc alloy) may be coated with hard enamel or painted. In yet another embodiment, the frame 106 (e.g., formed of polycarbonate) may be metallized. In yet another embodiment, the frame 106 (for example, if formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) may be electroplated. The structural material relating to the frame 106 is also applicable to the front cover 104, the rear cover 108, and / or other suitable parts of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500.

[0099] The rear cover 108 (for example, the second cover) also defines an opening configured to accommodate the bezel structure 112. The front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 via a snap-fit ​​arrangement.

[0100] The device body 100 also includes a mouthpiece 102. The mouthpiece 102 may be fixed to the proximal end of the frame 106.

[0101] Figure 4 shows the proximal end of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 4, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 defines a plurality of vapor outlets. In a non-limiting embodiment, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 may be elliptical.

[0102] Figure 5 shows the distal end of the non-nicotine e-vaping device of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 5, the distal end of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 includes a port 110. Port 110 is configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB cable) to charge the internal power supply within the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500. Furthermore, port 110 may be configured to transmit data to and / or receive data from other non-nicotine e-vaping devices or other electronic devices (e.g., telephones, tablets, computers) (e.g., via a USB cable). In addition, the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with other electronic devices such as telephones via application software (apps) installed on those electronic devices. In such an example, an adult vaper can control the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 via the app, or otherwise connect to it through the interface (e.g., check the location of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500, check usage information, change operating parameters, etc.).

[0103] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the non-nicotine e-vaping device of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a magnified view of the pod inlet of Figure 6. Referring to Figures 6-7, as briefly described above, the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 includes a pod component 300 configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation. The pod component 300 has an upstream end (facing the light guide arrangement) and a downstream end (facing the mouthpiece 102). In a non-limiting embodiment, the upstream end is the opposite surface of the downstream end of the pod component 300. The upstream end of the pod component 300 defines the pod inlet 322. The device body 100 defines a through-hole (e.g., the through-hole 150 in Figure 9) configured to receive the pod component 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the bezel structure 112 of the device body 100 defines the through-hole and includes an upstream rim. In particular, as shown in Figure 7, the upstream rim of the bezel structure 112 is angled (for example, recessed inward) to expose the pod inlet 322 when the pod component 300 is seated in the through-hole of the device body 100.

[0104] For example, rather than following the contour of the front cover 104 (so as to be coplanar relative to the front portion of the pod component 300, and thus concealing the pod inlet 322), the upstream rim of the bezel structure 112 is in the form of a scoop configured to direct ambient air into the pod inlet 322. This angled / scoop configuration may help reduce or prevent blockage of the air inlet (e.g., pod inlet 322) of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500. The depth of the scoop may be such that less than half (e.g., less than a quarter) of the upstream end face of the pod component 300 is exposed. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the pod inlet 322 is in the form of a slot. Furthermore, if the device body 100 is considered to extend in a first direction, the slot may be considered to extend in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

[0105] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the non-nicotine e-vaping device of Figure 6. In Figure 8, the cross-section is photographed along the longitudinal direction of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500. As shown, the device body 100 and the pod component 300 include mechanical components, electronic components, and / or circuits related to the operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500, which are described in more detail herein and / or incorporated by reference herein. For example, the pod component 300 may include mechanical components configured to act to release a non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation from an internal sealed reservoir. The pod component 300 may also have mechanical sides configured to engage with the device body 100 to facilitate insertion and seating of the pod component 300.

[0106] Furthermore, the pod component 300 may be a “smart pod” including electronic components and / or circuits configured to store, receive, and / or transmit information to and from the device body 100. Such information may be used to authenticate the pod component 300 for use with the device body 100 (e.g., to prevent the use of unauthorized / counterfeit pod components). Furthermore, this information may be used to identify the type of pod component 300, which is then correlated with a vaping profile based on the identified type. The vaping profile may be designed to define general parameters for heating a non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation and may be tuned, refined, or otherwise adjusted by an adult vaper before and / or during vaping.

[0107] Furthermore, the pod component 300 may communicate other information that may be relevant to the operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 with the device body 100. Examples of relevant information may include the level of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the pod component 300, and / or the length of time that has elapsed since the pod component 300 was inserted into the device body 100 and activated.

[0108] The device body 100 may include mechanical components (e.g., complementary structures) configured to engage, hold, and / or activate the pod component 300. Furthermore, the device body 100 may include electronic components and / or circuits configured to receive current and charge an internal power source (e.g., a battery), which are configured to successively supply power to the pod component 300 during vaping. Furthermore, the device body 100 may include electronic components and / or circuits configured to communicate with the pod component 300, other non-nicotine e-vaping devices, other electronic devices (e.g., telephones, tablets, computers), and / or adult vapers.

[0109] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the device body of the non-nicotine e-vaping device of Figure 6. Referring to Figure 9, the bezel structure 112 of the device body 100 defines a through-hole 150. The through-hole 150 is configured to receive a pod component 300. To facilitate the insertion and seating of the pod component 300 into the through-hole 150, the upstream rim of the bezel structure 112 includes a first upstream projection 128a and a second upstream projection 128b.

[0110] The downstream side wall portion of the bezel structure 112 may define a first downstream opening, a second downstream opening, and a third downstream opening. The retaining structure, including the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b, engages with the bezel structure 112 such that the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b protrude into the through hole 150, respectively, through the first downstream opening and the second downstream opening of the bezel structure 112.

[0111] Figure 10 is a front view of the device body shown in Figure 9. Referring to Figure 10, the device body 100 includes a device electrical connector 132 located upstream of the through-hole 150. The device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 is configured to electrically engage with the pod component 300 seated within the through-hole 150. Thus, during vaping, power can be supplied from the device body 100 to the pod component 300 via the device electrical connector 132. Furthermore, data can be transmitted to and / or received from the pod component 300 via the device electrical connector 132.

[0112] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the through-hole in Figure 10. Referring to Figure 11, the first upstream projection 128a, the second upstream projection 128b, the first downstream projection 130a, the second downstream projection 130b, and the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 protrude into the through-hole 150. In exemplary embodiments, the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b are stationary structures (e.g., stationary pivots), while the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b are towable structures (e.g., retractable members). For example, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b may be configured to temporarily transition to a retracted state (and reversibly return to a retracted state) to facilitate insertion of the pod component 300, while also being configured to transition to a retracted state by default (e.g., under spring load).

[0113] Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the device electrical contacts in Figure 10. The device electrical contacts of the device body 100 are configured to engage with the pod electrical contacts of the pod component 300 when the pod component 300 is seated in the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. Referring to Figure 12, the device electrical contacts of the device body 100 include a device electrical connector 132. The device electrical connector 132 includes power contacts and data contacts. The power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 are configured to supply power from the device body 100 to the pod component 300. As shown, the power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 include a first pair of power contacts and a second pair of power contacts (located closer to the front cover 104 than to the rear cover 108). The first pair of power contacts (for example, a pair adjacent to the first upstream projection 128a) may be a single, separate, integral structure from the second pair of power contacts and, when assembled, includes two projections extending into the through-hole 150. Similarly, a second pair of power contacts (e.g., a pair adjacent to the second upstream projection 128b) may be a single, integrated structure distinct from the first pair of power contacts, and when assembled, may include two projections extending into the through-hole 150. The first and second pairs of power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 may be mounted tractably and biased such that they protrude into the through-hole 150 by default and retract (e.g., independently) from the through-hole 150 when subjected to a force that overcomes the bias.

[0114] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the pod component of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in Figure 6. Figure 14 is another perspective view of the pod component shown in Figure 13.

[0115] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the pod component of the non-nicotine e-vaping device of Figure 6. Figure 14 is another perspective view of the pod component of Figure 13. Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the pod component 300 of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 includes a pod body configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. Thus, the pod component 300 is an example of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation housing portion of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500. The pod body has an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end of the pod body defines a pod inlet 322. The downstream end of the pod body defines a pod outlet 304 that is in fluid communication with the pod inlet 322 of the upstream end. During vaping, air enters the pod component 300 through the pod inlet 322, and non-nicotine vapor exits the pod component 300 through the pod outlet 304. The pod inlet 322 is shown in the drawing as being in the shape of a slot. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this, and other forms are possible.

[0116] The pod component 300 includes a connector module 320 (e.g., Figure 16) located within the pod body and exposed by an opening at its upstream end. The outer surface of the connector module 320 includes at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contact may include a plurality of power contacts. For example, the plurality of power contacts may include a first power contact 324a and a second power contact 324b. The first power contact 324a of the pod component 300 is configured to electrically connect to the first power contact of the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 (e.g., the power contact adjacent to the first upstream projection 128a in Figure 12). Similarly, the second power contact 324b of the pod component 300 is configured to electrically connect to the second power contact of the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 (e.g., the power contact adjacent to the second upstream projection 128b in Figure 12). Furthermore, at least one electrical contact of the pod component 300 includes a plurality of data contacts 326. The plurality of data contacts 326 of the pod component 300 are configured to electrically connect to the data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 (e.g., the row of five protrusions in Figure 12). While two power contacts and five data contacts are shown in relation to the pod component 300, other variations are possible depending on the design of the device body 100.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the pod component 300 includes a front portion, a rear portion opposite the front portion, a first side portion between the front portion and the rear portion, a second side portion opposite the first side portion, an upstream end portion, and a downstream end portion opposite the upstream end portion. The corners of the side portions and end portions (for example, the corner between the first side portion and the upstream end portion, the corner between the upstream end portion and the second side portion, the corner between the second side portion and the downstream end portion, and the corner between the downstream end portion and the first side portion) may be rounded. However, in some cases, the corners may be angular. Furthermore, the periphery of the front portion may be in the form of a ledge. The outer surface of the connector module 320 (exposed by the pod body) can be considered as part of the upstream end portion of the pod component 300. The front portion of the pod component 300 may be wider and longer than the rear portion. In such an example, the first and second side surfaces may be angled inward toward each other. The upstream and downstream end surfaces may also be angled inward toward each other. Due to the angular surfaces, insertion of the pod component 300 is unidirectional (for example, from the front side of the device body 100 (the side related to the front cover 104)). As a result, the possibility of the pod component 300 being improperly inserted into the device body 100 can be reduced or prevented.

[0118] As illustrated, the pod body of the pod component 300 includes a first housing portion 302 and a second housing portion 308. The first housing portion 302 has a downstream end that defines a pod outlet 304. The rim of the pod outlet 304 may optionally be a recessed or concave area. In such an example, this area may resemble a cove, and the side of the rim adjacent to the rear portion of the pod component 300 may be open, while the side of the rim adjacent to the front portion may be enclosed by a raised portion at the downstream end of the first housing portion 302. The raised portion may function as a stopper for the distal end of the mouthpiece 102. As a result, this configuration for the pod outlet 304 facilitates the receiving and alignment of the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 (e.g., Figure 11) through the open surface of the rim, and subsequent seating against the raised portion at the downstream end of the first housing portion 302. In a non-limiting embodiment, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 may also include (or be formed to include) a resilient material to help form a seal around the pod outlet 304 when the pod component 300 is properly inserted into the through hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0119] The downstream end of the first housing portion 302 further defines at least one downstream recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one downstream recess is in the form of a first downstream recess 306a and a second downstream recess 306b. The pod outlet 304 may be located between the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b are configured to engage with the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the device body 100, respectively. As shown in Figure 11, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the device body 100 may be located at adjacent corners of the downstream side wall of the through hole 150. The first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may also be in the form of a V-shaped notch. In such an example, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the device body 100 may each be wedge-shaped and configured to engage with corresponding V-shaped notches in the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a may be in contact with the downstream end face and the corner of the first side surface, and the second downstream recess 306b may be in contact with the downstream end face and the corner of the second side surface. As a result, the ends of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b adjacent to the first and second side surfaces, respectively, may be open. In such an example, as shown in Figure 14, the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may each be a three-sided recess.

[0120] The second housing portion 308 has an upstream end that further defines a plurality of openings (e.g., a first power contact opening 325a, a second power contact opening 325b, and a data contact opening 327) configured to expose the connector module 320 (Figures 15-16) within the pod component 300 (in addition to the pod inlet 322). The upstream end of the second housing portion 308 also defines at least one upstream recess. In exemplary embodiments, at least one upstream recess takes the form of a first upstream recess 312a and a second upstream recess 312b. The pod inlet 322 may be located between the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b are configured to engage with the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b of the device body 100, respectively. As shown in Figure 12, the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b of the device body 100 may be positioned at adjacent corners of the upstream side wall of the through hole 150. The depths of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may be greater than the depths of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. Furthermore, the ends of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may be more rounded than the ends of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. For example, the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may each be in the form of a U-shaped recess. In such an example, the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b of the device body 100 may each be in the form of a rounded knob configured to engage with the corresponding U-shaped recesses of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a may be in contact with the corner of the upstream end face and the first side surface, and the second upstream recess 312b may be in contact with the corner of the upstream end face and the second side surface. As a result, the ends of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b adjacent to the first and second side surfaces, respectively, may be open.

[0121] The first housing 302 may include an internal reservoir configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir may be configured to seal the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation until it is released from the reservoir upon activation of the pod component 300. As a result of the seal, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be isolated not only from the environment but also from internal elements of the pod component 300 that may potentially react with the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of adverse effects on the shelf life and / or sensory characteristics (e.g., flavor) of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The second housing 308 may include a structure configured to activate the pod component 300, receive the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation released from the reservoir after activation, and heat it.

[0122] The pod component 300 may be manually activated by an adult vaporizer before inserting the pod component 300 into the device body 100. Alternatively, the pod component 300 may be activated as part of the insertion of the pod component 300 into the device body 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the second housing portion 308 of the pod body includes a perforator configured to release a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from a reservoir in the first housing portion 302 during the activation of the pod component 300. The perforator may be in the form of a first activation pin 314a and a second activation pin 314b, which will be described in more detail herein.

[0123] To manually activate the pod component 300, the adult vaporist may push the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b inward (for example, simultaneously or sequentially) before inserting the pod component 300 into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. For example, the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b may be manually pushed until their ends substantially coincide with the upstream end face of the pod component 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the inward movement of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b punctures or otherwise impairs the reservoir seal, causing it to release the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

[0124] Alternatively, to activate the pod component 300 as part of inserting it into the device body 100, the pod component 300 is initially positioned such that the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b engage with the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b, respectively (e.g., upstream engagement). Since each of the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b of the device body 100 may be in the form of a rounded knob configured to engage with the corresponding U-shaped recess of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b, the pod component 300 may then be relatively easily pivoted within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100 around the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b.

[0125] With respect to the pivoting of the pod component 300, the axis of rotation can be considered to extend through the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b and to be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device body 100. During the initial positioning and subsequent pivoting of the pod component 300, the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b come into contact with the upstream side wall of the through hole 150 as the pod component 300 moves into the through hole 150, and as the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are pushed into the second housing portion 308 (for example, simultaneously), they transition from a protruding state to a retracted state. When the downstream end of the pod component 300 reaches the vicinity of the downstream side wall portion of the through hole 150 and contacts the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b retract and then elastically protrude (e.g., spring back) when the positioning of the pod component 300 causes the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the device body 100 to engage with the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b of the pod component 300, respectively (e.g., downstream engagement).

[0126] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 is fixed to the retaining structure 140 (of which the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b are part). In such an example, the retraction of the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b from the through hole 150 causes the mouthpiece 102 to move simultaneously by a distance corresponding to the same direction (e.g., the downstream direction). Conversely, the mouthpiece 102 springs back simultaneously with the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b when the pod component 300 is fully inserted and downstream engagement is facilitated. In addition to the elastic engagement by the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 is configured to be biased relative to the pod component 300 (and to align with the pod outlet 304 to form a relatively vapor-tight seal) when the pod component 300 is properly positioned within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0127] Furthermore, the downstream engagement may generate an audible click and / or tactile feedback to indicate that the pod component 300 is properly seated within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. When properly seated, the pod component 300 is mechanically, electrically, and fluidly connected to the device body 100. In non-limiting embodiments of this specification, the upstream engagement of the pod component 300 is described as occurring before the downstream engagement, but it should be understood that the associated mating, activation, and / or electrical arrangements may be reversed so that the downstream engagement occurs before the upstream engagement.

[0128] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the pod component of Figure 13. Referring to Figure 15, the first housing 302 includes a vapor channel 316. The vapor channel 316 is configured to receive non-nicotine vapor generated during vaping and is in fluid communication with the pod outlet 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the size (e.g., diameter) of the vapor channel 316 may gradually increase as it extends toward the pod outlet 304. Furthermore, the vapor channel 316 may be integrally formed with the first housing 302. An insert 342 and a seal 344 for defining the reservoir of the pod component 300 are located at the upstream end of the first housing 302. For example, the insert 342 may be seated within the first housing portion 302 such that the outer surface of the insert 342 engages with the inner surface of the first housing portion 302 along the rim (e.g., via interference fit) so that the interface between the outer surface of the insert 342 and the inner surface of the first housing portion 302 is liquid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and / or air-tight). Furthermore, the seal 344 is mounted upstream of the insert 342 to close the reservoir outlet within the insert 342 so as to provide fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and / or air-tight) containment of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir.

[0129] The upstream end of the second housing portion 308 defines a pod inlet 322, a first power contact opening 325a, a second power contact opening 325b, a data contact opening 327, a first upstream recess 312a, a second upstream recess 312b, a first pin opening 315a, and a second pin opening 315b. As described above, the pod inlet 322 allows air to enter the pod component 300 during vaping, while the first power contact opening 325a, the second power contact opening 325b, and the data contact opening 327 are configured to expose the first power contact 324a, the second power contact 324b, and the data contact 326 of the connector module 320, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b are attached to the module housing 354 of the connector module 320. Furthermore, the data contact 326 may be located on a printed circuit board (PCB) 362. Additionally, the pod inlet 322 may be located between a first upstream recess 312a and a second upstream recess 312b, and the contact openings (e.g., a first power contact opening 325a, a second power contact opening 325b, and a data contact opening 327) may be located between a first pin opening 315a and a second pin opening 315b. The first pin opening 315a and the second pin opening 315b are configured to accommodate a first activation pin 314a and a second activation pin 314b extending therethrough, respectively.

[0130] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 15. Figure 17 is another perspective view of the connector module of Figure 16. Referring to Figures 16-17, the general framework of the connector module 320 includes a module housing 354. Furthermore, the connector module 320 has multiple surfaces, including an outer surface and side surfaces adjacent to the outer surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the connector module 320 consists of the module housing 354, a first power contact 324a, a second power contact 324b, a data contact 326, and the upstream surface of the printed circuit board (PCB) 362. The side surfaces of the connector module 320 are integral with the module housing 354 and may be substantially perpendicular to the outer surface.

[0131] The pod component 300 defines the flow path from the pod inlet 322 to the pod outlet 304. The flow path through the pod component 300 includes, in particular, a first diverging portion, a second diverging portion, and a converging portion. The pod inlet 322 is upstream of the first and second diverging portions of the flow path. In particular, as shown in Figure 16, the side of the module housing 354 (and connector module 320) above the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b (e.g., the inlet side) is recessed to define the divider 329, along with the initial segments of the first and second branching portions of the flow path. In an exemplary embodiment where the divider 329 is recessed from the outer surface of the module housing 354 (for example, Figure 16), the side portion of the module housing 354 above the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b can also be considered to define the first branch portion of the flow path downstream from the pod inlet 322 and the inlet portion of the flow path upstream from the second branch portion.

[0132] A pair of long side sections (e.g., vertical side sections) of the module housing 354 are also recessed to define subsequent segments of the first and second branching portions of the flow path. Here, the pair of long side sections of the module housing 354 may alternatively be referred to as side sections. The sector of the module housing 354 covered by the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 in Figure 16 (but shown in Figure 20) defines further segments of the first and second diverging portions, along with the converging portion of the flow path. The further segments of the first and second branching portions include a first curved segment (e.g., first curved path 330a) and a second curved segment (e.g., second curved path 330b), respectively. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the first and second diverging portions are converged to form the converging portion of the flow path.

[0133] When the connector module 320 is seated in the downstream receiving cavity of the second housing portion 308, the non-recessed side portion of the module housing 354 interfaces with the side wall portion of the receiving cavity of the second housing portion 308, while the recessed side portion of the module housing 354, together with the side wall portion of the receiving cavity, defines the first and second divergent portions of the flow path. The seating of the connector module 320 in the receiving cavity of the second housing portion 308 may be via a close-fit arrangement such that the connector module 320 remains essentially stationary within the pod component 300.

[0134] As shown in Figure 17, the connector module 320 includes a wick 338 configured to transfer a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a heater 336. The heater 336 is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation during vaping to generate non-nicotine vapor. The heater 336 is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of the connector module 320. For example, one end of the heater 336 (e.g., the first end) may be connected to a first power contact 324a, while the other end of the heater 336 (e.g., the second end) may be connected to a second power contact 324b. In exemplary embodiments, the heater 336 includes a folded heating element. In such examples, the wick 338 may have a planar form configured to be held by the folded heating element. Once the pod component 300 is assembled, the wick 338 is configured to be in fluid communication with the absorbent so that any non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations that may be present in the absorbent (when the pod component 300 is activated) are transferred to the wick 338 by capillary action. In this specification, the heater may also be referred to as the heating engine.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, the incoming airflow entering the pod component 300 via the pod inlet 322 is directed by a divider 329 to a first branch and a second branch of the flow path. The divider 329 may be wedge-shaped and configured to split the incoming airflow in opposite directions (e.g., at least initially). The split airflow may include a first airflow (passing through the first branch of the flow path) and a second airflow (passing through the second branch of the flow path). Following the branching by the divider 329, the first airflow travels along the side of the inlet, around the corners to a first transverse surface, and then along a first curved path 330a. Similarly, the second airflow travels along the side of the inlet, around the corners to a second curved path 330b along the second transverse surface (e.g., Figure 20). The converging portion of the flow path is downstream of the first and second diverging portions. Furthermore, the heater 336 and wick 338 are located downstream of the convergence section of the flow path. Therefore, the first airflow merges with the second airflow at the convergence section of the flow path (e.g., the convergence path 330c in Figure 20) to form a combined flow before passing through the module outlet 368 of the module housing 354 (e.g., labeled in Figure 18) and reaching the heater 336 and wick 338.

[0136] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the wick 338 may be a fibrous pad or other structure having pores / gaps designed for capillary action. Furthermore, the wick 338 may have a rectangular shape, although this is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. For example, the wick 338 may have an alternative irregular hexagonal shape, in which case two sides are angled inward toward the heater 336. The wick 338 may be manufactured into a desired shape or cut into such a shape from a larger sheet material. If the lower part of the wick 338 is tapered toward the winding portion of the heater 336 (e.g., hexagonal), the possibility of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being in a portion of the wick 338 that continuously avoids vaporization (due to its distance from the heater 336) can be reduced or avoided. Furthermore, as described above, the heater 336 may include a folded heating element configured to grip the wick 338. The folded heating element may also include at least one prong configured to protrude into the wick 338.

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment, the heater 336 is configured to undergo Joule heating (also known as ohmic / resistive heating) when current is applied to it. More specifically, the heater 336 may be formed of one or more conductors configured to generate heat when current passes through it. The current may be supplied from a power source (e.g., a battery) within the device body 100 and transmitted to the heater 336 via a first power contact 324a or a second power contact 324b.

[0138] Suitable conductors for the heater 336 include iron-based alloys (e.g., stainless steel) and / or nickel-based alloys (e.g., nichrome). The heater 336 may also be manufactured from a conductive sheet (e.g., metal, alloy) which is stamped to cut a winding pattern from the sheet. The winding pattern may have curved segments alternating with horizontal segments such that the horizontal segments extend parallel to each other and reciprocate in a zigzag pattern. Furthermore, the width of each horizontal segment of the winding pattern may be substantially equal to the spacing between adjacent horizontal segments of the winding pattern, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. To obtain the form of the heater 336 shown in the drawings, the winding pattern may be folded to grip the wick 338. Furthermore, if prongs are part of the heater 336, projections corresponding to the prongs are bent (e.g., inward and / or perpendicular) before the winding pattern is folded. As a result of the prongs, the possibility of the wick 338 coming loose from the heater 336 is reduced or prevented. The heater and related structures are discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 729,909 (Atty.Dkt.No.24000-000371-US), filed on 11 October 2017, entitled “Folded Heater For Electronic Vaping Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0139] Referring to Figure 15, the first housing portion 302 includes a vapor channel 316. The vapor channel 316 is configured to receive vapor generated by the heater 336 and is in fluid communication with the pod outlet 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the size (e.g., diameter) of the vapor channel 316 may gradually increase as it extends toward the pod outlet 304. Furthermore, the vapor channel 316 may be formed integrally with the first housing portion 302. An insert 342 and a seal 344 are located at the upstream end of the first housing portion 302 to define the reservoir of the pod component 300. For example, the insert 342 may be seated within the first housing 302 such that the outer surface of the insert 342 engages with the inner surface of the first housing 302 along the rim (e.g., via an interference fit) so that the interface between the outer surface of the insert 342 and the inner surface of the first housing 302 is liquid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and / or airtight). Furthermore, the seal 344 is mounted upstream of the insert 342 to close the reservoir outlet within the insert 342 so as to provide liquid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and / or airtight) containment of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir. Here, the first housing 302, the insert 342, and the seal 344 may be collectively referred to as the first section. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the first section is configured to seal the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation until the pod component 300 is activated.

[0140] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the insert 342 includes a holder portion protruding from the upstream side and a connector portion protruding from the downstream side. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the holder portion of the insert 342 is configured to hold an absorbent material, while the connector portion of the insert 342 is configured to engage with the vapor channel 316 of the first housing portion 302. The connector portion of the insert 342 may be configured to seat within the vapor channel 316 and therefore engage with the interior of the vapor channel 316. Alternatively, the connector portion of the insert 342 may be configured to receive the vapor channel 316 and therefore engage with the exterior of the vapor channel 316. The insert 342 also defines a reservoir outlet through which the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows when the seal 344 is punctured during activation of the pod component 300. The exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, but the holder portion and connector portion of the insert 342 may be located between the reservoir outlets (e.g., first and second reservoir outlets). Furthermore, the insert 342 defines vapor conduits extending through the holder portion and the connector portion. As a result, when the insert 342 is seated in the first housing portion 302, the vapor conduits of the insert 342 align with and fluidly communicate with the vapor channel 316, forming a continuous path to the pod outlet 304 via the reservoir for non-nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 during vaping.

[0141] The seal 344 is mounted upstream of the insert 342 so as to cover the reservoir outlet within the insert 342. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal 344 defines an opening (e.g., a central opening) configured to provide adequate clearance for accommodating a holder portion (protruding from the upstream side of the insert 342) when the seal 344 is mounted on the insert 342. When the seal 344 is punctured by the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b of the pod component 300, the two punctured portions of the seal 344 are pushed into the reservoir as flaps, resulting in the formation of two punctured openings in the seal 344 (e.g., one on each side of the central opening). The size and shape of the punctured openings in the seal 344 may correspond to the size and shape of the reservoir outlet in the insert 342. In contrast, in the unpunctured state, the seal 344 may have a planar shape and have only one opening (e.g., a central opening). The seal 344 is designed to be strong enough to remain intact so as not to be prematurely or accidentally torn during the normal movement and / or handling of the pod component 300. For example, the seal 344 may be a coated foil (e.g., aluminum-backed Tritan).

[0142] The second housing 308 may be structured to include various components configured to release, receive, and heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. For example, the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are configured to puncture a reservoir in the first housing 302 to release the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. Each of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b has a distal end that extends through the corresponding one of the first pin opening 315a and the second pin opening 315b of the second housing 308. In exemplary embodiments, the distal ends of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are visible after assembly (e.g., Figure 13), while the remaining portions of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are not visible within the pod component 300. Furthermore, each of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b has a proximal end positioned adjacent to and upstream of the seal 344 prior to the activation of the pod component 300. When the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are pushed into the second housing 308 to activate the pod component 300, the proximal ends of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b advance through the insert 342, thereby puncturing the seal 344 and releasing the non-nicotine prevapor formulation from the reservoir. The movement of the first activation pin 314a may be independent of the movement of the second activation pin 314b (and vice versa).

[0143] The absorbent material is located downstream of the wick 338 and may be in fluidic contact with the wick 338. Furthermore, as described above, the absorbent material may be configured to engage with the holder portion of the insert 342 (which may protrude from the upstream side of the insert 342). The absorbent material may have an annular shape, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the absorbent material may resemble a hollow cylinder. In such an example, the outer diameter of the absorbent material may be substantially the same as (or slightly larger than) the length of the wick 338. The inner diameter of the absorbent material may be smaller than the average outer diameter of the holder portion of the insert 342 to provide an interference fit. To facilitate engagement with the absorbent material, the tip of the holder portion of the insert 342 may be tapered. The absorbent material may be configured to receive and hold the amount of non-nicotine prevapor formulation released from the reservoir when the pod component 300 is activated. The wick 338 may be positioned within the pod component 300 to be in fluid communication with the absorbent so that the formulation of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is drawn from the absorbent to the heater 336 by capillary action. The wick 338 may be in physical contact with the upstream side of the absorbent. Furthermore, the wick 338 may be aligned with the diameter of the absorbent, although this is not limited to the exemplary embodiments.

[0144] As shown in Figure 17, the heater 336 may have a folded configuration to grip opposing surfaces of the wick 338 and establish thermal contact. The heater 336 is configured to heat the wick 338 during vaping to produce a non-nicotine vapor. To facilitate such heating, the first end of the heater 336 may be electrically connected to the first power contact 324a (Figures 16 and 18), while the second end of the heater 336 may be electrically connected to the second power contact 324b (Figures 16 and 18). As a result, current may be supplied from a power source (e.g., a battery) within the device body 100 and transmitted to the heater 336 via the first power contact 324a or the second power contact 324b. Relevant details of other embodiments of the connector module 320 already described above (e.g., in relation to Figures 16-17) will not be repeated in this section for the sake of brevity. In exemplary embodiments, the second housing 308 includes a receiving cavity for the connector module 320. The second housing 308 and the components therein described above are sometimes collectively referred to as the second section. During vaping, the non-nicotine vapor produced by the heater 336 is drawn through the vapor conduit of the insert 342, through the vapor channel 316 of the first housing 302, out of the pod outlet 304 of the pod component 300, through the vapor passage 136 of the mouthpiece 102, and into the vapor outlet(s).

[0145] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 17 without the wick and heater. Figure 19 is an exploded view of the connector module of Figure 18. Figure 20 is another exploded view of the connector module of Figure 18. Referring to Figures 18-20, the module housing 354 forms the framework of the connector module 320. The module housing 354 defines, in particular, the divider 329 and the airflow path for the air drawn into the pod component 300. The heating chamber is in fluid communication with the upstream airflow path of the module housing 354 via the module outlet 368.

[0146] As described above, the airflow path for the air drawn into the pod component 300 includes a first diverging portion, a second diverging portion, and a converging portion defined by the module housing 354. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second diverging portions are symmetrical portions bifurcated by an axis corresponding to the converging portion of the airflow path. For example, as shown in Figure 20, the first branching portion, the second branching portion, and the converging portion may each include a first curved path 330a, a second curved path 330b, and a converging path 330c. The first curved path 330a and the second curved path 330b may be substantially U-shaped paths, and the converging path 330c may be substantially straight. Based on the axis corresponding to the converging path 330c, which is aligned with the top of the divider 329, the first branching portion of the airflow path may be a mirror image of the second branching portion of the airflow path. During vaping, the air drawn in through the pod inlet 322 is divided by the divider 329 and initially flows in opposite directions away from the divider 329, and then may flow in parallel before each airflow makes a U-turn (via the first curved path 330a and the second curved path 330b) and is called together for a coupled flow (via the converging path 330c) that returns towards the divider 329 before passing through the module outlet 368 into the heating chamber. The heater 336 and wick 338 may be positioned so that both sides are substantially equally exposed to the coupled flow of air passing through the module outlet 368. During vaping, the generated non-nicotine vapor is accompanied by the coupled flow of air moving through the heating chamber into the vapor channel 316.

[0147] As shown in Figures 19-20, each of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b may include a contact surface and contact legs. While not limited to exemplary embodiments, the contact legs (which may have an elongated configuration) may be oriented perpendicular to the contact surface (which may be square). The module housing 354 may define a pair of shallow recesses and a pair of openings to facilitate the mounting of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b. During assembly, the contact surfaces of each of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b may be seated in the corresponding one of the pair of shallow recesses so as to be substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the module housing 354 (see, for example, Figure 16). Furthermore, the contact legs of each of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b may extend through the corresponding one of the pair of openings so as to project from the downstream side of the module housing 354 (see, for example, Figure 18). The heater 336 can then be connected to the respective contact legs of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b.

[0148] The printed circuit board (PCB) 362 includes a plurality of data contacts 326 on its upstream side (e.g., Figure 20) and various electronic components, including a sensor 364, on its downstream side (e.g., Figure 19). The sensor 364 may be positioned on the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 such that the sensor 364 is within a convergence path 330c defined by the module housing 354. In an exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 (and associated components fixed thereto) is a separate structure that is initially inserted into the downstream receiving cavity of the second housing portion 308 such that the data contacts 326 are exposed by the data contact openings 327 of the second housing portion 308. Subsequently, the module housing 354 (on which the first power contact 324a, the second power contact 324b, the heater 336, and the wick 338 are mounted) may be inserted into the receiving cavity such that the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b are exposed by the first power contact opening 325a and the second power contact opening 325b of the second housing portion 308, respectively. Alternatively, to simplify the above two-step insertion process into a one-step process, the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 (and associated components fixed thereto) may be attached to the module housing 354 so as to cover the first curved path 330a, the second curved path 330b, the convergent path 330c, and the module outlet 368 (for example, to form a single integrated structure).

[0149] The module outlet 368 may also be a Resistance-to-Draw (RTD) port. In such a configuration, the draw resistance of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 may be adjusted by changing the size of the module outlet 368 (rather than changing the size of the pod inlet 322). In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the module outlet 368 may be selected so that the draw resistance is between 25 and 100 mmH2O (e.g., between 30 and 50 mmH2O). For example, if the diameter of the module outlet 368 is 1.0 mm, the draw resistance may be 88.3 mmH2O. In another example, if the diameter of the module outlet 368 is 1.1 mm, the draw resistance may be 73.6 mmH2O. In yet another example, if the diameter of the module outlet 368 is 1.2 mm, the draw resistance may be 58.7 mmH2O. In another example, if the module outlet 368 has a diameter of 1.3 mm, a draw resistance of approximately 40-43 mmH2O may be obtained. Notably, the size of the module outlet 368 can be adjusted for its internal placement without affecting the external aesthetics of the pod component 300, thereby enabling a more standardized product design for pod components with varying draw resistances (RTDs), while reducing the possibility of inadvertent blockage of incoming air. Examples of non-nicotine e-vapor device systems

[0150] Next, a system example of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500, consisting of a pod 300 and a device body 100, will be described below with reference to Figures 21A to 23.

[0151] Figure 21A shows a device system of a dispensing body according to an exemplary embodiment. The device system 2100 may be a system within the device body 100 and the dispensing body 204.

[0152] The device system 2100 includes a controller 2105, a power supply 2110, an actuator control 2115, a pod electrical / data interface 2120, a device sensor 2125, an input / output (I / O) interface 2130, a vapor indicator 2135, at least one antenna 2140, and a storage medium 2145. Note that the device system 2100 is not limited to the functions shown in Figure 21A. For example, the device system 2100 may include additional elements, however, for brevity, these additional elements will not be described. In other exemplary embodiments, the device system 2100 may not include an antenna.

[0153] The controller 2105 may be hardware, firmware, hardware running software, or any combination thereof. If the controller 2105 is hardware, such existing hardware may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) computers, or machines configured as special-purpose machines for performing the functions of the controller 2105. CPUs, microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, and FPGAs are sometimes referred to as processing units in general.

[0154] If the controller 2105 is a processor that runs software, or includes one, the controller 2105 is configured as a special-purpose machine (e.g., a processing unit) that runs software stored in memory accessible by the controller 2105 (e.g., storage medium 2145 or another storage device) in order to perform the functions of the controller 2105. The software may be embodied as program code that includes instructions for performing and / or controlling any or all of the operations described herein as being performed by the controller 2105 or controller 2105A (Figure 21B).

[0155] In this specification, the terms “storage medium,” “computer-readable storage medium,” or “non-transitory computer-readable storage medium” may refer to one or more devices for storing data. These include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other tangible machine-readable media for storing information. The term “computer-readable medium” also includes, but is not limited to, portable or stationary storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media that can store, contain, and transport instructions and data.

[0156] Figure 21B shows an example of a controller 2105A according to an exemplary embodiment. According to the exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105A shown in Figure 21B is an exemplary embodiment of the controller 2105 shown in Figure 21A. Therefore, any operation described herein may be performed or controlled by the controller 2105A, as would be performed or controlled by the controller 2105. The controller 2105A may also include a microprocessor. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21B, the controller 2105A includes GPIO (General Purpose Input / Outputs), I 2 C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) 2The controller may include an input / output interface such as an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface Bus) interface, a multi-channel ADC (Analog-Digital Converter), and a clock input terminal. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to these examples. For example, the controller 2105A may further include a digital-to-analog converter and arithmetic circuits or circuits.

[0157] Returning to Figure 21A, the controller 2105 communicates with the power supply 2110, actuator control 2115, pod electrical / data interface 2120, device sensor 2125, input / output (I / O) interface 2130, vapor indicator 2135, on-product control 2150, and at least one antenna 2140.

[0158] The controller 2105 communicates with the cryptographic coprocessor with non-volatile memory (CC-NVM) or non-volatile memory (NVM) within the pod via the pod electrical / data interface 2120. The term CC-NVM may refer to a hardware module(s) including a processor for encryption and related processing, and an NVM. More specifically, the controller 2105 may utilize encryption to authenticate the pod 300. As described, the controller 2105 communicates with the CC-NVM package or NVM to authenticate the pod 300. More specifically, the non-volatile memory may be encoded at manufacturing with product information and other information for authentication.

[0159] The memory may be coded with an electronic identity to enable at least one of the following when the pod 300 is inserted into the through-hole of the dispenser body: authentication of the pod and pairing of operating parameters specific to the type of pod 300 (or physical structure such as the type of heating engine). In addition to authentication based on the electronic identity of the pod 300, the controller 2105 may authorize the use of the pod based on the expiration date of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation and / or heater stored and encoded in the non-volatile memory of the NVM or CC-NVM. If the controller determines that the expiration date encoded in the non-volatile memory has expired, the controller may not authorize the use of the pod and may disable the non-nicotine evapor device 500.

[0160] The controller 2105 (or storage medium 2145) stores key material for encryption and proprietary algorithm software. For example, the encryption algorithm relies on the use of random numbers. The security of these algorithms depends on how truly random these numbers are. These numbers are usually pre-generated and encoded in a processor or memory device. In exemplary embodiments, the randomness of the numbers used for encryption can be increased by using vapor suction parameters, such as the duration of vapor suction scenes, the interval between vapor suction scenes, or a combination thereof, to generate numbers that are more random than pre-generated random numbers and vary from person to person. All communication between the controller 2105 and the pod may be encrypted.

[0161] Furthermore, the pod can be used as a general payload carrier for other information, such as software patches for the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500. Since encryption is used in all communication between the pod and the controller 2105, such information is more secure, and the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 is less susceptible to malware or viruses. By using CC-NVM as an information carrier for data and software updates, the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500's software can be updated without an internet connection and without the adult vaper having to go through a download process like most other consumer electronics that require regular software updates.

[0162] Furthermore, the controller 2105 may include an encryption accelerator to enable the controller 2105's resources to perform functions other than encoding and decryption related to authentication. The controller 2105 may also include other security functions, such as preventing unauthorized use of the communication channel and preventing unauthorized access to data when a pod or adult vapor is not authenticated.

[0163] In addition to the encryption accelerator, the controller 2105 may include other hardware accelerators. For example, the controller 2105 may include a floating-point unit (FPU), a separate DSP core, a digital filter, and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module.

[0164] The controller 2105 is configured to run an RTOS (Real Time Operating System) and control the device system 2100, and is updated by communicating with an NVM or CC-NVM, or by the device system 2100 connecting to other devices (e.g., a smartphone) via the I / O interface 2130 and / or antenna 2140. The I / O interface 2130 and antenna 2140 allow the device system 2100 to connect to various external devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. For example, the I / O interface 2130 may include a micro-USB connector. The micro-USB connector may be used by the device system 2100 to charge the power supply 2110b.

[0165] The controller 2105 may include onboard RAM and flash memory for storing and executing code, including analysis, diagnostics, and software upgrades. Alternatively, a storage medium 2145 may store the code. Furthermore, in another exemplary embodiment, the storage medium 2145 may be mounted on the controller 2105.

[0166] The controller 2105 may further include onboard clock, reset, and power management modules to reduce the area covered by the PCB of the dispensing unit.

[0167] The device sensor 2125 may include a number of sensor transducers that provide measurement information to the controller 2105. The device sensor 2125 may include a power supply temperature sensor, an external pod temperature sensor, a heater current sensor, a power supply current sensor, an airflow sensor, and an accelerometer for monitoring motion and orientation. The power supply temperature sensor and the external pod temperature sensor may be thermistors or thermocouples, and the heater current sensor and the power supply current sensor may be resistance-based sensors or other types of sensors configured to measure current. The airflow sensor may be a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) flow sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure airflow, such as a hot-wire anemometer. As described above, the device sensor 2125 may include sensors such as an accelerometer for monitoring motion and orientation, as shown, for example, in Figure 23.

[0168] Figure 23 shows a pod system 2200 connected to a device system 2100 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the device sensor 2125 may include one or more accelerometers 2127A, one or more gyroscopes 2127B, and / or one or more magnetometers 2127C for monitoring motion and orientation. For example, the device sensor 2125 may include at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU). The IMU may include, for example, a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a 3-axis magnetometer. For example, the one or more accelerometers 2127A, one or more gyroscopes 2127B, and / or one or more magnetometers 2127C in Figure 23 may be included in the IMU. Examples of IMUs included in the device sensor 2125 include, but are not limited to, the Invensense 10-axis MPU-9250 and the ST 9-axis STEVAL-MKI1119V1. As will be explained in more detail below with respect to Figures 24-25, the controller 2105 may use motion and / or orientation information detected by the device sensor 2125 to control the level of power that the power supply 2110 outputs to the heater 2215 via the pod electrical / data interface 2120 and the main unit electrical / data interface 2210.

[0169] Data generated from multiple sensor transducers may be sampled using a discrete multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) at a sample rate suitable for the parameter being measured.

[0170] The controller 2105 may adapt heater profiles or other profiles for non-nicotine prevapor formulations based on the measurement information received from the controller 2105. For convenience, these are generally referred to as vaping profiles or vapor profiles.

[0171] A heater profile identifies the power profile supplied to the heater during the few seconds that vapor aspiration occurs. For example, a heater profile can supply maximum power to the heater when vapor aspiration begins, and then reduce the power to half or a quarter of that after about a second.

[0172] Furthermore, the heater profile can be modified based on the negative pressure applied to the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500. By using a MEMS flow sensor, the vapor inhalation strength can be measured and used as feedback to the controller 2105 to adjust the power supplied to the heater of the pod 300 (this is sometimes called heating or energy delivery).

[0173] When the controller 2105 recognizes the currently installed pod (for example, via an SKU), it matches the relevant heating profile designed for that particular pod. The controller 2105 and the storage medium 2145 store data and algorithms that enable the generation of heating profiles for all SKUs. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may read the heating profile from the pod. Alternatively, an adult vaper may adjust the heating profile to their preference.

[0174] As shown in Figure 21A, the controller 2105 transmits data to the power supply 2110 and receives data from the power supply 2110. The power supply 2110 includes a power supply 2110b and a power controller 2110a that manages the power output by the power supply 2110b.

[0175] The power supply 2110b may be a lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply 2110b may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. Alternatively, the power supply 2110b may be rechargeable and include a circuit that allows the battery to be charged by an external charger. In this case, once charged, the circuit provides power for a desired (or alternatively predetermined) number of vapor aspirations, after which the circuit must be reconnected to the external charger.

[0176] The power controller 2110a provides commands to the power supply 2110b based on instructions from the controller 2105. For example, the power supply 2110 may accept a command from the controller 2105 to supply power to the pod (via the pod electrical / data interface 2120) if the pod is authenticated and an adult vaporist has activated the device system 2100 (e.g., by activating a switch such as a toggle button, capacitive sensor, or IR sensor). If the pod is not authenticated, the controller 2105 may not send a command to the power supply 2110 or may send an instruction to the power supply 2110 not to supply power. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may disable all operation of the device system 2100 if the pod is not authenticated.

[0177] Furthermore, the power supply 2110 not only supplies power to the pod 300 but also to the controller 2105. In addition, the power controller 2110a may provide feedback to the controller 2105 indicating the performance of the power supply 2110b.

[0178] The controller 2105 transmits data to and receives data from at least one antenna 2140. At least one antenna 2140 may include an NFC (Near Field Communication) modem, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) modem, and / or other modems for other wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi). In an exemplary embodiment, the communication stack resides within the modem, but the modem is controlled by the controller 2105. The Bluetooth® LE modem is used for data and control communication with an application on an external device (e.g., a smartphone). The NFC modem may also be used for pairing the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 with an application and for obtaining diagnostic information. Furthermore, the Bluetooth® LE modem may be used for providing location information (for adult vapers to find the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500) and for purchase authentication. Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 (e.g., controller 2105) may be configured to selectively lock the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 using Bluetooth® communication capabilities (e.g., provided by a Bluetooth® LE modem). For example, Adult Vapor can use an application (e.g., an app) installed on an external mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) having Bluetooth® communication capabilities to lock the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500, thereby preventing the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 from operating to produce non-nicotine vapor, and unlock the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500, thereby allowing the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 to operate to produce non-nicotine vapor.Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, an adult vaper can select settings in the application to control the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 so that the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 remains locked (i.e., prevented from operating to produce vapor) until the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 comes within a desired range of the electronic device on which the application is installed. For example, an adult vaper can use the application to configure the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 to remain locked until the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 comes within Bluetooth® communication range of the electronic device on which the application is installed. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, an adult vaper can use the application to configure the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 to lock when the electronic device on which the application is installed and the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 are not paired, and to remain locked until the electronic device on which the application is installed and the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 are paired.

[0179] As described above, the device system 2100 may generate and adjust various profiles for vaping. The controller 2105 adjusts the profile for adult vapers using the power supply 2110 and the actuator control 2115.

[0180] The actuator control 2115 includes passive and active actuators for adjusting the desired vapor profile. For example, the dispenser body may include an inlet channel within the mouthpiece. The actuator control 2115 may control the inlet channel based on commands from the controller 2105 related to the desired vapor profile.

[0181] Furthermore, the actuator control 2115 is used to energize the heater in conjunction with the power supply 2110. More specifically, the actuator control 2115 is configured to generate a drive waveform associated with a desired vaping profile. As described above, each of the possible profiles is associated with a drive waveform. Upon receiving a command from the controller 2105 indicating a desired vaping profile, the actuator control 2115 may generate the corresponding modulated waveform for the power supply 2110.

[0182] The controller 2105 supplies information to the vapor indicator 2135 to show the adult vapor the status and the operation being performed. The vapor indicator 2135 includes a power indicator (e.g., an LED) which can be activated when the controller 2105 detects a button pressed by the adult vapor. The vapor indicator 2135 may also include a vibrator, a speaker, an indicator showing the current state of vaping parameters (e.g., vapor volume) controlled by the adult vapor, and other feedback mechanisms.

[0183] Furthermore, the device system 2100 may include a number of on-product controls 2150 that provide commands from the adult vaper to the controller 2105. The on-product controls 2150 may include, for example, on / off buttons, which may be toggle buttons, capacitive sensors, or IR sensors. The on-product controls 2150 may further include a vaping control button (if the adult vaper wishes to disable the buttonless vaping function and energize the heater), a hard reset button, touch-based slider controls (for controlling the setting of vaping parameters such as vapor intake volume), a vaping control button for activating the slider controls, and mechanical adjustments for the air inlet. Detection of hand-mouth gestures (HMG) is also an example of buttonless vaping. Furthermore, a combination of keystrokes (for example, keystrokes entered by the adult vaper via the on-product controls 2150) can be used to lock the non-nicotine e-vaper device and prevent the device from operating to produce vapor. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the keystroke combination may be set by the manufacturer of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 and / or device system 2100. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the keystroke combination may be set or changed by the adult vaper (for example, by keystrokes entered by the adult vaper via the on-product control 2150).

[0184] Once the pod is authenticated (for example, as described above with reference to Figure 21A), the controller 2105 operates the power supply 2110, actuator control 2115, vapor indicator 2135, and antenna 2140 in accordance with the adult vaper using the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 and the information stored by the NVM or CC-NVM on the pod 300. Furthermore, the controller 2105 may include a logging function and be able to execute an algorithm for calibrating the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500. The logging function is performed by the controller 2105 and records usage data as well as unexpected events and failures. The recorded usage data may be used for diagnosis and analysis. The controller 2105 may calibrate the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 using information stored on the CC-NVM or NVM, including buttonless vaping (i.e., vaping without pressing a button, such as generating non-nicotine vapor when negative pressure is applied to the mouthpiece), adult vapor shape, and vapor inhalation sensing, non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation level, and non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation composition. For example, the controller 2105 may instruct the power supply 2110 to power the heater in the pod based on a vaping profile associated with the non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation composition in the pod 300. Alternatively, the vaping profile may be encoded in the CC-NVM or NVM and made available to the controller 2105.

[0185] Figure 22A is a diagram of a pod system for a dispensing body according to an exemplary embodiment. The pod system 2200 may be located within the pod component 300.

[0186] As shown in Figure 22A, the pod system 2200 includes a CC-NVM 2205, a main electrical / data interface 2210, a heater 2215, and a pod sensor 2220. The pod system 2200 communicates with the device system 2100 via the main electrical / data interface 2210 and the pod electrical / data interface 2120. The main electrical / data interface 2210 may correspond, for example, to a battery contact 416 and a data connection 417 connected within the pod component 300 shown in Figure 19. Thus, the CC-NVM 2205 is coupled to the data connection 417 and the battery contact 416.

[0187] The CC-NVM2205 includes an encryption coprocessor 2205a and a non-volatile memory 2205b. The controller 2105 may communicate with the encryption coprocessor 2205a to access information stored in the non-volatile memory 2205b for the purpose of authentication and pod operation.

[0188] In another exemplary embodiment, the pod may not have an encryption coprocessor. For example, Figure 22B shows an example of the pod system of Figure 22A in which the encryption coprocessor 2205a is omitted, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 22B, the pod system 2200 may include non-volatile memory 2205b instead of CC-NVM 2205, and the encryption coprocessor 2205a may be omitted. If the encryption coprocessor is not present in the pod system 2200, the controller 2105 may read data from the non-volatile memory 2205b without using the encryption coprocessor to control / define the heating profile.

[0189] The non-volatile memory 2205b may have an electronic identity encoded in it to enable at least one of the authentication of the pod 300 and the pairing of operating parameters specific to the type of pod 300 when the pod 300 is inserted into the through-hole of the device body 100. In addition to authentication based on the electronic identity of the pod 300, the controller 2105 may authorize the use of the pod based on the expiration date of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation and / or heater stored encoded in the non-volatile memory 2205b. If the controller determines that the expiration date encoded in the non-volatile memory 2205b has expired, the controller may not authorize the use of the pod and may disable the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500.

[0190] Furthermore, the non-volatile memory 2205b may store information such as the stockkeeping units (SKUs) of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation within the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation compartment (including the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition), the software patch for the device system 2100, the count of vapor inhalation scenes, the duration of vapor inhalation scenes, and product usage information such as the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level. The non-volatile memory 2205b may also store operating parameters specific to the pod type and the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition. For example, the non-volatile memory 2205b may store the electrical and mechanical design of the pod that the controller 2105 uses to determine the command corresponding to the desired vaping profile.

[0191] The level of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation within the pod can be determined by, for example, one of two methods. In one exemplary embodiment, one of the pod sensors 2220 directly measures the level of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation within the pod 300.

[0192] In another exemplary embodiment, the non-volatile memory 2205b stores a count of vapor inhalation scenes from the pod, and the controller 2105 uses the vapor inhalation scene count as a proxy for the amount of vaporized non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

[0193] The controller 2105 and / or the storage medium 2145 may store non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data that identifies the operating point of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition. The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data may include data describing how the flow rate changes with the remaining amount of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or how the volatility changes with the passage of time, and may be used for calibration by the controller 2105. The calibration data for the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be stored in a table format by the controller 2105 and / or the storage medium 2145. The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data allows the controller 2105 to equalize the vapor inhalation scene count with the amount of vaporized non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

[0194] The controller 2105 writes the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level and vapor inhalation scene count back to the pod's non-volatile memory 2205b, so that even if the pod is removed from the dispensing unit and later reattached, the controller 2105 will know the pod's accurate non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation level.

[0195] The operating parameters (e.g., power supply, power duration, air channel control) are referred to as the vaping profile. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory 2205b may record information transmitted from the controller 2105. The non-volatile memory 2205b may retain the recorded information even when the dispensing unit is disconnected from the pod 300.

[0196] In an exemplary embodiment, the non-volatile memory 2205b may be a programmable read-only memory.

[0197] The heater 2215 is operated by the controller 2105 and transfers heat to at least a portion of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation according to a commanded profile (volume, temperature (based on the power profile), and flavor) from the controller 2105.

[0198] The heater 2215 may be, for example, a planar body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a cage of resistance wires, a wire coil surrounding a wick, a mesh, a surface, or other suitable form. Examples of suitable electrical resistance materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, and iron, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel. For example, the heater may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material having a layer of alumina on its surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials, and the electrical resistance material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physicochemical properties. In one embodiment, the heater 2215 is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloy, nickel-chromium alloy, superalloy, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the heater 2215 is formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In one embodiment, the heater 2215 may be a ceramic heater having an electrical resistance layer on its outer surface.

[0199] In another embodiment, the heater 2215 may be made of iron aluminide (e.g., FeAl or Fe3Al) or nickel aluminide (e.g., NiAl) as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,595,706 (filed December 29, 1994 to Sikka et al.), the full details of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0200] The heater 2215 may determine the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to heat based on feedback from the pod sensor or controller 2105. The flow of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be regulated by a microcapillary or wicking action. Furthermore, the controller 2105 may send commands to the heater 2215 to adjust the air inlet to the heater 2215.

[0201] The pod sensor 2220 may include a heater temperature sensor, a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flow rate monitor, and an airflow monitor. The heater temperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple, and flow rate detection may be performed by the pod system 2200 (e.g., under the control of the controller 2105 or a controller included in the pod system 2200) using electrostatic interference or an internal rotor for the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The airflow sensor may be a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or other type of sensor configured to measure airflow.

[0202] The data generated from the pod sensor 2220 may be sampled using a discrete multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) at a sample rate suitable for the parameter being measured.

[0203] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller 2105 may also control the heater 2215 in response to detecting a hand-to-mouth gesture (HMG). As described above, referring to Figure 21A, non-nicotine e-vaper devices according to at least some exemplary embodiments may implement a buttonless vaping function. As an example of a buttonless vaping function, the controller 2105 may determine when an adult vaper is about to perform an HMG based on measurements from the device sensor 2125. An HMG is a gesture in which the adult vaper's hand moves toward the adult vaper's mouth. An HMG performed with respect to a non-nicotine e-vaper device (e.g., a non-nicotine e-vaper device including the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 and / or the device body 100) may indicate that the vaper will soon begin drawing. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller 2105 may control the state and / or operating mode of the non-nicotine e-vaper device or one or more of its elements based on the detection of an HMG. For example, the controller 2105 may control the state and / or operating mode of the heater 2215 by detecting the HMG.

[0204] As described above, the heater 2215 may be operated by the controller 2105. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller 2105 may control the heater 2215 using a heating engine control algorithm and a heating engine driver implemented by the controller 2105. The heater 2215 may also be referred to herein as the heating engine 2215 or the heater engine 2215. Next, exemplary structures of the heat not-burn aerosol generating device are described below with reference to Figures 27-31. Example of a heat-knot-burn aerosol generation device structure

[0205] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of a heat not-burn aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 27, the heat not-burn aerosol generating device 1000 may include a mouthpiece 1015 and a device body 1025. A power supply 1035 and a control circuit 1045 may be located within the device body 1025 of the heat not-burn aerosol generating device 1000. The heat not-burn aerosol generating device 1000 is configured to accept a capsule 800. The capsule 800 is a removable container, similar to the pod 300 of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 described. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the capsule 800 may include an aerosol-forming substrate sandwiched between first and second heaters. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first and second heaters may be planar and may be formed of a material that heats when an electric current is applied. Furthermore, the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device 1000 may include a first electrode 1055a, a second electrode 1055b, a third electrode 1055c, and a fourth electrode 1055d configured to electrically contact the capsule 800. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first electrode 1055a and the third electrode 1055c may electrically contact the first heater, and the second electrode 1055b and the fourth electrode 1055d may electrically contact the second heater. However, it should be understood that in non-limiting embodiments including a capsule having only one heater, the first electrode 1055a and the third electrode 1055c (or the second electrode 1055b and the fourth electrode 1055d) may be omitted.

[0206] In this specification, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a material (or combination of materials) that is capable of producing an aerosol. As used herein, “aerosol” is any substance produced or output from any heat-not-burn aerosol-producing device according to any exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. The material is in a solid form and is a dominant source of compounds (e.g., cannabinoids), and when the material is heated, an aerosol containing the compounds is produced. The heating may be below the combustion temperature so as to produce an aerosol without substantial thermal decomposition of the aerosol-forming substrate or substantial production of combustion byproducts (if any). Thus, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, thermal decomposition does not occur during heating and the resulting aerosol production. In other examples, there may be some thermal decomposition and combustion byproducts, but to a relatively minor degree and / or merely incidental. For example, if a heat-not-burn aerosol-producing device heats the aerosol-forming substrate to its aerosolization temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate may produce an aerosol. As used herein, the "aerosolization temperature" of an aerosol-forming substrate is the temperature at which the aerosol-forming substrate produces an aerosol, and is below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0207] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material may be a plant material. The fibrous material is configured to release a compound when heated. The compound may be a naturally occurring component of the fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material may be a plant material such as tobacco, and the released compound may be nicotine. The term "tobacco" includes any tobacco plant material, including tobacco leaves, tobacco plugs, reconstituted tobacco, compressed tobacco, molded tobacco, or powdered tobacco, and combinations thereof, from one or more species of the tobacco plant, such as Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum.

[0208] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may comprise material from any member of the genus Nicotiana. Furthermore, the tobacco material may comprise a blend of two or more different tobacco varieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco material that can be used include, but are not limited to, full-cured tobacco, barley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, and blends thereof. The tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, including, but are not limited to, processed tobacco materials such as tobacco laminas, volume-expanded tobacco or puffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems such as cut rolls or cut puffed stems, reconstituted tobacco materials, and blends thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of substantially dry tobacco chunks. Furthermore, in some examples, the tobacco material may be mixed and / or combined with at least one of propylene glycol, glycerin, subcombinations thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0209] Furthermore, this compound may be a natural component of a medicinal plant with medically recognized therapeutic effects. For example, the medicinal plant may be cannabis, and the compound may be a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body to produce various effects. As a result, cannabinoids are used for a variety of medicinal purposes (e.g., pain, nausea, epilepsy, and mental disorders). The fibrous material may contain substances from the leaves and / or flowers of one or more species of cannabis plants, such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. In some examples, the fibrous material is a mixture of 60-80% (e.g., 70%) Cannabis sativa and 20-40% (e.g., 30%) Cannabis indica.

[0210] Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclo (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, by heating. In exemplary embodiments, heat from a first heater and / or a second heater may cause decarboxylation to convert tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) in a capsule (e.g., capsule 800 or 900) to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in a capsule to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0211] In cases where both tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in the capsule, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion will decrease the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and increase the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during heating of the capsule. Similarly, in cases where both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in the capsule, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion will decrease the amount of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and increase the amount of cannabidiol (CBD). During heating of the capsule, at least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0212] Furthermore, the compound may be a non-natural additive later introduced into the fibrous material, or may be additionally included. In one example, the fibrous material may contain at least one of the following: cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, or a combination thereof (e.g., in the form of gauze). In another example, the fibrous material may be a cellulose material (e.g., a non-tobacco and / or non-cannabis material). In either example, the compound introduced may contain nicotine, cannabinoids, and / or flavorants. The flavorants may be naturally derived, such as plant extracts (e.g., tobacco extract, cannabis extract), and / or artificially derived. In yet another example, if the fibrous material contains tobacco and / or cannabis, the compound may be one or more flavorants (e.g., menthol, mint, vanilla), or may be additionally included. Thus, the compound in the aerosol-forming substrate may contain naturally derived components and / or non-natural additives. In this regard, it should be understood that the existing levels of naturally derived components in the aerosol-forming substrate may be increased by supplementation. For example, the existing level of nicotine in a given amount of tobacco can be increased by supplementing with a nicotine-containing extract. Similarly, the existing level of one or more cannabinoids in a given amount of cannabis can be increased by supplementing with an extract containing such cannabinoids.

[0213] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, once the capsule 800 is inserted into the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device 1000, the control circuit 1045 may instruct the power supply 1035 to supply current to the first electrode 1055a, the second electrode 1055b, the third electrode 1055c, and / or the fourth electrode 1055d. The supply of current from the power supply 1035 may be in response to manual operation (e.g., button activation) or automatic operation (e.g., puff activation). As a result of the current, the capsule 800 may be heated to generate an aerosol.

[0214] Further details of the heat not-burn aerosol generating device 1000, which includes capsule 800, mouthpiece 1015, device body 1025, power supply 1035, control circuit 1045, first electrode 1055a, second electrode 1055b, third electrode 1055c, and fourth electrode 1055d, are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 845,501 (Atty.Dkt.No.24000DM-000012-US), filed on 18 December 2017, entitled "VAPORIZING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A COMPOUND USING THE SAME," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The capsules, aerosol-forming substrates, and related embodiments discussed herein are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 252,951, filed January 21, 2019, titled "CAPSULE, HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES, AND METHODS OF GENERATING AN AEROSOL," Atty Dkt No. 24000NV-000521-US, and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 451,662, filed June 25, 2019, titled "CAPSULES, HEAT-NOT-BURN (HNB) AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICES, AND METHODS OF GENERATING AN AEROSOL." The disclosures are described in "AEROSOL" (Atty.Dkt.No.24000NV-000522-US), and each of these disclosures is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0215] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of another heat not burn aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 28, the heat not burn aerosol generating device 2000 may include, in particular, a mouthpiece 2015 and a device body 2025. It should be understood that the features related to the heat not burn aerosol generating device 1000 in Figure 27 are also applicable to the heat not burn aerosol generating device 2000 and will not be repeated for brevity. As shown in Figure 28, a sensor 2075 may be included to measure the temperature of the capsule within the heat not burn aerosol generating device 2000. For example, the sensor 2075 may be an infrared (IR) sensor configured to perform non-contact temperature sensing of the capsule. The sensor 2075 may be positioned downstream and above the capsule within the device body 2025. Furthermore, the sensor 2075 may be offset from the aerosol path and oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the heat not burn aerosol generating device 2000. In exemplary embodiments, the longitudinal axis may be perpendicular to the plane corresponding to the capsule's surface, and the angle may be 8 to 20 degrees (e.g., 13 to 15 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis. As a result, accumulation and deposits from the generated aerosol are reduced or prevented, thereby improving the performance and lifespan of the sensor 2075.

[0216] Figure 29 is a plan view of an arrangement of a heat not-burn aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment, including electrodes and a capsule engaged by seals. Figure 30 is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 29. Figure 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 29. Referring to Figures 29-31, the capsule 900 in the heat not-burn aerosol generating device may be engaged by a first seal 1165a and a second seal 1165b. The first seal 1165a may be engaged on a side of the capsule 900 corresponding to a first heater, while the second seal 1165b may be engaged on a side of the capsule 900 corresponding to a second heater (or vice versa). When engaged, the first seal 1165a and the second seal 1165b may be located at the periphery of the cavity so as to surround the heat not-burn aerosol forming substrate disposed therein.

[0217] The first electrode 1155a, the second electrode 1155b, the third electrode 1155c, and the fourth electrode 1155d are configured to electrically contact the capsule 900. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first electrode 1155a and the third electrode 1155c may then electrically contact the first heater, and the second electrode 1155b and the fourth electrode 1155d may electrically contact the second heater. However, it should be understood that in non-limiting embodiments including a capsule having only one heater, the first electrode 1155a and the third electrode 1155c (or the second electrode 1155b and the fourth electrode 1155d) may be omitted.

[0218] When the heater is engaged, the first electrode 1155a and the third electrode 1155c are within the region enclosed by the first seal 1165a, and the second electrode 1155b and the fourth electrode 1155d are within the region enclosed by the second seal 1165b. The first electrode 1155a and the third electrode 1155c may also be adjacent to the opposite side of the first seal 1165a so that the first heater is pressed against the underlying first frame. Similarly, the second electrode 1155b and the fourth electrode 1155d may be adjacent to the opposite side of the second seal 1165b so that the second heater is pressed against the underlying second frame. In exemplary embodiments including a third frame, the heater may be pressed against the underlying third frame by the electrodes.

[0219] The first electrode 1155a, the second electrode 1155b, the third electrode 1155c, and the fourth electrode 1155d may be blade-shaped. Furthermore, to reduce contact resistance, the first electrode 1155a, the second electrode 1155b, the third electrode 1155c, and the fourth electrode 1155d may be made of steel and coated with titanium nitride. In exemplary embodiments, the blade may be a straight edge. Alternatively, the blade may be serrated to improve electrical contact when the heater surface is uneven (e.g., a mesh heater).

[0220] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a first electrode 1155a, a second electrode 1155b, a third electrode 1155c, a fourth electrode 1155d, a capsule 900, a first seal 1165a, and a second seal 1165d may be included in the heat not-burn aerosol generating device 1000. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first electrode 1155a, a second electrode 1155b, a third electrode 1155c, a fourth electrode 1155d, and a capsule 900 are examples of a first electrode 1055a, a second electrode 1055b, a third electrode 1055c, a fourth electrode 1055d, and a capsule 800.

[0221] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 1045 and power supply 1035 of the heat not-burn aerosol generating device 1000 are embodied by the device system 2100 and power supply 2110 described above with reference to Figures 21A-23, respectively. Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the capsule 800 includes a control circuit, and the control circuit of the capsule 800 is embodied by the pod system 2200 described above with reference to Figures 21A-23.

[0222] Examples of heating engine control algorithms in at least some exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 24-25G. Overview of the heating engine control algorithm

[0223] First, an overview of the heating engine control algorithm 2300 and its associated inputs will be described with reference to Figure 24. Next, exemplary implementations of the heating engine control algorithm 2300 in at least some exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 25A-26. Exemplary implementations of the heating engine control algorithm 2300 include, but are not limited to, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A (Figures 25A-25B), the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B (Figures 25C-25D), the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C (Figures 25E-25F), and the waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D (Figures 25G-25H). Furthermore, an exemplary implementation of a buttonless vaping function 2310, which can provide a vaping mode as an input to one or more of the heating engine control algorithms 2300, 2300A, 2300B, 2300C, and 2300D, will be described below with reference to Figure 26. For simplicity, the algorithms in Figures 24-26 are described below primarily with reference to the device system 2100 and pod system 2200 of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500. However, as mentioned above, the heat not-burn aerosol generating devices 1000 and 2000 may also include the device system 2100 and pod system 2200. Consequently, the details of the algorithms in Figures 24-26, described below with reference to the non-nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500) or its components, may also be applied to the heat not-burn aerosol generating devices 1000 and 2000 or their components. Furthermore, the details of the algorithms in Figures 24-26, described below with reference to non-nicotine vapor or non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations, may also be applied to aerosols or aerosol-forming substrates, respectively.

[0224] Referring to Figure 24, which shows a heating engine control algorithm 2300 and associated inputs according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 24, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine control algorithm 2300 generates a power level value, and the heating engine driver 2305 controls the power supplied to the heating engine 2215 based on the generated power level (e.g., using pulse width modulation (PWM) or another known method). For example, the heating engine driver 2305 may control the amount of power supplied to the heating engine 2215 via the main electrical / data interface 2210. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, both the heating engine control algorithm 2300 and the heating engine driver 2305 are implemented by a controller 2105 of a device system 2100 included in a non-nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vapor device 500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as performed by either the heating engine control algorithm 2300 or the heating engine driver 2305 may be performed by the controller 2105.

[0225] As shown in Figure 24, the heating engine control algorithm 2300 may use one or more of the inputs to generate the power level supplied to the heating engine driver 2305. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, inputs to the heating engine control algorithm 2300 may include, but are not limited to, a vaping mode generated by the buttonless vaping function 2310, one or more operating points generated by the first calibration mapping function 2320, a predicted temperature of the heating engine 2215 generated by the heating engine temperature prediction function 2330, values ​​of heating engine temperature and electrical performance provided by the heating engine sensor 2222 (which may be included in the pod sensor 2220), values ​​of airflow rate and wick wetness provided by the pod sensor 2220, vaping profile information provided by the adult vaping profile update function 2340, non-nicotine e-vaper device temperature information provided by the device sensor 2125, non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation material level and / or flow rate information provided by the liquid level and flow rate prediction function 2350, battery health information provided by the battery health function 2360, and time information provided by the clock 2370. The pod sensor 2220 may also be referred to herein as the smart pod sensor 2220. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine control algorithm operates according to at least three states: off state, preheat state, and on state. The off state, preheat state, and on state may also be referred herein as "vaping mode states" or "operation modes."

[0226] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the off state is a state in which the heating engine control algorithm 2300 controls the heating engine driver 2305 such that the amount of power supplied to the heating engine 2215 by the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 is relatively small or no power is supplied by alternative means. The pre-heating state is a state in which the heating engine control algorithm 2300 controls the heating engine driver 2305 such that the amount of power supplied to the heating engine 2215 by the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 is higher than the amount of power supplied in the off state, and the on state is a state in which the heating engine control algorithm 2300 controls the heating engine driver 2305 such that the amount of power supplied to the heating engine 2215 by the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 is higher than the amount of power supplied in the pre-heating state. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the amount of power supplied to the heating engine 2215 during the preheating operation mode is an amount that causes the heating engine 2215 to heat the non-nicotine prevapor formulation contained in the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 to a temperature below the boiling point of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation (or the aerosol generation temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate of the capsule 800), and the amount of power supplied to the heating engine 2215 during the second operation mode is an amount that causes the heater to heat the non-nicotine prevapor formulation contained in the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 to a temperature equal to or higher than the boiling point of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation (or the aerosol generation temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate of the capsule 800).

[0227] Next, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A and the buttonless vaping function 2310 will be described below with reference to Figures 25A, 25B, and 26. Example of an engine control algorithm for setting point heating

[0228] Figure 25A is a block diagram showing a setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A according to at least some exemplary embodiments. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A is an exemplary implementation of the heating engine control algorithm 2300 shown in Figure 24.

[0229] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A is implemented by a controller 2105 of a device system 2100 included in a non-nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vapor device 500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as being performed by the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A (or its elements) may be performed by the controller 2105.

[0230] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, in the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A, the set power level is provided directly based on the external configuration. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the power level applied to the heating engine 2215 (e.g., via the heating engine driver 2305) is static throughout the activation period of the heating engine 2215, or alternatively, throughout the duration of the vaping mode. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a single power level is transmitted to the heating engine driver 2305, and the amount of power applied to the heating engine 2215 by the heating engine driver 2305 is proportional to the power level transmitted to the heating engine driver 2305. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine driver 2305 may set the level of power output to the heating engine 2215 as soon as it receives a single power level (e.g., by adjusting the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated drive signal applied to the heating engine 2215).

[0231] Referring to Figure 25A, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A may operate based on inputs received from the clock 2370, the heating engine sensor 2222 (which may be included in the smart pod sensor 2220), the buttonless vaping function 2310, and the first calibration mapping function 2320. Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may operate based on inputs received from the AV vaping profile update function 2340.

[0232] Next, the clock 2370, heating engine sensor 2222, buttonless vaping function 2310, first calibration mapping function 2320, and AV vaping profile update function 2340 will be described in detail below.

[0233] The clock 2370 outputs a periodic timing signal according to a known method. The heating engine sensor 2222 detects a heating engine temperature value and / or electrical performance value related to the heating engine 2215 according to a known method. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine sensor provides the detected heating engine temperature value and / or electrical performance value to the heating engine driver 2305, for example, as a feedback value. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine driver 2305 adjusts the amount of power supplied to the heating engine 2215 based on the feedback value. Next, the buttonless vaping function 2310 is described below with reference to Figure 26.

[0234] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the buttonless vaping function 2310 outputs to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A one of three states as the current vaping mode state: off, preheated, and on. Figure 26 is a flowchart of the buttonless vaping function 2310 according to at least some exemplary embodiments. The buttonless vaping function 2310 may be implemented by the controller 2105. Thus, any or all operations described herein as performed by the buttonless vaping function 2310 may be performed by the controller 2105 of the device system 2100 included in a non-nicotine e-vaper device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vaper device 500).

[0235] Referring to Figure 26, in the initial state, the buttonless vaping function 2310 outputs an off state. For example, in operation S2410, the buttonless vaping function 2310 outputs an off state as the current vaping mode state.

[0236] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the buttonless vaping function 2310 transitions the current vaping mode state from the off state to the on state based on the detection of vapor inhalation while in the off state. For example, in operation S2420, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines whether or not vapor inhalation is occurring. For example, the buttonless vaping function 2310 can determine whether or not a vapor inhalation is occurring based on airflow information generated by the pod sensor 2220 and / or the device sensor 2124. For example, if the airflow information indicates an airflow amount greater than or equal to a threshold, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines that a vapor inhalation is occurring. If vapor inhalation occurs while in the off state, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds to operation S2470. In operation S2470, the buttonless vaping function 2310 transitions the current vaping mode state from the off state to the on state and outputs the on state as the current vaping mode state.

[0237] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the buttonless vaping function 2310 transitions the current vaping mode state from the off state to the preheating state based on detecting a hand-to-mouth (HMG) gesture while in the off state. HMG is a gesture in which an adult vaper's hand moves toward the adult vaper's mouth. An HMG made in relation to a non-nicotine e-vaper device (e.g., a non-nicotine e-vaper device including a non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 and / or a device body 100 or a dispensing body 204) may indicate that vapor drawing may soon begin. An exemplary method for detecting an HMG is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0108840, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0238] Returning to operation S2420, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, if no vapor drawing occurs during the off state, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds to operation S2430. In operation S2430, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines whether or not HMG has occurred. If HMG has occurred during the off state, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds to operation S2440. In operation S2440, the buttonless vaping function 2310 transitions the current vaping mode state from the off state to the preheating state and outputs the preheating state as the current vaping mode state. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the buttonless vaping function 2310 maintains the off state as the current vaping mode state until the buttonless vaping function 2310 detects either vapor inhalation or HMG. For example, returning to operation S2430, if no HMG occurred while the device was off, the buttonless vaping function 2310 maintains the off state as the current vaping mode state and returns to operation S2420.

[0239] Returning to operation S2440, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, the buttonless vaping function 2310 transitions the current vaping mode state from the preheating state to the ON state based on the detection of vapor aspiration during the preheating state. For example, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds from operation S2440 to operation S2450. In operation S2450, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines whether or not vapor aspiration is occurring. If vapor aspiration occurs during the preheating state, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds to operation S2470, thereby transitioning from the preheating state to the ON state. As described above, in operation S2470, the buttonless vaping function 2310 outputs the ON state as the current vaping mode state.

[0240] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the buttonless vaping function 2310 transitions from the preheating state to the off state based on the occurrence of a preheating timeout event during the preheating state. For example, if no vapor inhalation occurs during the preheating state in operation S2450, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds to operation S2460. In operation S2460, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines whether or not a preheating timeout event has occurred. The buttonless vaping function 2310 determines that a preheating timeout event has occurred if it determines that the time spent in the preheating state has exceeded the preheating timeout value. If the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines that a preheating timeout event has occurred during the preheating state, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds to operation S2410, thereby transitioning the current vaping mode state from the preheating state to the off state. As described above, in operation S2410, the buttonless vaping function 2310 outputs the off state as the current vaping mode state.

[0241] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the buttonless vaping function 2310 maintains the preheating state as the current vaping mode state until the buttonless vaping function 2310 detects either vapor aspiration or a preheating timeout. For example, returning to operation S2460, if no preheating timeout event has occurred and no vapor aspiration has been detected during the preheating state, the buttonless vaping function 2310 maintains the preheating state and returns to operation S2450.

[0242] Returning to operation S2470, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, the buttonless vaping function 2310 transitions from the ON state to the OFF state based on the end of a vapor inhalation scene or the detection of a vaping timeout event. For example, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds from operation S2470 to operation S2480. In operation S2480, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines whether a vapor inhalation scene has ended or whether a vaping timeout event has occurred. For example, based on airflow information generated by the pod sensor 2220 and / or device sensor 2124, the buttonless vaping function 2310 can determine whether a vapor inhalation scene detected in step S2420 or step S2450 has ended. For example, if, after vapor inhalation is detected, the airflow information indicates that the airflow amount has fallen below a threshold, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines that a vapor inhalation scene has ended. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the threshold used to detect the start of the vapor aspiration scene in operation S2420 or S2450 may have a different value from the threshold used to detect the end of the vapor aspiration scene in operation S2480.

[0243] Furthermore, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines that a vaping timeout event has occurred if it determines that the time spent in the ON state exceeds the vaping timeout value. If the buttonless vaping function 2310 detects either the end of a vapor inhalation scene or the occurrence of a vaping timeout event while in the ON state, the buttonless vaping function 2310 proceeds to operation S2410, thereby transitioning the current vaping mode state from the ON state to the OFF state. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the buttonless vaping function 2310 maintains the ON state as the current vaping mode state until it detects either the end of a vapor inhalation scene or a vaping timeout event. For example, returning to operation S2480, if no vaping timeout event occurred while in the ON state and the end of the current vapor inhalation scene has not been detected, the buttonless vaping function 2310 maintains the ON state and repeats operation S2480.

[0244] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the buttonless vaping function 2310 may determine whether a preheating timeout event has occurred in operation S2460 and / or in operation S2480 based on timer values ​​including a preheating timeout value and / or a vaping timeout value. For example, the buttonless vaping function 2310 may determine that a preheating timeout event has occurred in operation S2460 of Figure 26 if the buttonless vaping function 2310 detects a preheating vaping state length exceeding the preheating timeout value. The preheating timeout value may be, for example, 1 to 2 seconds. Furthermore, the buttonless vaping function 2310 may determine that a vaping timeout event has occurred in operation S2480 of Figure 26 if the buttonless vaping function 2310 detects an on-vaping state length exceeding the vaping timeout value. The vaping timeout value may be, for example, around 7 to 10 seconds. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the buttonless vaping function 2310 can track the length of a continuous on or preheated vaping state using a clock signal output by the clock 2370. Furthermore, the values ​​of the preheated timeout and vaping timeout are not limited to the exemplary time lengths described above. For example, the time lengths of the preheated timeout value and / or vaping timeout value may be set according to the preference of the designer or manufacturer of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500, for example.

[0245] Furthermore, as stated above, the buttonless vaping function 2310 determines the current vaping mode state to one of three states (i.e., off, preheated, on). However, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the preheated state may be omitted, and the buttonless vaping function 2310 may determine the current vaping mode state to one of only two states: on and off. For example, referring to Figure 26, if the preheated state is omitted, the buttonless vaping function 2310 may omit operations S2430, S2440, S2450, and S2460. Moreover, if the preheated state is omitted, the buttonless vaping function 2310 may perform operation S2420 without transitioning to the preheated state. For example, the buttonless vaping function may remain in the off state while no vapor inhalation is detected (N), and then, in response to vapor inhalation being detected (Y), proceed to operation S2470, which transitions the current vaping mode state from the off state to the on state, and then perform operation S2420. Furthermore, if the preheating state is omitted, the buttonless vaping function 2310 may perform the remaining operations S2410, S2470, and S2480 in the same manner as described above with reference to Figure 26. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the buttonless vaping function 2310 continuously determines the current vaping mode state and continuously outputs the determined current vaping mode in accordance with the operations described above with reference to Figure 26. Next, the first calibration mapping function 2320 will be described below.

[0246] The first calibration mapping function 2320 outputs the operating point to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the operating point corresponds to a power value or power level, including, but not limited to, 1W, 2.567W, 20W, 32.15W, and 52,663W.

[0247] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 reads one or more operating points from a removable pod installed in a non-nicotine e-vaper device and outputs one of the one or more operating points to a setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A. For example, a non-nicotine e-vaper device implementing the first calibration mapping function 2320 (e.g., non-nicotine e-vaper device 500) may be configured to detect power information from a removable pod 300 installed in the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500. The power information read from the pod 300 may include one or more operating points. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the power information read from the pod 300 may include operating points for each vaping mode state (i.e., preheating, on, and off). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the power information read from the pod 300 may include operating points for the preheating and on states, but not for the off state.

[0248] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 reads multiple operating points from the detachable pod, accepts coarse preference levels from the AV vaping profile update function 2340, selects one or more operating points corresponding to the coarse preference levels from the read operating points, and outputs the selected operating points or multiple operating points to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the power information read from the pod 300 by the first calibration mapping function 2320 may include an operating point for each possible combination of coarse preference levels and vaping mode states (preheating, on, and off). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the power information read from the pod 300 may include an operating point for each coarse preference level for the on state, one operating point for the preheating state, and one operating point (or alternatively, no operating points) for the off state.

[0249] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 reads the operating point from a detachable pod, receives fine-grained preference levels from the AV vaping profile update function 2340, adjusts the read operating point based on the fine-grained preference levels, and outputs the adjusted operating point to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A. For example, the fine-grained preference levels received from the AV vaping profile update function 2340 may indicate the adjustment to be made to the operating point. For example, the fine-grained preference levels may indicate the direction and amount of adjustment (e.g., sign and magnitude: +3W, -4.823W, +10.645W, etc.).

[0250] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may generate operating points based on both coarse and fine preference levels received from the AV vaping profile update function 2340. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 reads multiple operating points from a detachable pod, receives coarse preference levels from the AV vaping profile update function 2340, selects an operating point corresponding to the coarse preference level from the read operating points, receives fine preference levels from the AV vaping profile update function 2340, adjusts the selected operating point based on the fine preference level, and outputs the adjusted operating point to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A.

[0251] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 is implemented by a controller 2105 of a device system 2100 included in a non-nicotine e-vaper device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vaper device 500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as being performed by the first calibration mapping function 2320 may also be performed or controlled by the controller 2105. The AV vaping profile update function 2340, coarse preference levels, and fine preference levels are described in more detail below.

[0252] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 outputs one or both of the coarse and fine preference levels described above, with reference to the first calibration mapping function 2320. An example in which the AV vaping profile update function 2340 outputs coarse preference levels is described below.

[0253] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an adult vaper may operate an input device of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 to select one of several coarse taste levels. For example, as described above with reference to Figures 21A and 21B, the device body 100 of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 may include an on-product control 2150. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the on-product control 2150 may include a device that can be manually operated by the adult vaper to indicate the selection of any device or value. Exemplary embodiments include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, dials, capacitive sensors, and sliders. For example, if the on-product control 2150 includes a slider, the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 may be capable of detecting the position of the adult vaper's finger along the length of the slider according to known methods. For example, the slider may include a capacitive sensor along the length of the slider. Furthermore, the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 may detect the position of an adult vaper's finger touching a capacitive sensor along the length of the slider, based on a signal generated by the capacitive sensor, according to a known method. In another example, the slider may include a mechanical element coupled to a track that runs along the length of the slider. The mechanical element may be configured to slide up and down the track by the adult vaper's finger. Furthermore, the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 may also detect the position of the mechanical element along the length of the slider.

[0254] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the length of the slider may be divided into a plurality of consecutive regions, and a plurality of coarse preference levels may be assigned to each of the plurality of consecutive regions. For example, in a scenario where five coarse preference levels are assigned to each of five consecutive regions of the slider's length, an adult vaper can select a particular preference level from the five coarse preference levels by manipulating the slider (for example, by moving the adult vaper's fingers and / or mechanical elements to a position along the length of the slider within the region to which a particular coarse preference level is assigned). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the slider may be implemented as one or more capacitive touch sensors.

[0255] In addition to including a slider, or as an alternative thereto, the on-product control 2150 may include one or more buttons to facilitate the selection of a specific preference level from the coarse preference levels described above. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the dispensing body includes first and second buttons 118, 120. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the coarse preference levels (e.g., five coarse preference levels) may cycle through in response to the operation of one or both of the first and second buttons 118, 120. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first and second buttons may be implemented as touch sensors, which may be mechanical (e.g., mechanical buttons) and / or capacitive (e.g., capacitive sensors).

[0256] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the device body 100 may provide an indication (e.g., a visual, tactile, and / or auditory indication) for identifying the currently selected coarseness level from among a plurality of available coarseness levels. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the second button 120 is an intensity button, and operation of the second button 120 allows the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 to advance from the current coarseness level to the next coarseness level. Furthermore, the light guide component shown in Figure 1 may provide a different visual indication for each different coarseness level (e.g., by changing the color, length, size, or brightness of the light emitted by the light guide component), thereby allowing identification of the currently selected coarseness level.

[0257] Next, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 outputs the selected coarse preference levels to the first calibration mapping function 2320. Furthermore, the five coarse preference levels may each correspond to five operating points read by the first calibration mapping function 2320 from a detachable pod (e.g., pod 300) attached to the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500. Thus, the first calibration mapping function 2320 outputs an operating point from among the five operating points read from the detachable pod that corresponds to the received coarse preference level. Next, an example of the AV vaping profile update function 2340 outputting fine preference levels is described below.

[0258] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an adult vaper may operate an input device to select one of several fine-grained preference levels. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the input device may be a wireless electronic device (e.g., a wireless communication device), examples of which include, but are not limited to, smartphones and tablets. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the electronic device runs an application or app that the adult vaper can use to select fine-grained preference values ​​to adjust the operating point. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a non-nicotine e-vaper device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vaper device 500) and a wireless electronic device may communicate with each other wirelessly (e.g., via a wireless communication link) using any known wireless technology, examples of which include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, wireless USB, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11, etc. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the electronic device is a smartphone running an app that causes the smartphone to create a graphical user interface (GUI) that the adult vaper can interact with to select fine-grained preference levels. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the GUI includes an app slider. The app slider may be an image of a slider displayed on the smartphone's screen, and the adult vapor can be operated using the smartphone's touchscreen, keys, buttons, and / or other input devices. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the app slider allows the adult vapor to finely or precisely adjust its operating point (e.g., 7W). For example, if the initial operating point is 7W and the app slider allows the adult vapor to adjust the initial operating point in 1mW increments within a range of ±128mW, the adult vapor can select an operating point adjusted between 6872mW and 7128mW.According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a smartphone can wirelessly transmit fine-grained preference levels, indicating adjustments selected by the adult vaper via a slider in the app, to a non-nicotine e-vaper device. In the non-nicotine e-vaper device, an AV vaping profile update function 2340 receives the fine-grained preference levels and provides them to a first calibration mapping function 2320. As described above, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may use the fine-grained preference levels received from the AV vaping profile update function 2340 to adjust the operating point before outputting the adjusted operating point to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A.

[0259] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 writes the coarse and / or fine taste levels selected by the adult vaper to the memory (e.g., non-volatile memory 2205b) of a detachable pod (e.g., detachable pod 300) attached to a non-nicotine e-vaper device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vaper device 500). Thus, when the detachable pod (e.g., pod 300) is reattached to the non-nicotine e-vaper device after being removed for a period of time, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may read the previously selected coarse and / or fine taste levels from the memory of the reattached detachable pod. Furthermore, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may use the previously selected coarse and / or fine taste levels to generate a calibrated operating point.

[0260] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 writes entries for vaping profiles to a vaping profile database. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the vaping profile database may be stored in the memory (e.g., storage medium 2145) of the dispenser body (e.g., device body 100) of a non-nicotine e-vaper device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vaper device 500). Each vaping profile entry may include a coarse and / or fine taste level selected by the adult vaper, and formulation type information (e.g., non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation identifier) ​​that identifies the formulation type of non-nicotine pre-vaper formulation contained by the detachable pod that was attached to the non-nicotine e-vaper device at the time the adult vaper selected the coarse and / or fine taste level. Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, when a new, unused detachable pod is attached to the non-nicotine e-vapor device, the first calibration mapping function 2320 can read the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier of the new detachable pod and compare the read non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier with a vaping profile entry stored in the vaping profile database. If the first calibration mapping function 2320 identifies a vaping profile entry having a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier that matches the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier of the newly installed detachable pod, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may read the coarse and / or fine taste levels contained in the identified vaping profile entry. Furthermore, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may use the read coarse and / or fine taste levels to generate a calibrated operating point.According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 can read the identity (e.g., formulation type) of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation of the detachable pod in a manner similar to that described above with respect to reading an image (e.g., a QR code®) placed on the detachable pod (e.g., pod 300) or an operating point from the memory of the detachable pod.

[0261] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 tracks the coarse preference level and / or fine preference level selected by the adult vaper over time and stores the tracked coarse preference level and / or fine preference level in the memory of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 (e.g., the storage medium 2145 of the device body 100 of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500). Furthermore, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 can determine predicted coarse preference levels based on the tracked coarse preference levels and / or predicted fine preference levels based on the tracked fine preference levels. The predicted coarse preference levels and predicted fine preference levels may also be referred to herein as predicted vaping preference levels.

[0262] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the predicted coarse preference value is the mean, median, or mode of the tracked coarse preference levels. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the predicted coarse preference value is the mean, median, or mode of the tracked coarse preference levels that fall within a window (e.g., the last 10 tracked coarse preference levels). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the predicted coarse preference value is a weighted average of the tracked coarse preference levels.

[0263] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the predicted fine-grain preference value is the mean, median, or mode of the tracked fine-grain preference levels. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the predicted fine-grain preference value is the mean, median, or mode of the tracked fine-grain preference levels that fall within a window (e.g., the last 10 tracked fine-grain preference levels). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the predicted fine-grain preference value is the weighted average of the tracked fine-grain preference levels.

[0264] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 can calculate different predicted vaping preference values ​​for different time periods of the day. An exemplary time period of the day is a time within the day (e.g., 8 AM to 12 PM; 12 PM to 4 PM, etc.). Therefore, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 can calculate a predicted coarse preference level for the morning based only on the coarse preference level tracked during the morning (e.g., 8 AM to 12 PM), and a predicted coarse preference level for the afternoon based only on the coarse preference level tracked during the afternoon (e.g., 12 PM to 4 PM). Furthermore, the AV vaping profile update function 2340 can calculate a predicted fine preference level for the morning based only on the fine preference level tracked during the morning (e.g., 8 AM to 12 PM), and a predicted fine preference level for the afternoon based only on the fine preference level tracked during the afternoon (e.g., 12 PM to 4 PM). The AV vaping profile update function 2340 may store the above-mentioned predicted vaping preference levels in the memory of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 (for example, the storage medium 2145 of the device body 100 of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, when the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 is started, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may determine the current time (for example, 2pm), read the stored vaping preference levels corresponding to the current time (for example, predicted afternoon coarse preference value and predicted afternoon coarse preference level) from the memory of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500, and generate an adjusted operating point using the read vaping preference levels.

[0265] Returning to FIG. 25A, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A can also include a decrement time operation 2610, a first transfer curve selection operation 2620, a vaporizing mode identification operation 2630, and a first power level setting operation 2640. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, any or all of the decrement time operation 2610, the first transfer curve selection operation 2620, the vaporizing mode identification operation 2630, and the first power level setting operation 2640 of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A may be executed continuously. Next, the decrement time operation 2610 will be described in more detail below.

[0266] The decrement time operation 2610 decrements a timer value based on the current time input from the clock 2370. As will be described in more detail below, the timer value may be used by other operations, such as the first power level setting operation 2640. Next, the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 will be described in more detail below.

[0267] In the first transfer curve selection operation 2620, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A may select a transfer curve from one or more transfer curves received from the first calibration mapping function 2320 and provide the selected transfer curve to the first power level setting operation 2640. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the transfer curve output by the first transfer curve selection operation may be one of a plurality of operating points output from the first calibration mapping function 2320 to the first transfer curve selection operation 2620.

[0268] For example, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may provide an operating point for each of a plurality of vaping mode states. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the operating points provided by the first calibration mapping function 2320 to the set point heating engine control algorithm 2300A include two operating points, an operating point in the preheating vaping mode state and an operating point in the on-vaping mode state. However, alternatively, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may provide a series of operating points whose levels change over time for one or both of the preheating and on-vaping mode states, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 25G and 25H.

[0269] Returning to Figure 25A, as described above, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first calibration mapping function 2320 may output a plurality of operating points corresponding to a plurality of vaping mode states. The first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may select one of the operating points output by the first calibration mapping function 2320 based on the current vaping mode of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A (e.g., off, preheating, or on). The first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may provide the first power level setting operation 2640 with a transfer curve corresponding to the selected operating point. For example, if the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A is in a preheating vaping mode state, the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may provide the first power level setting operation 2640 with a transfer curve corresponding to the preheating vaping mode state. Similarly, if the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A is in an on-vaping mode state, the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may provide the first power level setting operation 2640 with a transfer curve corresponding to the on-vaping mode state. Furthermore, if the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A is in an off-vaping mode state, the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may provide the first power level setting operation 2640 with a transfer curve corresponding to the off-vaping mode state. If the selected transfer curve does not include a portion corresponding to the off-vaping mode state, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may provide the first power level setting operation 2640 with a default transfer curve corresponding to providing a low level of power to the heating engine 2215 for the off-vaping mode state, or not providing any power.According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 selects a transfer curve to provide to the first power level setting operation 2640 based on vaping mode state information received from the vaping mode identification operation 2630. The vaping mode identification operation 2630 is described in more detail below. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the transfer curve provided by the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may be a power value or correspond to a power value.

[0270] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the vaping mode identification operation 2630 determines the current vaping mode state (e.g., off, preheating, or on) of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A based on the current vaping mode state output of the buttonless vaping function 2310. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the buttonless vaping function 2310 outputs the current vaping mode state in the manner described above with reference to Figure 26. As described above, the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may use the vaping mode state received from the vaping mode identification operation 2630 to select a transfer curve to provide to the first power level setting operation 2640. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the vaping mode identification operation 2630 may be omitted, and the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 may accept the vaping mode state (e.g., off, preheating, or on) from the buttonless vaping function 2310. The first power level setting operation 2640 will now be described in more detail below.

[0271] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a first power level setting operation 2640 receives a transfer curve from a first transfer curve selection operation 2620 and outputs a first power level waveform 2710 according to the operating points or a number of operating points included in the received transfer curve. The first power level setting operation 2640 may also output the first power level waveform 2710 to a heating engine driver 2305, which may cause the power supply 2110 to supply power to the heating engine 2215 according to the first power level waveform 2710.

[0272] Figure 25B shows at least a portion of the power level waveforms output by the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A. For example, Figure 25B shows at least a portion of the first power level waveform 2710 output by the first power level setting operation 2640 when the vaping mode state output from the buttonless vaping function 2310 and / or vaping mode identification operation 2630 transitions according to the following sequence: off → preheating → on → off. In this specification, the term "power level waveform" refers to the waveform corresponding to the power level output by the heating engine control algorithm to the heating engine driver 2305 in time. Furthermore, the term "power level waveform" is considered synonymous with "power waveform," and is sometimes referred to as "power waveform." According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine driver 2305 increases or decreases the amount of power supplied to the heater 2215 by the power supply 2110 in a manner proportional to the increase or decrease in the magnitude of the power level of the power level waveform output to the heating engine driver 2305.

[0273] As shown in Figure 25B, the first power level waveform 2710 output by the first power level setting operation 2640 starts at a power level corresponding to the off-vaping mode state (for example, in response to the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 selecting a transfer curve corresponding to the off-vaping mode state), rises from the power level corresponding to the off-vaping mode state to the power level corresponding to the preheating vaping mode state (for example, in response to the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 selecting a transfer curve corresponding to the preheating vaping mode state), and rises from the power level corresponding to the preheating vaping mode state to the power level corresponding to the on-vaping mode state. The power level rises to a bell (for example, in response to the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 selecting a transfer curve corresponding to the preheating vaping mode state), rises from the power level corresponding to the preheating vaping mode state to the power level corresponding to the on-vaping mode state (for example, in response to the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 selecting a transfer curve corresponding to the on-vaping mode state), and falls back down from the power level corresponding to the on-vaping mode state to the power level corresponding to the off-vaping mode state (for example, in response to the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 selecting a transfer curve corresponding to the off-vaping mode state).

[0274] As shown in Figure 25A, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the decrement time operation 2610 may cause the first power level setting operation 2640 to perform a shutdown operation with respect to the heating engine 2215 by transmitting a timer shutdown signal to the first power level setting operation 2640. The timer shutdown signal may also be referred to herein as a “timed shutdown signal”. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the decrement time operation 2610 may be used to implement a shutdown of the power supplied to the heating engine 2215 by controlling the power level output by the first power level setting operation 2640. For example, in addition to the buttonless vaping function 2310 performing a shutdown of the power supplied to the heating engine 2215, or instead (for example, by tracking a preheating timeout event and / or vaping timeout event and outputting the off state as the current vaping mode state in the manner described above with reference to operations S2460 and S2480 in Figure 26), the decrement time operation 2610 may track a preheating timeout value and / or vaping timeout value for the length of time that the current vaping mode state of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A is maintained as a preheating state or an on state. Furthermore, in response to the decrement time operation 2610 determining that the preheating timeout value or vaping timeout value has been exceeded, the decrement time operation 2610 sends a timer shutdown signal to the first power level setting operation 2640, and the first power level setting operation 2640 responds to the timer shutdown signal by outputting a power level or power level waveform to the heating engine driver 2305, causing the heating engine driver 2305 to disconnect or stop the power supply to the heating engine 2215.According to at least some exemplary embodiments, in response to the first power level setting operation 2640 receiving a timer shutdown signal from the decrement time operation 2610, the first power level setting operation 2640 causes the heating engine driver 2305 to disconnect or stop supplying power to the heating engine 2215, regardless of the transfer curve output by the first transfer curve selection operation 2620, thereby stopping the power supply to the heating engine 2215.

[0275] Next, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B will be described below with reference to Figures 25C and 25D. Example of an adaptive heating engine control algorithm

[0276] Figure 25C is a block diagram showing the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B according to at least some exemplary embodiments. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B is an exemplary implementation of the heating engine control algorithm 2300 shown in Figure 24.

[0277] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B is implemented by a controller 2105 of a device system 2100 included in a non-nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vapor device 500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as being performed by the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B (or its elements) may be performed by the controller 2105.

[0278] Referring to Figure 25C, in at least some examples, the amount of power applied to the heating engine 2215 by the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B during the vaping drawing scene may correspond to the magnitude of the measured airflow rate. As used herein, the terms “airflow” and “airflow rate” refer to the speed at which air flows (i.e., the amount of air passing per unit time), which may be measured, for example, in units of milliliters per second (mL / s).

[0279] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B may have the same structure as the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A in Figure 25A, except that the first power level setting operation 2640 is replaced by an adaptive power level setting operation 2642, as shown in Figure 25C. In relation to the first power level setting operation 2640, the adaptive power level setting operation 2642 may additionally accept airflow measurements from one or more sensors of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 (e.g., a heating engine sensor 2222, a pod sensor 2220, or a hot-wire anemometer flow sensor included in the device sensor 2125). For example, the heating engine sensor 2222 may repeatedly measure the airflow with respect to the airflow of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 and / or pod 300 and output the measured airflow to the adaptive power level setting operation 2642.

[0280] Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, during the on-vaping mode state, the adaptive power level setting operation 2642 may output a second power waveform 2720 based on both (i) the transfer curve output by the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 and (ii) the measured airflow output by the heating engine sensor 2222 and / or the pod sensor 2220. For example, the adaptive power level setting operation 2642 may generate the adaptive power level by performing mathematical operations on the power level corresponding to the output transfer curve such that the value of the adaptive power level increases as the measured airflow increases. For example, Figure 25D shows an exemplary relationship between the detected airflow and the adaptive power level generated by the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B according to at least some exemplary embodiments. As shown in Figure 25D, the adaptive power level increases as the measured airflow increases. In the example shown in Figure 25D, the adaptive power level setting operation 2642 is configured such that the relationship between the adaptive power level and the measured airflow is substantially linear. However, at least some exemplary embodiments are not limited to the example shown in Figure 25D. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the adaptive power level setting operation 2642 may be configured such that the relationship between the adaptive power level and the measured airflow is not linear. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the relationship between the adaptive power level and the measured airflow (i.e., the manner in which the generated adaptive power level changes with changes in the measured airflow) may be set according to the preference of the designer or manufacturer of the non-nicotine e-vaper device 500 and / or pod 300.

[0281] Therefore, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B controls the amount of power applied to the heating engine 2215, and consequently the temperature and / or volume of the vapor produced by the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 and / or pod 300, to change the amount of power applied to the heating engine 2215 as the airflow through the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 and / or pod 300 changes. As a result, the temperature and / or volume of the vapor produced by the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 may be adjusted by adjusting the airflow through the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 and / or pod 300.

[0282] Furthermore, the decrement time operation 2610 of the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B may operate in the same manner as described above with reference to Figure 25A, for example, by outputting a timer shutdown signal. Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the adaptive power level setting operation 2642 responds to the timer shutdown signal by outputting a power level or power level waveform to the heating engine driver 2305 such that the heating engine driver 2305 disconnects or stops supplying power to the heating engine 2215. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, in response to the adaptive power level setting operation 2642 receiving a timer shutdown signal from the decrement time operation 2610, the adaptive power level setting operation 2642 causes the heating engine driver 2305 to disconnect or stop supplying power to the heating engine 2215, regardless of the transfer curve output by the first transfer curve selection operation 2620 and regardless of the measured airflow.

[0283] For the sake of clarity, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B has been described above primarily with reference to the heating engine sensor 2222. However, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the measurements described with reference to Figures 25C and 25D as being performed by the heating engine sensor 2222 may also be performed by the pod sensor 2220 or the device sensor 2125. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, the process of generating an adaptive power level that changes in response to the measured airflow has been described above with reference to the heating engine control algorithm (i.e., adaptive heating engine control algorithm 2300B), which is a modification of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A in Figure 25A. However, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine control algorithms 2300, 2300C and 2300D may also be modified to generate a power level waveform having an adaptive power level that changes in response to the measured airflow, in the same manner as described above with reference to Figure 25C.

[0284] Next, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C will be explained below with reference to Figures 25E to 25F. Example of a temperature-controlled engine algorithm

[0285] Figure 25E is a block diagram showing a temperature-heated engine control algorithm 2300C according to at least some exemplary embodiments. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the temperature-heated engine control algorithm 2300C is an exemplary implementation of the heating engine control algorithm 2300 shown in Figure 24.

[0286] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C is performed by a controller 2105 of a device system 2100 included in a non-nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vapor device 500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as performed by the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C (or its elements) may be performed by the controller 2105.

[0287] Referring to Figure 25E, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C uses a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller 2670 to control the amount of power applied to the heating engine 2215 to achieve a desired temperature. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, as will be described in more detail below, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C includes determining a heater temperature value (e.g., heating engine temperature estimate 2674), obtaining a target temperature value (e.g., target temperature 2676), and controlling the level of power supplied to the heater based on the heater temperature value and the target temperature value using a PID controller (e.g., PID controller 2670).

[0288] The second calibration mapping function 2324 of the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C may be different from the first calibration mapping function 2320 of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A in FIG. 25A in that the second calibration mapping function 2324 may output the operating point in the form of a temperature value instead of a power level. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the second calibration mapping function 2324 may read a temperature value from the pod 300 or, alternatively, read an operating point represented by a power value from the pod 300 and convert the operating point to a temperature value. Thus, the second calibration mapping function 2324 may output a plurality of temperature values corresponding to a plurality of vaping mode states (off, pre-heating, and on), respectively. Further, similar to that described above for the operating point output by the first calibration mapping function 2320, the second calibration mapping function 2324 may select the temperature value to be output for one or more of the off, pre-heating, and on vaping mode states based on one or both of the coarse preference level and the fine preference level received from the AV vaping profile update function 2340.

[0289] Thereby, the second transfer curve selection operation 2624 of the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C selects, from the temperature values output by the second calibration mapping function 2324, the temperature value corresponding to the vaping mode state output by the vaping mode identification operation 2630. Further, the second transfer curve selection operation 2624 outputs the selected temperature value as the target temperature 2676.

[0290] As a result, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C obtains a target temperature value (e.g., target temperature 2676) by detecting power information indicating multiple temperature setpoints from a detachable pod 300 contained in the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500, determining the current operating mode of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 (e.g., the vaping mode state output by the vaping mode identification operation 2630), and selecting from the multiple temperature setpoints a temperature setpoint corresponding to the determined current operating mode as the target temperature value.

[0291] Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the target temperature 2676 functions as a setpoint (i.e., a temperature setpoint) in a PID control loop controlled by the PID controller 2670. Other elements of the PID control loop controlled by the PID controller 2670 are as follows: the PID controller 2670 outputs a second power level setting operation 2644, a power control signal 2672 for controlling the level of a third power waveform 2730 output by the second power level setting operation 2644 functions as a control variable in the PID control loop, and the heating engine temperature estimate 2674 output by the heating engine temperature prediction function 2660 functions as a process variable in the PID control loop.

[0292] As described above, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine temperature estimate 2674 is output by the heating engine temperature prediction function 2660. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine temperature prediction function 2660 may accept electrical measurements from the heating engine sensor 2222 indicating, for example, the current of the heater 2215, e.g., heater current heater_I, the voltage of the heater 2215, e.g., heater voltage heater_V, or other electrical attributes of the heater 2215 from which the heater current heater_I and / or heater voltage heater_V can be derived or estimated. Furthermore, the heating engine temperature prediction function 2660 may use the electrical measurements of the heater 2215 to determine the resistance of the heater 2215, heater resistance heater_R (for example, using Ohm's law or other known methods). For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine temperature prediction function 2660 may determine the heater resistance heater_R as the quotient obtained by dividing the heater voltage heater_V by the heater current heater_I (i.e., heater_V / heater_I = heater_R).

[0293] Furthermore, the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 may store a lookup table (LUT) (for example, in the storage medium 2145 of the device system 2100 or the non-volatile memory 2205b of the pod system 2200) in which multiple heater resistance values ​​are stored as indices of multiple corresponding heater temperature values, which are also stored in the LUT. As a result, the heating engine temperature prediction function 2660 may estimate the current temperature of heater 2215 by using the previously determined heater resistance heater_R as an index in the LUT in order to identify (e.g., look up) the corresponding heater temperature heater_T from among the heater temperatures stored in the LUT. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating engine temperature prediction function 2660 may output the heater temperature heater_T identified from the LUT as the heating engine temperature estimate 2674.

[0294] As a result, the PID controller 2670 continuously adjusts the level of the power control signal 2672 to control the third power waveform 2730 output to the heating engine driver 2305 by the second power level setting operation 2644 so that the difference (e.g., the magnitude of the difference) between the target temperature 2676 and the heating engine temperature estimate 2674 is reduced or, alternatively, minimized. The difference between the target temperature 2676 and the heating engine temperature estimate 2674 can also be considered an error value that the PID controller 2670 works to reduce or minimize. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the second power level setting operation 2644 outputs the third power waveform 2730 so that its level is controlled by the power control signal 2672. Furthermore, as described above with reference to Figure 25B, the heating engine driver 2305 increases or decreases the amount of power supplied to the heater 2215 by the power supply 2110 in a manner proportional to the increase or decrease in the magnitude of the power level waveform output to the heating engine driver 2305. As a result, by controlling the power control signal 2672 in the manner described above, the PID controller 2670 controls the power level supplied to the heater 2215 (e.g., by the power supply 2110 of the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500) so that the magnitude of the difference between the target temperature value (e.g., target temperature 2676) and the heater temperature value (e.g., heating engine temperature estimate 2674) is reduced or, alternatively, minimized.

[0295] For example, Figure 25F shows at least some examples of power level waveforms generated by the temperature heating engine control algorithm of the 2300C according to at least some exemplary embodiments. Figure 25 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the level of the third power waveform 2730 may change over time by the PID controller 2670 continuously correcting the power control signal 2672 provided to the second power level setting operation 2644. Figure 25 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the level of the third power waveform 2730 may change as the vaping mode state output from the buttonless vaping function 2310 and / or vaping mode identification operation 2630 transitions according to the following sequence: off → preheating → on → off.

[0296] Returning to Figure 25E, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the PID controller 2670 may operate according to known PID control methods. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the PID controller 2670 may generate two or more terms from among proportional terms (P), integral terms (I), and differential terms (D), and the PID controller 2670 may use two or more terms to adjust or correct the power control signal 2672 according to known methods.

[0297] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the pod 300 may store PID parameters for calibrating the PID controller 2670, and the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 may calibrate the PID controller 2670 based on the stored parameters. For example, the PID parameters stored in the pod 300 may be proportional gain K p , integral gain K i , and the differential gain K may include either or all of them. dThe PID parameters stored in the pod 300 may also include other known PID controller parameters. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the PID parameters stored in the pod 300 may be selected (for example, by the designer or manufacturer of the pod 300) to correspond to the characteristics of the formulation type of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation contained within the pod 300. Thus, pods having different formulation types of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations may have different PID parameters stored in or on the pod, and therefore the operation of the PID controller 2670 may be adapted to the characteristics of each different formulation type.

[0298] Furthermore, the decrement time operation 2610 of the 2300C temperature heating engine control algorithm may operate in the same manner as described above with reference to Figure 25A, for example, by outputting a timer shutdown signal. Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the second power level setting operation 2644 responds to the timer shutdown signal by outputting a power level or power level waveform to the heating engine driver 2305 such that the heating engine driver 2305 disconnects or stops supplying power to the heating engine 2215. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, in response to the second power level setting operation 2644 receiving a timer shutdown signal from the decrement time operation 2610, the second power level setting operation 2644 causes the heating engine driver 2305 to disconnect or stop supplying power to the heating engine 2215, regardless of the power control signal 2672 output by the first transfer curve selection operation 2620, thereby stopping the supply of power to the heating engine 2215.

[0299] Next, the waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D will be explained below with reference to Figures 25G to 25H. Example of a waveform heating engine control algorithm

[0300] Figure 25G is a block diagram showing a waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D according to at least some exemplary embodiments. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D is an exemplary implementation of the heating engine control algorithm 2300 shown in Figure 24.

[0301] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D is performed by a controller 2105 of a device system 2100 included in a non-nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., non-nicotine e-vapor device 500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as performed by the waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D (or its elements) may be performed by the controller 2105.

[0302] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D may control the power applied to the heater 2215 (e.g., by the power supply 2110) during the on-vaping mode state to achieve a specified sequence (i.e., waveform) of heater temperature, thereby resulting in a specified sequence of temperature and / or volume of vapor produced by the non-nicotine e-vapor device 500 and / or pod 300.

[0303] Referring to Figure 25G, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D may be the same as or substantially the same as the temperature heating engine control algorithm 2300C in Figure 25E, except that it includes a third calibration mapping function 2326 and a third transfer curve selection operation 2626 instead of a second calibration mapping function 2324 and a second transfer curve selection operation 2624.

[0304] The third calibration mapping function 2326 may operate similarly to the second calibration mapping function 2324 in Figure 25E described above, except that it outputs a waveform containing multiple temperature values ​​instead of outputting a single temperature value corresponding to the on-vaping mode state.

[0305] Furthermore, the third transfer curve selection operation 2626 may operate similarly to the second transfer curve selection operation 2624 described above in Figure 25E, except that instead of outputting a single target temperature 2676 corresponding to the on-vaping mode state, it outputs a waveform containing multiple target temperatures 2676, as shown in Figure 25H.

[0306] Figure 25H shows an example of at least a portion of the target temperature waveform 2676A generated by the waveform heating engine control algorithm 2300D according to at least some exemplary embodiments. The target temperature waveform 2676A shown in Figure 25H shows the target temperature 2676 output by the third transfer curve selection operation 2626 over time. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the target temperature waveform 2676A corresponds to the waveform of temperature values ​​output by the third calibration mapping function 2326, as described above. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25G, the third transfer curve selection operation 2626 may accept the current time from the clock 2370. Thus, the third transfer curve selection operation 2626 may use the current time to transition between each consecutive individual value of the target temperature waveform 2676A according to time intervals, as indicated by the white dots illustrated in Figure 25H.

[0307] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a calibration mapping function (e.g., a first calibration mapping function 2320) may read and output an operating point (i.e., power value) waveform in the same manner as described above with respect to the temperature value waveform output by the third calibration mapping function 2326. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a transfer curve selection operation (e.g., a first transfer curve selection operation 2620 of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm 2300A) may output a power level waveform including multiple different power levels for an on-vaping mode state in the same manner as described above with respect to multiple target temperatures corresponding to on-vaping mode states in the target temperature waveform 2676A output by the third transfer curve selection operation 2626.

[0308] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the shape of the temperature value or operating point waveform read from the pod (e.g., pod 300) by the calibration mapping function may be set (e.g., by the pod designer or manufacturer) according to the characteristics of the formulation type of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation contained in the pod. Thus, pods having different formulation types of non-nicotine prevapor formulations may have different temperature value waveforms or operating point waveforms stored in or on the pod.

[0309] Furthermore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the device body 100 may store one or more waveforms. For example, one or more waveforms may be stored in the device body 100 as a sequence of offsets applied to a temperature value or operating point (e.g., a single temperature value or operating point) output by a calibration mapping function (e.g., a third calibration mapping function 2326) with respect to the on-vaping mode state. For example, a transfer curve selection operation (e.g., a third transfer curve selection operation 2626) may read one or more waveforms stored in the device body 100 to generate a target temperature waveform or power waveform having multiple different values ​​with respect to the on-vaping mode, such as the target temperature waveform 2676A shown in Figure 25H, and apply the offsets corresponding to the read waveforms to the ON-state temperature value or operating point output by the calibration mapping function.

[0310] While numerous exemplary embodiments have been disclosed in this specification, it should be understood that other modifications are possible. Such modifications should not be considered to deviate from the intent and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the heater of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, The non-nicotine e-vaping device comprises a removable container for housing a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, The aforementioned method, To detect power information indicating the first operating point and the second operating point from the aforementioned detachable container, The system includes supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information, Here, supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information is Determining a first amount of energy based on the first operating point, In the first operating mode of the heater, the first amount of power is supplied to the heater, The second amount of energy is determined based on the second operating point, In the second operating mode of the heater, this is performed by supplying the second amount of power to the heater, The second amount of electrical energy is higher than the first amount of electrical energy. method.

2. In the method according to claim 1, The first amount of power supplied in the first operating mode is the amount required to heat the heater to a temperature below the boiling point of the non-nicotine prevapor preparation contained in the non-nicotine e-vaping device. The second amount of power supplied in the second operating mode is the amount required to heat the heater to a temperature equal to or greater than the boiling point of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation contained in the non-nicotine e-vaping device. method.

3. In the method of claim 2, The non-nicotine prevapor formulation is housed in the removable container. method.

4. In the method of claim 2, The detachable container includes the heater, method.

5. In the method according to claim 1, The aforementioned power information includes multiple operating points corresponding to multiple coarse preference levels, The aforementioned method, The non-nicotine e-vaping device accepts the selection of a coarse taste level from among several coarse taste levels via one or more touch sensors located on the device. The process involves selecting an operating point from among the plurality of operating points, with the operating point corresponding to the selected coarse preference level being designated as the second operating point. method.

6. In the method according to claim 5, Determining the second amount of electrical energy is The non-nicotine e-vaping device accepts the selection of a finer preference level from among several finer preference levels, from an external element. The system comprises determining the second amount of power based on the selected second operating point and the selected fine preference level. method.

7. In the method according to claim 6, The aforementioned external element is a wireless communication device, Accepting the aforementioned detailed preference level selection means The non-nicotine e-vaping device is equipped with the ability to accept the selection of the finer preference levels via a wireless communication link between the non-nicotine e-vaping device and the external element. method.

8. In the method according to claim 1, The power information comprises a first set of operating points, each corresponding to a set of coarse preference levels. The aforementioned method, The non-nicotine e-vaping device accepts the selection of a coarse preference level from among the multiple coarse preference levels via one or more touch sensors located on the device. The method includes selecting an operating point from among the first plurality of operating points, the operating point corresponding to the selected coarse preference level, as the first operating point. method.

9. In the method according to claim 8, Determining the first amount of electrical energy is The non-nicotine e-vaping device accepts the selection of a finer preference level from among several finer preference levels from an external element, The system comprises determining the first amount of power based on the selected first operating point and the selected fine preference level. method.

10. In the method according to claim 9, The aforementioned external element is a wireless communication device, Accepting the aforementioned detailed preference level selection means The non-nicotine e-vaping device is equipped with the ability to accept the selection of the finer preference levels via a wireless communication link between the non-nicotine e-vaping device and the external element. method.

11. In the method according to claim 9, The power information comprises a second set of operating points, each corresponding to one of the multiple coarse preference levels. The aforementioned method, The system includes selecting from the aforementioned second plurality of operating points an operating point corresponding to the selected coarse preference level as the second operating point. method.

12. In the method according to claim 11, Determining the second amount of electrical energy is The system comprises determining the second amount of power based on the selected second operating point and the selected fine preference level. method.

13. In the method according to claim 12, The aforementioned external element is a wireless communication device, Accepting the aforementioned detailed preference level selection means The non-nicotine e-vaping device is equipped with the ability to accept the selection of the finer preference levels via a wireless communication link between the non-nicotine e-vaping device and the external element. method.

14. In the method according to claim 1, Detecting the aforementioned power information means The non-nicotine e-vaping device includes reading the power information from an image placed in the removable container. method.

15. In the method according to claim 14, The aforementioned image includes a QR code (registered trademark). Reading the aforementioned power information means The non-nicotine e-vaping device is configured to read the power information from the QR code (registered trademark) placed on the detachable container. method.

16. In the method according to claim 1, Detecting the aforementioned power information means The device includes reading the power information from the memory of the removable container. method.

17. A method for controlling the heater of a non-nicotine e-vapor device, Determining the heater temperature value, Obtaining the target temperature value, The PID controller controls the level of power supplied to the heater based on the heater temperature value and the target temperature value. method.

18. In the method according to claim 17, Determining the heater temperature value is To obtain one or more electrical attributes of the heater, Based on the one or more electrical attributes obtained, the resistance of the heater is determined. The system includes obtaining a first temperature value based on the determined resistance from a lookup table (LUT). method.

19. In the method according to claim 18, The LUT stores multiple temperature values ​​corresponding to the resistances of multiple heaters, The first temperature value obtained is the temperature value corresponding to the resistance determined from among the plurality of temperature values ​​stored in the LUT. The heater temperature value is the first temperature value obtained. method.

20. In the method according to claim 17, Obtaining the target temperature value is To detect power information indicating multiple temperature setpoints from a detachable pod contained in the non-nicotine e-vapor device, To determine the current operating mode of the non-nicotine e-vapor device, The system includes selecting a temperature setting point from among the plurality of temperature setting points that corresponds to the determined current operating mode of the non-nicotine e-vapor device as the target temperature value. method.

21. The method according to claim 17, Controlling the level of power supplied to the heater is, The system includes controlling the level of power supplied to the heater by a PID controller so that the difference between the target temperature value and the heater temperature value is reduced. method.

22. A method for controlling the heater of a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device, The heat knot burn aerosol generating device comprises a removable container for housing an aerosol forming substrate, To detect power information indicating the first operating point and the second operating point from the aforementioned detachable container, The system includes supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information, Here, supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information is Determining a first amount of energy based on the first operating point, In the first operating mode of the heater, the first amount of power is supplied to the heater, The second amount of energy is determined based on the second operating point. In the second operating mode of the heater, this is performed by supplying the heater with the second amount of power. The second amount of electrical energy is higher than the first amount of electrical energy. method.

23. In the method of claim 22, The first amount of power supplied during the first operating mode is the amount by which the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate housed in the heat not-burn aerosol generating device to a temperature below the aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The amount of power supplied during the second operating mode is such that the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate housed in the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device to a temperature equal to or greater than the aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. method.

24. In the method of claim 22, The aforementioned power information includes multiple operating points corresponding to multiple coarse preference levels, The aforementioned method, The heat not burn aerosol generating device accepts the selection of a coarse preference level from among the plurality of coarse preference levels via one or more touch sensors placed on the device. The system comprises selecting, from among the plurality of operating points, the operating point corresponding to the selected coarse preference level as the second operating point. method.

25. In the method of claim 22, The power information comprises a first set of operating points, each corresponding to a set of coarse preference levels. The aforementioned method, The heat-not-burn aerosol generating device accepts the selection of a coarse preference level from among the multiple coarse preference levels via one or more touch sensors arranged on the device. The method comprises selecting, from among the plurality of operating points, the operating point corresponding to the selected coarse preference level as the first operating point. method.

26. In the method of claim 22, Detecting the aforementioned power information means The heat-not-burn aerosol generating device includes reading the power information from an image placed in the removable container. method.

27. In the method of claim 22, Detecting the aforementioned power information means The heat-not-burn aerosol generating device includes reading the power information from the memory of the removable container. method.

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