Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

Aerosol delivery system. The aerosol delivery system 1 for generating an aerosol includes a transducer 202 positioned within an airflow path 204 of the aerosol delivery device and configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system 1 and output a puff detection signal in response to the detection. A speaker 206 is configured to output a deterrent sound 208 for deterring a first user of the aerosol delivery system 1, the deterrent sound 208 including at least one predetermined frequency. The at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system 1, the second user being older than the first user. This therefore provides a means for deterring younger users of the aerosol delivery system 1, if desired.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] [Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, including but not limited to nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes, etc.). [background]

[0003] Electronic aerosol delivery systems often employ electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or, more generally, aerosol delivery devices. Such aerosol delivery systems typically include an aerosolizable substance (also referred to as an aerosol-generating material), such as a fluid or liquid reservoir containing a formulation that typically, but not necessarily, includes nicotine, or a solid substance, such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapor / aerosol is generated, e.g., by thermal evaporation, for inhalation by a user. Thus, aerosol delivery systems typically include a vaporizer (also referred to as an aerosol generator), such as a heating element, positioned to aerosolize a portion of the aerosolizable material to generate a vapor.

[0004] Once vapor is generated, the vapor (if the aerosol-generating material itself is unscented) may be flavored by passing it through a flavoring material, and the (flavored) vapor may then be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery system.

[0005] A potential drawback of existing aerosol delivery systems and related aerosol delivery devices is that they may not always be easily prevented or deterred from use by users of certain age groups. In particular, children and teenagers (e.g., users under the age of 18) may not be prevented or deterred from using existing aerosol delivery systems, and there are often at least regulatory-related reasons why it is desirable for such users not to use aerosol delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems. While distribution of aerosol delivery systems to such users is possible and often prevented, for example, at the point of sale, there remain many situations in which children and teenagers may have access to, and therefore use, aerosol delivery systems. As one example to provide context, if a parent purchases an aerosol delivery system without restrictions at a retail store and leaves it unattended in the home, children may have access to and easily use it.

[0006] Accordingly, various approaches are described herein that aim to address or mitigate some of these problems by implementing an aerosol delivery system that can output a deterrent sound, in conjunction with a speaker included within the aerosol delivery system, to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system. The deterrent sound according to the various approaches described herein includes at least one predetermined frequency that is configured to be audible to the first user and inaudible to a second, older user of the aerosol delivery system. In this manner, the aerosol delivery system can be configured to easily deter such undesirable users (e.g., children and teenagers) from using the aerosol delivery system described herein, while not providing such deterrence to other users (e.g., adults over a certain age).

[0007] Additionally, a mechanism for deterring use by undesired users is provided herein by implementing an aerosol delivery system that utilizes a transducer in combination with a speaker provided within the aerosol delivery system when such users attempt to puff with the aerosol delivery system. Such a mechanism provides a means for deterring, for example, children or teenagers who acquire such aerosol delivery system from using the aerosol delivery system.

[0008] overview

[0009] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: aerosol delivery devices; a consumable for removably engaging with an aerosol delivery device, the consumable configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into an aerosol; The aerosol delivery device comprises: a transducer positioned within the airflow path of the aerosol delivery device, the transducer configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system and output a puff detection signal in response to the detection; a speaker configured to output a deterrent sound to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system in response to receiving the puff detection signal, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to a first user; The speaker, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

[0010] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol delivery system to output a deterrent sound to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system, the method including: detecting a puff of the aerosol delivery system using a transducer positioned in the air flow path of the aerosol delivery system; outputting a puff detection signal from the transducer to a speaker of the aerosol delivery system in response to detecting the puff; receiving a puff detection signal at a speaker; outputting a deterrent sound from the speaker in response to receiving the puff detection signal at the speaker, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to a first user; The at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

[0011] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a transducer positioned within the airflow path of the aerosol delivery system, the transducer configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system and output a puff detection signal in response to the detection; a speaker configured to output a deterrent sound to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system in response to receiving the puff detection signal, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to a first user; The speaker, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

[0012] It will be understood that the features and aspects of the invention described with respect to each aspect above are not limited to the particular combinations described herein, but are equally applicable to and may be combined with embodiments of the invention according to other aspects, as appropriate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol delivery device (shown separately) according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the cartridge components of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. [Figure 3A] 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing portion of a cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3C] 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4A] 4A shows a schematic perspective view of a partition wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a schematic plan view of a partition wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. [Figure 5A] 5A is a schematic perspective view of the resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5B] 5B is a schematic perspective view of the resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. [Figure 5C] 5C is a schematic plan view of the elastic plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A schematically illustrates a perspective view of the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a plan view of the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an aerosol delivery system as shown in FIGS. 1-6B according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, comprising an aerosol delivery device and a consumable, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a transducer and a speaker. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an aerosol delivery system, in which the aerosol delivery system further comprises an age verification module and a user authentication module, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates one embodiment of an aerosol delivery system according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the aerosol delivery device further comprises a channel.

[0014] Detailed Description

[0015] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed / described in detail. Accordingly, it should be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to non-combustion aerosol delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes). For purposes of this disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system refers to an aerosol delivery system in which the aerosol-forming material (or components thereof) that constitute the aerosol delivery system is not burned or cauterized to facilitate delivery to a user. An aerosolizable material (also referred to herein as an "aerosol-forming material" or "aerosol precursor material") refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may be flavored.

[0017] Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, but it should be understood that these may be used synonymously with aerosol delivery systems. Electronic cigarettes may also be referred to as vaping devices or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs), although it should be noted that the aerosolizable material need not contain nicotine.

[0018] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system is a hybrid device and is configured to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or more of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0019] Typically, a (non-combustion) aerosol delivery system may comprise a cartridge / consumable portion and a body / reusable portion / aerosol delivery device portion configured to releasably engage the cartridge / consumable portion.

[0020] The aerosol delivery system may include means for powering the vaporizer therein and may include an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving the aerosolizable material to be vaporized. Additionally, the aerosol delivery system may include a reservoir containing the aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments, a separate reservoir containing a flavoring material for flavoring the vapor generated by the aerosol delivery system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be a heater / heating element that interacts with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the material to form a vapor / aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat. For example, the vaporizer can generate a vapor / aerosol without applying heat to the material by one or more of vibration, mechanical means, pressure, and electrostatic means.

[0022] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered is an aerosolizable material, which may include an active ingredient, a carrier component, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

[0023] The active ingredient may include one or more bioactive and / or olfactory active ingredients included in the aerosolizable material to produce a physiological and / or olfactory response in the user. The active ingredient may be selected from, for example, nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. The active ingredient may be naturally derived or synthetic. The active ingredient may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins (e.g., B6, B12, C), melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active ingredient may include components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or other plants. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a bioactive ingredient and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine tartrate / nicotine hydrogen tartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

[0024] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient and may be selected from "flavoring agents" and / or "flavoring materials" used to impart a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation to adult consumer products (to the extent permitted by local regulations). In some cases, these ingredients may also be referred to as flavoring agents, flavorings, flavoring materials, cooling agents, warming agents, and / or sweetening agents.These include naturally occurring flavoring ingredients, botanicals, botanical extracts, synthetic ingredients, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, kaffir lime leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grapefruit, raspberry ... Water, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, saffron Fennel, wasabi, piman, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, all mint oils, eucalyptus, star anise, cacao, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, teas such as green and black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, turmeric, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento. Additives may include marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway (carby), verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or alternative sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol), charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, breath fresheners, and the like.They may be imitation, synthetic, natural sources or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas, and may contain one or more extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, kaffir lime, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, anise, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway). The additives may include citric acid, citric acid, citric acid derivatives (e.g. ...

[0025] In some embodiments, the flavoring material (flavor) may include menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes a flavoring component extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes a sensate (somatosensory agent), which is intended to produce somatosensation, in addition to or instead of aroma or taste, typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve), and may include agents that impart warming, cooling, tingling, or numbness. Suitable warming agents include, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and the like, and suitable cooling agents include, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3, and the like.

[0026] The carrier component may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol, hi some embodiments, the carrier component may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, phenylbenzyl benzoate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0027] Other functional ingredients may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0028] As noted above, aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) are often modular assemblies that include a reusable part (main body or aerosol delivery device) and a replaceable consumable (cartridge) part. Devices that conform to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongated shape. For illustrative purposes, certain embodiments described herein may encompass this type of generally elongated two-part device with a consumable part. However, it should be understood that the basic principles described herein may be applied to other electronic cigarette configurations as well, such as modular devices with more than two parts, such as so-called box mod devices with a more sophisticated, box-like profile.

[0029] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an aerosol delivery system (e-cigarette) 1 according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Terms relating to the relative locations of parts of the electronic cigarette (e.g., top, bottom, upper, lower, top, bottom, etc.) are used with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. However, it should be understood that this is for convenience of explanation and is not intended to limit the orientation of the electronic cigarette when in use.

[0030] The e-cigarette 1 (aerosol delivery system 1) comprises two main components: a cartridge 2 (also called a consumable) and an aerosol delivery device 4. In Figure 1, the aerosol delivery device 4 and the cartridge 2 are shown separately, but are combined during use.

[0031] The cartridge / consumable 2 and the aerosol delivery device 4 are coupled together by establishing mechanical and electrical connections. The specific methods for establishing these mechanical and electrical connections are not essential to the principles described herein and may be established according to conventional techniques, such as mechanical fastening using threads, bayonet bolts, latches, press-fitting, etc., and electrical connections between the two components using appropriately positioned electrical contacts / electrodes. For example, in the electronic cigarette 1 shown in FIG. 1 , the cartridge includes a mouthpiece 33, a mouthpiece end 52, and an interface end 54. The cartridge is coupled to the aerosol delivery device by inserting an end portion 6 of the interface end into a corresponding receptacle 8 / receiving section of the aerosol delivery device. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge fits into the receptacle 8 and includes a protrusion 56 that engages with a corresponding recess on the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8, providing a detachable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device. An electrical connection between the aerosol delivery device and the cartridge is established via a pair of electrical contacts (not shown in FIG. 1 ) at the bottom of the cartridge and corresponding spring-loaded contact pins (not shown in FIG. 1 ) at the bottom of the receptacle 8. As noted above, the specific method of electrical connection is not essential to the principles of this specification, and in some implementations, power is transferred from the reusable part to the cartridge wirelessly (e.g., via electromagnetic induction technology), so that no electrical connection is provided between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device.

[0032] The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol delivery system) has a generally elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol delivery device, the overall length (along the longitudinal axis) of the electronic cigarette in this example is approximately 12.5 cm. The overall length of the aerosol delivery device is approximately 9 cm, and the overall length of the cartridge is approximately 5 cm (i.e., when coupled, there is an overlap of approximately 1.5 cm between the interface end 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the aerosol delivery device). The cross section of the electronic cigarette is generally oval, being largest near the center of the electronic cigarette and curvilinearly tapering toward both ends. The cross section near the center is approximately 2.5 cm wide and approximately 1.7 cm thick. The cartridge end is approximately 2 cm wide and approximately 0.6 mm thick, while the other end of the electronic cigarette is approximately 2 cm wide and approximately 1.2 cm thick. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is formed of plastic in this example. It should be understood that the particular size, shape, and material of the electronic cigarette is not essential to the principles herein and may vary depending on the implementation, i.e., the principles herein may be equally employed with electronic cigarettes of different sizes, shapes, and / or materials.

[0033] The aerosol delivery device 4, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, can be generally conventional in its function and general construction. In the example of FIG. 1 , the aerosol delivery device 4 includes a plastic outer housing 10, as described above, including a receptacle wall 12 that defines a receptacle 8 for receiving the cartridge end. The outer housing 10 of the aerosol delivery device 4 in this example has a generally elliptical cross-section that matches the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at their junction, providing a smooth continuity between the two components. The receptacle 8 and the end piece 6 of the cartridge 2 are 180° rotationally symmetrical, allowing the cartridge to be inserted into the aerosol delivery device in either of two orientations. The receptacle wall 12 is provided with two aerosol delivery device air inlet openings 14 (i.e., holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with the cartridge air inlet 50 when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol delivery device. In different orientations, the other of the openings 14 aligns with the cartridge air inlet 50. It will be understood that in some implementations, the cartridge may have no rotational symmetry at all, such that it can only be connected to the aerosol delivery device in one direction, while in other implementations, the cartridge may have more rotational symmetry, such that it can be connected to the aerosol delivery device in more directions.

[0034] The aerosol delivery device further includes a battery 16 that provides operating power for the e-cigarette, control circuitry 18 that controls and monitors the operation of the e-cigarette, user input buttons 20, indicator lights 22, and a connector / charging port 24.

[0035] The battery 16 in this embodiment is rechargeable and may be, for example, of the type commonly used in e-cigarettes and other applications requiring the provision of a relatively high current for a relatively short period of time. The battery 16 is rechargeable via a connector / charging port 24, which may include, for example, a USB connector.

[0036] The input button 20 in this embodiment is a conventional mechanical button, e.g., having a spring-loaded component that is depressed by a user to establish electrical contact with underlying circuitry. In this regard, the input button is considered an input device that detects user input, e.g., to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific implementation of the button is not essential. For example, in other implementations, other types of mechanical or touch-sensitive buttons (e.g., capacitive or optical) may be used, or the device may not include a button and instead rely on a puff detector to trigger aerosol generation.

[0037] Indicator lights 22 are provided to visually indicate various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, such as operational status (on / off / standby) and other characteristics such as battery life, fault conditions, etc. Different characteristics may be indicated by different colors and / or different flashing patterns, in accordance with common practice in the art.

[0038] The control circuit 18 is suitably configured / programmed to provide conventional operational functions consistent with established technology for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuit (processor circuit) 18 can be considered to logically comprise various subunits / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of an electronic cigarette. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuit 18 may include a power supply control circuit that controls the supply of power from a battery / power source to the cartridge in response to user input, a user programming circuit that establishes configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, and other functional units / circuits in accordance with the principles herein and conventional aspects of operation of electronic cigarettes, such as an indicator light display driver circuit and a user input detection circuit. It should be understood that the functionality of the control circuit 18 can be provided in a variety of ways, including, for example, using one or more programmable computers suitably programmed to provide the desired functionality, and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets.

[0039] 2 is an exploded, schematic perspective view of cartridge 2 (exploded along longitudinal axis L). Cartridge 2 includes housing portion 32, air channel seal 34, divider wall element 36, outlet tube 38, vaporizer / heat generating element 40, aerosolizable material transport element 42, plug 44, and end cap 48 having contact electrode 46. FIGS. 3-6 show some of these components in more detail.

[0040] Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of housing portion 32 taken along longitudinal axis L at its thinnest position. Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of housing portion 32 taken along longitudinal axis L at its widest position. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing portion taken along longitudinal axis L from interface end 54 (i.e., a view from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

[0041] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of the partition wall element 36 as seen from below, and Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper part of the partition wall element 36 as seen from below.

[0042] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from above, and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic view of plug 44 as viewed along longitudinal axis L from mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., as viewed from above in the orientation of Figures 1 and 2).

[0043] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view from above of end cap 48. Figure 6B is a schematic view of end cap 48 as viewed along longitudinal axis L from mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., as viewed from above).

[0044] The housing portion 32 in this embodiment includes an outer housing wall 64 and an inner housing tube 62, which in this embodiment are formed as a single unit from polypropylene. The outer housing wall 64 defines the exterior of the cartridge 2, and the inner housing tube 62 defines a portion of the air channel within the cartridge. The housing portion is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 except for a mouthpiece opening / aerosol outlet 60 from the mouthpiece 33 (which is in fluid communication with the inner housing tube 62). The housing portion 32 has an opening in its side wall that provides the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The area of ​​the air inlet 50 in this embodiment is approximately 2 mm 2 The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 is provided with the aforementioned protrusions 56, which engage corresponding recesses in the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol delivery device. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion is provided with a further protrusion 66, which functions as an abutment stop for positioning the partition wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L during cartridge assembly. The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 is further provided with apertures providing latch recesses 68, which are arranged to receive corresponding latch protrusions 70 on the end caps to secure the end caps to the housing portion during cartridge assembly.

[0045] The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 that is in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of an air channel through the cartridge. In this embodiment, the double-walled section 74 of the housing portion 32 is arranged to define at the gap an air channel that runs within the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis and has a cross-sectional area of ​​approximately 3 mm 2 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 2 The gap / air channel portion 76 defined by the double-walled section of the housing portion extends to the open end of the housing portion 32.

[0046] The air channel seal 34 is a generally tubular silicone molding having a through-hole 80. The exterior wall of the air channel seal 34 includes a circumferential ridge 84 and an upper collar 82. The interior wall of the air channel seal 34 also has a circumferential ridge, but this is not shown in FIG. 2 . During cartridge assembly, the air channel seal 34 is installed in the inner housing tube 62, with the end of the inner housing tube 62 extending partially into the through-hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through-hole 80 of the air channel seal is approximately 5.8 mm in diameter when unloaded, while the end of the inner housing tube 62 is approximately 6.2 mm in diameter, forming a seal when the air channel seal 34 expands to accommodate the inner housing tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the interior surface of the air channel seal 34.

[0047] The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section made, for example, of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an inner diameter of approximately 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 is provided with a pair of opposing slots 88, each with a semicircular recess 90 at the end. During cartridge assembly, the outlet tube 38 is attached to the exterior surface of the air channel seal 34. The air channel seal has an outer diameter of approximately 9.0 mm when unloaded, and a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to seat inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by a ridge 84 on the exterior surface of the air channel seal 34. A collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop between the outlets 38.

[0048] The aerosolizable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick, and the vaporizer (aerosol generator) 40 includes a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporizer has electrical leads 41 that connect through holes in plug 44 to contact electrodes 46 attached to end cap 54, providing power to the vaporizer via an electrical interface established when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol delivery device. The vaporizer leads 41 may be the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or they may be a different material (e.g., a low-resistivity material) and connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example, the heater coil 40 comprises nickel-iron alloy wire, and the wick 42 comprises glass fiber bundles. The vaporizer and aerosolizable material transport element may be provided in accordance with conventional techniques and may be constructed in different forms and / or from different materials. For example, in some implementations, the wick may comprise a fibrous or solid ceramic material and the heater may comprise a different alloy. In other embodiments, the heater and wick may be combined, for example, in the form of a porous and resistive material. More generally, it should be understood that the specific nature of the aerosolizable material transport element or vaporizer is not essential to the principles herein.

[0049] When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semicircular recess 90 in the outlet tube 38 , with the central portion of the wick wrapped with the heater coil inside the outlet tube and both end portions outside the outlet tube 38 .

[0050] The plug 44 in this embodiment comprises a single piece of silicone and may be resilient. The plug includes a base portion 100 having an outer wall 102 extending upwardly therefrom (i.e., toward the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further includes an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base portion 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 through the base portion 100.

[0051] An outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the housing portion 32, forming a seal with the housing portion 32 when the cartridge is assembled. An inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the outlet tube 38, forming a seal with the outlet tube 38 when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of opposing slots 108, each with a semicircular recess 110 at the end of the slot. Extending outward (i.e., away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 shaped to receive a section of the aerosolizable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semicircular recesses 110 in the inner wall of the plug 44 are aligned with the slots 88 and semicircular recesses 90 in the outlet tube 38, such that the slots 88 in the outlet tube 38 receive the respective cradles 112, and the semicircular recesses of the outlet tube and the plug cooperate to define an aperture through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes. The size of the opening provided by the semicircular recess through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes generally corresponds to the size and shape of the transport element, but is slightly smaller, allowing the resilience of the plug 44 to provide some compression. This allows the aerosolizable material to be transported along the aerosolizable material transport element by capillary action, while limiting the extent to which non-capillary action aerosolizable material passes through the opening. As noted above, the plug 44 has additional openings 114 in the base 100 through which the vaporizer connection leads 41 pass during cartridge assembly. The bottom of the plug base includes spacers 116 to maintain an offset between the remaining surface of the bottom base and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include openings 114 through which the vaporizer electrical connection leads 41 pass.

[0052] The end cap 48 is made of a molded polypropylene body and has mounted therein a pair of electrode posts 46 made of gold-plated copper.

[0053] The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are approximately flush with the cartridge interface end 54 provided by the end cap 48. These are the portions of the electrodes that are contacted by correspondingly aligned spring-loaded contacts in the aerosol delivery device 4 when the cartridge 2 is assembled and connected to the aerosol delivery device 4. The ends of the electrode posts inside the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 into holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and have chamfered upper ends to facilitate insertion into the holes 114, where they maintain pressure contact with the vaporizer contact leads through the action of the plug.

[0054] The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 that conforms to the inner surface of the housing portion 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing portion 32, and the latch protrusions 70 engage the latch recesses 68 in the housing portion 32 to snap-fit ​​the end cap 48 into the housing portion during cartridge assembly. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts the peripheral edge of the plug 44, and the underside of the plug spacer 116 also abuts the base section 124, thereby pressing against the resilient plug 44 and maintaining it in a slight compression when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing portion.

[0055] A base portion 124 of the end cap 48 is provided with a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112, the thickness of which corresponds to the thickness of the outer wall of the housing portion at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 that mates with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to aid in relative positioning during assembly.

[0056] The divider element 36 is a single-piece polypropylene molding and includes a divider wall 130 and a collar 132 formed to protrude from the divider wall 130 toward the interface end of the cartridge. The divider wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e., the divider wall is disposed around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, the divider wall element 36 may be formed integrally with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 abuts the lower surface of the divider wall 130, and the upper surface of the divider wall 130 abuts the protrusion 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32. This allows the divider wall 130 to prevent the plug from being pushed too far into the housing portion 32; i.e., the divider wall 130 is positioned and secured along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the housing portion protrusion 66, providing a securing surface against which the plug abuts. A collar 132 formed by a protrusion from the divider wall includes a first pair of opposing protrusions / tangs 134 that engage corresponding recesses in the inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. Additionally, protrusions from the divider wall 130 provide a pair of cradle sections 136 that engage with the cradle section 112 of the part 44 during cartridge assembly to further define an opening through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes.

[0057] When the cartridge 2 is assembled, an air channel is formed within the cartridge, extending from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60. Starting at the air inlet 50 in the sidewall of the housing portion 32, a first section of the air channel is provided by a gap 76 formed by a double-walled section 74 of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32, extending from the air inlet 50 toward the interface end 54 of the cartridge and passing underneath the plug 44. A second section of the air channel is provided by a gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third section of the air channel is provided by a through-hole 106 in the plug 44. A fourth section of the air channel is provided by the area around the vaporizer 40, inside the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet tube. This fourth section is also referred to as the aerosol / aerosol-generation zone, as this is the zone where aerosol is primarily generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol-generation zone may be referred to as the air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by an inner housing tube 62, which connects the air channel to an aerosol outlet 60 located at the end of the mouthpiece 33. The air channel from the aerosol-generation zone to the aerosol outlet may be referred to as the aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

[0058] Additionally, when the cartridge is assembled, the space outside the air channel and inside the housing portion 32 forms a reservoir 31 for the aerosolizable material. This may be filled during manufacture, for example, through a fill hole that is sealed after filling, or by other means. The specific nature, e.g., composition, of the aerosolizable material is not essential to the principles herein, and conventional aerosolizable materials typically used in electronic cigarettes may generally be used. This disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolizable material, which may be a conventional e-liquid, as described above. However, the principles of this disclosure are applicable to any aerosolizable material that is flowable, and may include liquids, gels, or solids (for solids, many solid particles may be considered flowable when viewed in bulk).

[0059] The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by plug 44. The reservoir includes a first section above divider wall 130 and a second section below divider wall 130 in the space between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolizable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through an opening in the wall of the air channel by the semicircular recesses 108, 90 of plug 44 and outlet tube 38, and the cradle sections 112, 136 of plug 44 and divider wall element 36, which engage with each other as described above. This allows the end of the aerosolizable material transport element to extend into the second section of the reservoir and wick the aerosolizable material through the opening into vaporizer 40 for subsequent vaporization.

[0060] In normal use, cartridge 2 is coupled to aerosol delivery device 4, which is activated to supply power to the cartridge via contact electrode 46 in end cap 48. Power is passed to vaporizer 40 through contact lead 41, which energizes and heats the vaporizer, vaporizing a portion of the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element adjacent to the vaporizer. This generates an aerosol in the aerosol-generation region of the air path. The aerosolizable material evaporated from the aerosolizable material transport element is replaced by aerosolizable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. When the vaporizer is activated, the user draws air through mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This draws air through whichever air inlet 14 of the aerosol delivery device is aligned with air inlet 50 of the cartridge (depending on the orientation of the cartridge inserted into receptacle 8 of the aerosol delivery device). Air enters the cartridge through air inlet 50, along gap 76 in double-walled section 74 of housing portion 32, passes between plug 44 and end cap 48, and then through holes 106 in base portion 100 of plug 44 into the aerosol-generation zone surrounding vaporizer 40. The incoming air mixes with the aerosol generated in the vaporizer to form a condensed aerosol that is then drawn along outlet tube 38 and housing portion inner tube 62 and out mouthpiece outlet / aerosol outlet 60 for inhalation by the user.

[0061] From the above Figures 1-6B, an example structure of one embodiment of an aerosol delivery system 1 configured to generate an aerosol can be seen, which is suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure (and in other forms of aerosol delivery systems).

[0062] 7-9, the present disclosure also provides an aerosol delivery system 1 for generating an aerosol. The aerosol delivery system 1 includes an aerosol delivery device 4. The aerosol delivery system 1 also includes a consumable 2 for removably engaging the aerosol delivery device 4, the consumable 2 being configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into an aerosol.

[0063] The aerosol delivery device 4 includes a transducer 202 positioned in an air flow path 204 of the aerosol delivery device 4. The transducer 202 can be configured to detect a puff in the aerosol delivery system 1 and output a puff detection signal in response to the detection. The aerosol delivery device 4 also includes a speaker 206 configured to receive the puff detection signal. In response to receiving the puff detection signal, the speaker 206 can be configured to output a deterrent sound 208 to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system 1. In this case, the deterrent sound 208 includes at least one predetermined frequency. Furthermore, the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to the first user, and the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system 1. In this case, the second user is older than the first user, which corresponds to the actual situation where younger people (especially those under 18 years of age) can hear high-frequency sounds, while older people cannot hear these sounds.

[0064] Thus, the aerosol delivery system 1 can be understood to be configured to output a deterrent sound 208 that includes at least one predetermined frequency configured to be audible (and thus deterrent) to a first user, who may be under a certain age, such as a child or teenager. The at least one predetermined frequency may be further configured to be inaudible (and thus not deterrent) to a second user who is older than the first user, such as an adult. In this manner, the deterrent sound 208 may be annoying / irritating to a first user who attempts to puff with the aerosol delivery system 1, thereby deterring that user from continuing to use the aerosol delivery system 1. Furthermore, the user may be deterred from future use by recognizing that the deterrent sound 208 is output if a puff is detected. Additionally, a second user of the aerosol delivery system 1 may continue to use the aerosol delivery system 1 without being disturbed by the deterrent sound 208 because the at least one predetermined frequency is inaudible. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the deterrent sound 208 may define or consist of a hum that includes at least one predetermined frequency.

[0065] From the above, it can be seen that the output of deterrent sound 208 by speaker 206 may be conditioned on transducer 202 (which may be, for example, a pressure transducer or a microphone in more limited embodiments) detecting a puff on aerosol delivery system 1. Thus, in some embodiments, transducer 202 positioned within air flow path 204 may be configured to measure air pressure fluctuations within air flow path 204, and if the measured air pressure fluctuations indicate a puff on aerosol delivery system 1, a puff is detected and transducer 202 may output a puff detection signal. In this manner, deterrent sound 208 may be output only in response to a puff detection, rather than being output continuously, even when the user is not attempting to puff on aerosol delivery system 1. This reduces the consumption of battery 16 when applying this mechanism to deter a user from aerosol delivery system 1.

[0066] With regard to the at least one predetermined frequency included in the deterrent sound 208, in some embodiments, the at least one predetermined frequency may be configured in the range of 12 kHz-20 kHz, more particularly in the range of 12 kHz-17 kHz, and even more particularly in the range of 16 kHz-17 kHz. Also, in certain embodiments, the at least one predetermined frequency may be configured in the range of 12 kHz-19 kHz, and even more particularly in the range of 16 kHz-19 kHz. The configuration of the at least one predetermined frequency may be based on the concept of presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), a condition experienced by most people in which the ability to hear high frequencies (the upper range of the human hearing frequency band of 20 Hz-20 kHz) declines with age. Based on this concept, the at least one predetermined frequency may be configured to be generally audible to a certain age (e.g., children or teenagers) but generally inaudible to older ages (e.g., adults). For example, frequencies above 12 kHz may be inaudible to individuals over 35 years of age, so setting the at least one predetermined frequency between 12 kHz and 20 kHz may be audible to individuals under this age, thereby deterring use by most children and teenagers, while being inaudible to individuals over this age, so that most adults will not be prevented from using the aerosol delivery system 1. In some cases, even individuals under the age of 18 may be unable to hear frequencies above 19 kHz, so setting the at least one predetermined frequency between 12 kHz and 19 kHz is likely to be audible to those individuals from whom it is desired to deter use of the aerosol delivery system 1. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, even individuals under the age of 18 may be unable to hear frequencies above 17 kHz, so setting the at least one predetermined frequency between 12 kHz and 17 kHz is likely to be audible to those individuals from whom it is desired to deter use of the aerosol delivery system 1. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, setting at least one predetermined frequency to 16 kHz-19 kHz may result in a deterrent sound that is not only audible to individuals under the age of 18 but inaudible to individuals over the age of 18, but may also be particularly harsh / unpleasant, thereby improving the deterrent effect (effectiveness of deterrent sound 208) on the first user.Furthermore, in certain embodiments, having at least one predetermined frequency between 16 kHz and 17 kHz may, for example, be audible to individuals under the age of 18 and inaudible to individuals over the age of 18, and may further result in deterrent sound 208 being particularly harsh / annoying to the first user, thereby improving the deterrent effect of deterrent sound 208. The deterrent sound being particularly harsh / annoying to the first user, and thus improving the deterrent effect of deterrent sound 208, may be due, for example, to the high pitch of deterrent sound 208.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the at least one predetermined frequency may be configured to increase the harshness / annoyance of the deterrent sound 208 to the first user of the aerosol delivery system 1, thereby further improving the deterrent effect of the deterrent sound 208 output from the speaker 206. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one predetermined frequency includes only one predetermined frequency. In this manner, the deterrent sound 208 is a single-frequency tone, and its monotony may be particularly harsh / annoying to the first user. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the at least one predetermined frequency includes multiple predetermined frequencies output in a predetermined pattern. In this manner, the at least one predetermined frequency may be configured to increase the deterrent effect of the deterrent sound 208 to the first user, since the varying pitch of the deterrent sound 208 may be particularly harsh / annoying to the first user. An example of a deterrent sound 208 including such a predetermined pattern of frequencies is a sound similar to an alarm siren.

[0068] According to some embodiments, speaker 206 may be configured to output deterrent sound 208 in various manners to enhance the deterrent effect of deterrent sound 208 on the first user of aerosol delivery system 1. The deterrent effect may be enhanced, for example, by taking into account various characteristics of deterrent sound 208 that may be annoying or unpleasant to the first user, thereby deterring them from using aerosol delivery system 1. For example, in some embodiments, speaker 206 may be configured to output deterrent sound 208 continuously. In this manner, the first user may continually hear deterrent sound 208 and become reluctant to use or continue to use aerosol delivery system 1. Alternatively, in some embodiments, speaker 206 may be configured to output deterrent sound 208 intermittently. This may reduce the consumption of battery 16 when deterrent sound 208 is output, compared to continuous output. Furthermore, the intermittent nature of deterrent sound 208 may itself enhance the deterrent effect of deterrent sound 208 on the first user in some cases.

[0069] With respect to the manner in which deterrent sound 208 is output, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, speaker 206 may be configured to output deterrent sound 208 at a fixed amplitude. Alternatively, in some embodiments, speaker 206 may be configured to output deterrent sound 208 at a variable amplitude. Such a variable amplitude may be particularly annoying / annoying to a first user of aerosol delivery system 1 and may deter continued use of the aerosol delivery system.

[0070] In some embodiments (such as those of FIGS. 7 and 8 ), the speaker 208 is positioned at a first end of the aerosol delivery device 4, which is opposite the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery system 1 and / or opposite the second end of the aerosol delivery device that includes the receptacle 8 or consumable 2 (see, for example, the aerosol delivery device disclosed in FIG. 1 ). In this manner, the deterrent sound 208 output from the speaker 206 can be output in close proximity to a user of the aerosol delivery system 1. This may improve the deterrent effect of the deterrent sound 208, as the deterrent sound 208 may be more audible to the first user with the speaker 206 positioned in this manner than if the speaker 206 were positioned elsewhere in the aerosol delivery system. In embodiments in which the aerosol delivery system 1 or aerosol delivery device 4 includes a connector / charging port 24 that is located at a first end of the aerosol delivery system 1 / aerosol delivery device 4, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the speaker 206 may be configured to output a deterrent sound around the connector / charging port 24 and / or output sound from a location adjacent to the connector / charging port 24, thereby optimizing the use of space at this first end.

[0071] Returning to transducer 202, in some embodiments, transducer 202 may be configured to detect a puff of aerosol delivery system 1 at the beginning of a predetermined period during which multiple puffs are taken on the aerosol delivery system. Such a predetermined period may be referred to as an aerosol delivery session and may represent the time during which a user takes multiple puffs on aerosol delivery system 1. In some of these cases, speaker 206 may be configured to output deterrent sound 208 for the duration of the predetermined period. In this manner, deterrent sound 208 is output from the beginning of the predetermined period when the first puff of aerosol delivery system 1 is detected, and for the entire duration of the predetermined period, and therefore may be heard by the first user. This may make the first user reluctant to continue using aerosol delivery system 1 during the predetermined period to avoid hearing deterrent sound 208 for the entire period.

[0072] In light of the above, according to some embodiments (e.g., the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 ), aerosol delivery device 4 (or aerosol delivery system 1 when not employing a two-part device / consumable configuration) may further include age verification module 210 configured to verify that the age of a third user of aerosol delivery system 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold age. In response to this verification, age verification module 210 may be configured to output an age verification signal to speaker 206. In these embodiments, speaker 206 may be configured to stop outputting deterrent sound 208 in response to receiving the age verification signal. In this manner, output of deterrent sound 208 can be prevented if the third user is verified to be above a predetermined threshold age (e.g., over 18 years old). This may reduce annoyance / annoyance that deterrent sound 208 may cause to the third user or others around them, for example, if the third user is not intended to be deterred because he or she is older than the predetermined threshold age. In some implementations of such embodiments, age verification module 210 may include a user interface (not shown) that provides the third user with a means of verifying their age. This may be, for example, that the third user enters his or her date of birth and has it verified by the age verification module 210 .

[0073] In light of the above, according to some embodiments (such as the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 ), the aerosol delivery device 4 may further include a user authentication module 212 configured to authenticate the third user as one of at least one registered users of the aerosol delivery system 1. In response to this authentication, the user authentication module 212 may be configured to output a user authentication signal to the speaker 206. In these embodiments, the speaker 206 may be configured to stop outputting the deterrent sound 208 in response to receiving the user authentication signal. In these embodiments, the speaker 206 may be configured to stop outputting the deterrent sound 208 in response to receiving the user authentication signal. In this manner, if it is verified that the third user is one of the registered users of the aerosol delivery system, the output of the deterrent sound 208 can be prevented. This can reduce the annoyance / discomfort that the deterrent sound 208 may cause to the third user and others around them when there is no intention to deter the third user from using the aerosol delivery system 1, for example, if the third user is registered as a registered user of the aerosol delivery system 1 because they are older than a predetermined threshold age. In some examples of such embodiments, user authentication module 212 may include a user interface (not shown) that provides a third user with a means to self-identify as one of at least one registered user of the aerosol delivery system, which may be accomplished, for example, by entering a passcode unique to the third user and authenticating with user authentication module 212.

[0074] In light of the above, according to some embodiments (such as the embodiment of FIG. 9 ), the aerosol delivery device 4 may further include a channel 214 configured to direct the deterrent sound 208 output from the speaker 206 to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery system 1. In some embodiments, the channel 214 may take the form of a cavity within the aerosol delivery device 4 from the speaker 206 to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery system 1. In these embodiments, the deterrent sound 208 is physically directed from the mouthpiece end to a user attempting to inhale, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the deterrent sound 208 for a first user of the aerosol delivery system 1. Increasing the effectiveness of the deterrent sound 208 for a first user of the aerosol delivery system 1 includes enhancing the deterrent effect of the deterrent sound 208, making the first user perceive the deterrent sound 208 as more annoying / unpleasant, which may further deter use of the aerosol delivery system 1. This is because, compared to an embodiment in which the deterrent sound 208 is output isotropically from the speaker 206, by using the channel 214 to direct the sound to the user of the aerosol delivery system 1, the user can hear the sound more reliably, and in some cases the amplitude of the sound heard by the user is increased, resulting in an improved deterrent effect of the deterrent sound 208.

[0075] Furthermore, the aerosol delivery device 4 including the channel 214 according to some embodiments described herein reduces the impact of the deterrent sound 208 on others in the vicinity of the individual attempting to use the aerosol delivery system 1, even though they are not attempting to use the aerosol delivery system 1. This reduction is in comparison to embodiments without the channel 214, in which the deterrent sound 208 is output isotropically from the speaker 206, and others may be affected by the deterrent sound 208. It should be understood that in these embodiments, others who may be affected by the deterrent sound 208 are not limited to children, teenagers, and the like around the user, but also include nearby animals (e.g., pets), and it may be desirable to prevent such animals from hearing the deterrent sound 208.

[0076] For clarity, the present disclosure is also intended to be used as part of a method for controlling an aerosol delivery system 1 to output a deterrent sound 208 to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system 1.

[0077] In this manner, the method may include detecting a puff in the aerosol delivery system 1 using a transducer 202 positioned in the airflow path 204 of the aerosol delivery system 1. Subsequently, the method may include outputting a puff detection signal from the transducer 202 to a speaker 206 of the aerosol delivery system 1 in response to detecting the puff. The method may then include receiving the puff detection signal at the speaker 206. Furthermore, the method may include outputting a deterrent sound 208 from the speaker 206 in response to receiving the puff detection signal at the speaker 206, the deterrent sound 208 including at least one predetermined frequency. In such methods described herein, the at least one predetermined frequency may be configured to be audible to a first user. The at least one predetermined frequency may further be configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system 1, the second user being older than the first user.

[0078] It should be understood that in some embodiments, signal exchange between each component of the aerosol delivery system 1 described herein may be controlled by a control circuit 18 of the aerosol delivery device 4. The control circuit 18 may be connected to any of the transducer 202, speaker 206, age verification module 210, and / or user authentication module 212 used herein, as needed (see the embodiment of FIG. 9).

[0079] With the foregoing in mind, various aerosol delivery systems and corresponding control methods have been described that are intended to output a deterrent sound to deter users of the aerosol delivery systems. With this in mind, it will be understood that the above disclosure relates to the embodiments described in the numbered clauses at the end of this specification, as well as other embodiments described in the claims below.

[0080] Also described is an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising an aerosol delivery device and a consumable for removably engaging with the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device comprises a transducer and a speaker positioned within an airflow path of the aerosol delivery device. The transducer is configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system and output a puff detection signal in response to the detection. The speaker is configured to output a deterrent sound in response to receiving the puff detection signal to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system. The deterrent sound includes at least one predetermined frequency configured to be audible to the first user and inaudible to a second user older than the first user. In this manner, the deterrent sound can be used to deter underage users of the aerosol delivery system.

[0081] To address various challenges and advance the art, this disclosure illustrates various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practiced. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented solely for the purpose of facilitating understanding and teaching the claimed invention. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be construed as limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or their equivalents, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may, where appropriate, comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Thus, it is to be understood that features of a dependent claim (or any dependent clause described herein) may be combined with features of an independent claim (or any independent clause) in combinations other than those explicitly set forth in the claim (or clause). This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. Thus, any permutation of the features of the claims may be combined as appropriate and / or may be combined with any permutation of the features of the clauses set out at the end of this specification.

[0082] For completeness, although Figures 8 and 9 show the aerosol delivery device 4 having both an age verification module 210 and a user authentication module 212, it is contemplated that in some embodiments consistent with the examples herein, the aerosol delivery device 4 may provide only one of the age verification module 210 or the user authentication module 212.

[0083] Furthermore, although Figure 9 shows the location of channel 214, it is contemplated that channel 214 may be positioned in any suitable location on the device, so long as it is configured to direct the deterrent sound 208 output from speaker 206 to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery device.

[0084] 7-9 further provide an aerosol delivery system 1 including a consumable 2 for releasably engaging an aerosol delivery device 4, the consumable 2 being configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into an aerosol. However, it is further contemplated that the above-disclosed elements are also applicable to aerosol delivery systems that do not employ a separate consumable that releasably engages with the aerosol delivery device, but instead are single-body aerosol delivery systems (e.g., as found in disposable aerosol delivery systems).

[0085] Thus, an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol is also described herein. The aerosol delivery system includes a transducer positioned within an airflow path of the aerosol delivery system, the transducer configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system and output a puff detection signal in response to the detection. The aerosol delivery system also includes a speaker configured to output a deterrent sound in response to receiving the puff detection signal to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system. The deterrent sound includes at least one predetermined frequency that can be configured to be audible to the first user. The deterrent sound can be further configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system who is older than the first user.

[0086] In particular, with respect to the disclosure of channel 214, it should be understood that, when used, channel 214 is broadly applicable in the context of aerosol delivery system 1 (whether a single-component configuration or a configuration including aerosol delivery device 4 and consumable 2) to better direct any sound from the speaker of aerosol delivery system 1 to a user of aerosol delivery system 1. This sound need not necessarily include an aerosol delivery sound, but may be any sound related to the use / function of aerosol delivery system 1. In this manner, providing channel 214 to better direct sound to a user of aerosol delivery system 1 during use (e.g., while the user's head is near aerosol outlet 60 / mouthpiece 33) may allow the sound to be better heard by the user and less audible to others positioned near the user / aerosol delivery system 1. This may assist in better preventing sounds that are useful to the user from annoying others nearby. In light of this teaching, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure may also provide the features and advantages outlined in the first set of clauses below, which are substantially reproduced in the disclosure relating to FIG. 9 (showing channel 214 according to the present disclosure). For completeness, it should be appreciated that the features associated with these first set of clauses may be used interchangeably with the disclosure of other aspects of this specification, as appropriate. For example, the sound generated in this context may be a deterrent sound in a more limited embodiment, as discussed above. Similarly, the features of such aerosol delivery system 1 may include any of the features related to the aerosol delivery system discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-6B. For example, for the sake of completeness, it will be understood that in certain embodiments, such an aerosol delivery system 1 may comprise any combination of the aforementioned receptacle 8, control circuitry 18, user input button 20, indicator light 22, connector / charging port 24, reservoir 31 (which in more limited embodiments is annular and / or surrounds the aerosol outlet tube 62 used), and / or aerosolizable material transport element 42.

[0087] Thus, at a general level, the present disclosure also provides an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, namely: an aerosol delivery device; a consumable for removably engaging the aerosol delivery device, the consumable configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into an aerosol; The aerosol delivery device a speaker configured to selectively output sound; In use, the aerosol delivery system is configured to output the sound in a direction towards a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0088] The present disclosure also provides an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system including a speaker configured to selectively output sound, and configured, in use, to output the sound in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0089] The present disclosure further provides a method for directing sound from an aerosol delivery system that generates an aerosol, the method comprising: outputting a sound from a speaker of the aerosol delivery system (optionally while the aerosol delivery system is being used to generate an aerosol); outputting the sound from the aerosol delivery system in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system; Includes: [First set of clauses]

[0090] [Article 1] 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising: an aerosol delivery device; a consumable for releasably engaging the aerosol delivery device; the consumable is configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into an aerosol, the aerosol-delivery device includes a speaker, the speaker configured to selectively output sound; The aerosol delivery system is configured, in use, to output sound from the aerosol delivery system in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0091] [Clause 2] 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the speaker is configured to output sound at or toward the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery system.

[0092] [Article 3] The aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 1 to 2, further comprising a channel through which a speaker outputs sound in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0093] [Article 4] 4. The aerosol delivery system of clause 3, wherein the channel includes an opening for outputting sound from the aerosol delivery system, the opening being positioned near a mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery system.

[0094] [Article 5] 5. The aerosol delivery system of clause 4, wherein the opening is located on the mouthpiece.

[0095] [Article 6] 6. The aerosol delivery system of clause 4 or 5, wherein the opening is positioned within 10 mm of the mouthpiece.

[0096] [Article 7] 7. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 4, wherein the channel extends at least partially through the mouthpiece.

[0097] [Article 8] An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of clauses 3 to 7, wherein the aerosol delivery device has a first portion of a channel and the consumable has a second portion of the channel, and the aerosol delivery system is configured such that when the consumable engages with the aerosol delivery device, sound passes from the first portion to the second portion.

[0098] [Article 9] An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 3 to 8, wherein the speaker is positioned at the end of the channel.

[0099] [Article 10] 10. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising an aerosol outlet conduit for receiving the aerosol, the aerosol outlet conduit configured to direct the aerosol to an aerosol outlet of the aerosol delivery system.

[0100] [Article 11] Clause 11. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 3 to 9, wherein the channel is at least partially parallel to the aerosol outlet tube.

[0101] [Article 12] 12. The aerosol delivery system of clause 10 or 11, dependent on any one of clauses 3 to 9, wherein the channel is separate from the aerosol outlet tube.

[0102] [Article 13] 13. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 10 to 12, dependent on any one of clauses 3 to 9, wherein the channel is positioned adjacent to the aerosol outlet tube.

[0103] [Article 14] 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a speaker configured to selectively output sound; The aerosol delivery system is configured, in use, to output sound from the aerosol delivery system in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0104] [Article 15] 1. A method of directing sound from an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising: The method comprises: outputting a sound from a speaker of the aerosol delivery system, optionally performed while the aerosol delivery system is being used to generate aerosol; outputting sound from a speaker of the aerosol delivery system in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system; A method comprising:

[0105] [Article 16] The method further comprises: 16. The method of clause 15, comprising passing sound through a channel of the aerosol delivery system and outputting the sound in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0106] [Article 17] The method further comprises: 17. The method of clause 16, comprising outputting sound from the channel through an opening in the channel, the opening being positioned proximal to a mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery system.

[0107] [Article 18] 18. The method of clause 17, wherein the opening is located on a mouthpiece.

[0108] [Article 19] 18. The method of clause 17, wherein the opening is positioned within 10 mm of the mouthpiece.

[0109] [Article 20] 20. The method of any one of clauses 17-19, wherein the channel extends at least partially through the mouthpiece.

[0110] [Article 21] The aerosol delivery system is an aerosol delivery device; a consumable for removably engaging the aerosol delivery device; Equipped with the consumable is configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into an aerosol; 21. The method of any one of clauses 15 to 20, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a speaker.

[0111] [Article 22] The step of passing sound from the speaker through the channel comprises: passing sound from a speaker through a first portion of a channel positioned within the aerosol delivery device; passing sound from the first portion to a second portion of a channel positioned within the consumable; outputting sound from the second portion in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system; The method of clause 21, which is subject to clause 16, including

[0112] [Article 23] The method comprises: 23. The method of any one of clauses 15 to 22, further comprising outputting sound from a speaker of the aerosol delivery system simultaneously with the aerosol passing through the aerosol outlet tube of the aerosol delivery system towards the aerosol outlet of the aerosol delivery system.

[0113] [Article 24] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the channel is at least partially parallel to the aerosol exit tube.

[0114] [Article 25] The method comprises: 25. The method according to any one of clauses 15 to 24, comprising the step of outputting sound from the aerosol delivery system in a direction toward the head of a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0115] [Article 26] The method comprises: 26. The method of any one of clauses 15 to 25, comprising a step of the aerosol delivery system not outputting sound from a first end opposite the mouthpiece end, which is a second end of the aerosol delivery system.

[0116] [Article 27] 27. The method of any one of clauses 15 to 26, wherein the sound is a deterrent sound.

[0117] [Article 28] 28. The method of any one of clauses 15 to 27, wherein the sound comprises at least one predetermined frequency.

[0118] [Second set of clauses]

[0119] [Article 1] 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising: an aerosol delivery device; a consumable for releasably engaging the aerosol delivery device; the consumable is configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into an aerosol; the aerosol delivery device includes a transducer positioned within an air flow path of the aerosol delivery device and a speaker; the transducer is configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system and output a puff detection signal in response to the detection; the speaker is configured to output a deterrent sound in response to receiving the puff detection signal to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to a first user; An aerosol delivery system, wherein at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

[0120] [Clause 2] 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein at least one predetermined frequency is between 12 kHz and 20 kHz.

[0121] [Article 3] 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2, wherein at least one predetermined frequency is between 12 kHz and 19 kHz.

[0122] [Article 4] 4. The aerosol delivery system of clause 3, wherein at least one predetermined frequency is between 16 kHz and 19 kHz.

[0123] [Article 5] 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2, wherein at least one predetermined frequency is between 12 kHz and 17 kHz.

[0124] [Article 6] 6. The aerosol delivery system of clause 5, wherein at least one predetermined frequency is between 16 kHz and 17 kHz.

[0125] [Article 7] 7. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the transducer is a pressure transducer or a microphone.

[0126] [Article 8] 8. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the speaker is positioned at an end of the aerosol delivery device opposite the mouthpiece end.

[0127] [Article 9] 9. The aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the speaker is configured to continuously output a deterrent sound.

[0128] [Article 10] 9. The aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the speaker is configured to intermittently output a deterrent sound.

[0129] [Article 11] 11. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the deterrent sound defines or consists of a hum that includes at least one predetermined frequency.

[0130] [Article 12] 12. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency includes only one predetermined frequency.

[0131] [Article 13] 12. The aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency includes a plurality of predetermined frequencies output in a predetermined pattern.

[0132] [Article 14] An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises an age verification module, which is configured to verify that the age of a third user of the aerosol delivery system exceeds a predetermined threshold age and to output an age verification signal to the speaker in response to this verification, and the speaker is configured to stop outputting the deterrent sound in response to receiving the age verification signal.

[0133] [Article 15] An aerosol delivery system described in any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a user authentication module, the user authentication module being configured to authenticate the third user as one of at least one registered user of the aerosol delivery system and output a user authentication signal to the speaker, and the speaker being configured to stop outputting the deterrent sound in response to receiving the user authentication signal.

[0134] [Article 16] 16. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the transducer is configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system at the start of a predetermined period during which multiple puffs of the aerosol delivery system are taken.

[0135] [Article 17] 17. The aerosol delivery system of clause 16, wherein the speaker is configured to output a deterrent sound for a predetermined period of time.

[0136] [Article 18] 18. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a channel configured to direct the suppressing sound output from the speaker to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery device.

[0137] [Article 19] 19. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the speaker is configured to output a deterrent sound at a fixed amplitude.

[0138] [Article 20] 19. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the speaker is configured to output a deterrent sound at a variable amplitude.

[0139] [Article 21] 20. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein the speaker is configured to output the deterrent sound at or toward the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery system.

[0140] [Article 22] 21. The aerosol delivery system of claim 20, wherein the aerosol delivery system includes a channel for the speaker to output the deterrent sound in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0141] [Article 23] 23. The aerosol delivery system of clause 22, wherein the channel includes an opening for outputting the suppressing sound, the opening being positioned proximal to a mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery system.

[0142] [Article 24] 24. The aerosol delivery system of clause 23, wherein the opening is located on the mouthpiece.

[0143] [Article 25] 25. The aerosol delivery system of clause 23 or 24, wherein the opening is positioned within 10 mm of the mouthpiece.

[0144] [Article 26] 26. The aerosol delivery system of any one of clauses 22 to 25, wherein the channel extends at least partially through the mouthpiece.

[0145] [Article 27] 27. An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of clauses 22 to 26, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a first portion of a channel, the consumable comprises a second portion of the channel, and the aerosol delivery system is configured such that when the consumable engages with the aerosol delivery device, a deterrent sound passes from the first portion to the second portion.

[0146] [Article 28] 28. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of clauses 22 to 27, wherein the speaker is positioned at the end of the channel.

[0147] [Article 29] 1. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system to output a deterrent sound to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: detecting a puff of the aerosol delivery system using a transducer positioned in the air flow path of the aerosol delivery system; outputting a puff detection signal from the transducer to a speaker of the aerosol delivery system in response to detecting the puff; receiving a puff detection signal at a speaker; outputting a deterrent sound from the speaker in response to receiving the puff detection signal at the speaker, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; Including, the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to a first user; A method wherein at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

[0148] [Article 30] verifying, using an age verification module of the aerosol delivery system, that the third user's age exceeds a predetermined threshold age; outputting an age verification signal from the age verification module to a speaker in response to the verification; receiving an age verification signal at a speaker; responsive to receiving the age verification signal at the speaker, ceasing output of the deterrent sound from the speaker; 29. The method of claim 29, comprising:

[0149] [Article 31] authenticating the third user as one of at least one registered user of the aerosol delivery system using a user authentication module of the aerosol delivery system; outputting a user authentication signal from the user authentication module to a speaker in response to the authentication; receiving a user authentication signal at a speaker; in response to receiving the user authentication signal, ceasing output of the deterrent sound from the speaker; 31. The method of clause 29 or 30, comprising:

[0150] [Article 32] 32. The method of any one of clauses 29 to 31, comprising detecting a puff of the aerosol delivery system at the start of a predetermined period during which multiple puffs are taken.

[0151] [Article 33] 33. The method of clause 32, comprising outputting a deterrent sound for a predetermined period of time duration.

[0152] [Article 34] The aerosol delivery system is an aerosol delivery device; a consumable for releasably engaging the aerosol delivery device; the consumable is configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into an aerosol; The aerosol delivery device includes a transducer; With speakers; air flow path; 34. The method of any one of clauses 29 to 33, comprising:

[0153] [Article 35] The method further comprises: 35. The method of any one of clauses 29 to 34, comprising passing a deterrent sound output from a speaker through a channel of the aerosol delivery system in a direction toward a user of the aerosol delivery system.

[0154] [Article 36] The method further comprises: 36. The method of clause 35, comprising outputting a suppressing sound from the channel through an opening in the channel, the opening being positioned proximate to a mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery system.

[0155] [Article 37] 37. The method of clause 36, wherein the channel extends at least partially through the mouthpiece.

[0156] [Article 38] 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising: The aerosol delivery system is a transducer positioned within the airflow path of the aerosol delivery system, the transducer configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system and output a puff detection signal in response to the detection; a speaker configured to output a deterrent sound to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system in response to receiving the puff detection signal, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; Equipped with the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to the first user; and An aerosol delivery system, wherein at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising: an aerosol delivery device; and a consumable for removably engaging the aerosol delivery device; Equipped with the consumable is configured to receive an aerosol-forming material to be aerosolized to generate the aerosol; the aerosol delivery device includes a transducer and a speaker; the transducer is positioned within an airflow path of the aerosol delivery device, the transducer being configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system and to output a puff detection signal in response to the detection; the speaker is configured to output a deterrent sound to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to the first user; An aerosol delivery system, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

2. 2. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency is between 12 kHz and 20 kHz.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency is between 12 kHz and 19 kHz.

4. 4. The aerosol delivery system of claim 3, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency is between 16 kHz and 19 kHz.

5. The aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transducer is a pressure transducer or a microphone.

6. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the speaker is positioned at an end of the aerosol delivery device opposite a mouthpiece end.

7. The aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the speaker is configured to continuously output the deterrent sound.

8. The aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the speaker is configured to output the deterrent sound intermittently.

9. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the deterrent sound defines or consists of a hum that includes the at least one predetermined frequency.

10. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency includes only one predetermined frequency.

11. The aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency includes a plurality of predetermined frequencies output in a predetermined pattern.

12. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises an age verification module configured to verify that the age of a third user of the aerosol delivery system exceeds a predetermined threshold age and output an age verification signal to the speaker in response to this verification, and the speaker is configured to stop outputting the deterrent sound in response to receiving the age verification signal.

13. The aerosol delivery system described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a user authentication module, the user authentication module being configured to authenticate the third user as one of at least one registered user of the aerosol delivery system and output a user authentication signal to the speaker, and the speaker being configured to stop outputting the suppression sound in response to receiving the user authentication signal.

14. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the transducer is configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system at the start of a predetermined period during which multiple puffs of the aerosol delivery system are made.

15. 15. The aerosol delivery system of claim 14, wherein the speaker is configured to output the deterrent sound for the duration of the predetermined period.

16. An aerosol delivery system described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol delivery device has a channel configured to direct the suppressing sound output from the speaker to the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery device.

17. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the speaker is configured to output the deterrent sound at a fixed amplitude.

18. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the speaker is configured to output the deterrent sound at a variable amplitude.

19. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system to output a deterrent sound to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system, comprising: detecting a puff of the aerosol delivery system using a transducer positioned in an air flow path of the aerosol delivery system; outputting a puff detection signal from the transducer to a speaker of the aerosol delivery system in response to detecting the puff; receiving the puff detection signal at the speaker; outputting the deterrent sound from the speaker in response to receiving the puff detection signal at the speaker, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; Including, the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to the first user; A method wherein the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

20. The method comprises: verifying that the third user's age exceeds a predetermined threshold age using an age verification module of the aerosol delivery system; outputting an age verification signal from the age verification module to the speaker in response to the verification; receiving the age verification signal at the speaker; responsive to receiving the age verification signal at the speaker, ceasing output of the deterrent sound from the speaker; 20. The method of claim 19, comprising:

21. The method comprises: authenticating the third user as one of at least one registered user of the aerosol delivery system using a user authentication module of the aerosol delivery system; outputting a user authentication signal from the user authentication module to the speaker in response to the authentication; receiving the user authentication signal at the speaker; in response to receiving the user authentication signal, stopping output of the deterrent sound from the speaker; 21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, comprising:

22. 22. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, comprising detecting a puff of the aerosol delivery system at the start of a predetermined period during which multiple puffs of the aerosol delivery system are taken.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, including the step of outputting the deterrent sound for the duration of the predetermined period.

24. the aerosol delivery system includes an aerosol delivery device and a consumable for removably engaging the aerosol delivery device, the consumable configured to receive an aerosol-generating material to be aerosolized into the aerosol; The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises the transducer, the speaker, and the air flow path.

25. 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, comprising: The aerosol delivery system comprises: a transducer positioned within an airflow path of the aerosol delivery system, the transducer configured to detect a puff of the aerosol delivery system and to output a puff detection signal in response to the detection; a speaker configured to output a deterrent sound to deter a first user of the aerosol delivery system in response to receiving the puff detection signal, the deterrent sound including at least one predetermined frequency; Equipped with the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be audible to the first user; and An aerosol delivery system, wherein the at least one predetermined frequency is configured to be inaudible to a second user of the aerosol delivery system, the second user being older than the first user.

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