Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

1. An aerosol delivery device for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: An aerosol delivery device is provided comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving a consumable; control circuitry contained within the housing for controlling an operating state and / or an indicating state of the aerosol delivery device; and a detector arranged to detect the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the operating state and / or indicating state of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving a signal from the detector.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol generating system, a method for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and an aerosol delivery means. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems are known. Typical systems use a user-activated heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, which is then delivered by an aerosol delivery device for inhalation by the user. The device may be activated by the user pressing a button or simply by the act of inhaling. Modern systems may use a consumable element containing the aerosol-generating material. It may be desirable for a manufacturer to at least partially control the operation of the system to ensure high-quality performance from the system. This may prevent the system from operating in undesirable situations or delivering a substandard aerosol.

[0003] While flexibility in device or system use may be desirable, maintaining a high-quality user experience and reducing potential damage to the device are important considerations in reducing waste from disposed, broken devices. Extending the life of a device is desirable for both users and manufacturers.

[0004] The present invention is directed to solving some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0006] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving a consumable; control circuitry contained within the housing for controlling an operational state and / or a display state of the aerosol delivery device; and a detector arranged to detect the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the operational state and / or the display state of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving the signal from the detector.

[0007] Such a system may detect movement of a consumable into, out of, and within a cavity in a housing of an aerosol delivery device. This may allow the device to operate based on the movement of the consumable relative to the consumable and the housing, particularly relative to the cavity of the housing. The system may operate based on recognition of the consumable to provide a safe and controlled aerosol. If the consumable is not recognized as a genuine consumable, the system may not operate. This may prevent the system from operating with counterfeit consumables. This allows manufacturers to maintain high-quality aerosols and prevent damage to the device / system from use with untested third-party consumables.

[0008] In particular, by detecting movement into, within, and out of the device, the device can enable operation, deny operation, disable operation, or modify operation of the device accordingly. Movement of an approved consumable may enable a change in the operating state of the device, while movement of an unauthorized consumable will not change the operating state or will not be able to provide for activation or actuation of the aerosol delivery device.

[0009] In particular, when user 1 desires to use the aerosol delivery device, user 1 provides a valid and authentic consumable. The device can identify the consumable as authentic. Upon entering the cavity, the operational state of the device can be updated to an operational state so that the user can be provided with aerosol from activation of the device with the consumable in the housing. Upon moving further into the cavity, the operational state of the device can be updated to a boost operational state so that the user receives a larger volume or aerosol. Upon removing the consumable from the cavity, the operational state of the device can be updated to a non-operational state so that the device cannot operate without the consumable in the housing.

[0010] This configuration therefore provides a high quality aerosol, limits the possibility of structural or functional damage to the device due to the use of non-genuine consumables, and reduces the possibility of operating the device without consumables, which could shorten the life of the device due to overheating.

[0011] A detector may be disposed within the housing to detect the position of the consumable within the housing. The deeper the consumable moves into the housing, the more heaters can be activated to heat the consumable. Again, this reduces the likelihood of activation of heaters that are not in close proximity to the consumable. This may reduce the damaging effects of activating heaters whose thermal energy is not used to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0012] Thus, the present device and system can prevent the use of non-genuine consumables without affecting the use of the device with genuine consumables. The present system and device also have a high level of embedded security between the user and the device, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the device. The user can also control the operation of the device using the consumables so that no further device interaction is required to operate the device. This can be highly advantageous for users with reduced mobility or when the user cannot see the device controls, such as in low-light conditions. A user with this configuration can control the operation and use of the device based on the insertion of only the consumables.

[0013] This also reduces the possibility of use by unauthorized users who may not be aware of how the device operates or who do not have access to genuine consumables.

[0014] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol generation system for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol supply device for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol supply device comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving a consumable; a control circuit contained within the housing for controlling an operational state and / or a display state of the aerosol supply device; and a detector arranged to detect the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control circuit, the control circuit arranged to update the operational state and / or the display state of the aerosol supply device in response to receiving the signal from the detector.

[0015] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method including: detecting, by a detector, a consumable passing through a cavity in a housing of an aerosol delivery device; providing, by the detector, a signal to a control circuit of the aerosol delivery device in response to the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing; and updating, by the control circuit, the operating and / or display state of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving the signal from the detector.

[0016] The methods described herein may be for updating an operational state to deliver aerosol to a user. This may occur if the consumable is identified as an authentic consumable. The methods described herein may be for preventing delivery of aerosol to a user. This may occur if the consumable is identified as non-authentic. The methods described herein may be for updating an operational state that may subsequently result in delivery of aerosol, such as preparing the device for operation by a user. This may occur if the consumable is identified as an authentic consumable. The methods described herein may be for updating an operational state that may subsequently prevent delivery of aerosol, such as preventing the device for operation by a user. This may occur if the consumable is identified as a non-authentic consumable. The methods described herein may be for updating a display state of the device.

[0017] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply means for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol supply means comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving a consumable; control means contained within the housing for controlling an operating state and / or a display state of the aerosol supply means; and detection means arranged to detect the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control means, wherein the control means is arranged to update the operating state and / or the display state of the aerosol supply means in response to receiving a signal from the detection means.

[0018] The present teachings will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device according to an example. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cavity of an aerosol delivery device according to an example embodiment. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cavity of an aerosol delivery device according to an example embodiment. [Figure 2C] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cavity of an aerosol delivery device according to an example embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device and consumables according to an example. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device and consumables according to an example. [Figure 3C] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device and consumables according to an example. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to an example; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0021] Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and will not be discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein but not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, sometimes referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, with the understanding that the terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize," may generally be used interchangeably.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol delivery device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol delivery device 100 comprises an aerosol delivery device housing 110. The aerosol delivery device housing 110 has a cavity 111 for receiving a consumable. While the cavity 111 is shown towards one end in the example of FIG. 1, it may be located at either end of the device 100. The aerosol delivery device 100 comprises a control circuit 120. The control circuit 120 is contained within the housing 110 and is arranged to control the operational and / or display states of the aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol delivery device 100 comprises a detector 130 arranged to detect the passage of the consumable through the cavity 111 of the housing 110 and provide a signal to the control circuit 120. The passage may be into or out of the cavity 111. The control circuit 120 is arranged to update the operational and / or display states of the aerosol delivery device 100 in response to receiving at least one signal from the detector 130. At each signal from detector 130 , control circuit 120 can update the operating and / or display status of aerosol delivery device 100 .

[0024] In one example, a user desires to use their own device 100. In this example, the owner of the aerosol delivery device 100 owns a set of authentic consumables. As used herein, authentic consumables are consumables designed for use with the aerosol delivery device 100. They may be consumables manufactured by the manufacturer or through the manufacturer's authorized licensers. Authentic consumables are contrasted with non-authentic consumables. Non-authentic consumables may be manufactured by unauthorized third parties and may not be rigorously tested for compatibility with the aerosol delivery device 100. The size of non-authentic consumables may not be such that they align with the components of the aerosol delivery device 100 necessary to heat the consumable as intended. In this way, the manufacturer can control the quality of the aerosol delivered by the device 100 by increasing the likelihood that authentic consumables will be used rather than non-authentic consumables. This also impacts the lifespan of the device 100 and the safety of the user.

[0025] In one example, a user inserts an authentic consumable into cavity 111. Detector 130 detects the movement of the consumable through cavity 111 (initially into housing 110). Detector 130 provides a signal to control circuitry 120. Detector 130 provides a signal associated with the consumable. This can be done by noting an identifier on the consumable or through other means. The identifier may be a QR code, a barcode, an RFID tag, or any other visual or physical identifier. Control circuitry 120 can compare the signal to a database of known authentic consumables and identify the consumable as authentic. Upon detecting that an authentic consumable has been inserted into housing 110, control circuitry 120 can update the operational state of device 100 to an operational state, i.e., a state in which device 100 can be operated to deliver aerosol from the consumable to the user. If no signal is received from the detector 130 (because the non-genuine consumable does not have an identifier) ​​or if the control circuit 120 identifies the consumable as non-genuine (because the identifier is not in the database of genuine consumables), the control circuit 120 may update the operating and / or display state of the aerosol delivery device 100 to a non-operating state, etc.

[0026] The motion detected by the detector 130 may be the motion of the device toward the consumable or the motion of the consumable toward the device. Thus, relative motion between the consumable and the cavity 111 can be detected by the detector 130 / control circuit 120 pair. Because the speed of movement is not overly relevant for detection, the detector 130 may be able to detect the passage of the consumable. There is no minimum or maximum speed within the typical usage regime of the user device. The detector 130 may be positioned at the mouth of the cavity 111 to detect the entry and exit of the consumable. In this example, the detector 130 may be a motion sensor, optical gate, camera, or the like that can detect the entry and exit of the consumable into and from the cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the detector 130 may be positioned alongside the heater (or heating element) of the device 100, so that the consumable can be detected when placed within the housing 110 in a position suitable for heating. If the consumable is recognized as authentic, the heater can be activated according to commands from the control circuit 120. If the consumable is not recognized or is recognized as non-authentic, the control circuit 120 will not activate the heater. In this way, the device 100 can only be used with authentic consumables.

[0027] The consumable may include an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid and / or liquid and / or vapor. The consumable may be, for example, a tobacco-containing stick (THP stick), a liquid-containing cartridge (vapor liquid cartridge), and / or a vapor liquid. No limitation is intended, as each of these may readily have a physical, visual, electrical, or magnetic indicator on the consumable for recognition by the circuit 120 / detector 130 pair.

[0028] In one example, the housing 110 may have a spike within a cavity into which the consumable is inserted prior to use. The spike may be a heater, include a heating element, or have a heating element around a portion of the spike. The detector 130 may be a pressure sensor for detecting that the consumable is inserted within the cavity and onto the spike. The physical placement of the consumable may indicate the authenticity of the consumable. In this case, a portion of the authentic consumable may interact in some way with the spike that is not replicated in a non-authentic consumable. In this manner, the detector 130 and the control circuit 120 can distinguish between an authentic consumable and a non-authentic consumable.

[0029] Similarly, the cavity may have a specific cross-section that corresponds to the cross-section of a genuine consumable. The cavity may have a generally circular cross-section, but may also have a flat cross-section such that a perfectly circular consumable (a common shape that may be adopted by non-genuine consumable manufacturers) cannot be inserted into the cavity. The cavity may also have ridges or ribs that extend along the length of the cavity or along a portion of the cavity. Some examples are shown in Figure 2.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 2A, cavity 211a is shown with a flat section 212a. A perfectly circular consumable cannot be properly inserted into cavity 211a, thus providing a physical safeguard against non-genuine consumables. A circular consumable can be forced into the cavity, but this will significantly damage the consumable. Referring to FIG. 2B, cavity 211b is shown with ribs 212b. A genuine consumable will fit this cross-section and therefore can be inserted without damaging the consumable. A non-genuine consumable will not fit this cross-section and therefore cannot be inserted without damaging the consumable. Referring to FIG. 2C, cavity 211c is shown with an unusual cross-section (star-shaped in the illustrated example). The more complex it is to manufacture a consumable with a cross-section that fits the cavity, the more difficult it becomes to use counterfeit or non-genuine consumables in the system. Each of these provides physical deterrence against the use of non-genuine consumables, which synergizes with the indicator recognition system of the detector and control circuit to provide a highly sophisticated system to significantly increase the likelihood of using the system with genuine consumables rather than with non-genuine consumables.

[0031] Movement of the consumable into the cavity may be used to control actuation of the device. This configuration may be such that the user does not need to provide additional actuation commands by pressing an actuation button or the like. This may be advantageous for use by users with reduced mobility who may not be able to easily hold the device, insert the consumable, and press the button. This may also be advantageous in low lighting conditions where the user may have difficulty easily providing additional commands to the device.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, a series of use examples of an aerosol delivery device with a consumable is shown. FIG. 3A shows an aerosol delivery device 300 having a housing 310 and a cavity 311. The housing 310 holds two detectors 330a, 330b and a control circuit (not shown). This example has a consumable 350 inserted into the cavity 311 of the housing 310. In the example of FIG. 3A, the consumable 350 has not yet been detected by either of the detectors 330a, 330b. Thus, the device 300 is in an inoperative state. The default state may be inoperative such that the heating element, power source, etc. are inoperative for a user wishing to be delivered aerosol. The device 300 may need to recognize a genuine consumable before being updated to an operational state capable of delivering aerosol to a user.

[0033] In FIG. 3B , the user further inserts consumable 350 into cavity 311 of housing 310 of device 300. Consumable 350 is now in a position identified by detector 330a. Detector 330a detects that consumable 350 has moved into cavity 311, and control circuitry (not shown) knows that the consumable is in a specific location within device 300. If the control circuitry and detector configuration identify the consumable as authentic, the control circuitry can update the operating state of device 300 to an operational state. In this manner, the user can be provided with aerosol from consumable 350. In this example, heaters may be positioned around a portion of device 300, generally indicated by double-headed arrow A. In this manner, device 300 operates heaters only in the portions of the device where heat will be used to generate aerosol, i.e., portions where device 300 knows at least a portion of consumable 350 is located. This increases the efficiency of the device 300 and reduces the chance of damaging the device 300 by activating a heater that is not near the consumable 350. The user can then inhale on the device 300 to receive aerosol generated from a genuine consumable 350 that is recognized by the control circuitry as being properly positioned to generate aerosol within a portion of the housing 310.

[0034] In FIG. 3C , the user has further inserted consumable 350 into cavity 311. Consumable 350 can now be detected by detector 330b, which is located deeper within cavity 311 than detector 330a. Control circuitry (not shown) can identify consumable 350 as being located deeper within cavity 311 and activate a heater (or heating element) located approximately in the area indicated by double-headed arrow B. Accordingly, the control circuitry updates the operating state based on the detection by detector 330b of the consumable passing through a portion of cavity 311. Such an operating state may be a “boost” operating state, in which device 300 delivers a greater amount of aerosol from consumable 350 due to the increased number of heating elements heating consumable 350. In this manner, the user can control the operating state solely through the insertion (and further insertion) of consumable 350 into device 300. As mentioned above, this can be very effective and user-friendly for users with reduced mobility who may not be able to easily perform multiple complex and delicate operations, or for users with reduced eyesight who are unable to see the small actuation buttons on device 300.

[0035] When consumable 350 is removed from cavity 311, detector 330b may first notice the removal of consumable 350. When detector 330b detects that the consumable has moved out of the cavity, the operating state may be updated from a boost operating state to a normal operating state. The heater or heating element in portion B may be deactivated. When detector 330a notices the removal of consumable 350, the heater or heating element in portion A may be deactivated and the operating state may change from an operating state to a non-operating state. Detector 330a may detect the direction of movement of consumable 350 to detect whether consumable 350 is being inserted or removed. Where operating states are discussed herein, a display state may also or alternatively be updated.

[0036] The cavity 311 may have spikes or heater blades into which the consumable 350 is inserted. This allows pressure from the consumable 350 being inserted into the cavity 311 to be detected and the operating state may be updated accordingly. The cavity 311 may have a series of spikes extending inward from the cavity wall, each capable of providing heating to the consumable 350. There may also be a series of radial heaters that can be activated when the series of detectors 330 identify that a genuine consumable 350 is passing through that portion of the cavity 311 within the housing 310. In this manner, a consistent level of aerosol can be delivered to the user based on the distance within the housing 310 that the consumable 350 is inserted. If the user desires a larger amount of aerosol, the consumable 350 may be inserted deeper into the cavity 311. If the user desires a smaller amount of aerosol, the consumable 350 may be inserted shallower into the cavity 311.

[0037] If the consumable is not authentic, the detector 330 will not recognize the consumable 350 and the device 300 will not be updated to a working state that enables operation. In this way, the manufacturer can prevent use in undesirable conditions involving untested and potentially dangerous consumables 350. This improves the lifespan of the device 300 and the user experience.

[0038] The present invention includes updating the operational state of an aerosol delivery device. In an "operational state," elements of the aerosol delivery device used to generate aerosol (e.g., atomizer, heater, power supply, etc.) may be activated. Certain activations of the device may require additional input, which may include inhaling on the device, pressing a button on the device, etc. However, as noted above, such additional input may not be required or desirable in certain situations. The device may automatically generate aerosol via a heater (or heating element) in response to receiving a signal associated with a genuine consumable. A control circuit may receive such a signal from a detector and send a signal to a heater arrangement, etc., to provide an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, which may be fully or partially contained within the aerosol delivery device. In a "non-operational state," such elements may not be used to generate aerosol.

[0039] Updating the operating state may be for an operating state or a non-operating state. Updating the display state may involve providing an indication to a user that the device has been updated to an operating state or a non-operating state. The display state may be provided by a visual display, an audio indicator, a tactile indicator, or the like. The display state may correspond to an operating state of the device. For example, a first display state may be associated with a first operating state of the device, and a second display state may be associated with a second operating state of the device.

[0040] In one example, the control circuit may be arranged to update the operational state of the aerosol delivery device to a non-operational state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with the removal of the consumable from the cavity, in this example the default state of the device may be an operational state.

[0041] In one example, the control circuitry is arranged to update the operational state of the aerosol delivery device to an operational state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with the insertion of the consumable into the cavity. In this example, the default state of the device may be an inoperative state. This may be preferable in most circumstances to reduce the likelihood that the device will be used with a non-genuine consumable.

[0042] These examples offer contrasting advantages. By starting the device in an operational state and preventing use after the consumable is characterized as non-authentic, the delay time for delivering aerosol upon use is reduced, thus improving the authorized user's experience with the device, as the device inhibits authorized users' use in a much lesser way. By starting the device in a non-operational state and allowing use after the consumable is characterized as authentic, the overall security of the device is increased, completely preventing unauthorized users (i.e., users using non-authentic consumables) from accessing the device. The default state may be selected by the manufacturer, but may also be modified by the authorized user or owner of the device.

[0043] An authorized user may be the owner of the device. An authorized user may be a user of appropriate age to use the device. An authorized user may be a user with an active account associated with the device or the manufacturer of the device. Thus, an unauthorized user may be a user who is not the owner, is not of appropriate age, or is not registered with the device, etc.

[0044] The device may also (or alternatively) update a display state of the aerosol-delivery device. The display state may correspond to an operational state of the aerosol-delivery device. In one example, the display state may be an audio and / or visual indication associated with use of the aerosol-delivery device, such as a visual indication of embers or smoke. An audio indication may be the sound of a fire crackling or the firing of heated aerosol-generating material, etc.

[0045] Thus, a user who owns a genuine consumable can use consumable movement to control the use of the device in a safe and highly user-friendly manner. The movement may be staged so that a first amount of movement updates the device to a first operating state, and a second (further) amount of movement updates the device to a second (further) operating state (e.g., first movement operates, second movement boosts). The movement may be relatively simple and straightforward, allowing a user with reduced mobility to control the use of their device in an easy way.

[0046] In one example, the control circuitry is configured to update the display state of the aerosol delivery device to an operating display state in response to receiving a signal from a detector associated with the authentic consumable (e.g., upon insertion of the consumable into the device). The display may be a burning fire or the like, or a plume of smoke. In one example, the control circuitry is configured to update the display state of the aerosol delivery device to a non-operating display state in response to receiving a signal from a detector associated with the authentic consumable (e.g., upon removal of the consumable from the device). This may move the display state to a gentle, dying embers, or lack of smoke. In one example, the control circuitry is configured to update the display state of the aerosol delivery device to a boost operating display state in response to receiving a signal from a detector associated with the authentic consumable being moved deeper into the housing. The color of the embers on the display may be different when the device is in boost mode compared to normal operating mode. The embers may be brighter or a different color. The visual smoke output may be greater on the display, and the amount of aerosol delivered to the user for inhalation may be greater.

[0047] The detector(s) may be at least one of a timer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a capacitor (located within the housing or otherwise), a heat sensor, an accelerometer, an altimeter, a motion sensor, a light gate, a pressure sensor, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and a camera. In this manner, movement of the consumable into and out of the device may be recognized by the device. These detectors also allow for identification of the authentication status of the consumable, whether authentic or non-authentic.

[0048] In one example, the device has a display screen that can provide visual instructions to the user during use. The display screen can represent the display status of the device. The control circuitry can control the display on the display screen. The device may also, or in addition, have an audio element for providing audio instructions to the user. The screen may be an OLED or may include an LED, etc. This can improve the user experience because the display provides a confirmation check that the insertion of the consumable has been recognized by the device. Specifically, if the user is unsure whether the consumable is authentic or not, the display can indicate to the user that the consumable has been recognized by the device (e.g., by a movement sensor) and whether the consumable is authentic or not (e.g., by a barcode reader detecting or not detecting a valid barcode). This provides a more user-friendly device and improves the overall safety of the device, as the user is informed about the status of the consumable rather than the device simply not operating for what the user may believe to be an authentic consumable.

[0049] The user may be able to physically interact with instructions on the display screen. For example, the display may show smoke when the device is activated. The user may swipe through the smoke using a movement detected by the detector.

[0050] In one example, the display screen may be a display screen with a full wraparound display. The device may be generally cylindrical in shape, and the screen may wrap partially or completely around a portion of the housing. Such an arrangement improves the instructions provided by the screen because the screen is more easily visible to the user. Thus, the instructions are more easily visible.

[0051] In one example, the detector is a pressure sensor positioned to detect pressure applied to the heater spike by the consumable. The portion of the heater spike connected to the consumable may be the portion that is heated, such that insertion of more consumables into the spike results in more spikes being activated for heating and more aerosol being delivered by the device.

[0052] 4, there is shown an example of an aerosol delivery system 400. The aerosol delivery system 400 shown in the example of FIG. 4 is similar to the aerosol delivery devices 100, 300 shown in the examples of FIGS.

[0053] The aerosol delivery system 400 of FIG. 4 includes a housing 410 having a cavity 411. The system 400 includes a control circuit 420 disposed within the aerosol delivery device 410 of the aerosol delivery system 400. The control circuit 420 communicates with a detector 430. The detector 430 is positioned to detect a consumable passing through the cavity 411 of the housing 410 and provide a signal to the control circuit 420. The detector 430 is shown in the example of FIG. 4 as not being integral with the aerosol delivery device 410. Thus, in this example, the detector 430 is separate from the aerosol delivery device 410 while being part of the aerosol delivery system 400. The detector 430 may be wirelessly connected to the aerosol delivery device 410. Thus, the detector 430 may be provided by an additional component such that the detector 430 can still be retained even if the aerosol delivery device 410 is lost. Furthermore, the use of detector 430 external to aerosol delivery device 410 makes aerosol delivery device 410 easier and cheaper to manufacture. Thus, aerosol delivery system 400 may be a preferred arrangement for providing the advantages described herein.

[0054] 5 illustrates a method 500 of using an aerosol delivery device. Method 500 is shown as a flowchart. In method 500, the device may begin in a default state 502, which may be a non-operational state, in which the user cannot use the device unless the consumable is recognized as authentic and inserted into the device.

[0055] When a user attempts to use the device, the device detects the movement of a consumable into the device. The device can detect the passage of the consumable through the cavity. The device can use a detector (which can include several individual sensors / detectors) to detect the movement (or movements) and then attempt to detect the authentication status of the consumable. The detector can detect movement and authenticity as described above (504).

[0056] The detector sends a signal to the control circuitry in response (506). The consumable is evaluated for authenticity. This evaluation may include comparing the detected barcode, QR code, etc. to a database of known authentic consumables. If the consumable matches a consumable on the database, the consumable is deemed authentic. If the consumable does not match a consumable on the database, the consumable is deemed non-authentic.

[0057] The operational and / or display status of the aerosol delivery device (or aerosol delivery system) is updated 508 in response to the signal from the detector. The operational status may be updated as described above. Updating the display status can take the form of updating a visual or audio indicator. In one example, this may be a screen, such as a display screen, or LED(s), a full wraparound screen, or speaker arrangement, etc. This can be used to inform the user about the status of consumables within the aerosol delivery device.

[0058] The display may be a series of LEDs or the like that illuminate as the consumable is inserted deeper into the cavity. For example, the LEDs may be off or red when no consumable is inserted and on or green when a consumable is inserted into the device. In this way, the user knows how deeply the consumable is inserted into the device and, therefore, how much aerosol to expect. Different LED colors may be used to indicate a first operating state, such as operation, and a second operating state, such as boost. For example, the LED may be blue when a consumable is inserted and the boost operating condition is met. This enhances the user experience by informing the user of the device's performance status with respect to the aerosol delivered to the user. When the device is in a non-operational state, the light may be red or off.

[0059] This method provides an easy-to-use authentication and recognition process that does not require complex actions from the user to initiate use of the device. This method provides a balance between overly strict and overly lax access protection for the device. The user can easily use genuine consumables with the device.

[0060] The detector described above may be a series of detectors. The detector may be a single device or multiple devices. The detectors disclosed herein may include a series of devices operating simultaneously or together to provide high-resolution motion detection of potential user movements. For example, a series of optical gates may be used to detect the location of a consumable within a housing, and a series of QR code readers may be used to verify whether the consumable at each location within the housing is an authentic consumable. This may involve using consumables with a series of QR codes along the edge, but each intricacy of the consumable presents an additional obstacle for counterfeiters to overcome, thus increasing the safety of the device and the user and improving the quality of the aerosol delivered by the device.

[0061] The term "in response to" may be used herein to refer to a second event (such as a change in a signal or state of an aerosol delivery device) that occurs after a first event. The second event may occur at a later time, after a predetermined time, or immediately after the first event.

[0062] The full range of operating states of the aerosol delivery device (or system) disclosed herein can be quite wide, helping the aerosol delivery device deliver different aerosols to the user. Operating states may be other than the operating, non-operating, and boost states as disclosed herein. Operating modes may be user-programmed, for example, if the user prefers a particular operating characteristic, such as a longer or shorter puff length or a larger or smaller puff volume. This enhances the user experience by providing more and different functions. Each may be associated with a specific amount of consumable inserted into the housing by the user, allowing for incremental increases in aerosol as desired by the user.

[0063] The aerosol delivery device may include a heating arrangement or the like for delivering an aerosol from a consumable, which may include an aerosol-generating material or the like. The control circuitry may control the heating arrangement (or the like) according to a signal received from the detector. When an authentication condition for the consumable is met, the device may provide the user with one of several heating processes for use with the aerosol-generating material disposed therein during use in the aerosol delivery device to enhance the user experience. Alternatively, one movement may be associated with one heating process and another movement may be associated with another heating process. This may be part of an update of the operating state of the aerosol delivery device.

[0064] The authentic consumable data may be stored in a database remote or on-board a device or system as disclosed herein. The control circuitry may be in communication with the database. The signal from the detector may be compared to the database by the control circuitry. If the signal is associated with an authentic consumable, the device is updated to an operational state.

[0065] An on-board database arrangement can be advantageous because the device does not need to have communications elements within the device that can communicate with a remotely maintained database, and the device does not need to be connected to a communications network to access a remotely maintained database before each use session. This can enable use of the device in disconnected areas. This can also provide faster response than via communication with a remote database.

[0066] In another example, a database of authentic consumables is maintained remotely, and the control circuitry has a communications module for connecting to the database. The communications module may connect to the database upon request to check a particular consumable. The communications module, and thus the control circuitry, is then provided with the authentication status of the consumable based on the consumable's identifier, and the authentication status of the consumable is relayed to the control circuitry. This arrangement may be advantageous because the consumable database can be updated remotely, ensuring that the device does not need to include a memory element to carry the database and that the device does not need to periodically update its on-board database. In this way, the latest consumable data can be provided to all devices as soon as the consumable data is uploaded to the central database. This may occur during a production update in the manufacture of the consumables.

[0067] In this way, all users can be provided with updates without each having to update their own device. The remote database may be a manufacturer's database for verifying the authentication status of a consumable, etc. This may be advantageous if the manufacturer finds that a particular consumable requires a recall or is expired. Thus, the resiliency and user experience of the system are improved using a remote database.

[0068] The devices and systems herein are described as comprising several components that enable several advantages. The components may be disclosed as being on-board the device or within the system. The components may be distributed and therefore not necessarily on-board the device. The functionality of the device may be provided by communicatively connected components, and such communication may be wireless to enable such distribution. At that point, it is reasonable to expect a distributed array of components to operate in the manner of the devices and systems disclosed herein. The components of the device or system may be included in additional devices, such as a smartphone, a computer, or a remote server.

[0069] The methods and devices disclosed herein enable protection against device use without the need for a cumbersome authentication check process, which is as painless as (correctly) inserting a consumable into the device. This improves the user experience of the device and the safety of general use of the device. The default state of the device may also be controlled and modified by the user to allow transitions between higher security or more liberal access.

[0070] The devices and systems disclosed herein may be used with consumables containing aerosol-generating materials, which may be solid or liquid, and may be cartridges, sticks, pods, etc.

[0071] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein may operate with replaceable flavor pods within the device, which may be referred to as consumables. The flavors may be any of tobacco and glycol, and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, 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, cognac, ginseng ... Flavorings may include flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. Flavorings may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof.

[0072] When combined with an aerosol-generating medium, the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol delivery system.

[0073] Thus, an aerosol delivery device for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user has been described, comprising a housing having a cavity for receiving a consumable, control circuitry contained within the housing for controlling the operating and / or display state of the aerosol delivery device, and a detector arranged to detect the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitry being arranged to update the operating and / or display state of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving a signal from the detector.

[0074] The aerosol delivery system may be used in tobacco industry products, such as non-combustion aerosol delivery systems.

[0075] In one embodiment, a tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0076] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0077] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0078] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is coupled to or includes a heater.

[0079] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating but not burning a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, which may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0080] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0081] In one embodiment, a tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0082] In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic item.

[0083] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.

[0084] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0085] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol or aerosol-forming agent or humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0086] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating but not burning a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0087] To address various problems and advance the art, this entire disclosure illustrates various embodiments by way of example in which the claimed invention may be practiced and provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid in understanding and teach the claimed features. 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 limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Additionally, this disclosure encompasses other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving a consumable; a control circuit contained within the housing for controlling an operational and / or display state of the aerosol delivery device; a detector positioned to detect the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control circuit; The aerosol delivery device, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an operational and / or display state of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving a signal from the detector.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the consumable comprises an aerosol-forming material.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit is arranged to update the operating state of the aerosol delivery device to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-generating material passing through the cavity of the housing.

4. 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is arranged to update the operating state of the aerosol delivery device to an inoperable state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-generating material passing through the cavity of the housing.

5. 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is arranged to update the operating state of the aerosol delivery device to a boost operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-generating material passing through the cavity of the housing.

6. 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is arranged to update the display state of the aerosol delivery device to an operational display state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-generating material passing through the cavity of the housing.

7. 7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is arranged to update the display state of the aerosol delivery device to a non-operating display state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-generating material passing through the cavity of the housing.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is arranged to update the display state of the aerosol delivery device to a boost operation display state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-generating material passing through the cavity of the housing.

9. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detector is at least one of a magnetometer, a capacitor, a thermal sensor, a human presence sensor, a light gate, a pressure sensor, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and a camera.

10. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the detector is positioned to detect at least a portion of the aerosol-forming material entering or leaving the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control circuit.

11. 11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of detectors disposed within the housing to detect at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material passing through a plurality of portions of the cavity, respectively, and to provide a signal to the control circuit.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a display screen, the control circuit being arranged to control the display state of the display screen.

13. 1. An aerosol generating system for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising:

1. An aerosol delivery device for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving a consumable; a control circuit contained within the housing for controlling an operating state and / or a display state of the aerosol delivery device; a detector positioned to detect the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control circuit; An aerosol generation system, wherein the control circuit is arranged to update the operating and / or display status of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving a signal from the detector.

14. The aerosol delivery system of claim 13 , wherein the consumable comprises an aerosol-forming material.

15. 15. The aerosol generation system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the detector is not integral with the aerosol delivery device.

16. The control circuit controls an operating state of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-forming material passing through the cavity of the housing. The operating state, a non-operating state; and a boost operating state.

17. The control circuitry controls an indicating state of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-forming material passing through the cavity of the housing. Operation display state, a non-operational display state; and a boost operation indication status.

18. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the detector is at least one of a magnetometer, a capacitor, a thermal sensor, a human sensor, a light gate, a pressure sensor, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and a camera.

19. An aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the detector is arranged to detect at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material entering or leaving the cavity of the housing and provide a signal to the control circuit.

20. An aerosol generating system as described in any one of claims 13 to 19, further comprising a plurality of detectors arranged to detect at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material passing through multiple portions of the cavity, respectively, and to provide a signal to the control circuit.

21. An aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 13 to 20, further comprising a display screen, wherein the control circuit is arranged to control the display state of the display screen.

22. 1. A method of delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: detecting, with a detector, a consumable passing through a cavity in a housing of the aerosol delivery device; providing, by the detector, a signal to a control circuit of the aerosol delivery device in response to the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing; updating, by the control circuitry, the operational and / or displayed status of the aerosol delivery device in response to receiving a signal from the detector; A method comprising:

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein updating the operational state of the aerosol delivery device by the control circuit includes updating the operational state of the aerosol delivery device to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with aerosol-generating material passing through the cavity of the housing.

24. detecting, with a first detector, a first portion of the aerosol-generating material passing through a first portion of a cavity in a housing of the aerosol delivery device; providing a signal to a control circuit of the aerosol delivery device in response to the first portion of the aerosol-generating material passing through the first portion of the cavity of the housing by the first detector; updating, by the control circuitry, an operating state of the aerosol delivery device to an operating state in response to receiving the signal from the first detector; detecting, with a second detector, the first portion of the aerosol-generating material passing through a second portion of the cavity in the housing of the aerosol delivery device; providing a signal to the control circuitry of the aerosol delivery device in response to the first portion of the aerosol-generating material passing through the second portion of the cavity of the housing by the second detector; 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising updating, by the control circuit, the operating state of the aerosol delivery device to a boost operating state in response to receiving the signal from the second detector.

25. 1. An aerosol delivery means for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving a consumable; a control means housed within the housing for controlling the operating and / or display state of the aerosol supply means; detection means arranged to detect the consumable passing through the cavity of the housing and to provide a signal to the control means; The aerosol delivery means, wherein the control means is arranged to update the operational and / or indicated status of the aerosol delivery means in response to receiving a signal from the detection means.

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