User interface for aerosol supply devices

Abstract

This application relates to a user interface for an aerosol supply device. The user interface has a movable element. The movable element is biased to take a first position and is movable to take at least a second different position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Technical Field) The present invention relates to a user interface for an aerosol supply device. It relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and a method of generating an aerosol.

Background Art

[0002] (Background Art) Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating type" products that release compounds by heating materials without burning, or tobacco heating devices or products. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above-mentioned devices or products are known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In many cases, in order to supply different aerosols for inhalation, it is necessary to exchange or change the medium used. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a fluctuating magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetration by the fluctuating magnetic field to heat a suitable medium.

[0004] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] (Summary of the Invention) According to one embodiment, a user interface for an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a movable element, wherein the movable element is biased to take a first position and is movable to take at least a second different position.

[0006] Optionally, the movable element may be moved by translation or sliding, as opposed to being pressed down.

[0007] Optionally, the movable element may be pushed in the z direction and translated or slid in the x direction, where the x direction is substantially perpendicular to the z direction.

[0008] Optionally, the movable element may be biased by (i) one or more springs and / or (ii) one or more magnets or electromagnets and / or (iii) one or more elastic elements.

[0009] Optionally, the movable element may be able to move to a third different position.

[0010] The movable element is optionally movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction, and is also optionally movable from the first position to a third position in a second different direction.

[0011] The first and second directions are, by choice, opposite each other.

[0012] The movable element is optionally capable of moving from a first position to a second position by a first distance in a first direction, and is also capable of moving from the first position to a third position by a second different distance in the first direction.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the movable element may be moved in the same direction from a first position to a second position, and then from a second position to a third position.

[0014] Optionally, when the movable element is in a first position, the movable element may be pressed or contacted to perform one or more first actions.

[0015] Optionally, the movable element includes a capacitive sensing element configured to detect a user in contact with the movable element.

[0016] Optionally, when the movable element is in a second and / or third position, the movable element may be pressed or contacted to perform one or more first actions.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the movable element may include a capacitive sensing element configured to detect contact by a user.

[0018] Optionally, one or more first actions may be selected from the group including (i) checking the battery or charge status, (ii) starting a usage session, (iii) activating one or more heaters or heating areas, (iv) stopping one or more heaters or heating areas, (v) pausing operation, (vi) locking the device, and (vii) preventing accidental or unintended operation of the device.

[0019] Optionally, the user interface may further include one or more visual indicators.

[0020] Optionally, when the movable element is in a first position, one or more visual indicators are visible to the user.

[0021] Optionally, when the movable element is in the second or third position, at least one of the visual indicators is at least partially or completely covered or hidden by the movable element.

[0022] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device having the user interface described above is provided.

[0023] According to another aspect, an aerosol supply device, a housing, and a chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article, is provided. A user interface is provided on the housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0024] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises an aerosol generator and a controller configured to operate the aerosol generator in one or more heating modes.

[0025] The aerosol generator may comprise a resistive heating arrangement. Alternatively, the aerosol generator may comprise an inductive heating arrangement.

[0026] Optionally, when a movable element moves from a first position to a second position, the controller operates the aerosol generator in a first heating mode.

[0027] Optionally, when a movable element moves from a first position to a third position, the controller operates the aerosol generator in a second heating mode.

[0028] According to another aspect, an aerosol supply system comprising the above-described aerosol supply device and an aerosol-generating article is provided.

[0029] According to another aspect, a method of generating an aerosol, comprising at least partially inserting an aerosol-generating article into an aerosol supply device as described above and operating the aerosol supply device to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, is provided.

[0030] Next, various embodiments will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.​ [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] (Brief explanation of the drawing) [Figure 1] A user display is located on the top of the charging unit, showing the aerosol supply device located inside the charging unit, visible to the user regardless of the position of the sliding cover. [Figure 2] This shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol supply device that includes a heating element. [Figure 3] A partial cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device is shown, illustrating the aerosol product, which is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol supply device and heated internally by a resistive heating arrangement. [Figure 4] The image shows a top perspective view of the aerosol supply system with the cover on the charging unit in the first (open) position. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 6A] The following describes user interfaces for aerosol supply devices in various embodiments, each comprising a movable element and two LEDs (shown in a non-illuminated state). [Figure 6B] The following describes user interfaces for aerosol supply devices in various embodiments, each comprising a movable element and two LEDs (shown in illumination state). [Figure 7A] The document shows user interfaces for aerosol dispensing devices according to various embodiments, which include a movable element, the movable element being shown to have been moved from a first position to a second position. [Figure 7B] The document shows user interfaces for aerosol supply devices according to various embodiments, which include a movable element, the movable element being shown to have been moved from a first position to a third position. [Figure 8A] This shows user interfaces for aerosol supply devices according to various embodiments, in which the movable element is shown in a central (first) position. [Figure 8B]The present invention illustrates a user interface for an aerosol dispensing device in various embodiments, in which a movable element can be pressed, depressed, or contacted to illuminate two LEDs to indicate the charging status. [Figure 8C] The movable element is shown to have been moved from a first position to a third position to cover an LED window, and the movable element may be held for, for example, 3 seconds to start a session, and a user interface for an aerosol dispensing device in various embodiments is shown, in which haptic feedback may be provided. [Figure 8D] The movable element is shown to have been moved from a first position to a second position to cover an LED window, and the movable element may be held for, for example, 3 seconds to start a session, and a user interface for an aerosol dispensing device in various embodiments is shown, in which tactile feedback may be provided. [Figure 8E] The image shows a user interface for an aerosol dispensing device according to various embodiments, indicating that the movable element has been released from either the second or third position, and that the movable element has returned to the central (first) position, with the two LEDs illuminated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] (Modes for carrying out the invention) According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0033] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0037] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0039] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied in the form of heat to distribute power to an aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0040] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0041] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a trumpet, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0042] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when heated, irradiated, or given energy by any other means. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0043] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0044] The aerosol-generating material may include or may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other components, such as a solvent (such as water), an aerosol-forming agent, and an active substance, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as an arrangement of individual parts of the film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0045] The aerosol-generating film may include, or may be, sheets that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0046] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material so as to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material to vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0047] Consumables are articles comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by the user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a trumpet, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conductivity, or a susceptor.

[0048] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0049] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and replaceable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power supply and a controller (or control circuit). The power supply may comprise a power source such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0050] Induction heating is the process by which a conductive object called a susceptor is heated by allowing a fluctuating magnetic field to penetrate it. This process is described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a variable current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are positioned appropriately relative to each other so that the resulting fluctuating magnetic field created by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated within the object, the flow of current against the object's electrical resistance heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0051] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align due to the magnetic field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes along with the applied fluctuating magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation generates heat within the magnetic material.

[0052] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, introducing a fluctuating magnetic field into it can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the magnetic field can be strengthened by using magnetic materials, thereby intensifying the Joule heating.

[0053] Next, we will describe in more detail user interfaces for aerosol supply devices according to various embodiments.

[0054] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol supply device 100, which is shown to be located within the cavity of a charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product (not shown) which can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 when in use. The aerosol product comprises an aerosol generating material.

[0055] The aerosol supply device 100 is an elongated structure extending along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 has a proximal end, which is the end closest to the user's mouth when used by the user to inhale the aerosol produced by the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 also has a distal end, which is furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be called the mouthpiece end. Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction, which is oriented toward the user when in use, i.e., from the distal end to the proximal end. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a distal direction, which is oriented away from the user when in use, i.e., from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0056] The aerosol supply device 100 may be removably inserted into a charging unit 101 for charging. The charging unit 101 includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity through an opening. The cavity may include a longitudinal opening. One or more user-operable control elements or user interfaces 106 that can be used to operate the aerosol supply device 100 may be provided on one side of the aerosol supply device 100. The user interface 106 may include buttons.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the user interface 106 may include a movable element 120, which will be described in more detail below. The user interface 106 may also include one or more light-emitting diodes or other visual indicators. For example, as shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment, a first LED 130a may be provided on the user interface 106 on a first side of the movable element 120, and a second LED 130b may be provided on the user interface 106 on a second (different) side of the movable element 120. The LEDs may provide one, two, or three or more different colored light signals. In embodiments, the different colored light signals may indicate different functions and / or operating modes. The aerosol supply device 100 may be received in a longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101.

[0058] As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol supply device 100 may include a heating element (see, for example, heating element 202 as shown in Figure 2).

[0059] Referring back to Figure 1, the user interface 106 provided on the aerosol supply device 100 may include a movable element 120 that can be biased to assume a first position when stationary. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the movable element 120 may be biased to assume a central position on the user interface 106 when stationary. Embodiments are conceivable in which the movable element 120 can be moved from a first (stationary) position to a second position in order to operate the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the aerosol supply device 100 can be made to perform a standard or base operating mode by moving the movable element 120 against bias so that it assumes a second position. When the aerosol supply device 100 is performing a standard or base operating mode, a first predetermined heating profile may be set by a controller for the heating element.

[0060] The movable element 120 may also be able to move against a bias from a first position to a third different position in order to cause the aerosol supply device 100 to perform an enhanced or boosted operating mode. When the aerosol supply device 100 is performing an enhanced or boosted operating mode, a second different predetermined heating profile may be set by the controller for the heating element. Thus, the heating profile set for the heating element may be changed. For example, in an enhanced or boosted operating mode, the set temperature or desired temperature for the heating element may be raised for a certain period of time. In an enhanced or boosted operating mode, the overall session time may also be reduced.

[0061] The usage session may be determined in relation to the period during which the user can inhale multiple aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating material without replacing or replenishing the material.

[0062] The aerosol supply device 100 may be capable of operating in at least a first (e.g., base) operating mode and a second (e.g., boost) operating mode. The operating mode may be selectable by the user by moving the movable element 120 to a position corresponding to the desired operating mode.

[0063] In various embodiments, a first desired operating mode may be initiated when the movable element 120 is moved against a bias from a first position to a second position. It will be understood that the act of moving the movable element from the first position to the second position may be sufficient to cause the aerosol supply device 100 to perform the first operating mode. However, in other embodiments, it may be necessary to press down the movable element 120 once it has been moved from the first position to the second position in order for the aerosol supply device 100 to perform the first operating mode.

[0064] In various embodiments, a second desired operating mode may be initiated when the movable element 120 is moved against a bias from a first position to a third position. It will be understood that the act of moving the movable element from the first position to the third position may be sufficient to cause the aerosol supply device 100 to perform the second operating mode. However, in other embodiments, it may be necessary to press down the movable element 120 once it has been moved from the first position to the third position in order for the aerosol supply device 100 to perform the second operating mode.

[0065] In various embodiments, the movable element 120 may be moved by translation or sliding. In some embodiments, the movable element 120 may be pressed in the z direction (i.e., the direction within the body or housing of the aerosol supply device 100 as shown in Figure 1) and translated or slid in the x direction (as shown in Figure 1), where the x direction is substantially orthogonal to the z direction. The movable element 120 may be biased by one or more springs. Alternatively, one or more magnets or electromagnets may be used to bias the movable element 120 so that it takes a first position when stationary. For example, the movable element 120 may be biased to take a substantially central position on the user interface 106. Embodiments are conceivable in which the movable element 120 may be biased by one or more elastic elements.

[0066] The heating element (for example, heating element 202 shown and described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2) may be configured such that, in the first mode, the aerosol supply device 100 is ready for use in a first period after the start of the use session, and in the second mode, the aerosol supply device 100 is ready for use in a second period after the start of the session. The first period may be different from the second period. The aerosol supply device 100 may be ready for use at time t1 after the start of the use session in the first (base) operating mode, and may be ready for use at time t2 after the start of the use session in the second (boost) operating mode, and t2 <t1である。

[0067] By providing an aerosol supply device 100, such as a tobacco heating product, having a heating assembly capable of operating in multiple modes (e.g., base mode and boost mode), consumers are given more choices, especially when each mode is associated with a different maximum heater temperature. Furthermore, such an aerosol supply device 100 can supply different aerosols with different properties because the volatile components in the aerosol-generating material volatilize at different rates and concentrations at different heater temperatures. This allows the user to select a specific mode based on desired properties of the inhalable aerosol, such as the degree of tobacco flavoring, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature. For example, a mode that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be ready for use more quickly (e.g., a second mode or "boost" mode) may provide a quicker initial puff, or a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, modes in which the aerosol delivery device 100 can be ready for use at a later point in the usage session (e.g., a first mode or base mode) may provide a longer overall usage session, a lower nicotine content per puff, and a more sustained flavor delivery.

[0068] The user interface 106 may include one or more lights, LEDs 130a, 130b, or other visual indicator devices that can be configured to indicate the charge status of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the user interface 106 may include two LEDs 130a, 130b. If LEDs 130a, 130b are not displayed or otherwise not lit, the user may be shown a low charge state of the aerosol supply device 100. If one LED 130a, 130b is displayed or otherwise lit, the user may be shown an intermediate charge state of the aerosol supply device 100. If both LEDs 130a, 130b are displayed or otherwise lit, the user may be shown a fully or nearly fully charged state of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0069] The cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 101 in only one orientation. The outer profile of the aerosol supply device 100 may include curved and straight sections. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided to the charging unit 101 may also include similar curved and straight sections. The straight section of the cavity's cross-sectional profile may correspond to a longitudinal opening.

[0070] The aerosol supply device 100 has an opening that leads into a heating chamber. A rod-shaped aerosol product containing an aerosol-generating material may be inserted through the opening or held in the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol product may be heated by a heating element, which may result in the generation of an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0071] The charging unit 101 may include a sliding cover 103. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 for recharging, the sliding cover 103 may be closed to cover the opening to the aerosol supply device 100. The charging unit 101 may also include a user display 108.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, the user display 108 may be located on top of the charging unit 101 and may be visible to the user regardless of the position of the sliding cover 103. However, other arrangements are possible in which the user display may be hidden by the sliding cover 103 when the cover is in a first (open) position. Then, when the sliding cover 103 is in a second (closed) position, the user display may be revealed to the user.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the charging unit 101 may further comprise a cover 103 that is movable between a first position and a second position, and (i) the aerosol supply system further comprises a user display, the movement of the cover 103 between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user display, and / or (ii) the aerosol supply system further comprises a user interface, the movement of the cover 103 between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user interface.

[0074] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100 for illustrative purposes. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 200 that forms a heating chamber 201. The main housing 200 is a tubular wall 200a, which may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100, or it may have a wall 200a surrounding the heating chamber 201. The wall 200a may define the heating chamber 201 of the aerosol supply device 100 as a volume enclosed within the tubular wall 200a, at least partially. The wall 200a may have a shape other than tubular, and may be any shape that encloses (for example, surrounds) and defines the heating chamber 201 internally. The heating element 202 may be provided within a portion of the main housing 200, and the heating element 202 may extend or protrude into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may have a base portion 202a that can be located in a recess provided within a portion of the main housing 200.

[0075] The heating element 202 may include a resistance heating element. The heating element 202 may also include a pin that can be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product received in the heating chamber 201 to heat the aerosol product internally during use.

[0076] Alternatively, the heating element 202 may comprise a resistive blade heating element having a planar portion and a pointed portion. The pointed portion of the resistive blade heating element may be positioned to be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product during use in order to heat the aerosol product internally.

[0077] In an alternative configuration, the heating element 202 may include an induction heating element that can be positioned to heat the aerosol product internally. The induction heating element may similarly include pins or blades. The heating element may not be a component of the aerosol supply device 100, but may form part of the aerosol product.

[0078] The aerosol supply device 100 may further include a removal mechanism 204 that can be detachably held in the main housing 200 of the aerosol supply device 100. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in the main housing 200 such that at least a portion of the removal mechanism 204 extends into the heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 may include a longitudinal portion such as a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b. The base portion 207b may have an aperture 206 from which a heating element 202 can protrude. In order to hold the removal mechanism 204 in the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 may be pushed distally, i.e., toward the distal end of the main housing 200, to engage with the main housing 200 until the removal mechanism 204 can no longer move distally. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is held by the main housing 200, it means that the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200 and cannot move any further distally.

[0079] The tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b together may define and enclose an article chamber for receiving an aerosol product. The article chamber includes an inner surface which may be configured to contact the aerosol product. The inner surface may include a longitudinally extending portion provided by the tubular portion 207a and an end portion provided by the base portion 207b. When the aerosol product is received into the heating chamber, the aerosol product may contact both the longitudinally extending portion and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e., the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product, which is in the form of a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod, such that the longitudinal axis of the aerosol product is parallel to (and optionally aligned in a line with) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 when received into the article chamber.

[0080] The article chamber may also be called the receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 may be positioned at least partially within the heating chamber 201 during use. The heating element 202 may be positioned to protrude into the article chamber through an aperture 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204. Thus, the removal mechanism 204 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product during use.

[0081] The removal mechanism 204 may include a first magnet or magnetizable material 208. The main housing 200 may include a second magnet or magnetizable material 209. During use, the removal mechanism 204 can be magnetically held to the main housing 200 by the interaction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209.

[0082] The removal mechanism 204 is completely separable from the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in place by the attractive magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. The removal mechanism 204 may be separated from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. Alternatively, the removal mechanism 204 may be removably held in place by the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably held in place by an interlocking fit with the main housing.

[0083] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100, showing a main housing 200 having a heating element 202 extending into a heating chamber 201, with a removal mechanism 204 detachably held in the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 surrounds the heating element 202. The aerosol product 300 is shown located at least partially within the article chamber and therefore also within the heating chamber 201, resulting in the aerosol product 300 being positioned on the heating element 202.

[0084] The outer cap portion 210, when held in the main housing 200, forms part of the outer housing of the aerosol supply device 100. The outer cap portion 210 may radially surround an internal element (e.g., a tubular element 207a) with a gap provided between the internal element and the outer cap 210, the gap extending along part of the length of the removal mechanism 204 and configured to receive part of the main housing 200, e.g., a wall 200a. The removal mechanism 204 may define an opening 203 to an article chamber, through which the aerosol product 300 may be inserted in a first direction for insertion into the article chamber. This first direction is distal and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100. In embodiments, the opening 203 may be configured to contact the aerosol product 300.

[0085] The first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may be positioned in the removal mechanism 204 and the main housing 200, respectively, so as to be close enough to each other to generate an attractive force between them so that the removal mechanism 204 is magnetically held in the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200. For example, the first magnet or magnetizable material may be positioned at the proximal end of a portion of the main housing 200, for example, at the proximal end of a wall 200a that is inserted into a gap in the removal mechanism 204 (i.e., between the outer cap 210 and the inner elements 207a, 207b) when the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200 with the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 positioned in the corresponding location within the removal mechanism 204. Therefore, when the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200, the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 is positioned close enough to the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 so that the removal mechanism 204 remains held in place by the attractive force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209.

[0086] During use, the user may insert or partially insert the aerosol product 300 into the aerosol supply device 100 through the opening 203. The aerosol product 300 is received into the tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204, and thus the aerosol product 300 is received into the article chamber defined by the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b, and further into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be positioned to pierce the distal end of the aerosol product 300, so that the heating element 202 is located inside the aerosol product 300 and is positioned to heat the aerosol product 300 via internal heating.

[0087] Once the aerosol product 300 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 100, the user may perform a usage session. During the usage session, the aerosol product 300 may be heated by the heating element 202. It will be understood that the usage session may last for several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments, the usage session may last for 2-3 minutes, 3-4 minutes, or 4-5 minutes.

[0088] At the end of a usage session, the user may wish to remove the used aerosol product 300 from the aerosol supply device 100 and optionally replace the used aerosol product 300 with a new aerosol product 300. According to one embodiment, in order to remove the used aerosol product 300 after a usage session, the user can separate the removal mechanism 204 from the main housing 200 by applying force to the removal mechanism 204 to overcome the magnetic attraction between a first magnet 208 provided on the removal mechanism 204 and a second magnet provided on the main housing 200.

[0089] Figure 4 shows a top-down perspective view of an aerosol supply system according to various embodiments, and Figure 5 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 4.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the charging unit 101 includes a cover 103 that is movable between a first position and a second position. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cover 103 is shown in a first position which may correspond to an open position in which the aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into or removed from the charging unit 101.

[0091] The cover 103 may be moved to a second (closed) position. In the first (open) position, the cover 103 may be positioned so that the opening 111 of the charging unit is accessible so that the aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into and removed from the cavity 112 within the charging unit 101. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the aerosol supply device 100 is shown inside the cavity 112. The charging unit 101 may include a housing 113 that accommodates the components of the charging unit 101.

[0092] Therefore, the charging unit 101 includes a cover 103 that is movable between a first (open) position and a second (closed) position. The aerosol supply device 100 further includes a user display and / or user interface 106a, and the movement of the cover may be arranged to activate and / or deactivate the user display and / or user interface 106a provided on the aerosol supply device 100.

[0093] An embodiment like the one shown in Figure 1 is conceivable in which the user display 108 may be provided on the charging unit 101 and may be separate from the user interface 106 which may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100 (as shown in Figure 1). However, as shown in Figure 4, another embodiment is conceivable in which the user interface and / or user display 106a may be provided only on the aerosol supply device 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the user interface and / or user display 106a is provided on the side panel of the aerosol supply device 100, which is visible to the user when the aerosol supply device 100 is docked inside the charging unit 101. Another embodiment is conceivable in which the user interface and / or user display may be provided on the charging unit 101. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the user display may be provided on the charging unit 101 below the cover (or slider) 103 so that the user display is hidden when the cover is in the open position, but appears to or is visible to the user when the cover 103 is in the closed position.

[0094] According to the embodiment, the user interfaces 106, 106a may be provided, for example, on the aerosol supply device 100. The movement of the cover 103 may be arranged to activate and / or deactivate the user interfaces 106, 106a.

[0095] For example, when the cover 103 is in the second (closed) position, the aerosol supply system may be configured to disable the user interfaces 106, 106a provided on the aerosol supply device 100 in order to prevent accidental operation of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0096] The cover 103 may be slid by the user from a second (closed) position back to a first (open) position, and when the cover 103 is back to the first (open) position, user interfaces 106, 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be activated to allow the user to control various operations of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0097] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the user display 108 may be located on the charging unit 101, as shown in Figure 1. However, in another embodiment, at least a portion of the user display 106a may be located on the aerosol supply device 100, as shown in Figure 4. According to one embodiment, the user display 106a may be provided only on the aerosol supply device 100.

[0098] In operating mode, a user display 108 (see Figure 1) provided on the charging unit 101 or a user display 106a (see Figure 4) provided on the aerosol supply device 100 may be arranged to indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, referring to Figure 1, the user display 108 provided on the charging unit 101 may have a series of concentric circles, and the number of lit concentric circles indicates the charging state of the charging unit 101. Alternatively, the user display 108 may have circles divided into four quadrants, and the number of lit quadrants may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 108 may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charge state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charge state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0099] Referring to Figure 4, an additional or alternative user display 106a may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100. According to one embodiment, the user display 106a may comprise two, three, four, or five or more series or number of lights or LEDs. For example, according to one embodiment, two lights or LEDs may be provided, and the lights or LEDs may be illuminated in stages to indicate the charging state. No illuminated lights or LEDs may indicate a low charging state (or a charging state of less than 33%), one illuminated light or LED may indicate an intermediate charging state (or a charging state of 33-66%), and two lights or LEDs may indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state (or a charging state of more than 66%). Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 106a may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charging state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charging state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0100] In operating mode, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 or the user displays 106, 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be arranged to indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, referring to Figure 1, the user display 108 may have a series of concentric circles, and the number of lit concentric circles indicates the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. Alternatively, the user display 108 may have circles divided into four quadrants, and the number of lit quadrants indicates the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 108 may indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charging state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charging state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0101] Referring to Figure 4, the user display 106a may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100. In one embodiment, the user display 106a may comprise two, three, four, or five or more series or number of lights or LEDs. For example, in one embodiment, two lights or LEDs may be provided, and the lights or LEDs may be illuminated in stages to indicate the charging state. No illuminated lights or LEDs may indicate a low charging state (or a charging state of less than 33%), one illuminated light or LED may indicate an intermediate charging state (or a charging state of 33-66%), and two lights or LEDs may indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state (or a charging state of more than 66%). Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 106a may indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charging state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charging state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0102] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the user display is not provided on the aerosol supply device 100. For example, according to one embodiment, the user display may be provided only on the charging unit 101. According to another embodiment, the user display may not be provided at all, that is, neither the aerosol supply device 100 nor the charging unit 101 has a user display.

[0103] In operating mode, the user display 108 provided on the charging unit 101 and / or the user display 106a provided on the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to indicate an error or malfunction of the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol supply device 100.

[0104] In operating mode, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 and / or the user display 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to show the remaining time of the usage session.

[0105] According to various embodiments, the first position includes an open position in which the aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into and removed from the cavity of the charging unit 101. According to various embodiments, the second position includes a closed position in which the top of the cavity of the charging unit 101 is closed by the cover 103.

[0106] The cover 103 may be configured to move (e.g., slide or pivot) between a first position and a second position. The charging unit 101 may have a housing having one or more rails or grooves, and the cover 103 may have one or more tabs or projections arranged to engage with one or more rails or grooves. Alternatively, the charging unit 101 may have a housing having one or more tabs or projections, and the cover 103 may have one or more rails or grooves, with one or more tabs or projections engaging with one or more rails or grooves.

[0107] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cover 103 may be configured to slide between a first position and a second position. The sliding of the cover 103 may be achieved by any suitable configuration. The charging unit 101 may include a groove 114. The groove 114 may be located on the inner edge of the housing 113, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The cover 103 may include a tab 116 that engages with the groove 114. The engagement of the tab 116 with the groove 114 may restrain the cover 103 so that it can slide against the main housing 113.

[0108] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the charging unit 101 has rails instead of grooves 114. Similarly, the cover 103 may have projections having forms other than tabs 116 that can engage with grooves 114 or rails. The grooves 114 or rails may be located on the cover 103 instead of the housing 113, and the tabs 116 or projections may be located on the housing 113 or other suitable part of the charging unit 101 instead of the cover 103. The grooves 114 and / or rails, together with the tabs 116 and / or projections, act to restrain the movement of the cover 103 regardless of their position. Any number of grooves 114, rails, tabs 116 or projections may be provided.

[0109] Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the cover 103 moves between the first and second positions in any other suitable manner, for example, by rotation and / or pivoting motion.

[0110] Figure 6A shows a user interface for an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, comprising a movable element and further comprising two LEDs (shown in the non-irradiated state), and Figure 6B shows a user interface for an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, comprising a movable element and further comprising two LEDs (shown in the irradiated state).

[0111] Referring to Figure 6A, the user interface 106 is shown. The user interface 106 comprises a movable element 120. According to various embodiments, the movable element 120 may comprise a movable button. The user interface 106 may also comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other visual indicators. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, according to one embodiment, the user interface 106 may comprise two LEDs 130a and 130b.

[0112] The movable element 120 may be biased to a first position 160 by a biasing device. The movable element 120 may be biased by one or more springs and / or one or more biasing devices such as magnets or electromagnets. According to various embodiments, the movable element 120 may be biased by one or more elastic elements.

[0113] When the movable element 120 is positioned in the first position 160, the two LEDs 130a and 130b may be visible to the user. In the first position 160, the movable element 120 may be pressed. However, it is not essential that the movable element 120 be pressable, and other embodiments are conceivable in which the movable element 120 may be equipped with a touch button. For example, the movable element 120 may be equipped with a capacitive sensing element. In response to pressing and / or contact, the movable element 120 may produce an action to be performed on the aerosol supply device. For example, in response to pressing or contact of the movable element 120, one or more LEDs 130a and 130b may light up (as shown in Figure 6B) to indicate to the user the charge status of the aerosol supply device.

[0114] According to various embodiments, when the movable element 120 is pressed or made contact with the movable element 120 while it is in the first position 160, one or more of the following may be performed: (i) checking the battery or charge status, (ii) starting a usage session, (iii) activating one or more heaters or heating areas, (iv) stopping one or more heaters or heating areas, (v) pausing operation, (vi) locking the device, or (vii) preventing accidental or unintended operation of the device.

[0115] Referring to Figure 7A, the movable element 120 may be movable from a first position 160 to a second position 162 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 7A. The movable element 120 may be translationally or slidably movable between the first position 160 and the second position 162. In the second position 162, the movable element 120 may at least partially cover or conceal the first LED 130a. In response to the movement of the movable element 120 from the first position 160 to the second position 162, a first operation may be performed. For example, a session of use of the aerosol supply device may be initiated. The aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to operate in a first operating mode, a standard operating mode, or a base operating mode.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the first operating mode, standard operating mode, or base operating mode may include the controller setting the aerosol generator to (i) a target operating temperature T1a for a first period, (ii) a target operating temperature T2a for a second period, (ii) a target operating temperature T3a for a third period, and (iv) a target operating temperature T4a for a fourth period. According to various embodiments, the first operating mode, standard operating mode, or base operating mode may include the controller setting the aerosol generator to a first session time t 1a Continue, lamp-up time t 2a This may include setting the aerosol generator to perform a heating operation mode having T5a. According to various embodiments, the first operation mode, standard operation mode, or base operation mode may include the controller setting the aerosol generator to perform a heating operation mode having a maximum temperature of T5a.

[0117] The movable element 120 may be held in the second position 162 by the user. When the user releases the movable element 120, the movable element 120 is biased back to the first position 160 by the biasing means.

[0118] In the embodiment, a usage session may be initiated only when the movable element 120 is held in the second position 162 by the user for a predetermined time. For example, the movable element 120 may be held in the second position 162 for 3 to 5 seconds. In response, the usage session may be initiated in the first mode, standard mode, or base mode. This may prevent accidental activation of the aerosol supply device.

[0119] Figure 7A shows a user interface 106 for an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, comprising a movable element 120, which is shown to have been moved from a first position 160 to a second position 162, and Figure 7B shows a user interface 106 for an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, comprising a movable element 120, which is shown to have been moved from a first position 160 to a third position 164.

[0120] Referring to Figure 7B, the movable element 120 may be slidable from the first position 160 to the third position 164 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 7B. The third position 164 may be on the opposite side of the second position 162, such that the second position 162 and the third position 164 are on either side of the first position 160.

[0121] The movement of the movable element 120 from the first position 160 to the third position 164 may be in the opposite direction to the movement of the movable element 120 from the first position 160 to the second position 162. At the third position 164, the movable element may at least partially cover or conceal the second LED 130b.

[0122] The movable element 120 may be held by the user in a third position 164, and upon release, the movable element 120 may be biased back to the first position 160 by a biasing device. A second operation may be performed in response to the movable element 120 being moved to the third position 164. For example, a mode for a usage session may be activated. For example, device 100 may operate in a second operating mode or a boost operating mode.

[0123] According to various embodiments, the second operating mode or boost operating mode may include the controller setting the aerosol generator to (i) a target operating temperature T1b for a first period, (ii) a target operating temperature T2b for a second period, (iii) a target operating temperature T3b for a third period, and (iv) a target operating temperature T4b for a fourth period. According to various embodiments, the second operating mode or boost operating mode may include the controller setting the aerosol generator to a second session time t 1b Continue, lamp-up time t 2b This may include setting the device to perform a heating operation mode having a maximum temperature of T5b. According to various embodiments, the second operation mode or boost operation mode may include the controller setting the aerosol generator to perform a heating operation mode having a maximum temperature of T5b.

[0124] According to various embodiments, T1a ≠ T1b and / or T2a ≠ T2b and / or T3a ≠ T3b and / or T4a ≠ T4b. According to various embodiments, T5a ≠ T5b. According to various embodiments, t 1a ≠t 1b Therefore, according to various embodiments, 2a ≠t 2b That is the case.

[0125] After the movable element 120 is translated from the first position 160 to the second position 162 or the third position 164 and then biased back to the first position 160, a second further movement of the movable element 120 to the same position in the second or third position 162, 164 may halt the first or second movement, respectively.

[0126] According to the embodiment, the first movement of the movable element 120 to the second position 162 may initiate a usage session. The subsequent movement of the movable element 120 to the third position 164 may change the operating mode (e.g., to boost mode) or pause or stop the heating operating mode.

[0127] Figure 8A shows a user interface 106 for an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, with the movable element 120 in the central (first) position and the two LEDs 130a and 130b not illuminated.

[0128] Figure 8B shows a user interface 106 for an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, where a movable element 120 may be pressed, pushed, or touched to illuminate two LEDs 130a, 130b to check the charging status of the aerosol supply device.

[0129] Figure 8C shows a user interface 106 for an aerosol dispensing device in various embodiments, where the movable element 120 is moved from a first position to a third position to cover the LED window, and the movable element 120 may be held for, for example, 3 seconds to start a session, and haptic feedback may also be provided to the user.

[0130] Figure 8D shows a user interface 106 for an aerosol dispensing device in various embodiments, where the movable element 120 is moved from a first position to a second position to cover the LED window, and the movable element 120 may be held for, for example, 3 seconds to start a session, and haptic feedback may be provided to the user.

[0131] Figure 8E shows a user interface 106 for an aerosol supply device in various embodiments, where the movable element 120 is released from either the second or third position, the movable element 120 returns to the central (first) position, and the two LEDs 130a and 130b are shown illuminated.

[0132] According to various embodiments, the second and third positions do not have to be opposite each other. For example, the movable element 120 may be movable from the first position to the second position in the first direction. The movable element 120 may be further movable from the second position to the third position in the same first direction. The second position may be separated from the first position by a first distance. The third position may be separated from the first position by a second different distance.

[0133] The first and / or second actions may include one or more of the following: (i) checking the battery or charge status; (ii) starting a usage session; (iii) activating one or more heaters or heating areas; (iv) stopping one or more heaters or heating areas; (v) pausing the operation; (vi) locking the device; and (vii) preventing accidental or unintended operation of the device.

[0134] Referring to the situation shown in Figures 8C and 8D, one of the LEDs 130a and 130b may be hidden by the movable element 120, and the unhidden LEDs 130a and 130b may be arranged to flash on and off one or more times to indicate to the user that the operating mode has been selected, started, paused, or stopped.

[0135] In this embodiment, the LEDs 130a and 130b do not have to be positioned so as to be hidden by the movable element 120. For example, the LEDs 130a and 130b may be positioned adjacent to the movable element 120 when the movable element 120 is in a second or third position, so that the LEDs 130a and 130b are always visible.

[0136] According to the embodiment, the movable element 120 may translate or slide in the y-direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrows shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The y-direction is perpendicular to the x-direction and z-direction shown in Figure 1. The movable element 120 may also be movable to fourth and fifth positions on either side of the central position 160.

[0137] In this embodiment, the movable element 120 may be movable from a first position to a fourth position in a first direction. The movable element 120 may be further movable from the fourth position to a fifth position in the same first direction.

[0138] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may preferably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A user interface for an aerosol supply device, comprising a movable element, wherein the movable element is biased to assume a first position and is movable to assume at least a second different position.

2. The user interface according to claim 1, wherein the movable element can be moved by translation or sliding.

3. The user interface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable element may be pressed in the z direction and translated or slid in the x direction, and the x direction is substantially orthogonal to the z direction.

4. The user interface according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the movable element is biased by (i) one or more springs and / or (ii) one or more magnets or electromagnets and / or (iii) one or more elastic elements.

5. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movable element is movable to a third different position.

6. The user interface according to claim 5, wherein the movable element is movable in a first direction from the first position to the second position, and the movable element is movable in a second different direction from the first position to the third position.

7. The user interface according to claim 6, wherein the first and second directions are opposite to each other.

8. The user interface according to claim 5, wherein the movable element is movable from the first position to the second position by a first distance in the first direction, and the movable element is movable from the first position to the third position by a second different distance in the first direction.

9. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the movable element is in the first position, the movable element can be pressed or contacted to perform one or more first actions.

10. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the movable element comprises a capacitive sensing element configured to detect a user coming into contact with the movable element.

11. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the movable element is in the second and / or third position, the movable element can be pressed or contacted to perform one or more first actions.

12. The user interface according to claim 9, 10, or 11, wherein the one or more first operations are selected from the group including (i) checking the battery or charge status, (ii) starting a usage session, (iii) activating one or more heaters or heating areas, (iv) stopping one or more heaters or heating areas, (v) pausing operation, (vi) locking the device, and (vii) preventing accidental or unintended operation of the device.

13. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising one or more visual indicators.

14. The user interface according to claim 13, wherein when the movable element is in the first position, one or more visual indicators are visible to the user.

15. The user interface according to claim 13 or 14, wherein when the movable element is in the second or third position, at least one of the visual indicators is at least partially or completely covered or hidden by the movable element.

16. User interface according to any one of claims 1 to 15 An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

17. The aerosol supply device, Housing and It comprises a chamber for receiving aerosol products, The aerosol supply device according to claim 16, wherein the user interface is provided on the housing.

18. Aerosol generator and A controller configured to operate the aerosol generator in one or more heating modes, The aerosol supply device according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising the above.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, wherein when the movable element moves from the first position to the second position, the controller causes the aerosol generator to operate in a first heating mode.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein when the movable element moves from the first position to the third position, the controller causes the aerosol generator to operate in a second heating mode.

21. an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 16 to 20, Aerosol products and an aerosol supply system equipped with the following features.

22. A method for generating an aerosol, A step of inserting at least a portion of an aerosol product into an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 16 to 20, A method comprising the step of operating an aerosol supply device to generate an aerosol from the aerosol product.

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