Aerosol supply device

Abstract

Aerosol supply device (100) comprising: a housing (110) having an opening (111) for receiving consumables (250), configured to house the consumables when in use; a haptic communication element (120) disposed within the housing; and a detector (130) configured to detect consumables passing through the opening of the housing and to provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is configured to provide haptic instructions to the user in response to signals from the detector relating to the movement of consumables to and from the opening of the aerosol supply device.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, a method of supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and an aerosol supply means.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generation systems are known. A typical system uses a heater actuated by a user to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by an aerosol supply device, and the aerosol is then supplied for inhalation by the user. The device can be actuated by the user pressing a button or simply by the act of inhalation. In the latest systems, a consumable element containing an aerosol generating material can be used. There may be a desire for the manufacturer to provide control of the operation of the system to the user. This can avoid the operation of the system in undesirable situations.

[0003] Latest electronic aerosol generation systems and aerosol supply devices, etc., have been introduced as an alternative to other older or more traditional systems such as systems that rely on the combustion of materials to supply an aerosol.

[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. <​​According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol dispensing device is provided, comprising a housing having an opening for receiving a consumable, configured to house the consumable when in use; a haptic communication element disposed within the housing; and a detector configured to detect the consumable passing through the opening of the housing and to provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is configured to provide haptic instructions to the user in response to signals from the detector relating to the movement of the consumable to and from the opening of the aerosol dispensing device.

[0007] Such a system can provide the user with instructions regarding relevant operational concerns related to consumables used with the device. These instructions may include visual, tactile, and / or auditory instructions. While any instructions may be possible, tactile instructions have been found to be particularly user-friendly for handheld devices and integrate well with such devices.

[0008] Consumables are used to supply aerosol-generating material to aerosol-supplying devices. Consumables can be popular because they are a simple and easy way to insert aerosol-generating material into various aerosol-supplying devices and may already contain a predetermined amount of aerosol-generating material. Consumables can be a neater and cleaner way to supply aerosol-generating material to devices. Users do not need to directly touch the aerosol-generating material; rather, they need to handle the consumable instead. This can be useful when inserting the consumable into the device through openings that may not be particularly wide or easy to insert the aerosol-generating material directly. Users may insert (or supply by any other means) the consumable into the aerosol-supplying device before use. This process can also be difficult because users may not be able to fully see the consumable entering and moving through the device.

[0009] A haptic communication element may be configured to provide a first haptic indication related to the consumable entering the housing through an opening. Different indications may be used to provide different information to the user, but indicating that the consumable has moved through the opening in the housing may be useful when the user is operating the device in low-light or poor-visibility conditions. Manual feedback is indicated by the user holding the device when inserting the consumable into the device. This is therefore a reliable way to communicate this information to the user. Different indications from the haptic providing entity may provide different information.

[0010] Notifying the user of the location of consumables is particularly useful because it allows the user to know whether the device is properly prepared for use. This is especially useful when the user is unable to see the device, whether due to a visual impairment, or due to use in cold weather, such as when the user prepares the device for use in a pocket. Different instructions related to the consumables exiting through the housing opening also contribute to reliable usability for the user. Furthermore, the user may be notified when the consumables are in an error state, such as incorrect insertion into the device, which may lead to the consumables getting stuck. Different tactile instructions may be provided so that the user can track the movement of consumables into and out of the device and know when the consumables are in a state requiring further evaluation, such as being in an error state or incorrectly inserted.

[0011] Informing the user of the overall location (or position) of consumables is particularly useful for users who cannot see the location of consumables within the device. This may be true in cases where the device has a cavity for consumables but does not have a window to track the consumables as they move within the cavity. This may be true when the user is using the device in low-light conditions or when the user has low vision. By providing this, the user can ensure that consumables are safely supplied to the aerosol dispensing device before use, thus reducing the possibility of consumable damage due to incorrect insertion. This also provides the user with updates on why the device may not be dispensing aerosols when expected. The user will understand why the device is not dispensing aerosols and how to correct this problem, thereby improving the overall user experience of the device. Each of these may be a different haptic message from a haptic communication element.

[0012] Notifying users of the status of consumables is preferable for improving the user experience of the device by reducing the possibility of operation due to unexpected consumables and / or aerosol-generating materials.

[0013] The status of consumables may include at least one of the following: lifespan, temperature, location, type, and authenticity.

[0014] The lifespan of a consumable may also relate to the number of sessions remaining in the consumable, and to the amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the consumable (i.e., aerosol-generating material not yet lost through use). Temperature is related to the likelihood that the aerosol-generating material will begin to supply aerosols. Position is as described above and may be used to inform the user whether the insertion is accurate and successful. Type may relate to the aerosol-generating material in the consumable, such as age-restricted, no age restriction, tobacco-containing, menthol-containing, cannabinoid-containing, and herbal, among others.

[0015] Users may be informed regarding the authenticity of consumables. Authentic consumables are contrasted with counterfeit consumables. Counterfeit consumables may be manufactured by unlicensed third parties and may not be rigorously tested for compatibility with aerosol supply devices; therefore, it is preferable for users to be aware of this before use. Manufacturers can control the quality of aerosols supplied by the device by increasing the likelihood that authentic consumables, rather than counterfeit ones, are used. This affects the device's lifespan and user safety. Therefore, users may wish to know the authenticity of consumables. The device does not need to prevent operation if counterfeit consumables are used, but the device may prevent operation. Instructions enable users to make informed decisions when operating the device.

[0016] Therefore, the user is highly prepared for any actions that may be required, such as moving consumables to ensure their precise placement within the device, replacing consumables, receiving aerosols on specific components (active or not active), and checking and / or replacing heaters (based on the actual temperature supplied to the consumables relative to the expected temperature).

[0017] The haptic communication element may be elongated or a series of elongated elements. This can increase the familiarity of the device for users of older or more traditional systems. In particular, the communication element may provide a haptic representation of the burnout of a consumable in use (providing the user with the consumable's lifespan). The remaining lifespan of a consumable in the device (sometimes referred to herein as "lifespan") may be represented by the distance between the proximal end of the device and the nearest vibrating element of the haptic communication element. As the signal approaches the proximal end, the user knows that the consumable's lifespan is nearing its end. This increases the familiarity of the newer aerosol dispensing device system for users of older or more traditional combustion systems, as the user may be accustomed to such feedback in combustion devices, and the proximity indicator shows when the device is likely to run out of power. In other words, this nicely emulates the habits or customs that users have developed when using older or more traditional systems. Thus, the confidence of these users is enhanced by the provision of this information.

[0018] In this way, haptic feedback can be used to clearly provide users with a vast amount of important consumable data for processing accordingly. This can improve user confidence in the device and extend its lifespan.

[0019] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol generating system is provided for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device comprising a housing configured to contain an aerosol generating material when in use, the housing having an opening for receiving a consumable, a tactile communication element disposed within the housing, and a detector configured to detect a consumable passing through the opening of the housing and to provide a signal to the tactile communication element, the tactile communication element configured to provide tactile instructions to the user in response to signals from the detector relating to the movement of a consumable to and from the opening of the aerosol supply device.

[0020] According to some embodiments described herein, a method is provided for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: providing an aerosol supply device with a housing having an opening for receiving a consumable; detecting by a detector that the consumable has passed through the opening of the housing and providing a signal by the detector to a haptic communication element; and providing the haptic communication element to the user with at least one instruction relating to the movement of the consumable to and from the opening of the aerosol supply device.

[0021] A method described herein may be a method for providing a user with at least one instruction relating to the movement of consumables to and from the opening of an aerosol supply device.

[0022] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply means is provided, comprising a housing having an opening for receiving a consumable and configured to house an aerosol generating means when in use; a tactile communication means disposed within the housing; and a detection means configured to detect a consumable passing through the opening of the housing and to provide a signal to the tactile communication means, wherein the tactile communication means is configured to provide tactile instructions to a user in response to signals from the detection means relating to the movement of a consumable to and from the opening of the aerosol supply means.

[0023] Next, this instruction will be explained with reference to the following diagram, which is merely an example. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 2C]It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device according to an example. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an example. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device according to an example. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart according to an example. **Modes for Carrying Out the Invention**

[0025] Although the present invention is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of the specific examples and embodiments may be implemented as in the past and, for the sake of brevity, are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system, which may also be referred to as an aerosol supply system such as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description, the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol supply systems / devices and electronic aerosol supply systems / devices. Further, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor", and related terms such as "vaporize", "volatilize", and "aerosolize" may generally be used interchangeably.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises an aerosol supply device housing 110. The aerosol supply device housing 110 has an opening 111 for receiving consumables. The housing 110 is configured to house consumables when in use. The opening 111 is shown toward one end in the example of Figure 1, but can be located anywhere in the device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 has a tactile communication element 120 located within the housing 110. The tactile communication element 120 is housed in the housing 110 and is configured for tactile instructions to the user. The aerosol supply device 100 includes a detector 130 configured to detect consumables passing through the opening 111 of the housing 110 and to provide a signal to the tactile communication element 120. Passage may be passage into or out of the opening 111. The haptic communication element 120 is configured to provide haptic instructions to the user in response to signals from the detector 130 related to the movement of consumables to and from the opening 111 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0029] Therefore, the haptic communication element 120 can provide instructions regarding the correct (and / or incorrect) insertion and / or removal of the consumable from the device 100. This can notify the user when the consumable is correctly inserted and the device 100 is ready for use, or when the consumable is not correctly inserted and it is ready for a change to ensure the consumable is properly positioned within the device 100. The haptic instructions can take many forms. Continuous or consecutive long or short buzzers may be used to provide the user with various functional data regarding the consumable.

[0030] As described above, the use of tactile cues can be particularly useful in low-light conditions where the user cannot easily see visual cues, where the user may have a visual impairment, or especially in cold climates where the user may insert consumables into the housing in their pocket to avoid exposing their hands to the cold. The user can recognize the tactile cues and adjust their performance accordingly to ensure that consumables are accurately and safely supplied to and from device 100.

[0031] Tactile feedback is useful for users with visual impairments who are not capable of visual communication with data transmission mechanisms. Tactile feedback may occur sequentially along the length of device 100 from distal to proximal end (for example), providing a tactile burnout effect. This can also provide the user with clear indication of the number of remaining usage sessions (e.g., remaining lifespan of the consumable) by letting the user know where the feedback is occurring relative to the proximal end. Other tactile feedback may be possible, such as a single buzzer throughout the device, if the consumable's location is suitable for device operation. Sequential tactile feedback may be used, such as five consecutive short buzzers, to indicate that the device requires inspection when the heater is not supplying heat to the consumable as expected. A similar warning buzzer may be provided to the user if the consumable inserted into the device is not genuine.

[0032] One form of tactile indication may be used to show the user that the aerosol-generating material or consumable is correctly / incorrectly inserted into the device, that the consumable is heating as expected or not, and that the consumable is ready to emit vapor.

[0033] To indicate the type of consumable or aerosol-generating material present within the device, a second form of tactile indication may be used, such as a long buzzer for nicotine-containing products and a short buzzer for non-nicotine-containing products. Numerous other tactile options exist but are not listed here. Such options may be provided as indications of age restriction, no age restriction, tobacco-containing, menthol-containing, cannabinoid, and herbal. Other tactile indications can indicate the lifespan of a consumable, for example, a series of tactile elements, where the number of active tactile elements increases as the lifespan of the consumable approaches its end.

[0034] A third form of tactile indication may be used to verify the authenticity of consumables. As mentioned, non-authentic consumables can lead to less satisfactory performance. Therefore, users may want to be notified that a consumable is non-authentic so that they have the option of continuing to use the non-authentic consumable or replacing the non-authentic consumable with an authentic one.

[0035] Each of these may be programmable for the user so that the user has a configuration with a user-preferred instruction system.

[0036] In one example, the haptic communication element is elongated. This may coincide somewhat with the portion of the housing 110 in which the element is located. The elongated nature of the communication element enhances its similarity to older or more traditional combustion mechanisms that the communication element can emulate to some extent. A technical consideration in this regard is to improve the confidence of newer users in these devices. Linear haptic communication makes it possible to provide a high level of familiarity, and therefore a high level of confidence, for new users of modern devices by emulating, for example, the habits or customs that have been ingrained in them when using older or more traditional systems.

[0037] Referring here to Figure 2, a series of use cases of an aerosol supply device with consumables are shown. Figure 2A shows an aerosol supply device 200 having a housing 210 and an opening 211. The housing 210 holds two detectors 230a, 230b and a tactile communication element (not shown). This example has a consumable 250 inserted into the opening (or cavity) 211 of the housing 210. In the example of Figure 2A, the consumable 250 has not yet been detected by either detector 230a or 230b. Therefore, the device 200 is in a non-operating state. The default state may be non-operating so that heating elements, power supplies, etc., are inoperable for a user who wishes to be supplied with aerosols. The device 200 may need to recognize the position of the consumable within the housing 210 before being updated to an operating state in which it can supply aerosols to a user.

[0038] In Figure 2B, the user is further inserting the consumable 250 into the opening 211 of the housing 210 of the device 200. Here the consumable 250 is in a position identified by the detector 230a. The consumable 250 is moved to the opening 211 and detected by the detector 230a, and the tactile communication element may provide the user with an indication (upon receiving a signal from the detector 230a) that the consumable 250 is in a specific position within the device 200. If a heating configuration allows this to be done at this insertion stage, an aerosol may be supplied to the user from the consumable 250. In one example, a heater may be located around a portion of the device 200 roughly indicated by double-ended arrows A. In this way, the device 200 may operate the heater only in the portion of the device 200 where heat should be used to generate an aerosol, i.e., the portion of the device 200 where the device 200 knows that at least a portion of the consumable 250 is located. This increases the efficiency of device 200 and reduces the possibility of damaging device 200 by activating a heater that is not near the consumable 250. The user can then inhale device 200 to receive aerosols generated from the consumable 250 located in part A, which are recognized by the detector 230a and reported to the user by one or more tactile communication elements.

[0039] A haptic communication element located in part A may vibrate when the detector 230a detects that the consumable 250 is in that part of the device 200. In this way, the user may be notified about the location of the consumable 250 and that the consumable has been correctly inserted to this point in the device 200.

[0040] In Figure 2C, the user has further inserted the consumable 250 into the opening 211. The consumable 250 can now be detected by detector 230b, which is located deeper in the opening 211 than detector 230a. A control circuit (not shown) can receive a signal from detector 230b and activate one or more haptic communication elements roughly located in the area indicated by the double-ended arrow B. Thus, the user will know that the consumable has been inserted deeper into the device 200, and an instruction can be given to the user regarding whether this is a successful insertion or an incorrect insertion requiring further attention. The signal from detector 230b can proceed through the control circuit or directly to the haptic communication elements.

[0041] In one example, device 200 has a series of heating elements located in part B of device 200. Device 200 can then supply more aerosol from the consumable 250 by having more heating elements heat the consumable 250. In this way, the user can be supplied with more aerosol. Thus, the user is informed that the consumable 250 is inserted into device 200. With more detectors or detector elements, the user can have a nearly continuous display of the location of the consumable 250 within device 200.

[0042] When the consumable 250 is removed from the opening 211, the detector 230b can first recognize the removal of the consumable 250. When the detector 230b detects that the consumable has moved out of the cavity, the haptic communication element operating in section B may cease operation to indicate to the user that the consumable has been removed from the opening 211. The heater or heating element in section B may also cease operation.

[0043] When the detector 230a recognizes that the removal of the consumable 250 has passed section A, the heater or heating element in section A may stop operating, and the tactile communication element in section A may also stop operating. The detector 230 can detect the direction of movement of the consumable 250 to detect whether the consumable 250 is inserted or removed. If operating states are discussed herein, tactile communication indications may also be provided accordingly.

[0044] The opening 211 may lead to a chamber having spikes or heater blades into which a consumable 250 is inserted. A detector may detect pressure from the consumable 250 inserted into the opening 211 and on the spikes, and one or more tactile communication elements may act accordingly to provide information to the user. The chamber connected to the opening 211 may have a series of spikes positioned to protrude inward from the cavity wall, each of which may provide heating to the consumable 250. A series of radial heaters may be present, which may act when a series of detectors 230 identify that a genuine consumable 250 is passing through that portion of the chamber connected to the opening 211 within the housing 210. In this way, a certain level of aerosol can be supplied to the user based on the depth into which the consumable 250 is inserted within the housing 210. If the user desires a large amount of aerosol, the consumable 250 may be inserted deeper into the chamber connected to the opening 211. If the user desires a small amount of aerosol, the consumable 250 can be shallowly inserted into the chamber connected to the opening 211. Each of these situations can be reported to the user by tactile indicators positioned along the length of the device, which matches the length of the chamber.

[0045] If the consumable 250 is not genuine, the detector 230 may provide a warning to the user accordingly. In this way, the user can choose whether or not to continue using the consumable 250.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 3, an example of the aerosol supply system 300 is shown. The aerosol supply system 300 shown in the example in Figure 3 is similar to the aerosol supply devices 100 and 200 shown in the examples in Figures 1 and 2.

[0047] The aerosol supply system 300 in Figure 3 has a housing 310 having an opening 311. The system 300 has a tactile communication element 320 located within the aerosol supply device 310 of the aerosol supply system 300. The tactile communication element 320 communicates with a detector 330. The detector 330 is configured to detect consumables passing through the opening 311 of the housing 310 and provide a signal to the tactile communication element 320. In the example in Figure 3, the detector 330 is shown as separate from the aerosol supply device 310. Therefore, in this example, the detector 330 is separate from the aerosol supply device 310 but is part of the aerosol supply system 300. The detector 330 may be wirelessly connected to the aerosol supply device 310. Therefore, the detector 330 may be provided by further components so that the detector 330 can still be retained if the aerosol supply device 310 is lost. Furthermore, using the detector 330 outside the aerosol supply device 310 makes the manufacture of the aerosol supply device 310 simpler and less expensive. Therefore, the aerosol supply system 300 may be a preferred configuration for providing the advantages described herein.

[0048] The communication elements may be a single extended communication element or a series of communication elements. An example of this is shown in Figure 4. The device 400 has a housing 410 having an opening 411 leading to a chamber for holding a consumable 450. The tactile communication elements 430 are shown in portions 430a, 430b, 430c, and 430d along a portion of the housing 410. These portions may coincide with or be aligned with the chamber into which the consumable 450 is inserted.

[0049] Each part may provide tactile indication when, for example, the consumable is completely used up. When the consumable is 25% used up, the last part of the tactile communication element 430d may stop vibrating. In this way, using tactile indication in this example, the user is notified of the end of the consumable's lifespan, similar to the burning out of a cigarette. In this case as well, this increases the similarity between modern devices and older or more traditional combustion-type devices.

[0050] Haptic communication elements positioned along the length of the device may operate in various different ways according to various technical considerations. For example, the length of the device may vibrate when the consumable is full and stop vibrating as the consumable is worn out (indicating the user's lifespan as described above). This provides the user with clear instructions on how soon the consumable will need to be replaced. When 75% of the elements are vibrating, the user knows that there is a good amount of use time remaining in the consumable. When 10% of the elements are vibrating, the user may begin searching for a replacement consumable. The vibration speed may also change so that the vibration becomes more regular or stronger as the consumable approaches wear.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 2, the haptic communication elements 430a, 430b, 430c, and 430d may vibrate when the consumable is inserted into the opening 411 in the direction indicated by arrow C. The consumable 450 may be inserted into a dedicated chamber or cavity within the housing 410. A detector or detector array (not shown in Figure 4) may detect the insertion of the consumable 450 and report this to the haptic communication elements, which vibrate as the consumable 450 passes through their locations. In this way, the user is notified of the success of the insertion process. Once the consumable 450 has reached a fully proper insertion, all haptic elements may vibrate synchronously a predetermined number of times so that the user knows that the insertion has been successful. The elements may vibrate faster as the consumable 450 is inserted into the opening 411 until all elements are operating at a nearly continuous vibration setting. This is a clear signal to the user that a successful insertion has occurred.

[0052] Conversely, if the consumable 450 experiences problems during insertion due to snagging or other issues within the chamber, the element may vibrate in a pulse-like manner.

[0053] As described above, one type of instruction (e.g., five pulse vibrations) can be ensured for emergency notification to the user. In this way, the user will always associate one form of tactile instruction with something that requires some immediate action. This improves user interaction with the alarm function disclosed herein, and the user is less likely to ignore forms of emergency notification that may occur when this instruction (or a similar instruction, such as four pulse buzzers) is used, and when a slightly different form of that instruction (e.g., five pulse buzzers) indicates a serious or critical problem.

[0054] The system can recognize the position of the consumable 450 inserted into the device 400. The system may include a detector or a set of detectors for detecting data to be transmitted to the user. The detectors may be a timer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a capacitor located in the housing, a thermal sensor, an accelerometer, an altimeter, an optical gate, and a pressure sensor. Each of these may help provide an evaluation of the relevant aspects to be transmitted to the user.

[0055] For example, if the system provides a continuous buzzer (over a predetermined period), the user will know that the consumable 450 has been successfully inserted and that the device 400 is ready for use. This can be particularly useful in low-light conditions, or especially in cold climates, where the user may insert the consumable into the housing in their pocket to avoid exposing their hand to the cold.

[0056] Users can also derive satisfaction from the insertion mechanism, which provides feedback on the successful insertion of consumables.

[0057] Each of the examples discussed herein provides the user with important functional data relating to consumables, which the user can then act to ensure that device 400 functions properly.

[0058] Device 400 may provide the user with information regarding the insertion status of the consumable 450, such as whether it is not inserted, improperly inserted, or properly inserted. Device 400 may also provide the user with information regarding the authenticity and type of the consumable 450.

[0059] In one example, the haptic communication element 430 may be arranged on the housing 410 in a full wrap-around configuration. The device 400 may also be substantially cylindrical in shape, and the haptic communication element 430 may be arranged somewhat or entirely around a portion of the housing 410. Such arrangement improves the likelihood that a user's finger or part of their hand will come into contact with the haptic communication element 430. In this way, the user is more likely to receive haptic communication instructions.

[0060] Figure 5 shows a method 500 for using the aerosol supply device. Method 500 is shown as a flowchart. In method 500, the device can be started in a default state (502), which may include consumables located within the device. Alternatively, the default operating state may include consumables not located within the device. The lifespan of the consumables may be full or partially used.

[0061] When a user attempts to use, is using, or is not using the device, the device detects the passage of consumables through the device's openings. This may be as described above. The device detects passage (which may be into or out of the openings) using detectors (which may enclose several individual sensors / detectors). Detectors may detect the movement of consumables through any standard mechanism (504).

[0062] The detector transmits a signal to the control circuit accordingly (506). The control circuit may receive regular signals from one or more detectors regarding the movement of the consumable and may provide instructions to the user when deemed appropriate. The user does not require permanent notification that the consumable is properly positioned within the housing. Rather, a preferred method is for the user to be notified when the consumable is initially properly positioned, and then notified if this status changes to an improper status or to a moved status. However, the remaining consumable life and session may be continuously (or semi-continuously, i.e., at regular close intervals) notified to the user so that the user has an up-to-date understanding of the remaining use of the consumable within the device.

[0063] If such instructions are deemed suitable for communication to the user, the control circuit may provide instructions to the user via a haptic communication element (508). The method can be carried out without a specific control circuit, since the detector may provide a signal directly to the haptic communication element.

[0064] This method provides the user with a user-friendly instruction process that does not overburden the user with information, but continues to regularly notify the user about relevant matters at any point in the lifespan of the consumables within the device. The method strikes a balance between overburdening the user and providing little or no warning to the user before relevant usage events (e.g., depletion of aerosol-generating material or heater failure due to supplying too much or too little heat to the aerosol-generating material in the consumable). Clear instructions for the user in various situations ensure that the user is well-informed and prepared while using the device. The method also enhances user familiarity for these products by emulating existing habits or customs that users have developed when using older or more traditional combustion-type products, for example.

[0065] The detector described above may be a series of detectors. The detector may be a single device or a number of devices. The detectors disclosed herein may include a series of devices that operate simultaneously or together to provide an accurate, informational assessment of the status of various consumables within a device at any given moment. These are used to ensure that the user is provided with the correct and relevant display. Specifically, this may relate to the movement of consumables into and from the device.

[0066] The aerosol supply device may include a heating configuration for supplying aerosols from consumables, which may contain aerosol-generating materials. A control circuit may control the heating configuration (or similar) according to user requests. The movement, operation, and lifespan of the consumables are detected by detectors within the device and provided to a control circuit linked to one or more communication elements on the device to notify the user.

[0067] The devices and systems described herein are described as comprising several components that enable several advantages. The components may be disclosed as being mounted on a device or within a system. The components may be distributed and therefore not necessarily mounted on a device. The functionality of the device can be provided by communicatively connected components, such communication may be wireless, enabling such distribution. At that point, it is reasonable to anticipate that a distributed array of components will operate in the manner of the devices and systems disclosed herein. Components of a device or system may be contained within further devices, such as a smartphone, computer, or remote server.

[0068] The methods and devices disclosed herein enable users to be informed of the location and condition of consumables within a device as appropriate. This improves the user experience of the device, the lifespan of the device, and the safety of general use of the device.

[0069] The devices and systems disclosed herein may be used with consumables containing aerosol-generating materials. Such consumables may be solid or liquid, and may be in the form of cartridges or sticks. The consumables may be refillable or replaceable.

[0070] In certain cases, the devices disclosed herein may operate with replaceable flavor pods within the device, which may be referred to as consumables. The flavors may be either tobacco or glycol, or extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, 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, etc.). It may contain other additives such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the Mentha genus, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, or breath fresheners. These may be mimics, synthetic or natural ingredients, or blends thereof.

[0071] When combined with an aerosol generating medium, the aerosol supply devices disclosed herein may be referred to as aerosol supply systems.

[0072] Accordingly, an aerosol dispensing device is described, comprising a housing having an opening for receiving consumables and configured to house the consumables when in use; a haptic communication element disposed within the housing; and a detector configured to detect consumables passing through the opening of the housing and to provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is configured to provide haptic instructions to the user in response to signals from the detector relating to the movement of consumables to and from the opening of the aerosol dispensing device.

[0073] Aerosol supply systems can be used in tobacco industry products, such as non-combustion aerosol supply systems.

[0074] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0075] In one embodiment, the aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0076] In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0077] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is enclosed in or on top of a substrate container. In one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0078] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating a base material but not burning it. The base material is an aerosolizable material that may or may not contain nicotine, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0079] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0080] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of supplying power to the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.

[0081] In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic article.

[0082] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material and a heat source, the heat source being able to supply thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustible material such as charcoal.

[0083] In one embodiment, the heated product also includes a filter capable of filtering out aerosols generated by heating an aerosolizable substrate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol, an aerosol-generating agent, or a wetting agent, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0085] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating but not burning a combination of base materials. The base 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 base and a solid base. The solid base 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 base and tobacco.

[0086] To address various issues and advance the technology, the entirety of this disclosure illustrates various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be implemented and which can provide an excellent electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid in and teach the understanding of the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations to the disclosure as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of this disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, this disclosure includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A housing having an opening for receiving consumables, configured to house the consumables when in use, A haptic communication element is arranged within the housing, A detector configured to detect the consumable passing through the opening of the housing and to provide a signal to the haptic communication element, an aerosol supply device comprising, An aerosol dispensing device in which the haptic communication element is configured to provide haptic instructions to a user in response to signals from the detector relating to the movement of the consumable to and from the opening of the aerosol dispensing device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the consumables include an aerosol generating material.

3. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the haptic communication element is configured to provide a first haptic indication relating to the consumable entering the housing through the opening.

4. The aerosol dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the haptic communication element is configured to provide a second haptic indication relating to the consumables exiting the housing through the opening.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the haptic communication element is further configured to provide haptic instructions relating to the location of the consumable within the housing.

6. The aforementioned haptic communication element, A third tactile indication related to the complete insertion of the consumable into the housing, A fourth tactile indication relating to the incomplete insertion of the consumables within the housing, A fifth tactile indication related to the incorrect insertion of the consumables into the housing and The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, further configured to provide

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the haptic communication element is further configured to provide haptic instructions relating to the status of the consumable.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein the status of the consumable includes at least one of lifespan, temperature, location, type, and authenticity.

9. The lifespan includes at least one of the expiration date, remaining sessions, and elapsed sessions. The aforementioned type includes at least one of the following: age-restricted, no age restriction, tobacco-containing, menthol-containing, cannabinoid-containing, and herbal. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8.

10. An aerosol generation system for supplying aerosols for inhalation by a user, Aerosol supply device The aerosol supply device is equipped with, A housing having an opening for receiving consumables, configured to contain aerosol-generating material when in use, A haptic communication element is arranged within the housing, A detector configured to detect the consumable passing through the opening of the housing and to provide a signal to the haptic communication element, Equipped with, An aerosol generation system in which the tactile communication element is configured to provide tactile instructions to the user in response to signals from the detector relating to the movement of the consumable to and from the opening of the aerosol supply device.

11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein the consumables include the aerosol generating material.

12. The aforementioned haptic communication element, A first tactile indication relating to the consumable entering the housing through the opening, A second tactile indication relating to the consumables exiting the housing through the opening, An aerosol generating system according to claim 10 or 11, configured to provide at least one of the following.

13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the haptic communication element is further configured to provide haptic instructions relating to the location of the consumables within the housing.

14. The aforementioned haptic communication element, A third tactile indication related to the complete insertion of the consumable into the housing, A fourth tactile indication relating to the incomplete insertion of the consumables within the housing, A fifth tactile indication related to the incorrect insertion of the consumables into the housing and The aerosol generating system according to claim 13, further configured to provide...

15. The haptic communication element is further configured to provide haptic instructions related to the status of the consumables, The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the status of the consumable includes at least one of lifespan, temperature, location, type, and authenticity.

16. The lifespan includes at least one of the expiration date, remaining sessions, and elapsed sessions. The aforementioned type includes at least one of the following: age-restricted, no age restriction, tobacco-containing, menthol-containing, cannabinoid-containing, and herbal. The aerosol generation system according to claim 15.

17. A method for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, The steps include providing an aerosol supply device with a housing that has an opening for receiving consumables, The steps include: detecting that the consumable passes through the opening of the housing using a detector, and providing a signal to a haptic communication element using the detector; The haptic communication element provides the user with at least one instruction relating to the movement of the consumables to and from the opening of the aerosol supply device. Methods that include...

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the consumable includes an aerosol generating material.

19. The aforementioned haptic communication element, A first tactile indication relating to the consumable entering the housing through the opening, A second tactile indication relating to the consumables exiting the housing through the opening, The method according to claim 17 or 18, which provides the following.

20. The aforementioned haptic communication element, A third tactile indication in response to the complete insertion of the consumable into the housing, A fourth tactile indication in response to incomplete insertion of the consumables within the housing, A fifth tactile indication in response to incorrect insertion of the consumables within the housing, The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising the step of providing

21. The haptic communication element further includes the step of providing a haptic indication related to the status of the consumable, The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the status of the consumable includes at least one of lifespan, temperature, location, type, and authenticity.

22. The lifespan includes at least one of the expiration date, remaining sessions, and elapsed sessions. The aforementioned type includes at least one of the following: age-restricted, no age restriction, tobacco-containing, menthol-containing, cannabinoid-containing, and herbal. The method according to claim 21.

23. A housing having an opening for receiving consumables, configured to house an aerosol generating means when in use, A haptic communication means is disposed within the housing, A detection means configured to detect the consumable passing through the opening of the housing and to provide a signal to the tactile communication means, an aerosol supply means comprising, Aerosol supply means wherein the tactile communication means is configured to provide tactile instructions to a user in response to signals from the detection means relating to the movement of the consumables to and from the opening of the aerosol supply means.

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