Vaporizer Device

Abstract

The vaporizer device may include a vaporizer body configured to couple to at least one vaporizer cartridge including a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The vaporizer device may include a first aerosol-generating mechanism configured to generate a first portion of the aerosol by vaporizing at least a first aerosol component present in a first vaporizable material in the first reservoir. The vaporizer device may include a second aerosol-generating mechanism configured to generate a second portion of the aerosol by vaporizing a first aerosol component present in a second vaporizable material at a second temperature. The first and second portions of the aerosol may be delivered to a user of the vaporizer device via a mouthpiece.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 003,631, entitled "VAPORIZER DEVICE," filed April 1, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The subject matter described herein relates generally to vaporizers and, more specifically, to the vaporization of various components within a vaporizable material.

[0003] background The vaporizer device may be used to generate an inhalable aerosol or vapor. The aerosol may be generated by vaporizing a vaporizable material that includes a combination of multiple components, such as, for example, one or more active ingredients (e.g., nicotine), flavorants (e.g., ingredients for producing a flavored vapor), solvents (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerin), and / or the like. The vaporizable material may be in any form that is compatible with the vaporizer device, including, for example, liquids, gels, solids, and / or the like.

[0004] overview Various aspects of the present subject matter address challenges associated with vaporizing a vaporizable material. Aspects of the present subject matter relate to devices, methods, and systems for generating an aerosol, which include vaporizing at least a first component of a first vaporizable material separately from a second component of a second vaporizable material. Challenges associated with vaporizing a vaporizable material, particularly where the components of the vaporizable material exhibit different levels of thermal tolerance, may be addressed by including one or more of the features described herein or similar / equivalent approaches as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0005] It will be understood that in the context of the present disclosure, the term "vaporization" is used to refer to the generation of an aerosol by optionally heating one or more aerosol components to a temperature sufficient to cause the aerosol components to become gaseous and for at least a portion of the one or more gas-phase aerosol components to recondense to form particles in the inhalable airstream. The term vaporization is also used in the present disclosure to refer to the generation of aerosol particles via a process in which transition to the gas phase is not a required intermediate step. For example, mechanical vaporizers such as piezoelectric vibrating devices are described herein with respect to the vaporization of one or more aerosol components, even though such devices generally do not need to heat one or more aerosol components to a temperature sufficient to cause the one or more aerosol components to become gaseous.

[0006] In one embodiment, the vaporizer device includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The first reservoir includes or is configured to include a first vaporizable material, and the second reservoir includes or is configured to include a second vaporizable material. The vaporizer device also includes a first aerosol generating mechanism configured to generate a first portion of an aerosol including at least one first aerosol component (e.g., one or more compounds or mixtures), the first portion of the aerosol being formed while the first vaporizable material is at a first temperature that is less than a first vaporization temperature of the at least one first aerosol component, and a second aerosol generating mechanism configured to vaporize a second aerosol component (e.g., one or more compounds or mixtures) of a second vaporizable material to generate a second portion of the aerosol. The first aerosol-generating mechanism may optionally be configured to generate a first portion of the aerosol comprising at least one first aerosol component without heating the first vaporizable material to a first temperature above the vaporization temperature of the at least one first aerosol component. The second aerosol-generating mechanism may optionally be configured to vaporize the second aerosol component in any manner including by heating the second vaporizable material to at least a second temperature above the vaporization temperature of the second aerosol component.

[0007] In another embodiment, the vaporizer device includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The first reservoir includes a first vaporizable material including at least one first aerosol component, and the second reservoir includes a second vaporizable material including at least one second aerosol component. The device also includes a first aerosol generating mechanism configured to vaporize the at least one first aerosol component to generate a first portion of the aerosol, and a second aerosol generating mechanism configured to vaporize the at least one second aerosol component of the second vaporizable material to generate a second portion of the aerosol. The first aerosol generating mechanism is configured to generate the first aerosol component without providing a significant amount of heat to the first vaporizable material and / or the first aerosol component. The second aerosol generating mechanism is configured to vaporize the at least one second aerosol component at a second temperature, which may be near or above the vaporization temperature of the at least one second aerosol component to generate the second portion of the aerosol.

[0008] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be included, optionally in any practicable combination.

[0009] The vaporizer device may include a vaporizer device body configured to be reusable and therefore matable with at least one separable cartridge that includes certain portions of the vaporizer device. In some optional variations, the at least one separable cartridge may include the first and second reservoirs and at least a portion of each of the first and second aerosol generating mechanisms. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one separable cartridge may include one or more of the first reservoir, the second reservoir, a mouthpiece, and an electrical connection for receiving power from a battery or other power source in the vaporizer device body when the vaporizer device body and the cartridge are coupled.

[0010] The vaporizer device may optionally further include a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure changes corresponding to airflow through an air inlet in the vaporizer body, and a controller configured to respond to the pressure changes by activating at least the first aerosol generation mechanism and / or the second aerosol generation mechanism.

[0011] In some variations, the control device may be further configured to control a first vaporization rate of the first vaporizable material by at least adjusting an amplitude, frequency, and / or operating period of vibration associated with the first aerosol generation mechanism.

[0012] In some variations, the controller may be further configured to control a second vaporization rate of the second vaporizable material by at least adjusting a power level, a power supply operating cycle, and / or a target temperature associated with the second aerosol generating mechanism.

[0013] In some variations, the first temperature may be ambient temperature.

[0014] In some variations, the first temperature may be lower than the second temperature.

[0015] In some variations, the second aerosol-generating mechanism may include a heating member configured to generate heat to heat the second vaporizable material to a second temperature to vaporize the second vaporizable material.

[0016] The first mechanism may optionally be a mechanical aerosol generator or an aerosol generator that uses one or more mechanical processes to generate aerosol particles or droplets without requiring that at least one first aerosol component be converted to the gas phase for subsequent recondensation.

[0017] In some variations, the first aerosol-generating mechanism may include a piezoelectric actuator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations that may vibrate the mesh screen to vaporize the first vaporizable material without generating heat that would change the first temperature of the first vaporizable material.

[0018] In some variations, the piezoelectric actuator may be included in the first vaporizer cartridge.

[0019] In some variations, the first aerosol-generating mechanism may include a mechanical horn configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations that may vibrate the mesh screen to vaporize the first vaporizable material without generating heat that would change the first temperature of the first vaporizable material.

[0020] In some variations, a mechanical horn may be included in the carburetor body.

[0021] In some variations, the vaporizer body may be configured to couple to a first vaporizer cartridge that includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir.

[0022] In some variations, the vaporizer body may be configured to couple to a first vaporizer cartridge including a first reservoir and a second vaporizer cartridge including a second reservoir.

[0023] In some variations, the vaporizer device may further include a mouthpiece configured to deliver the first aerosol and the second aerosol to a user, the mouthpiece having an aerosol outlet through which the first aerosol and the second aerosol flow out of the mouthpiece.

[0024] In some variations, a first aerosol can enter the mouthpiece through a first inlet provided in the mouthpiece, and a second aerosol can enter the mouthpiece through a second inlet in the mouthpiece, such that the first aerosol and the second aerosol enter the mouthpiece without any mixing.

[0025] In some variations, the first and second aerosols may be mixed prior to entering the mouthpiece.

[0026] In some variations, the mouthpiece may be fluidly connected to a mixing chamber having one or more features configured to combine the first aerosol and the second aerosol.

[0027] In some variations, the one or more features may include a non-linear flow path and / or an obstacle.

[0028] In another aspect, the method includes activating a first aerosol generation mechanism configured to vaporize at least one first aerosol component present in a first vaporizable material contained within a first reservoir, the first aerosol generation mechanism vaporizing the at least one first aerosol component without generating heat that changes a first temperature of the first vaporizable material, the first aerosol generation mechanism vaporizing the at least one first aerosol component present in a first vaporizable material contained within a first reservoir, the first aerosol generation mechanism vaporizing the at least one first aerosol component without generating heat that changes a first temperature of the first vaporizable material. the step of activating a second mechanism configured to vaporize a second vaporizable material at a second temperature to vaporize the second vaporizable material contained in the second reservoir, the second mechanism configured to vaporize the second vaporizable material at the second temperature, and delivering to a user a first aerosol generated by the vaporization of the first vaporizable material and a second aerosol generated by the vaporization of the second vaporizable material.

[0029] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be included, optionally in any workable combination: The method may further include detecting a pressure change corresponding to airflow through an air inlet in the vaporizer body, and actuating the first mechanism and / or the second mechanism in response to the detected pressure change.

[0030] In some variations, the method may further include controlling a first vaporization rate of the first vaporizable material by at least adjusting an amplitude, frequency, and / or operating period of a vibration associated with the first mechanism.

[0031] In some variations, the method may further include controlling a second vaporization rate of the second vaporizable material by at least adjusting a power level, a duty cycle of the power supply, and / or a target temperature associated with the second mechanism.

[0032] In some variations, the first temperature may be ambient temperature.

[0033] In some variations, the first temperature may be lower than the second temperature.

[0034] In some variations, the first mechanism may include a piezoelectric actuator and / or a mechanical horn configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations that may be configured to vaporize the first vaporizable material without generating heat that changes a first temperature of the first vaporizable material.

[0035] In some variations, the ultrasonic vibrations can vaporize the first vaporizable material by at least vibrating a mesh screen having a plurality of openings.

[0036] In some variations, the second mechanism can include a heating member that can be configured to generate heat to heat the second vaporizable material to a second temperature to vaporize the second vaporizable material.

[0037] In some variations, the method may further include coupling a vaporizer cartridge including the first reservoir and the second reservoir to a vaporizer body of the vaporizer device.

[0038] In some variations, the method may further include coupling a first vaporizer cartridge including the first reservoir and a second vaporizer cartridge including the second reservoir to a vaporizer body of the vaporizer device.

[0039] In some variations, the first portion of the aerosol and the second portion of the aerosol can be delivered through a mouthpiece.

[0040] In some variations, a first aerosol can flow into the mouthpiece through a first inlet in the mouthpiece and a second aerosol can flow into the mouthpiece through a second inlet in the mouthpiece, such that the first portion of the aerosol and the second portion of the aerosol flow into the mouthpiece without any mixing.

[0041] In some variations, the first portion of the aerosol and the second portion of the aerosol may be mixed in a mixing chamber prior to flowing into the mouthpiece. The mixing chamber may be fluidly connected to the mouthpiece. The mixing chamber may have one or more features configured to combine the first aerosol and the second aerosol.

[0042] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter described herein and, together with the description, help to explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of a vaporizer device. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a vaporizer device according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an example of a mesh screen in accordance with some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a reservoir including a mesh screen, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a vaporizer device according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating yet another example of a vaporizer device in accordance with some illustrative embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating yet another example of a vaporizer device in accordance with some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram that generally illustrates an example of a mechanism for mixing aerosols in a vaporizer device with multiple reservoirs, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 7A] 1A-1D illustrate exemplary configurations of a mouthpiece of a vaporizer device, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 7B] 14A-14D illustrate additional exemplary configurations of a mouthpiece of a vaporizer device, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing system in accordance with some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 9] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example of an aerosol delivery process, according to some illustrative embodiments.

[0044] For convenience, like reference numerals refer to like structures, features or components.

[0045] Detailed Description The vaporizer device may include a cartridge that contains a vaporizable material that includes multiple components. Another type of vaporizer device does not use a separable cartridge, so that the various components are contained within a single device body. Such a vaporizer may optionally have one or more refillable or non-refillable chambers or reservoirs for one or more vaporizable materials. A conventional vaporizer device can vaporize at least one component of the vaporizable material, for example, by heating the vaporizable material, which converts at least one aerosol component into a gas phase with a sufficiently high concentration, and then some or possibly all of the released at least one aerosol component is recondensed to form aerosol particles. In such an approach, all components contained in the vaporizable material are exposed to the same high temperature, even though they have different chemical properties. For example, the vaporizable material may also include an aqueous component in addition to an oil-based component. In conventional vaporizer devices, the oil-based and water-based components may have different chemical properties, and may be heated together and thus exposed to the same temperature, even if the oil-based component is more resistant (or less resistant) to high temperatures than the water-based component.

[0046] Vaporizing a combination of different components together can present various challenges and drawbacks. For example, different components may react differently to heating and / or cooling. In particular, exposure of some components to heat may cause decomposition while other components may remain stable. Thus, exposing all components in a vaporizable material to the same temperature may compromise the flavor of the resulting aerosol. Additionally, vaporizing multiple components together may prevent the user of the vaporizer device from controlling the vaporization rate of each component.

[0047] Thus, there is a need for a vaporizer device that can be configured to vaporize at least a first component of a vaporizable material (also referred to as a first aerosol component) separately from a second component of the vaporizable material (also referred to as a second aerosol component). Such an approach can provide various advantages, including, for example, the ability to control various physical properties (e.g., droplet size and / or the like) of the aerosol generated by the vaporizer device. For example, the vaporizable material can include multiple components, each of which is referred to herein as a separate vaporizable material, such as a first vaporizable material and a second vaporizable material. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the first vaporizable material can be vaporized separately from the second vaporizable material, thereby allowing the first vaporizable material to be exposed to a different temperature than the second vaporizable material. For example, at least one first aerosol component present in the first vaporizable material may be vaporized by a first mechanism that generates the first aerosol without substantially heating the first vaporizable material, for example, by a piezoelectric or other mechanical droplet forming mechanism. The second vaporizable material may be vaporized by a second mechanism that generates the second aerosol by heating the second vaporizable material, for example, by providing heat that raises the second vaporizable material to or above the vaporization temperature of the at least one second aerosol component present in the second vaporizable material. The first portion of the aerosol thus formed may include at least one first aerosol component of a first droplet size (or size distribution), while the second portion of the aerosol formed may include at least one second aerosol component of a second droplet size (or size distribution). Thus, the vaporizer device may be capable of delivering at least one first aerosol component and at least one second aerosol component in different amounts, at different vaporization rates, and / or to different regions of the airway of a user of the vaporizer device.

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an example of a vaporizer device 100. Referring to FIG. 1, the vaporizer device 100 may include a vaporizer body 101 and a cartridge 103. As shown in FIG. 1, the vaporizer cartridge 103 may include a mouthpiece 105. An end 107 of the cartridge 103 may be inserted into a receiving port 109 of the vaporizer body 101. The cartridge 103 may include a vaporizable material 111, which may include one or more ingredients, such as an active ingredient (e.g., nicotine and / or the like), a flavoring (e.g., an ingredient for generating a flavored vapor), a solvent (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerin, and / or the like), and the like.

[0049] 2A illustrates a block diagram showing exemplary components of a vaporizer device 200 according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2A, the vaporizer device 200 may include a vaporizer body 201, which may be configured to couple to a cartridge 103 including a vaporizable material 111. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the vaporizer device 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A may include a first reservoir 203 that holds a first vaporizable material 211 and a second reservoir 205 that holds a second vaporizable material 227. The first vaporizable material 211 may include at least a first component of the vaporizable material 111, while the second vaporizable material 227 may include a second component of the vaporizable material 111. Instead of vaporizing all of the components in vaporizable material 111 together, vaporizer device 200 may be configured to vaporize first vaporizable material 211 and second vaporizable material 227 individually, respectively. The resulting vapors, combined or uncombined, may be delivered as an inhalable aerosol through mouthpiece 207 coupled to reservoirs 203 and 205.

[0050] As described above, the first reservoir 203 may include a first vaporizable material 211 and the second reservoir 205 may include a second vaporizable material 227. The first vaporizable material 211 and the second vaporizable material 227 may each be in the form of a liquid, a solid, a gel, and / or the like. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the first reservoir 203 may have a content chamber 209. The content chamber 209 includes the first vaporizable material 211 (e.g., a flavoring), a mesh screen 213 having a plurality of openings, an air inlet 215, an outlet 217, a vapor-air chamber 219, and an elastic pouch 221. The elastic pouch 221 includes a liquid 223 (e.g., water, non-volatile oil, and / or the like) that is different from the first vaporizable material 211 and may be separated from the elastic pouch 221. In some exemplary embodiments, the mesh screen 213 may be a piezoelectric vibrating mesh. For example, the mesh screen 213 may be coupled to a piezoelectric transducer and / or actuator, which may have piezoelectric crystals that vibrate when provided with an electrical signal of an appropriate excitation frequency. The elastic pouch 221 may be formed in the peripheral wall of the first reservoir 203, such that the elastic pouch 221 can prevent the first vaporizable material 211 from leaking out of the content chamber 209. The elastic pouch 221 may be formed from an elastic material and may be located on the opposite side from the mesh screen 213. In some exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer body 201 may include a mechanical member 241 (e.g., an ultrasonic horn), which may be coupled to the first reservoir 203 for vaporizing the first vaporizable material 211.

[0051] 2B illustrates a top view of an example of a mesh screen 213 according to some exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2B, the surface of the mesh screen 213 may have a number of openings 259 through which material, such as a vaporizable material, may be atomized.

[0052] 2C illustrates a perspective view of an example of a reservoir 203 including a mesh screen 213, according to some exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2C, the first reservoir 203 may include a content chamber 209, a first vaporizable material 211, and a mesh screen 213. In some exemplary embodiments, the mesh screen 213 may be implemented and / or incorporated within the first reservoir 203 such that the mesh screen 213 may form at least a portion of the first reservoir 203, such as one or more surfaces (e.g., bottom, top, sides) of the content chamber 209, etc.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 250 may actuate piezoelectric actuator 261 to vibrate mesh screen 213, which may cause a portion of first vaporizable material 211 to vaporize and / or atomize through openings 259 in mesh screen 213 and generate a first aerosol (e.g., aerosol droplets). For example, alternating vibration of mesh screen 213 may create an alternating pressure within first vaporizable material 211 near mesh screen 213. The resulting pressure may push first vaporizable material 211 through openings 259 and generate a first aerosol. In some exemplary embodiments, different mechanisms may be used to vibrate mesh screen 213 and vaporize first vaporizable material 211. For example, instead of piezoelectric actuator 261, controller 250 may actuate mechanical member 241. The mechanical member 241 may vibrate the mesh screen 213 to vaporize the first vaporizable material 211 and generate the first aerosol 263 .

[0054] The mechanical member 241 may be used in place of at least the piezoelectric actuator 261 because the mechanical member 241 may be implemented as part of the vaporizer body 101, whereas the piezoelectric actuator 261 may be implemented as part of the cartridge 103. The inclusion of the piezoelectric actuator 261 in the cartridge 103 may increase costs and environmental impacts associated with the cartridge 103, which may be undesirable if the cartridge 103 is configured to be disposable. In contrast, the inclusion of the mechanical member 241 in the vaporizer body 101 may be at least more cost-effective, since the vaporizer body 101 may be a durable component configured to be used repeatedly. The inclusion of the mechanical member 241 in the vaporizer body 101 may also be more environmentally friendly, since unlike the vaporizer cartridge 103, the vaporizer body 101 is reusable and is discarded significantly less frequently than the vaporizer cartridge 103.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the second reservoir 205 may include one or more content chambers 225, the content chamber 225 including a second vaporizable material 227 (e.g., nicotine), which may be different from the first vaporizable material 211 in the first reservoir 203. The second reservoir 205 may include an air inlet 229, an outlet 231, and a vapor-air chamber 233. The second reservoir 205 may include a heating member 235 (e.g., coil, convection heater) disposed at least partially around a wick 237, the wick 237 configured to draw at least a portion of the second vaporizable material 227 stored in the one or more content chambers 225 via capillary action. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating member 235 may operate over a temperature range of approximately 120 degrees Celsius to 500 degrees Celsius. The heating member 235 may have one or more terminals 239. In some exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer body 201 may include one or more electrical contact pads 243, an air inlet 245, an air outlet 247, a pressure sensor 249, a power source (e.g., a battery), and one or more controllers 250. In some exemplary embodiments, the mouthpiece 207 may have one or more inlets 251 and 253, a mixing chamber 255, and an outlet 257.

[0056] 3 shows a block diagram illustrating another example of a vaporizer device 200 according to some exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, a cartridge, such as cartridge 103, may include multiple reservoirs, such as a first reservoir 203 including a first vaporizable material 211 and a second reservoir 205 including a second vaporizable material 227. In the example of vaporizer device 200 shown in FIG. 3, the first reservoir 203 may be coupled to the vaporizer body 201 such that a portion of the mechanical member 241 may align with and enter the elastic pouch 221 to stretch the elastic pouch 221 into the first vaporizable material 211. Although a portion of the mechanical member 241 may stretch the elastic pouch 221, the elastic pouch 221 may be kept in a non-punctured state while preventing leakage of the liquid 223 and the first vaporizable material 211. In some exemplary embodiments, the mechanical member 241 may generate ultrasonic vibrations that may move the liquid 223 toward the first vaporizable material 211. This moving energy may vibrate the first vaporizable material 211 and / or the mesh screen 213, which may cause a portion of the first vaporizable material 211 to vaporize and / or atomize through the openings in the mesh screen 213 and generate a first aerosol in the vapor-air chamber 219 of the first reservoir 203. In some exemplary embodiments, the first vaporizable material 211 may be at or above ambient temperature while the portion of the first vaporizable material 211 is vaporized. In some exemplary embodiments, the first aerosol in the vapor-air chamber 219 may flow out of the outlet 217, which may be connected to the inlet 253 of the mouthpiece 207.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, the second reservoir 205 may be coupled to the vaporizer body 201 such that each of the terminals 239 may be connected to one of the electrical contacts 243. When a user inhales air through the outlet 257 of the mouthpiece 207, the pressure sensor 249 may detect a pressure change based on the air flow through the air inlet 245. When a pressure change is detected, the controller 250 may actuate the electrical contacts 243 and the mechanical member 241. The electrical contacts 243 may provide energy to the heating member 235 to heat the second vaporizable material 227 absorbed in the wick 237.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 250 may be configurable to control (e.g., by a user, an algorithm, an application, etc.) a vaporization rate at which the first vaporizable material 211 and the second vaporizable material 227 are vaporized to generate the first aerosol and the second vapor, respectively. The vaporization rate of each of the first vaporizable material 211 and the second vaporizable material 227 may be different or the same. Furthermore, the vaporization rate of each of the first vaporizable material 211 and the second vaporizable material 227 may vary based on a predetermined period. For example, the vaporization rate of the first vaporizable material 211 may be set every 10 seconds, whereas the vaporization rate of the second vaporizable material 227 may be set every 5 seconds. Additionally and / or alternatively, the vaporization rate of the first vaporizable material 211 may be set for a duration of 5 milliseconds, whereas the vaporization rate of the second vaporizable material 227 may be set for a duration of 10 milliseconds.

[0059] Additionally, the vaporization rate of each of the first vaporizable material 211 and the second vaporizable material 227 may be based on the air flow rate at the air inlets 215, 245 and / or 401. For example, a stronger or longer lasting air flow at the air inlets 215, 245 and / or 401 may result in a longer vaporization duration of each of the first vaporizable material 211, the second vaporizable material 227, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the user and / or the controller 250 may change one or more function parameters of the mechanical member 241 and / or the piezoelectric actuator 261 to control the vaporization rate of the first vaporizable material 211. For example, the user and / or the controller 250 may change the vibration amplitude (e.g., the amplitude of the AC signal), the vibration frequency (e.g., the frequency of the AC signal), and / or the operation period of the mechanical member 241. Additionally or alternatively, the user and / or control device 250 can vary one or more parameters (e.g., frequency, amplitude and / or the like) of the input signal to the mechanical member 241 to control the vibration of the first vaporizable material 211, which can affect the vaporization rate of the first vaporizable material 211.

[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, a user and / or controller 250 can modify one or more function parameters of heating member 235 to control the vaporization rate of second vaporizable material 227. For example, a user and / or controller 250 can modify the power level provided to heating member 235, modify the target temperature of heating member 235, and / or modify the duty cycle of the power supply to heating member 235.

[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer body 201 and / or reservoir 205 may include a heating mesh, heating plate, heating tube, and the like that may be utilized to heat the second vaporizable material 227, which generates a second aerosol in the vapor-air chamber 233. Ambient air enters the vapor-air chamber 233 through the air inlet 245, displaces the second aerosol in the vapor-air chamber 233, and exits through the outlet 231 and into the inlet 251 of the mouthpiece 207. In some exemplary embodiments, upon detection of a pressure change, the controller 250 may also activate a mechanical member 241, which may generate ultrasonic frequencies that displace some of the first vaporizable material 211 toward the mesh screen 213 and vaporize a portion of the first vaporizable material 211.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, ambient air entering through air inlet 215 displaces the first aerosol in vapor-air chamber 219 and exits through outlet 217 and into inlet 253 of mouthpiece 207. In some exemplary embodiments, piezoelectric vibrations generated by mechanical member 241, with or without minimal air flow from air inlet 215, can cause the first aerosol in vapor-air chamber 219 to exit through outlet 217. Vapor from first reservoir 203 and second reservoir 205 can enter mouthpiece 207 through inlets 251 and 253 and be combined in mixing chamber 255 before exiting mouthpiece 207 through outlet 257.

[0063] 4 shows a block diagram illustrating yet another example of a vaporizer device 200 according to some exemplary embodiments. In the example of the vaporizer device 200 shown in FIG. 4, the second reservoir 205 may have an air inlet 401. The air inlet 245 may be directly connected to the mouthpiece 207 and ambient air via a passageway 403 disposed between the first reservoir 203 and the second reservoir 205. The ambient air in the passageway 403 may flow into the mouthpiece 207 via the air inlet 405, while the vapor from the first reservoir 203 and the second reservoir 205 may flow into the mouthpiece 207 via the inlets 253 and 251, respectively.

[0064] 5 shows a block diagram illustrating yet another example of a vaporizer device 200 according to some exemplary embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, the mechanical member 241 and the first reservoir 203 may be configured such that the air inlet 215 may be connected to the outlet 501 of the second reservoir 205. The second aerosol in the vapor-air chamber 233 may exit through the outlet 501 of the second reservoir 205, enter the first reservoir 203 through the air inlet 215, combine with the first aerosol in the vapor-air chamber 219 of the first reservoir 203, exit through the outlet 217 of the first reservoir 203, and enter the inlet 503 of the mouthpiece 207. In some exemplary embodiments, the vapor from the first reservoir 203 and the second reservoir 205 may be combined in the vapor-air chamber 219 before entering the inlet 503 of the mouthpiece 207. In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration of the first reservoir 203 and the second reservoir 205 may be reversed, in which case ambient air may flow into the first reservoir 203 from the air inlet 215 and displace the first aerosol into the chamber 233 of the second reservoir 205. The combined first and second aerosols may then flow into the mouthpiece 207.

[0065] 6 shows flow diagrams 600 and 650 that are schematic illustrations of examples of mechanisms for mixing aerosols in a vaporizer device 200, according to some exemplary embodiments. In the schematic flow diagram 600, a first aerosol generated by vaporizing a first vaporizable material 211 from a first reservoir 203 and a second aerosol generated by vaporizing a second vaporizable material 227 from a second reservoir 205 may be guided to a mouthpiece 207. As there is no mixing chamber, the first aerosol and the second aerosol are not exposed to any mixing before being guided to the mouthpiece 207.

[0066] Alternatively, in schematic flow diagram 650, a first aerosol generated by vaporization of first vaporizable material 211 from first reservoir 203 and a second aerosol generated by vaporization of second vaporizable material 227 from second reservoir 205 may be directed to a mixing chamber 255, whereby the first aerosol and the second aerosol are combined before flowing into mouthpiece 207. In some exemplary embodiments, mixing chamber 255 may be a separate member or may be implemented as a part of mouthpiece 207 of vaporizer device 200.

[0067] 7A illustrates one exemplary configuration of the mouthpiece 207 of the vaporizer device 200, according to some exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 700, the mouthpiece 207 may have a mixing chamber 255, which may include a number of obstacles 701. In some embodiments, the obstacles 701 may change the flow rate and / or flow path of the first and second vapors that may enter the mixing chamber 255 via the inlets 251 and 253, such that the first and second vapors combine together in the mixing chamber 255 before exiting the mouthpiece 207 via the outlet 257. The mouthpiece 207 includes a mixing chamber 255 shown in FIG. 710, which may include a number of obstacles 703 that may be of different dimensions and orientations compared to the obstacles 701. The obstruction 703 can change the flow rate and / or flow path of the first and second vapors within the mixing chamber 255, such that the first and second vapors flow out of the mouthpiece 207 after being combined together within the mixing chamber 255.

[0068] 7B illustrates additional exemplary configurations of the mouthpiece 207 of the vaporizer device 200, according to some exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, the mixing chamber 255 may include a non-linear flow path 721 that may vary the flow rate and / or flow path of the first and second vapors entering the mixing chamber 255 via the inlets 251 and 253. The non-linear flow path 721 may cause mixing and / or combination of the first and second vapors within the mixing chamber 255, after which the mixed / combined aerosol exits the mouthpiece 207 via the outlet 257. FIG. 730 illustrates a mouthpiece 207 that also includes a mixing chamber 255 that may include a non-linear flow path 721 and one or more obstructions 731. In some embodiments, the non-linear flow path 721 and one or more obstructions 731 can vary the flow rates and / or flow paths of the first and second vapors, which may combine together in the mixing chamber 255 before exiting the mouthpiece 207 via the outlet 257. FIG. 740 illustrates a mouthpiece 207 that includes a mixing chamber 255 that may include a longer non-linear flow path 741. In some embodiments, the non-linear flow path 741 can vary the flow rates and / or flow paths of the first and second vapors, which may combine together in the mixing chamber 255 before exiting the mouthpiece 207 via the outlet 257.

[0069] 9 shows a flow chart illustrating an example of an aerosol delivery process 900, according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the process 900 can be performed by the vaporizer device 200.

[0070] At 902, a first mechanism is actuated to vaporize the first vaporizable material without heating the first vaporizable material. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer device 200 may include a first reservoir 203 that holds the first vaporizable material 211, and the first vaporizable material 211 may be vaporized by a first mechanism that changes a temperature of the first vaporizable material 211 without heating the first vaporizable material 211. The first mechanism may include a piezoelectric actuator 261 that may vibrate the mesh screen 213 to vaporize the first vaporizable material 211 and generate the first aerosol. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first mechanism may include a mechanical member 241. The mechanical member 241 is configured to vibrate the mesh screen 213 to vaporize the first vaporizable material 211 and generate the first aerosol. As mentioned above, the piezoelectric actuator 261 may be contained within the cartridge 103 , while the mechanical member 241 may be contained within the vaporizer body 101 .

[0071] At 904, the second mechanism is activated to vaporize the second vaporizable material by heating at least the second vaporizable material. In some exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer device 200 may further include a second reservoir 205 that holds the second vaporizable material 227, and the second vaporizable material 227 may be vaporized by the second mechanism. The second mechanism may include a heating member 235, which may be configured to heat the second vaporizable material 227 absorbed by the wick 237 to generate the second aerosol.

[0072] At 906, the first aerosol generated by vaporizing the first vaporizable material and the second aerosol generated by vaporizing the second vaporizable material are delivered to the user. In some exemplary embodiments, the first aerosol generated by vaporizing the first vaporizable material 211 from the first reservoir 203 and the second aerosol generated by vaporizing the second vaporizable material 227 from the second reservoir 205 can be guided to the mouthpiece 207 and delivered to the user of the vaporizer device 200. The vaporizer device 200 may include a mixing chamber 255, in which case the first aerosol and the second aerosol are mixed before being delivered to the user. Alternatively, in the absence of the mixing chamber 255, the first aerosol and the second aerosol are guided to the mouthpiece 207 and delivered to the user without being exposed to any mixing.

[0073] 8 illustrates a block diagram of a computing system 800 consistent with certain embodiments of the present subject matter. The computing system 800 may implement, for example, the controller 250 of the vaporizer device 200 and / or any components therein.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, the computing system 800 may include a processor 810, a memory 820, a storage device 830, and an input / output device 840. The processor 810, the memory 820, the storage device 830, and the input / output device 840 may be connected to each other via a system bus 850. The processor 810 may process instructions for execution within the computing system 800. The instructions thus executed may be executed by one or more components of the controller 250, for example. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 810 may be a single-threaded processor. Alternatively, the processor 810 may be a multi-threaded processor. The processor 810 may process instructions stored in the memory 820 and / or the storage device 830 to display graphical information in a user interface provided via the input / output device 840.

[0075] The memory 820 is a computer-readable medium, such as a volatile or non-volatile medium, that stores information within the computing system 800. The memory 820 may store, for example, a data structure representing a configuration object database. The storage device 830 may provide a persistent storage mechanism for the computing system 800. The storage device 830 may be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, a solid state disk device, a flash drive device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, or other suitable persistent storage means. The input / output device 840 provides input / output operating means for the computing system 800. In some exemplary embodiments, the input / output device 840 includes a keyboard and / or a pointing device. In various embodiments, the input / output device 840 includes a display unit for displaying a graphical user interface.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, input / output devices 840 may provide input / output operating means for network devices. For example, input / output devices 840 may include Ethernet ports or other networking ports for communicating with one or more wired and / or wireless networks (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet).

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, the computing system 800 may be used to execute various interactive computer software applications that may be used to implement a local controller, a remote controller, and / or an inspection module. Alternatively, the computing system 800 may be used to execute any type of software application. These applications may be used to perform various functions, such as reporting functions (e.g., creating, managing, editing spreadsheet documents, word processing documents, and / or any other object), computing functions, communication functions, and the like. Applications may have various add-in functions (e.g., for manufacturing processes and / or other types of programs) or may be independent computing products and / or functions. When activated within an application, the functions may be used to generate a user interface that is provided via the input / output devices 840. The user interface may be generated by the computing system 800 (e.g., on a computer screen monitor, etc.) and provided to a user.

[0078] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs, field programmable gate array (FPGA) computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable in a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, at least one input device, and at least one output device, connected to receive data and instructions from and transmit data and instructions to a storage system. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of respective computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0079] These computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or codes, contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages, and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer program product, machine, and / or apparatus used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives the machine instructions as a machine-readable signal, such as magnetic disks, optical disks, memories, and programmable logic devices (PLDs). The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions non-transitory, such as a non-transitory solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. Alternatively or additionally, the machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions temporarily, such as a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0080] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computer having a display device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) monitor, for displaying information to a user, a keyboard, and a pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may be used to provide interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptic feedback, and input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic, voice, or haptic input. Other possible input devices include a touch screen or another contact-sensing device, such as a single-point or multi-point resistive or capacitive trackpad, voice recognition hardware and software, an optical scanner, an optical pointer, a digital image capture device and associated interpretation software, and the like.

[0081] In the above description and claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may appear following a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear in a list of more than one element or feature. Such phrases are intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with any of the other listed elements or features, unless the context of use implies or explicitly contradicts otherwise. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B," "one or more of A and B," and "A and / or B" are intended to mean "A only, B only, or both A and B," respectively. A similar interpretation is intended for lists containing more than two items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" are intended to mean "A only, B only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or all of A, B, and C," respectively. Use of the term "based on" above and in the claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on," and unrecited features or components may be allowed for.

[0082] The subject matter described herein may be implemented in systems, devices, methods, and / or articles depending on the desired configuration. The embodiments described in the above description do not represent all embodiments consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with each aspect of the subject matter described. Although some variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, in addition to the features and / or variations described herein, further features and / or variations may be provided. For example, the above-described embodiments may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and subcombinations of some further features disclosed above. Additionally, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein does not necessarily require the particular order shown or sequential order to achieve the desired results. Alternative embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.

[0083] Although the specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope or scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to a particular aspect or embodiment. Each specific feature described in the context of a separate aspect herein may be implemented in combination in a single aspect. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may be implemented separately or in any suitable subcombination in multiple aspects or embodiments. Furthermore, even if each feature is described above as acting in a specific combination and initially claimed as such, one or more features of the claimed combination may in some cases be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be relegated to a subcombination or subcombination variation. Similarly, although operations are shown in a particular order in the figures, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order or sequential order shown, or that all of the operations shown be performed, to achieve desired results. Only a few examples and aspects are disclosed. Changes, modifications, and improvements to the described examples and aspects, as well as other aspects, may be made based on what may be disclosed.

Claims

1. 1. A vaporizer device comprising: a first reservoir containing or configured to contain a first vaporizable material including at least one first aerosol component; a first aerosol generation mechanism configured to generate a first portion of an aerosol comprising the at least one first aerosol component, the first portion of the aerosol being formed by vibrations induced by the first aerosol generation mechanism while the first vaporizable material is held at a first temperature below a first vaporization temperature of the at least one first aerosol component; a second reservoir containing or configured to contain a second vaporizable material including at least one second aerosol component; a second aerosol generating mechanism configured to vaporize the second aerosol component of the second vaporizable material to generate a second portion of the aerosol; A vaporizer device comprising:

2. The vaporizer device of claim 1 , wherein the vaporizer device comprises a vaporizer device body configured to be reusable and connectable to at least one separable cartridge.

3. 3. The vaporizer device of claim 2, wherein the at least one separable cartridge comprises the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and at least a portion of each of the first and second aerosol generation mechanisms.

4. The vaporizer device of any of claims 2 and 3, wherein the at least one separable cartridge includes one or more of the first reservoir, the second reservoir, a mouthpiece, and an electrical connection for receiving power from a battery or other power source within the vaporizer device body when the vaporizer device body and cartridge are coupled.

5. a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in pressure corresponding to air flow through the air inlet; a controller configured to respond to the pressure change by activating at least the first aerosol generation mechanism and / or the second aerosol generation mechanism; The vaporizer device of claim 1 , further comprising:

6. 6. The vaporizer device of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to control a first vaporization rate of the first aerosol component by at least adjusting an amplitude, frequency, and / or operating period of the vibration associated with the first aerosol generation mechanism.

7. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the control device is further configured to control the second vaporization rate of the second aerosol component by at least adjusting a power level, a power supply operating cycle, and / or a target temperature associated with the second aerosol generating mechanism.

8. The vaporizer device of claim 1 , wherein the first temperature is an ambient temperature.

9. The vaporizer device of claim 1 , wherein the first temperature is lower than the second temperature.

10. 10. The vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein the second aerosol generating mechanism includes a heating member configured to generate heat to heat the second aerosol component to the second temperature to vaporize the second aerosol component.

11. 11. The vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein the first aerosol generating mechanism includes a piezoelectric actuator configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations that vibrate a mesh screen to vaporize the first aerosol component without generating heat that changes the first temperature of the first aerosol component.

12. The vaporizer device of claim 11 , wherein the piezoelectric actuator is included in a first vaporizer cartridge.

13. 13. The vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein the first aerosol generating mechanism includes a mechanical horn configured to vibrate a mesh screen to generate ultrasonic vibrations that vaporize the first aerosol component without generating heat that changes the first temperature of the first aerosol component.

14. 14. The vaporizer device of claim 1, further comprising a mouthpiece configured to deliver the first portion of the aerosol and the second portion of the aerosol to a user, the mouthpiece having an aerosol outlet through which the first portion of the aerosol and the second portion of the aerosol flow out of the mouthpiece.

15. 15. The vaporizer device of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the aerosol flows into the mouthpiece through a first inlet in the mouthpiece and the second portion of the aerosol flows into the mouthpiece through a second inlet in the mouthpiece, such that the first portion of the aerosol and the second portion of the aerosol flow into the mouthpiece without any mixing.

16. 16. The vaporizer device of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the aerosol and the second portion of the aerosol are mixed before flowing into the mouthpiece.

17. 17. The vaporizer device of claim 16, wherein the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with a mixing chamber having one or more features configured to combine the first portion of the aerosol with the second portion of the aerosol.

18. The vaporizer device of claim 17 , wherein the one or more features include a non-linear flow path and / or an obstruction.

19. activating a first aerosol generation mechanism to vaporize a first vaporizable material contained in a first reservoir, the first aerosol generation mechanism being configured to generate vibrations that vaporize the first vaporizable material while the first vaporizable material is maintained at a first temperature that is less than a first vaporization temperature of at least one first aerosol component that comprises the first vaporizable material; activating a second aerosol generation mechanism to vaporize a second vaporizable material contained in a second reservoir, the second mechanism configured to vaporize the second vaporizable material at a second temperature near or above a second vaporization temperature of at least one second aerosol component comprising the second vaporizable material; delivering to a user a first aerosol generated by vaporizing the first vaporizable material and a second aerosol generated by vaporizing the second vaporizable material; The method includes:

20. A vaporizer device comprising: a first reservoir configured to contain a first vaporizable material including at least one first aerosol component; a first aerosol generation mechanism configured to produce vibrations that vaporize the at least one first aerosol component and generate a first portion of an aerosol, the vibrations forming the first aerosol component without providing a significant amount of heat to the first vaporizable material and / or the first aerosol component; a second reservoir configured to contain a second vaporizable material including at least one second aerosol component; a second aerosol generation mechanism configured to vaporize at least one second aerosol component of the second vaporizable material to generate a second portion of the aerosol, the second aerosol generation mechanism configured to vaporize the at least one second aerosol component to generate the second portion of the aerosol at a second temperature near or above a vaporization temperature of the at least one second aerosol component; A vaporizer device comprising:

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