Electronic Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

The device may also include control circuitry configured to accept input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control a characteristic of each aerosol generator. In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to alter the characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuitry is configured to alter the characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism. Also provided are an aerosol delivery system, a method of controlling an aerosol delivery device, and an aerosol delivery means.

Description

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes).

[0002] Electronic aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), typically include an aerosol (or vapor) precursor / forming material, such as a reservoir of a feedstock liquid, including a formulation (usually including a base liquid with nicotine and often additives such as flavorings and / or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product) from which an aerosol is generated by thermal vaporization. To this end, an aerosol delivery system will typically include an aerosol generation chamber that includes an atomizer (or vaporizer) (e.g., a heating element) configured to generate an aerosol therein by vaporizing a portion of the precursor material. When a user draws on the device and power is provided to the heating element, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and further into the aerosol generation chamber, where it mixes with the vaporized precursor material to form an aerosol. A flow path exists that connects the aerosol generation chamber to an opening in the mouthpiece, such that the drawn air travels along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening and carries a portion of the vapor out through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0003] The aerosol delivery system may include a modular assembly that includes a cartridge portion that is both reusable and replaceable. Typically, the cartridge portion will include consumable aerosol precursor materials and / or vaporizers, while the reusable device portion will include long-life items such as rechargeable batteries, device control circuits, activation sensors, and user interface mechanisms. The reusable portion may be referred to as a control unit or battery portion, and the replaceable cartridge portion that includes both the vaporizer and precursor materials may be referred to as a cartomizer. Some aerosol delivery systems include multiple aerosol sources that can be used to generate a vapor / aerosol that is mixed and inhaled by the user. However, in some cases, the user may desire more consistent control of the delivery of the aerosol, regardless of the type of source and / or heater.

[0004] Various approaches are described that may help address some of these issues.

[0005] According to a first aspect of a particular embodiment, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material; and a control circuit configured to accept input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and control a characteristic of each aerosol generator, wherein in response to the input, the control circuit is configured to alter the characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuit is configured to alter the characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism.

[0006] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material and generating an aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to the first aspect, the first aerosol-generating material, and the second aerosol-generating material. According to a third aspect of a particular embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material, a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material, and control circuitry configured to accept input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and control a characteristic of each aerosol generator, the method including the steps of identifying an input to the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism, and altering a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount if the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, or altering a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount if the input is provided to the second user input mechanism, wherein the second amount is different from the first amount.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the particular embodiment, there is provided an aerosol supply means for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material means and a second aerosol generating material means, the aerosol supply means comprising: first user input means for controlling a first aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material means; second user input means for controlling a second aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material means; and control means configured to accept input from a user via the first user input means or the second user input means and to control a characteristic of each aerosol generator means, wherein in response to the input, the control means is configured to modify the characteristic of the first aerosol generator means by a first amount if the input is provided to the first user input means, and the control means is configured to modify the characteristic of the second aerosol generator means by a second amount different from the first amount if the input is provided to the second user input means.

[0008] It will be appreciated that the features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention according to the other aspects of the invention and may be combined with them as appropriate, rather than being limited to the particular combinations described above.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system including a control portion, a mouthpiece portion, and two aerosol-generating materials and configured to deliver an aerosol from one or more of the aerosol-generating materials to a user. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1 in exploded form showing the individual components of the aerosol delivery system. [Diagram 3]FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative control in which each receptacle is provided with an individual air flow passage connected to an individual air inlet. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative aerosol delivery system including a control portion, a mouthpiece portion, and two aerosol generating materials arranged in series and configured to deliver an aerosol from one or more of the aerosol generating materials to a user. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary circuit layout with two aerosol generators electrically connected to the control unit of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for controlling one aspect of an electronic aerosol delivery device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0011] In this specification, aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented and will not be discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that unrecited aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed in this specification may be implemented in accordance with any conventional technology that implements such aspects and features.

[0012] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a device is described having control circuitry that allows a user to control the amount of aerosol generated from a first aerosol-generating material and a second aerosol-generating material by interacting with a first user input mechanism and / or a second user input mechanism. This system advantageously allows a level of user control over the composition of the inhaled aerosol based on a single input by the user to one of the user input mechanisms.

[0013] As such, the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (sometimes referred to as vapor delivery systems) such as e-cigarettes. The term "aerosol provision system" is intended to include systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, such as non-combustible aerosol delivery systems.

[0014] Non-combustion aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosols through a combination of aerosol-generating materials, release compounds from at least one aerosol-generating material without combustion. In this regard, aerosol generation means other than condensation aerosols are contemplated, such as atomization by vibration, light, irradiation, electrostatic means, etc.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating material (or components thereof) that constitute the aerosol delivery system is not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0016] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0017] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosol through a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be adapted to be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials as well as solid aerosol-generating materials. The solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0019] Generally, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and one or more consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables may be referred to as articles.

[0021] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system (such as the non-flammable aerosol delivery device) can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source.

[0022] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include one or more areas for receiving consumables, one or more aerosol generators, one or more aerosol generating areas, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0023] The aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibrational, high pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-generating material.

[0024] In some embodiments, a consumable is an article that includes or is comprised of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed upon use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater that releases heat upon use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0025] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be bi-directional, such that it can be heated by both conductive and magnetic heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0026] The substance(s) to be delivered are aerosol-generating materials, which may optionally include one or more active constituents, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0027] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material (a material intended to produce or enhance a physiological response). The active substance may be selected from, for example, a dietary supplement, a psychotropic drug, or a psychoactive agent. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant.

[0028] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0029] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco.

[0030] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof, the plant being selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0031] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof, the plant being selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0032] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a fragrance.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials that can be used, where local regulations permit, to produce a desired flavour, aroma or other sensory experience in products intended for adult consumers. These may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the flavour includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavour components.

[0034] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0035] In some embodiments, the fragrance may include sensates intended to achieve the sensations usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the olfactory or gustatory nerves, and these may include agents that produce a heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effect.Suitable heating agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether.Suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0036] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiating, or in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain actives and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of retaining some fluid, such as a liquid, therein. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0037] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active agents and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0038] The aerosol forming material may include one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol, in some embodiments, the aerosol forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl sulfate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0039] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0040] The material may be on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, cardboard, paperboard, recycled material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite, glass, metal, or alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0041] An aerosol modifier is a substance that is typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation area and configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by altering the taste, flavor, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier-releasing component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0042] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring, a coloring, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a thread, or a granule. The aerosol modifier may not have a filter material.

[0043] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material and a second aerosol-generating material includes a first user input mechanism, a second user input mechanism, and a control circuit. The first user input mechanism enables control of a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material. The second user input mechanism enables control of a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol-generating material.

[0044] The control circuitry is configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and control the properties of each aerosol generator (i.e., the first or second aerosol generator). In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to modify the properties of the first aerosol generator by a first amount if the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuitry is configured to modify the properties of the second aerosol generator by a second amount, different from the first amount, if the input is provided to the second user input mechanism. Advantageously, based on a single input by a user, the system can affect two different responses (i.e., modify the properties of each aerosol generator) based on the user input mechanism with which the user interacts. Of course, the control circuitry is configured to determine which user input mechanism the input was provided to.

[0045] In some examples, the first user input mechanism includes at least one user input mechanism selected from the group including a slider, a rotatable wheel, one or more buttons, one or more switches, and a touch screen. In some examples, the second user input mechanism includes at least one selected from the group including a slider, a dial, one or more buttons, one or more switches, and a touch screen. In some examples, the first user input mechanism and the second user input mechanism are similarly configured (e.g., both may be sliders or both may be sliders displayed on a touch screen). In some examples, a single touch screen provides both the first and second user input mechanisms. The control circuitry may be configured to display any of one or more virtual sliders, one or more virtual dials, one or more virtual buttons, and one or more virtual switches.

[0046] 1 and 2 are highly schematic cross-sectional views of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 illustrates the aerosol delivery system 1 in an assembled state, while Figure 2 illustrates the aerosol delivery system 1 in a disassembled / partially disassembled state. As discussed below, parts of the exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 are provided as removable / disassemblable from other parts of the aerosol delivery system 1.

[0047] 1 and 2, an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a control / device (or battery / reusable) portion 2, a removable mouthpiece (or lid) portion 3, and in this example, two aerosol generation components 4a and 4b (collectively referred to herein as aerosol generation components 4). In use, the aerosol delivery system 1 is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generation components 4 (by vaporization of an aerosol precursor material) and deliver / provide the aerosol to a user through the mouthpiece portion 3 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece portion 3. It should be understood that the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises the aerosol generation components 4 in addition to the control portion 2 and the mouthpiece portion 3. In this example, the term aerosol provision device refers to the control / device portion 2 and the mouthpiece portion 3 without the aerosol generation components 4. However, to aid in the general description of the disclosed systems, the terms "system" and "device" are used interchangeably herein to refer to either a device that includes an aerosol generating component 4 and a device that does not include an aerosol generating component.

[0048] One aspect of the exemplary aerosol delivery system is the ability to provide consistent control of the delivery of aerosol to a user, regardless of the state / settings of the aerosol delivery system. This, and as will be apparent below, provides a consistent (or nearly consistent) experience of control to a user, regardless of whether the user interacts with the control of a first input mechanism (control of an aspect associated with the generation of aerosol from a first aerosol generation component 4a) or the user interacts with the control of a second input mechanism (control of an aspect associated with the generation of aerosol from a second aerosol generation component 4b). In other words, despite the different operational characteristics associated with the generation of aerosol from each of the aerosol generation components 4 (based on the aerosol precursor material and the aerosol generation mechanism), a user can experience comparable control of aerosol generation upon interaction with either of the input mechanisms. This may be in terms of the amount of aerosol generated (i.e., the amount / volume of aerosol inhaled), i.e., the user can adjust the amount of aerosol generated such that the same (or approximately the same (e.g., within 10%)) rate or amount is generated for equivalent interactions with either the first input mechanism or the second input mechanism.

[0049] In the following discussion, references to top, bottom, left and right sides of the system are for reference only. This generally represents the corresponding directions in the relevant figures, i.e., natural directions in the plane of the figures. However, these directions do not imply a particular orientation of the system 1 in normal use. For example, the top of the assembled system represents the portion of the system that contacts the user's mouth in use, and the bottom represents the opposite end of the system. The choice of direction is merely to illustrate the relative positions of the various features described herein.

[0050] 1 and 2, the control unit 2 includes a housing 20 configured to accommodate a power source 21 that provides power to the aerosol delivery device 1, and a control circuit 22 that controls and monitors the operation of the aerosol delivery device 1. In this example, the power source 21 includes a rechargeable battery, which may be of a conventional type (e.g., the type typically used for applications such as e-cigarettes that require the supply of a relatively high current for a relatively short period of time).

[0051] The control unit 2 also includes a first user input mechanism 25a and a second user input mechanism 25b (collectively, user input mechanisms 25). The user input mechanisms 25 may be located on or through the housing 20 to allow access (i.e., interaction) by a user during normal use of the device (i.e., without the need to disassemble the device). The user input mechanisms 25 are in electronic communication with the control circuit 22 such that interaction with any of the user input mechanisms 25 is transmitted as a signal to the control circuit 22. The user input mechanisms 25 provide a mechanism by which a user can interact to provide input to the control circuit 22. The user input mechanisms 25 may be physical input mechanisms (e.g., sliders, wheels, switch(es), or button(s)). Alternatively, the user input mechanisms may be virtual input mechanisms (e.g., the user input mechanisms 25 may be displayed on a single touch screen or separate touch screens on the side of the control unit 2). For example, a touch screen may display a slider or wheel indicating a value associated with a parameter, and a user can change the value by interacting with the slider or wheel (e.g., by placing a finger on the slider or wheel and moving the finger along the screen). The outer housing 20 may be formed, for example, from a plastic or metal material and in this example has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width (in the plane of FIG. 1) of around 1.5 to 2 times its thickness (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1). For example, an electronic cigarette may be around 5 cm wide and around 3 cm thick. The control unit 2 is in the form of a box / cuboid in this example, although of course other shapes are possible as desired.

[0052] The control unit 2 further comprises an air inlet 23 provided on / in the outer surface of the housing 20, two discrete aerosol generation areas (e.g. receptacles 24a and 24b each defining a space / volume for receiving one of the aerosol generation components (e.g. the first aerosol generation component 4a or the second aerosol generation component 4b), and an air channel 26 extending into the housing 20 and fluidly connecting the air inlet 23 with the receptacles 24a and 24b. As will be appreciated below, these features form part of the air or aerosol path through the aerosol delivery device 1, where air outside the aerosol delivery device 1 passes through the air inlet 23, through the aerosol generation areas / receptacles 24a and 24b containing the aerosol generation components 4, and into the user's mouth.

[0053] Turning now to the aerosol-generating component 4, this term refers to a consumable product capable of generating an aerosol. In some embodiments, the consumable product is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material 46, some or all of which are intended to be consumed upon use by a user. In its simplest form, the consumable product consists solely of an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a plant-based material such as tobacco material). Such an aerosol-generating component may be formed in a variety of ways, for example, as a loose material or a solid "plug" of material. The aerosol-generating component may be inserted into one or both of the receptacles 24a and 24b. The device then comprises an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material contained in one of the receptacles 24. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, high pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the control unit 2 includes a heating element 47a (i.e., the aerosol generator) configured to heat the aerosol-generating material by conduction.

[0054] In some examples, the consumable 4 may include one or more other components, such as a housing or wrapper 40. The housing and / or aerosol-generating material may also define one or more of an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier, etc. For example, as shown, the consumable 4a includes an aerosol-generating material 46a and a housing or wrapper 40a. With respect to the consumable 4a, the housing or wrapper 40a provides an outer barrier layer that at least partially protects the aerosol-generating material 46a. The housing or wrapper 40a includes or defines an inlet and an outlet that allow air to flow through the consumable 4a during use (e.g., air may flow into the consumable 4a through the inlet and out the outlet upon a user's puff on the device).

[0055] In the case where the consumable 4a includes a housing or wrapper 40a and the control unit 2 includes a heating element 47a configured to heat the aerosol-generating material by conduction, the housing or wrapper 40a may be formed of a material that does not impede the transfer of heat to the aerosol-generating material 46a. It is also contemplated that in some instances the aerosol-generating material 46a may have a susceptor material interspersed therein and / or the housing or wrapper 40a may include or consist of a susceptor material. In some instances, the control unit 2 includes a heating element 47a configured to generate a varying magnetic field that acts to heat the susceptor material.

[0056] In some examples, the consumable 4b comprises a housing 40b defining a liquid reservoir 41b containing a liquid source for vaporization (i.e., an aerosol generating material 46b), a cartomizer channel 44b, and an aerosol generator, in this example formed by a wicking element 42b and a heating element 43b wrapped around the wicking element 42b. The wicking element 42b is configured to wick / transport (by capillary action) the liquid source from the respective liquid reservoir 41b to the respective heating element 43b.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the aerosol generator is provided in a channel 44b defined by a housing 40b of a consumable 4b. Such a consumable may also be referred to as a cartomizer. When the consumable 4b is placed or provided in its respective receptacle, the channels 44a and 44b are arranged such that they are in fluid communication with the air channel 26 and the air inlet 23, such that air drawn in from the air inlet 23 passes along the air channel 26 and the cartomizer channels 44a and 44b of the cartomizer 4b.

[0058] The term "aerosol generating area" refers to an area / region within a system where aerosol is generated or where aerosol can be generated. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generating area includes receptacles 24a and 24b configured to receive consumables 4. In other words, the consumables are considered the components responsible for generating the aerosol. Receptacles 24, in turn, contain consumables 4 and thus define the area where the aerosol is generated.

[0059] The mouthpiece portion 3 comprises a housing 30 including two openings 31a, 31b at one end (top end). That is, the mouthpiece openings are located at the same end of the mouthpiece portion 3 and are generally configured to allow a user to cover both openings with their mouth. The mouthpiece portion 3 also comprises receptacles 32a, 32b at the opposite end (bottom end) and mouthpiece channels 33a, 33b extending between the receptacles 32a, 32b and the openings 31a, 31b, respectively.

[0060] The mouthpiece portion 3 has a generally tapered or pyramidal outer profile tapering toward the upper end of the mouthpiece portion 3. The lower end of the mouthpiece portion 3 is where the mouthpiece portion 3 and the control portion 2 meet or join, and is sized to have dimensions in the width direction (i.e., horizontally in the plane of Figs. 1 and 2) and thickness direction (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of Figs. 1 and 2) that generally correspond to the equivalent dimensions of the control portion 2, so as to provide a coplanar outer profile when the control portion 2 and the mouthpiece portion 3 are joined together. The end (upper end) of the mouthpiece portion 3 where the opening 31 is located is approximately 1 / 3 (e.g., approximately 2 cm wide) smaller in the width direction than the lower end. That is, the mouthpiece portion 3 tapers in the width direction toward the upper end. This end constitutes the portion of the aerosol delivery device 1 that is received in the mouth of the user (in other words, it is the end against which the user normally applies their lips to inhale).

[0061] The mouthpiece portion 3 is formed as a separate, removable component from the control portion 2, and is provided with any suitable coupling / attachment mechanism, such as a snap fit, screw threads, etc., that allows for coupling of the mouthpiece portion 3 to the control portion 2. When the aerosol delivery device 1 is assembled by coupling the mouthpiece portion 3 to the control portion 2 (e.g., as shown generally in FIG. 1), the length of the assembled aerosol delivery device 1 is around 10 cm. However, it will be appreciated that the overall shape and scale of the aerosol delivery device 1 embodying the present disclosure is not critical to the principles described herein.

[0062] The receptacles 32a, 32b are configured to be fluidly connected to the air passages (e.g., channels 44b) of the respective consumables 4a and 4b (specifically, at the ends of the consumables opposite the ends connected to and received by the receptacles 24a, 24b). The receptacles 32a, 32b are fluidly connected to the mouthpiece channels 33a and 33b, which are in turn fluidly connected to the openings 31a and 31b. It will thus be appreciated that when the device 1 is fully assembled (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), the openings 31a and 31b of the mouthpiece portion 3 are fluidly connected to the air inlet 23 of the control portion 2.

[0063] Thus, the exemplary aerosol delivery device 1 generally provides two routes by which air / aerosol may pass through the device. For example, the first route starts at the air inlet 23, along the air channel 26 into the receptacle 24a, through the first aerosol-generating component 4a (e.g., aerosol-generating material 46a in the aerosol-generating component 4a between the inlet and the outlet), into the receptacle 32a, and along the mouthpiece channel 33a of the mouthpiece portion 3 to the opening 31a. Similarly, the second route starts at the air inlet 23, along the air channel 26 into the receptacle 24b, through the second aerosol-generating component 4b (e.g., channel 44b), into the receptacle 32b, and along the mouthpiece channel 33b of the mouthpiece portion 3 to the opening 31b. In this example, the first and second routes each share a common component upstream of the aerosol-generating component 4 (i.e., the air channel 26 coupled to the air inlet 23), but diverge from this common component. Hereinafter, the cross-sections of the routes will be described as being circular, although it will be appreciated that the cross-sections may be non-circular (e.g., any regular polygon) and need not be of a consistent size or shape along the length of the two routes.

[0064] From the above, it will be appreciated that the exemplary aerosol delivery device 1 includes a number of components that are referenced by a number followed by a letter (e.g., 24a). Components designated by the letter "a" are components connected to or that define a first air / aerosol path associated with the first aerosol generation component 4a, whereas components designated by the letter "b" are components connected to or that define a second air / aerosol path associated with the second aerosol generation component 4b. Components with the same number will have the same function and configuration as each other, unless otherwise specified. Generally, in the following, components will be referred to collectively by their respective corresponding numbers, and unless otherwise specified, the description applies to both components "a" and "b" referenced by said numbers.

[0065] Of course, in other examples according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol delivery system 1 may include different configurations of aerosol generating components. For example, the system (not shown) may include multiple aerosol generating components, each associated with a consumable 4a. In some of these examples, the aerosol generating materials and / or aerosol generators have different characteristics or properties. In other examples, the system (not shown) may include multiple aerosol generating components, each associated with a consumable 4b. In some of these examples, the aerosol generating materials and / or aerosol generators have different characteristics or properties. In other examples, one or both of the consumables 4 may be replaced with a consumable of a different configuration (e.g., a consumable intended to be heated by irradiation with light, vibration, high pressure, or electrostatic energy). In these examples, the control unit 2 may be modified for use with different types of consumables. In other examples, the system may include more than two aerosol generating components.

[0066] 1 and 2, in use, a user draws air by suction on the mouthpiece portion 3 of the exemplary device 1 (specifically through the opening 31) from outside the housing 20 of the reusable portion 2 through each route through the device that the air / aerosol passes through, and ultimately into the user's mouth. Activation of the aerosol generator (e.g., heating elements 47a and 43b) vaporizes the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the liquid source contained in the wicking element 42b), causing the air passing through the consumable 4 to combine or mix with the aerosol (e.g., the vaporized liquid source). In the case of an exemplary consumable such as consumable 4b, the liquid source can enter / pass along the wicking element 42b from the liquid reservoir 41b by surface tension / capillary action.

[0067] Power is provided to the heating elements 43b, 47a from the battery 21 and is controlled / regulated by the control circuit 22. The control circuit 22 is configured to control the supply of power from the battery 21 to the heating elements 43b, 47a to generate vapour from the aerosol generation component 4 for inhalation by the user. In some examples where the consumable comprises an aerosol generator, power is provided to each heating element 43b in the aerosol generation component 4b via electrical contacts (not shown) defined across the interface between each aerosol generation component 4b and the control unit 2, for example by spring-loaded pin / pogo-pin connectors, or any other configuration of electrical setting that engages when the aerosol generation component 4b is received / connected to the receptacle 24b of the control unit 2. Of course, it is also possible to provide energy to each heating element 43b by other means, such as induction heating, in which case electrical contacts between the control unit 2 / receptacle 24 and the aerosol generation component 4 are not required.

[0068] The control circuitry 22 is suitably configured / programmed to provide the functionality of the embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein, as well as conventional operational functionality of the aerosol delivery device 1 in accordance with established techniques for controlling conventional e-cigarettes. To this end, the control circuitry 22 can be considered to logically include a number of different functional blocks, such as a functional block for controlling the supply of power from the battery 21 to the heating element 47a that heats the first aerosol generation component 4a, a functional block for controlling the supply of electrodes from the battery 21 to the heating element 43b of the second aerosol generation component 4b, a functional block for controlling operational aspects (e.g., configuration settings) of the device 1 in response to user input (e.g., to initiate power supply), as well as other functional blocks associated with the normal operation of an e-cigarette and functionality in accordance with the principles described herein. It will be appreciated that the functionality of these logical blocks may be provided in a variety of different ways, such as by using a single suitably programmed general-purpose computer or suitably configured application specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry. Of course, the aerosol delivery device 1 will typically include various other elements associated with its operational functions (e.g., a port for charging the battery 21, such as a USB port), which may be conventional and which, for simplicity, will not be shown in the drawings or discussed in detail.

[0069] Power may be provided to the heating elements 43, 47 based on actuation of a button (or equivalent user-actuated mechanism) on the surface of the housing 20, which provides power when the user presses the button, or based on detection of a user's inhalation (e.g., by using an airflow or pressure sensor, such as a diaphragm microphone, connected to and controlled by the control circuitry 22, which sends a signal to the control circuitry 22 when a change in pressure or airflow is detected). It is to be understood that the mechanism by which power delivery is initiated is not critical to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0070] As mentioned above, one aspect of the present disclosure is an aerosol delivery device 1 configured to enable consistent control of aerosol delivery to a user regardless of the configuration of the aerosol delivery device 1 (e.g., the number and type of aerosol generation components 4). In the exemplary aerosol delivery device 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the aerosol generation component 4 is provided separately from the control unit 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3, and can be inserted or removed from the receptacle 24. The aerosol generation component 4 can be replaced / removed for various reasons. For example, the aerosol generation component 4 may be provided with different flavored liquid ingredients, and a user can generate aerosols with different flavors as needed by inserting two aerosol generation components 4 with different flavors (e.g., strawberry flavor and menthol / mint flavor) into each receptacle 24. Alternatively, when the aerosol generation component 4 becomes dry (i.e., when the liquid ingredients in the liquid reservoir 41 are exhausted), the aerosol generation component 4 can be removed / replaced.

[0071] Turning more particularly to the aerosol generation components 4, the consumables 4 each comprise a housing 40, formed in this example from a plastic material. The housing 40 is generally in the form of a hollow cylinder having an outer diameter. For the consumables 4b, the housing 40b also defines an inner diameter, the walls of which define the boundaries of the cartomizer channel 44b. The housing 40b supports the other components of the cartomizer 4b, such as the aerosol generator previously described, and provides a mechanical interface with the receptacle 24b of the control unit 2 (described in more detail below).

[0072] In this example, the consumable 4 has a length of around 1-1.5 cm, an outer diameter of 6-8 mm, and an inner diameter of 2-4 mm, although it will be appreciated that in different embodiments the specific shape, and more generally the overall shape, may vary.

[0073] As previously mentioned, the consumable 4b comprises a liquid reservoir 41b in the form of a cavity between the inner and outer walls of the housing 40b. The liquid reservoir 41b contains a liquid. The liquid in an e-cigarette will typically comprise a base liquid formulation that constitutes the majority of the liquid, to which additives are added to provide the desired flavor / odor / nicotine delivery characteristics. For example, a typical base liquid comprises a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerol (VG). The liquid reservoir 41b in this example comprises a majority of the internal volume of the cartomizer 4b. The reservoir 41b may be formed according to conventional techniques (e.g., it may comprise a molded plastic material).

[0074] The aerosol generator of the consumable 4b includes a heating element 43b, which in this example includes an electrically resistive wire wound around a wicking element 42b. In this example, the heating element 43b is made of a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr 20 Ni 80 ) wire and wicking element 42b comprises glass fiber bundles, although it will be appreciated that the particular atomizer configuration is not critical to the principles described herein.

[0075] The receptacle 24 formed in the control unit 2 is substantially cylindrical and generally has a shape (inner surface) that fits the outer shape of the aerosol generation component 4. As described above, the receptacle 24 is configured to receive at least a part of the aerosol generation component 4. The depth of the receptacle (i.e., the dimension along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 24) is slightly shorter than the length (e.g., 0.8 to 1.3 cm) of the aerosol generation component 4 so that the exposed end of the aerosol generation component 4 slightly protrudes from the surface of the housing 20 when the aerosol generation component 4 is received in the receptacle 24. The outer diameter of the aerosol generation component 4 is slightly smaller (e.g., approximately 1 mm or less) than the diameter of the receptacle 24, so that the aerosol generation component 4 can slide relatively easily into the receptacle, while fitting appropriately into the receptacle 24 to suppress or prevent movement of the aerosol generation component 4 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this example, the aerosol generation components 4 are mounted in the main body of the control unit 2 in a generally side-by-side configuration.

[0076] To insert, replace or remove an aerosol generation component 4, the user would typically disassemble the device 1 (e.g., generally as shown in FIG. 2). The user would remove the mouthpiece portion 3 from the control unit 2 by pulling it away from the control unit 2, remove any old aerosol generation component 4 (if necessary) located in the receptacle by pulling the aerosol generation component 4 away from the control unit 2, and insert a new aerosol generation component 4 into the receptacle 24. With the aerosol generation component(s) 4 inserted in the receptacle 24, the user would then reassemble the device 1 by coupling the mouthpiece portion 3 to the reusable portion 2. It should be noted that the assembled device 1 is shown diagrammatically in the figures, but that certain features, such as the gap between the mouthpiece portion 2 and the housing 20 of the control unit 2, are not drawn to scale and are exaggerated for clarity.

[0077] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the control. FIG. 3 shows a control 2' that is the same as control 2 except that it includes two air inlets 23a' and 23b' and two air channels 26a' and 26b'. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the air channels 26' are separate from one another; that is, they are not fluidly connected within the control 2'. Each air channel 26' leads to a receptacle 24 and an air inlet 23'. FIG. 3 shows essentially the same embodiment as described above with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, except that there are no shared (or common) components of the flow path through the device. That is, air channel 26a' connects air inlet 23a' only to receptacle 24a, and air channel 26b' connects air inlet 23b' only to receptacle 24b.

[0078] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative serial arrangement of an aerosol delivery system in which air flows sequentially through each consumable 4. Figure 4 shows control unit 2'' which is the same as control unit 2 except that it has only one receptacle 24b that receives consumable 4b. Figure 4 also shows mouthpiece 3'' which is the same as mouthpiece 3 except that it has only one cavity 51 that receives consumable 4a. As can be seen in Figure 4, the exemplary aerosol delivery device 1'' generally provides a single route by which air / aerosol may pass through the device. For example, this route may start at the air inlet 23, travel along the air channel 26 into the receptacle 24b, through the second aerosol generating component 4b (e.g., channel 44b of the second aerosol generating component 4b) into the receptacle 32a, then through the mouthpiece channel 33 into the cavity 51, through the first aerosol generating component 4a (e.g., aerosol generating material 46a in the aerosol generating component 4a between the inlet and outlet), and to the opening 31 in the mouthpiece portion 3''.

[0079] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment that essentially works similarly to the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the aerosol generated in the second aerosol-generation component 4b must pass through the first aerosol-generation component 4a before being inhaled by the user. It will be appreciated that the mouthpiece 3″ according to the above examples comprises an aerosol generator, such as a heating element 47, which generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 46a. In these examples, the mouthpiece 3″ may comprise contacts that form an electrical connection with the control unit 2″. In other examples, the mouthpiece 3″ does not comprise an aerosol generator, but instead the aerosol generator may be provided in the aerosol-generation component or in the control unit 2. In the case where the aerosol generator component comprises an aerosol generator, the mouthpiece 3″ may comprise contacts that form an electrical connection with both the control unit 2″ and the aerosol generator component 4.

[0080] In some examples, the control section 2'' may house both consumables 4 in series, with the mouthpiece 3'' providing the fluid air flow connection with the subsequent consumable in the series.

[0081] In some instances, the mouthpiece 3'' and the consumable 4b are provided as a single integrally formed component. In other words, the two components may have a common housing material that is not intended to be separate and is formed as a single piece. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the allocation of power between the consumables 4a and 4b to affect aerosol generation.

[0082] As mentioned above, the control circuitry 22 is configured to control the supply of power to the heating elements 47a, 47b of the different aerosol generation components 4. Thus, one of the functions of the control circuitry 22 is power distribution. In this specification, the term "power distribution circuitry" refers to the power distribution function / functionality of the control circuitry 22.

[0083] Fig. 5 is an exemplary schematic circuit diagram showing the electrical connection between the battery 21 and the heating elements 47a and 43b of the two aerosol generating components 4a and 4b installed in the device 1. Fig. 4 shows the heating elements 47a and 43b connected in parallel with the battery 21 through the control circuit 22. The control circuit 22 may be a single chip / electronic component configured to perform the described functions. The control circuit block 22 is a power control mechanism that controls the power supplied to the heating element 47a and controls the power supplied to the heating element 43b. The power control mechanism may for example implement a pulse width modulation (PWM) control technique for supplying power to each heating element 47a, 43b.

[0084] In FIG. 5, two aerosol generators are provided in the device, as identified by the presence of two heating elements 43b, 47a. Heating element 43b is shown as a single resistive wire, while heating element 47a is shown as two perpendicular wires. Although not shown, the two wires of heating element 47a may be provided on either side of consumable 4a for heating of both sides of the aerosol-generating material. Alternatively, other resistive materials such as conductive plates or mesh materials may be used instead of wires of heating elements 43b, 47a. It will further be appreciated that, as discussed above, in some embodiments, heating elements 43b, 47a may be replaced with different types of aerosol generators (e.g., optical aerosol generators or vibration-based aerosol generators).

[0085] The control circuit 22 is configured to supply power to both aerosol generation components 4 after identifying the presence of both aerosol generation components 4 in the device. The control circuit 22 is electrically connected to the first user input mechanism 25 a and the second user input mechanism 25 b. Although not shown, the user input mechanism 25 may be directly connected to the power source 21 or may be indirectly connected to the power source 21 through the control circuit 22.

[0086] The control circuitry 22 is configured to receive input from the first user input mechanism 25a or the second user input mechanism 25b indicating that a user has interacted with or actuated each user input mechanism 25 and control a characteristic of each aerosol generator 43a, 47b. The control circuitry 22 is configured to control a characteristic of each aerosol generator based on the input. The characteristic may be a characteristic related to how each aerosol generator operates. For example, the characteristic may include the power provided to each aerosol generator, the target operating temperature, the target resistance of each aerosol generator, the target current of each aerosol generator, or the time to power each aerosol generator during use (e.g., during a puffing operation). In some examples, the control circuitry 22 may receive input during or at the start of a puffing operation to control a characteristic of the puffing operation. In some examples, the control circuitry may receive input prior to a puffing operation to control the characteristic for use in the next puffing operation or subsequent puffing operations (until the user input and / or the device is turned off).

[0087] Puffing action refers to the operation of one or both of the aerosol generators in response to a user's inhalation or puff (such inhalation may be detected directly through the use of a puff sensor or indirectly through a user's interaction with a user input (e.g., actuation)).

[0088] As an example, in response to an input, the control circuitry 22 is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator 47a by a first amount if the input is provided to the first user input mechanism 25a, and the control circuitry 22 is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator 43b by a second amount different from the first amount if the input is provided to the second user input mechanism 25b. For example, if the characteristic is a target power, the first amount may be a smaller change in power (e.g., 0.5 W) than the second amount (e.g., 1.0 W).

[0089] In response to input to the first or second user input mechanism 25a, 25b, the characteristics of the aerosol generated by the first and second aerosol generators are altered. For example, increasing power or temperature may result in a higher level of aerosol generated from the modified aerosol generator, may change the average size (e.g., mass median aerodynamic diameter) of the aerosol particles generated by the modified aerosol generator, or may increase the temperature of the aerosol, although the magnitude of the effect will depend at least on the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating materials. For example, the same increase in power (as a result of user input) will have a greater effect on a more efficient aerosol generator. Also, when an aerosol generator acts on a larger mass or surface area of ​​aerosol-generating material, the energy delivered to the aerosol-generating material is distributed over a larger volume of material and therefore has less impact (i.e., less specific gravity). Thus, the impact of changes in the properties of the aerosol generator is highly dependent on the configuration of the device 1.

[0090] In some examples, the first and second amounts may be selected to have the same or substantially the same effect, such that altering a characteristic of a first aerosol generator by a first amount results in a first change in the amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator, and altering a characteristic of a second aerosol generator by a second amount results in a second change in the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator, the first change and the second change being substantially equal.

[0091] For example, if changing the characteristics of a first aerosol generator by a first amount (e.g., increasing the power by 20%) increases aerosol production by around 10%, then a second amount may be selected such that changing the characteristics of a second aerosol generator by a second amount (e.g., increasing the power by 5%) also increases aerosol production by around 10%. A user of such an exemplary system would conveniently interpret the change in the characteristics of the first or second aerosol generator as having the same effect based on the respective input (a 10% increase in aerosol production).

[0092] In other words, in some examples, the second amount is set such that changing the characteristics of the second aerosol generator by the second amount changes the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator approximately equal to the change in the amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator when the characteristics of the first aerosol generator are changed by the first amount. In some examples, the first and second amounts are different because the first and second aerosol generators are different types. For example, the first aerosol generator may be selected from the group including a resistive heater, a piezoelectric atomizer, an optical aerosol generator (e.g., a laser), and an inductive heater, and the second aerosol generator may be selected from the group including a resistive heater, a piezoelectric atomizer, an optical aerosol generator (e.g., a laser), and an inductive heater. The effect of changing the parameters has a different effect on each type of aerosol generator. As merely one example to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, increasing the power to a resistive heater by 20% may result in a 10% increase in aerosol production, while increasing the power to an optical aerosol generator, such as a laser, by 20% may result in a 15% increase in aerosol production.

[0093] In some examples, the first and second aerosol generators are the same type of aerosol generator but are configured differently. For example, one of the first and second aerosol generators may be larger than the other of the first and second aerosol generators. In one example, one of the first and second aerosol generators may be configured to operate at a higher power rating. In another example, one of the first and second aerosol generators may be configured to generate aerosol from a smaller volume (e.g., the first and second aerosol-generating materials may be different in size and the aerosol generators may be configured to match). In these examples, changes in aerosol generation as a result of changes in the characteristics of the first or second aerosol generators depend on the configuration of each aerosol generator.

[0094] In some examples, the first and second aerosol generating materials are different, resulting in different first and second amounts. In some of these examples, the first and second aerosol generators may be substantially similar in construction (e.g., may be the same type), while in others of these examples, the first and second aerosol generators may be substantially different in construction (e.g., may be different types). In some examples, the first and second aerosol generating materials are selected from a group including liquids, gels, or solids, and the second aerosol generating material is different from the first aerosol generating material. The amount of aerosol generated from each aerosol generating material will depend on the type of material and the characteristics of the aerosol generator.

[0095] In some examples, the first aerosol-generating material has a different vaporization temperature than the second aerosol-generating material. An aerosol-generating material with a lower vaporization temperature will vaporize at a lower temperature than an aerosol-generating material with a higher vaporization temperature. Thus, the impact of altering the property by the first or second amount will vary for each aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the first aerosol-generating material has a different specific heat capacity than the second aerosol-generating material. An aerosol-generating material with a lower specific heat capacity will require less energy to heat to a target temperature. Thus, the impact of altering the property by the first or second amount will vary for each aerosol-generating material.

[0096] In some examples, the input is a selection of one of a plurality of values ​​of a characteristic of the first or second aerosol generator. The control circuitry 22 is configured to change the characteristic of the first aerosol generator 47a by a first amount by selecting a different one of the plurality of values ​​of the characteristic of the first aerosol generator when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism 25a. Similarly, the control circuitry 22 is configured to change the characteristic of the second aerosol generator 47b by a second amount by selecting a different one of the plurality of values ​​of the characteristic of the second aerosol generator when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism 25b. Of course, there will be first and second amounts corresponding to each potential change between a first value of the plurality of values ​​and a second value of the plurality of values.

[0097] In some examples, the input is a selection of a boost mode of the first or second aerosol generator. The boost mode means increased production of aerosol. In some examples, the plurality of values ​​comprises a first and a second value, with the default or normal mode corresponding to a first value of the plurality of values ​​and the boost mode corresponding to a second value of the plurality of values. The control circuitry 22 is configured to select the boost mode of the first aerosol generator by modifying a characteristic of the first aerosol generator 47a by a first amount when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism 25a. Similarly, the control circuitry 22 is configured to select the boost mode of the second aerosol generator by modifying a characteristic of the second aerosol generator 47b by a second amount when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism 25b.

[0098] In some examples, altering the characteristics of the second aerosol generator by a second amount changes the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator approximately equal to the change in the amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator when the characteristics of the first aerosol generator are altered by the first amount, such that the user experiences approximately the same increase in aerosol generation regardless of whether the input is directed to the first or second user input mechanism 25 (and thus regardless of whether the boost mode of the first or second aerosol generator is selected).

[0099] 6 is a schematic illustrating a method of controlling an embodiment of an electronic aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material and a second aerosol-generating material, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The device may include a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material, a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol-generating material, and control circuitry configured to accept input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and control a characteristic of each aerosol generator.

[0100] In this method, the control unit performs a first step S1 of identifying an input to a first user input mechanism or a second user input mechanism, and a second step S2 of modifying a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount if the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, or a third step S3 of modifying a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount if the input is provided to the second user input mechanism, the second amount being different from the first amount.

[0101] In some examples, changing the characteristics of the second aerosol generator by a second amount changes the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator approximately equal to the change in the amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator when the characteristics of the first aerosol generator are changed by the first amount. Thus, the user experiences approximately the same increase in aerosol generation regardless of whether the input is directed to the first or second user input mechanism 25. This allows the user to intuitively change the characteristics (e.g., flavor) of the aerosol (e.g., independent of flavor source or aerosol generator).

[0102] The above describes an aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material; and a control circuit configured to accept input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and control characteristics of each aerosol generator, wherein in response to the input, the control circuit is configured to alter the characteristics of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuit is configured to alter the characteristics of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism.

[0103] Also provided is an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material and generating an aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device including a first aerosol-generating material, a second aerosol-generating material, and an aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device including a first user input mechanism for controlling the first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material, and a second user input mechanism for controlling the second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol-generating material. The present invention describes an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising a user input mechanism; and a control circuit configured to accept input from a user via a first user input mechanism or a second user input mechanism and to control a characteristic of each aerosol generator, wherein in response to the input, the control circuit is configured to change the characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuit is configured to change the characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism.

[0104] We have also described a method of controlling an aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material, a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material, and control circuitry configured to accept input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and control a characteristic of each aerosol generator, the method including the steps of identifying an input to the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism, and altering a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount if the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, or altering a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount if the input is provided to the second user input mechanism, wherein the second amount is different from the first amount.

[0105] We have also described an aerosol supply means for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material means and a second aerosol generating material means, the aerosol supply means comprising: first user input means for controlling a first aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material means; second user input means for controlling a second aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material means; and control means configured to accept input from a user via the first user input means or the second user input means and to control characteristics of each aerosol generator means, wherein in response to the input, the control means is configured to alter the characteristics of the first aerosol generator means by a first amount when the input is provided to the first user input means, and the control means is configured to alter the characteristics of the second aerosol generator means by a second amount different from the first amount when the input is provided to the second user input means.

[0106] Although the above embodiments have focused in some respects on some specific exemplary aerosol delivery systems, it should be understood that the same principles may be applied to aerosol delivery systems using other technologies. That is, the specific manner in which various aspects of the aerosol delivery system function is not directly related to the principles underlying the examples described herein. To address various problems and advance the art, the present disclosure provides, as illustrative examples, various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely for the purpose of aiding in the understanding and teaching of the claimed invention(s). The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limitations on the present disclosure as defined by the claims, nor limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and improved upon without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than as specifically described herein. Thus, it will be understood that features of the dependent claims can be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those expressly recited in the claims. The present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material and a second aerosol-generating material, comprising: a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol-generating material; and a control circuit configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control a characteristic of each of the aerosol generators; Equipped with In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to alter a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuitry is configured to alter a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism; altering a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by the first amount results in a first change in an amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator; altering a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by the second amount results in a second change in the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator; the first change and the second change are substantially equal; the first aerosol-forming material is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a gel, and a solid; An aerosol delivery device, wherein the second aerosol-generating material is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a gel, and a solid, and the state of the second aerosol-generating material is different from the state of the first aerosol-generating material.

2. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the characteristics are selected from the group including a power setting for each aerosol generator, a temperature setting for each aerosol generator, a target resistance for each aerosol generator, a target current for each aerosol generator, and a time for which each aerosol generator is powered during a puff operation.

3. the first aerosol-forming material has a different vaporization temperature than the second aerosol-forming material; and / or 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the first aerosol-forming material has a different specific heat capacity than the second aerosol-forming material.

4. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first user input mechanism comprises at least one of a type selected from the group including a slider, a dial, one or more buttons, one or more switches, and a touch screen.

5. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second user input mechanism comprises at least one of a type selected from the group including a slider, a dial, one or more buttons, one or more switches, and a touch screen.

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first user input mechanism is of the same type as the second user input mechanism.

7. An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the input is a selection of one of a plurality of selectable states relating to a characteristic of each of the aerosol generators.

8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7 , wherein the characteristic has the same number of selectable states for the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator.

9. the plurality of selectable states includes a default state and a boost state; An aerosol delivery device as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein in response to the input, the control circuit is configured to select the boost state for the characteristics of the first aerosol generator when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and / or the control circuit is configured to select the boost state for the characteristics of the second aerosol generator when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism.

10. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first aerosol generator is selected from the group comprising a resistive heater, a piezoelectric atomizer, a laser, and an inductive heater.

11. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second aerosol generator is selected from the group comprising a resistive heater, a piezoelectric atomizer, a laser, and an inductive heater.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, comprising a first receptacle for holding the first aerosol generating material and / or a second receptacle for holding the second aerosol generating material.

13. 1. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material and generating an aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material, comprising: An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a first aerosol-forming material; and a second aerosol-forming material; and An aerosol delivery system comprising:

14. a first cartridge that holds the first aerosol generating material, the first cartridge configured for removably attachment to the aerosol delivery device; and / or a second cartridge holding the second aerosol generating material, the second cartridge configured for removably attachment to the aerosol delivery device; 14. The aerosol delivery system of claim 13, comprising:

15. 1. A method of controlling an aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material and a second aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol-generating material; and control circuitry configured to accept input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control a characteristic of each aerosol generator, identifying an input to the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism; modifying a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism; or modifying a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism; Including, the second amount is different from the first amount; altering a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by the first amount results in a first change in an amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator; altering a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by the second amount results in a second change in the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator; the first change and the second change are substantially equal; the first aerosol-forming material is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a gel, and a solid; The method, wherein the second aerosol-forming material is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a gel, and a solid, and the state of the second aerosol-forming material is different from the state of the first aerosol-forming material.

16. an aerosol supply means for generating an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material means and the second aerosol-generating material means, a first user input means for controlling a first aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from said first aerosol generating material means; second user input means for controlling a second aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from said second aerosol generating material means; control means configured to receive input from a user via the first user input means or the second user input means and to control a characteristic of each aerosol generator means; Equipped with wherein in response to said input, said control means is configured to alter a characteristic of said first aerosol generator means by a first amount when said input is provided to said first user input means, and said control means is configured to alter a characteristic of said second aerosol generator means by a second amount different from said first amount when said input is provided to said second user input means; altering a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by the first amount results in a first change in an amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator; altering a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by the second amount results in a second change in the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator; the first change and the second change are substantially equal; the first aerosol-forming material is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a gel, and a solid; The aerosol delivery means, wherein the second aerosol-generating material is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a gel, and a solid, and the state of the second aerosol-generating material is different from the state of the first aerosol-generating material.

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