Aerosol generating device with modular components

Abstract

To provide an invention that relates to an aerosol generation article and a system, more particularly, a system that includes an aerosol generation device and a related module.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device, a first module, and a second module. The aerosol generating device comprises a housing. The first module is operably couplable to the housing of the aerosol generating device. The second module is operably couplable to the first module or to the housing of the aerosol generating device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A-1D

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating articles and systems, and more particularly to systems that include aerosol-generating devices and associated modules. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices deliver an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate to a user for inhalation. Many aerosol-generating devices contain electronic components to provide the primary function of generating the aerosol from the substrate, or to provide secondary functions such as wireless communication, displays or LEDs used to provide information to the user, audible feedback, location tracking, and the like. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] After an aerosol generating device is manufactured, it may be difficult or impossible to modify one or more of the device's secondary functions. However, different users may desire different secondary functions. As a result, manufacturers include numerous secondary features in aerosol generating devices to appeal to a wide range of consumers. However, including numerous secondary functions may increase the cost of manufacturing the aerosol generating device and may also increase the complexity of the aerosol generating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The aerosol generating systems described herein include a basic aerosol generating device with limited secondary functionality and modules that may be added by the user. The modules provide the secondary functionality and thus allow the user to select the appropriate secondary functionality by selecting the module to add. The modules may be interchangeable so that the user may modify the secondary functionality as needed or desired.

[0005] The aerosol generation systems described herein may include an aerosol generation device, a first module, and a second module. The aerosol generation device includes a housing. The first module is operably connectable to the aerosol generation device housing. The second module is operably connectable to either the first module or the aerosol generation device housing.

[0006] The first module and the second module may be separately coupled to the housing of the device.

[0007] The second module may be coupled to the first module. When the first module is connected to the aerosol generation device, coupling the second module to the first module may electrically couple the electronics of the second module to the electronics of the aerosol generation device. For example, the first module may have a first electrical interconnect that electrically contacts an electrical interconnect on the housing of the aerosol generation device and a second electrical interconnect that electrically contacts an electrical interconnect on the second module. The first electrical interconnect and the second electrical interconnect on the first module are electrically coupled. The first module may be passive.

[0008] The system may further include one or more additional modules, each of which may be operably coupled to one or more of another additional module, the first module, the second module, and the housing of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, each additional module is operably coupled to each of the additional modules, the first module, the second module, and the housing of the aerosol-generating article.

[0009] The aerosol generation systems described herein may offer one or more advantages over previously available aerosol generation devices and systems. For example, the aerosol generation systems described herein allow manufacturers to produce simple, low-cost base aerosol generation units with limited secondary functionality. The aerosol generation systems described herein allow users to select desired functionality through modules operably connectable to the base device. The aerosol generation systems described herein allow users to modify the secondary functionality from time to time, as desired. The aerosol generation systems described herein also provide a degree of future-proofing, as new modules incorporating new technology may be manufactured as new technology becomes available.

[0010] These and other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] The aerosol-generating system may include any suitable aerosol-generating device. Examples of suitable aerosol-generating devices include devices that heat an aerosol-forming substrate to volatilize one or more components of the substrate to form an aerosol, devices that do not heat a substrate but rather use an airflow to entrain particles in the airflow to form an aerosol, and devices that use a chemical reaction to form a volatile compound to form an aerosol. Aerosol-generating devices that heat an aerosol-forming substrate may heat the substrate sufficiently to volatilize one or more components of the substrate, but do not combust the substrate.

[0012] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive a consumable product comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate. The substrate may be in any suitable form. The substrate may comprise tobacco. The substrate may comprise a liquid composition comprising nicotine. The substrate may comprise a dry powder containing nicotine (such as a nicotine salt).

[0013] The aerosol-generating device may be an e-cigarette or other vaping-type device that uses a consumable product containing an e-liquid. The aerosol-generating device may be a device configured to receive a consumable product containing a rod of an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a cigarette, and to heat the substrate without burning it to volatilize one or more components of the substrate. The aerosol-generating device may include an inhaler device configured to entrain in an airflow particles emitted from a consumable product containing a dry powder, such as a dry powder containing nicotine.

[0014] The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, such as air, which may contain volatile flavor compounds.

[0015] The aerosol-generating device may have a housing and may include one or more electronic components disposed within the housing. The one or more electronic components may enable the device to perform its primary function of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate and may also provide some secondary functions.

[0016] The components required to provide the primary function of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate may vary depending on the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-forming substrate employed in the device. The aerosol-generating device may include a power source such as a battery, a controller operably connected to the power source, a user interface such as a button switch operably connected to the controller, and an aerosol-generating element operably connected to the controller. If the aerosol-generating device generates an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate by mechanically vibrating the substrate, the aerosol-generating element may include a vibrating element. The vibrating element may generate vibrations by any suitable mechanism, such as by ultrasonic vibration or surface acoustic wave (SAW) aerosol generation. To facilitate ultrasonic vibrations, the device or consumable component may be provided with a piezoelectric transducer. To facilitate SAW aerosol generation, the device or consumable component may be provided with a piezoelectric SAW tip including a piezoelectric substrate and one or more interdigital transducers (IDTs). If the aerosol-generating device generates an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate by heating the substrate, the aerosol-generating element may include a heating element. The heating element may generate heat by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistive heating or induction. To facilitate inductive heating, the consumable device or component containing the aerosol-forming substrate may be provided with a susceptor. Any suitable susceptor material may be used. One example of a suitable susceptor material is aluminum. The device may include a suitable coil for inductively heating the susceptor. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element may include a resistive wire, resistive mesh, or other resistive element that may heat when an electric current is applied to the resistive element.

[0017] The controller may be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate is heated (or heated to). For example, the controller may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and control the supply of power to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this manner, the controller may regulate the temperature of the resistive element. The controller may be configured to control the power applied to the coil to control the temperature of the susceptor. Additionally or alternatively, a susceptor having a maximum induction heating temperature in the desired range may be employed.

[0018] The aerosol-generating device may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably connected to a controller to control or adjust the amount of aerosol. If the device generates the aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate by heating the substrate, the temperature sensor may be operably connected to the controller to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be located in any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into a consumable containing an aerosol-forming substrate to monitor the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate being heated or vibrated. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at or a portion of the aerosol outlet of the device. The sensor may send a signal related to the sensed temperature to the controller. The controller may adjust the heating of the heating element in response to the signal to achieve the appropriate temperature at the sensor.

[0019] In some cases, when the primary function of the device does not require a controller or power source, such as when the device does not require heat or vibration to generate an aerosol (e.g., an inhaler for inhaling dry powder containing nicotine or a nicotine salt), the aerosol generating device may still include a power source and controller to provide power and some functionality to modules that may be operably coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0020] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to provide one or more secondary functions unrelated to the primary function of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the device may include a battery level indicator for providing feedback to a user. The indicator may be operably coupled to a controller, which may be operably coupled to the battery.

[0021] Many or most of the secondary functions may be performed by one or more modules employed with the aerosol generating device, and the functions may be modified by the user by changing the module(s) employed.

[0022] The aerosol generation device is preferably configured for use with at least two modules, which may be used simultaneously or separately, and each of the two or more modules may be operably coupled to the aerosol generation device directly or indirectly through another module coupled to the aerosol generation device.

[0023] The module may be connected to the aerosol generation device inside the housing of the aerosol generation device, or may be mounted on the outside of the housing of the aerosol generation device, preferably on the outside of the housing of the aerosol generation device.

[0024] The module may be connected to the housing of the aerosol generation unit at any suitable location, for example the module may be connected to the side, front, back, bottom or top of the housing of the aerosol generation device, or all around the housing.

[0025] Each of the modules may be connected to another module or to the housing of the aerosol generation device. Preferably, the modules are physically securable to the housing of the aerosol generation device or to another module. Preferably, the physical connection is reversible.

[0026] Any suitable connection between the module and the aerosol generating device housing or another module may be used. For example, the connection may include one or more of a mechanical connection or a magnetic connection (such as a connection using a permanent magnet or an electromagnet). Examples of mechanical connections that may be employed include a slide connector, a snap connector, or the like. Additional examples of connection mechanisms that may be employed include a releasable adhesive, adhesive tape, an elastic band, electrostatic energy, suction tape, a hook-and-loop connector, and the like. However, more stable mechanical or magnetic connectors are preferred.

[0027] Each module may have two or more connectors, by which the module may be connected to the aerosol generating device housing and to another module, or to two other modules simultaneously, each of which preferably employs the same connection mechanism.

[0028] The modules may be of uniform size and shape, or may be of different sizes and shapes. A module may provide one or more secondary functions that may or may not be related to the primary function of the aerosol generating device.

[0029] Modules may be active or passive. For purposes of this disclosure, an "active" module is one that includes electronic components to provide at least one primary function of the module, and a "passive module" is one that does not require electronic components to perform the module's primary function.

[0030] Examples of components that a passive module may include are one or more of a container for used consumables such as heat sticks, an analog watch, a charging cable such as a cable with a USB connector, a cash container, a payment card container, a business card holder, a bottle opener, a key container, one or more functions of a Swiss Army knife, a pen or pencil, an earbud holder, a key chain ring, and a general container.

[0031] Examples of components that the active module may include are a secondary battery, a wireless communication component, a wireless charger component that may be unidirectional or bidirectional, a long-range wireless charging component such as a radio frequency (RF) based charging component, an ultrasound based charging component, or a light based charging component, a solar-powered charger component, a lighter such as a plasma lighter or a resistive lighter for conventional cigarettes, additional security elements such as electronic keys, code locks, and the like, an AC charger with pins for a wall outlet, a second heating engine that has a different geometry than the primary heating engine, a charging case for the wireless earpods, a fan, a display, and , a speaker, a flashlight such as a light-emitting diode, a wireless remote control, a pico-projector, a camera, a haptic feedback module, a sensor pack including one or more of a barometer, a thermometer, a microphone, a light intensity sensor, a gyroscope, an aerosol sensor such as a particulate sensor, a wind sensor, a color sensor, a liquid sensor, a humidity sensor, an activity sensor, a biometric sensor, a pressure sensor, an airflow sensor, and a chemical sensor, a near field communication (NFC) reader, a processor and memory, an electrical switch such as a button switch, a universal serial bus (USB) hub, and a global positioning system (GPS).

[0032] An active module may include an electrical interconnect for electrically coupling with another module or aerosol generation device. The electrical interconnect may contact a corresponding interconnect of the other module or aerosol generation device when the module is attached to the housing of the other module or aerosol generation device. A passive module may include an electrical interconnect to provide a pass-through electrical connection between an active module operably connected to the passive module when the passive module is physically located between the active module, or between the active module and the aerosol generation device when the passive module is physically located between the active module and the aerosol generation device. The electrical interconnect may include a physical connector having one or more contact points. For example, the electrical interconnect may include a proprietary connector, an existing connector such as a USB or Lightning type connector, or any other suitable connector.

[0033] The electrical interconnects may transmit power, or data, or power and data. The flow of power, or data, or power and data may be unidirectional (e.g., from the aerosol generation device to the module, or from the module to the aerosol generation device) or bidirectional.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the data interface, or the power interface, or the data interface and the power interface, may be provided by a wireless connection. Wireless transmission may require appropriate components in both the module and the aerosol-generating device. For example, an active module may include components that enable wireless data transmission, wireless power transmission, or wireless data and power transmission between another active module and the aerosol-generating device, or between another active module and both the other active module and the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article, or the active module, or both the aerosol-generating article and the active module, may be configured to wirelessly transmit data with a secondary device such as a smartphone, a wearable device, a computer, a server, and the like. Any suitable wireless connection may be employed. Examples of suitable wireless connections include one or more of an RF-based wireless connection, an optical-based connection, an audio-based connection, and a magnetic induction-based connection. Examples of suitable RF-based connections include NFC, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, wireless USB, Wi-Fi, White-Fi, Wi-Fi HalLow, Wi-FAR, wireless regional area networks (WRANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), low-power wireless area networks (LPWANs) (such as Sigfox, LoRa, INGenu, Waviot, NB-IoT, LTE-M, Telenssa, CYANconnode, Weightless, and the like), telephone data connections (such as general packet radio service (GPRS), long-term evolution (LTE), third-generation LTE (3G), fourth-generation LTE (4G), fifth-generation LTE (5G), and the like), zigbee, z-wave, RuBee, TransferJet, and the like. Examples of light-based connections include infrared, Li-Fi, camera and optical such as QR codes or barcodes, and the like. Examples of voice-based connections include acoustic wave communication.An example of a magnetic induction-based connection is near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communication.

[0035] The electrical components of the active module may be powered by the power supply of the aerosol generating device.

[0036] Preferably, the modules are hot-swappable.

[0037] Preferably, no user input is required to set up the module, which may be a plug-and-play module.

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more modules may be applied to the aerosol generating device by the manufacturer, who may produce multiple modules with various secondary functions, users may place special orders, or the manufacturer may produce and ship made-to-order devices to customers.

[0039] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are provided to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

[0040] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0041] As used herein, the words "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising," and the like are used in an open-ended sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to." It should be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are encompassed by "comprising" and the like.

[0042] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may offer certain advantages, under particular circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Moreover, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims.

[0043] As used herein, a "controller" may comprise one or more processors, such as a microprocessor. The one or more processors may operate with associated data storage or memory to access processing programs or routines and one or more types of data that may be used to perform the exemplary methods described herein. For example, the processing programs or routines stored in the data storage may include programs or routines for performing statistics, matrix calculations, compression algorithms (e.g., data compression algorithms), standardization algorithms, comparison algorithms, or any other processing used to implement one or more exemplary methods and processes described herein. Further, for example, the processing programs or routines stored in the data storage may include processes and functions for wirelessly transmitting data between the aerosol-generating device or intermediate device and the vending facility.

[0044] A controller may implement one or more computer programs running on one or more programmable processors that include processing capability (e.g., a microcontroller, a programmable logic device, etc.), data storage (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), input devices, and output devices. The program code or logic described herein may be applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and to generate desired output information. The output information may be applied as input to one or more other devices or processes, as described herein or as would be applied in a known manner.

[0045] The computer programs used to implement the processes described herein may be provided using any programmable language (e.g., a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language suitable for communicating with a computer system). Any such program product may be stored on any suitable device (e.g., a storage medium) readable by a general-purpose or application-specific program, such as a controller device for configuring and operating a computer when read by a suitable device to perform the procedures described herein. In other words, the controller may implement a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured with a computer program, the storage medium causing the computer to operate in a specific, predetermined manner to perform the functions described herein.

[0046] The exact configuration of the controller is not limiting, and essentially any device(s) capable of providing adequate computing and control capabilities to implement the exemplary methods described herein may be used. In view of the above, it should be readily apparent that the functionality as described herein may be implemented in any manner as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the computer language, controller, or any other software / hardware used to implement the processes described herein should not limit the scope of the systems, processes, or programs described herein (e.g., the functionality provided by such processes or programs). The methods and processes described herein, or various components, including those attributed to the present systems, may be implemented at least in part in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the present technique may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, DSPs (digital signal processors), ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays), CPLDs (complex programmable logic devices), microcontrollers, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, as well as any combination of such components. When implemented in software, the functionality of the systems, apparatus, and methods described in this disclosure may be embodied as instructions on a computer-readable medium, such as RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), NVRAM (non-volatile random access memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory, magnetic data storage media, optical data storage media, or the like. The instructions may be executed by one or more processors to support one or more aspects of the functionality described in this disclosure.

[0047] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, it will be understood that other aspects not shown in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components, steps, and the like. However, it will be understood that the use of one number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component labeled with the same number in another figure. Additionally, the use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that the differently numbered components may not be the same or similar to other numbered components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figures 1A-1D] 1A-1D are schematic perspective views of an aerosol generation device and two modules, illustrating some possible connection schemes between the modules and the aerosol generation device. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device and a module that may be connected to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of the module shown in FIG. 2A, showing the module on the opposite side relative to FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device and a module that may be connected to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a schematic side plan view of the aerosol generation device and module shown in FIG. 3A, showing the device and module connected. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device and a module that may be connected to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a schematic side plan view of the aerosol generation device and module shown in FIG. 4A, showing the device and module connected. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic side plan view of an aerosol generating device and a module that may be connected to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic side plan view of the aerosol generation device and module shown in FIG. 5A, showing the device and module connected. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generation device and module shown in FIG. 5A, showing the device and module connected. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device and a module that may be connected to the aerosol generating device. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generation device and module shown in FIG. 6A, showing the device and module connected. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device and module shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article and two modules. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article and a module. [Figures 9A-9C] 9A-9C are schematic perspective views of an aerosol-generating article and an alternative module connected to the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are presented for illustrative purposes and are not limiting.

[0050] 1A-1D, a system is shown comprising an aerosol generation device 100, a first module 201, and a second module 202. The aerosol generation device 100 comprises a power supply 190 and may also include a controller operably coupled to the power supply 190. The aerosol generation device 100 comprises one or more connectors (not shown) for operably coupling the modules 201, 202 to the housing 110 of the aerosol generation device 110. When connected to the housing 110 of the aerosol generation device 110, the modules 201, 202, or components thereof, are electrically coupled to the power supply 190, or the controller, or the power supply 190 and the controller of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0051] 1A, the aerosol generation device 100 is operably coupled to a first module 201. The first module 201 comprises one or more connectors (not shown), at least one of which provides an operative connection to a connector (not shown) of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0052] 1B, the aerosol generation device 100 is operably coupled to a second module 202. The second module 202 comprises one or more connectors (not shown), at least one of which provides an operative connection to a connector (not shown) of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the modules 201, 202 may be interchangeable and may be separately connectable to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0054] 1C and 1D, both the first module 201 and the second module 202 are simultaneously operably coupled to the aerosol generation device 100. Each of the first module 201 and the second module 202 is electrically coupled to the power supply 190, or the controller, or the power supply 190 and the controller of the aerosol generation device 100. In FIG. 1C, the first module 210 and the second module 202 are connected to opposite sides of the aerosol generation device 100. As a result, the aerosol generation device 100 includes a first connector (not shown) for connecting the first module 201 and a second connector (not shown) for connecting the second module 202.

[0055] In FIG. 1D , a first module 201 is connected to the housing 110 of the aerosol generation device 100, and a second module 202 is connected to the first module 201. The second module 202 is electrically coupled to the power supply 190, or the controller, or the power supply 190 and the controller of the aerosol generation device 100 via the first module 201. The first module 201 includes electrical interconnections (not shown) for electrically coupling to the power supply 190, or the controller, or the power supply 190 and the controller of the aerosol generation device 100, and to the second module 201. The first module 201 may be a passive module, and the electrical interconnection (not shown) may be a pass-through interconnection. As a result, the intervening passive module 201 does not impede but rather facilitates electrical connection between the active module 202 and the power supply 190, or the controller, or the power supply 190 and the controller of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0056] In this way, users may indiscriminately swap or add active and passive modules to the system without fear that the modules will not function properly unless they are connected in a particular order.

[0057] Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, a system including an aerosol generation device 100 and a module 201 is shown. The device 100 and module 201 may be as described above with respect to Figures 1A-1D. Figures 2A and 2B show some additional details regarding a connection mechanism that may be employed to operably couple the aerosol generation device 100 to the module 201. The aerosol generation device 100 includes a connector 120 accessible from the exterior of the housing 110 of the device 100. The connector 120 includes an electrical interconnection. For example, the connector 120 may comprise a USB connector. The connector 120 may comprise a female USB connector. The module 201 includes a connector 220 accessible from the exterior of the housing 211 of the module 201. The connector 220 includes an electrical interconnection. For example, the connector 220 may comprise a USB connector. Connector 220 may comprise a female USB connector that receives a male USB connector on another module (not shown) to allow connection of additional modules (eg, as shown in FIG. 1D).

[0058] 2B, the opposite side of the module 201 from the side including the first connector 220 is shown. As shown in FIG. 2B, the module 201 includes a second connector 226 configured to connect to the connector 120 of the aerosol generation device 100. The connector 226 may be a male USB connector. The first connector 220 and the second connector 226 of the module 201 are electrically coupled such that coupling of an additional module (not shown) to the connector 220 results in the electrical coupling of the additional module with the aerosol generation device 100.

[0059] 3-9 illustrate various embodiments of the module 201 and the aerosol generating device 100, as well as the associated connections. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the module 201 is a wireless charging module that allows wireless charging of the power source of the aerosol generating device 100. The module 201 includes a USB connector 220 that extends to the exterior of the housing 211 of the module 201. The device 100 includes a corresponding connector (not shown) that is accessible from the exterior of the device's housing 110 and may be recessed within the housing 110.

[0060] 4A and 4B illustrate device 100 having separate mechanical connector 122 and electrical connector 124. Electrical connector 124 comprises a pin-type connector configured to receive pins (not shown) extending from housing 211 of module 201. Mechanical connector 122 comprises a snap-type connector that is accessible from the exterior of, and recessed within, housing 110 of device 100. Mechanical connector 124 is configured to receive a corresponding connector (not shown) extending from housing 211 of module 201.

[0061] 5A-5C show an aerosol generation device 100 and a module 201 operably connectable to the device 100. The module 201 includes a USB-type connector 220 extending from the module's housing 211, and the device 100 includes a corresponding USB-type connector 120 recessed within the housing 110 of the device 100 but accessible externally.

[0062] 6A-6C show an aerosol generation device 100, a wrap connector 245, and a module 201 operably connectable to the device 100 via the wrap connector 245. The wrap connector 245 may form part of the module 201 as shown, or may form part of the device 100 (not shown), or may be separate from but connectable to the module 201 and device 100 (not shown). The device 100 and module 201 may be properly positioned relative to one another, and the wrap connector 245 may wrap around one or both of the device 100 and module 201 to hold the device 100 and module 201 in the proper relative position. Initial positioning may be facilitated by guides, magnetic connectors, or the like (not shown). The wrap 245 may include a connector, such as a magnetic strip 245, that may be attached to the device 100 to secure the wrap to the device 100 and to hold the device 100 and module 110 in place. The module 201 may be wirelessly connected to the power supply, or the controller, or the power supply and the controller of the device 100 .

[0063] 7 illustrates an embodiment in which a wrap connector 240 that is part of the module 210 includes a display 250. The wrap connector 240 may physically secure the aerosol generation device 100 to the module 210. The electrical connection between the module 201 and the device 100 may be wireless. A passive module 202, such as a container for consumables used with the device 100, is also shown coupled to the device 100.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows a module 201 comprising a speaker operably coupled to the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0065] 9A-9C show multiple modules 201, 202, 203 operably coupled to the aerosol generating device 100. The modules 201, 202, 203 may be interchangeable as shown and may be individually connected. Module 210 comprises a container for containing consumables (such as heat sticks) for use with the aerosol generating device 100. Module 202 includes a secondary battery and a battery level indicator. Module 203 includes a charging case for the earpods.

[0066] Thus, an aerosol generating device having modular components has been described. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described methods for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the mechanical, electrical, and aerosol generating device manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device having a housing; A first module; a second module; the first module is operably connectable to the aerosol generating device and the second module; the second module is operably connectable to the first module and the aerosol generating device; when the second module is directly connected to the aerosol generation device through the housing, the first module is operably connectable to the aerosol generation device indirectly through the second module; when the first module is directly connected to the aerosol generation device through the housing, the second module is operably connectable to the aerosol generation device indirectly through the first module; the aerosol generation device is configured such that the first module and the second module are simultaneously directly connectable to the aerosol generation device through the housing; Aerosol generation system.

2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein operably connecting the second module to the first module while the first module is operably connected to the housing of the aerosol generation device electrically connects the electronics of the second module to the electronics of the aerosol generation device.

3. 3. The aerosol generating system of claim 2, wherein the first module is passive.

4. An aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing of the aerosol generation device has a first connection for operably connecting the first module and a second connection for operably connecting the second module.

5. 5. The aerosol generation system of claim 4, wherein the second module is operably connectable to the first connection of the housing of the aerosol generation device, and the first module is operably connectable to the second connection of the housing of the aerosol generation device.

6. An aerosol generation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first module has a first electrical interconnection and a second electrical interconnection, and operably connecting the first module to the housing of the aerosol generation device electrically couples the first electrical interconnection to the electronics of the aerosol generation device.

7. The aerosol generation system of claim 6, wherein the second module has a first electrical interconnection, and operably connecting the second module to the first module electrically couples the first electrical interconnection of the second module to the second electrical interconnection of the first module, thereby electrically coupling the first electrical interconnection of the second module to the electronics of the aerosol generation device when the first module is operably coupled to the housing of the aerosol generation device.

8. An aerosol generation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising one or more additional modules, each additional module being operably connectable to one or more of another additional module, the first module, the second module, and the housing of the aerosol generation device.

9. 9. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the first module and the second module are each independently selected from the group consisting of a module with a spare battery, a module with wireless communication equipment, a module with a wireless charger, a module with an interconnection for wired charging, a module with an electric lighter, a module with an electrical security element, a module with a heater, a module with a charging case for wireless earpods, a module with a fan, a module with a display, a module with a speaker, a module with a flashlight, a module with a wireless remote control, a module with a projector, a module with a camera, a module with haptic feedback equipment, a module with a sensor, a module with an NFC reader, a module with a processor and memory, a module with a USB hub, a module with GPS equipment, a module with a container for one or more of used aerosol-generating articles, cash, a payment cart, business cards, and keys, a module with an analog watch, a module with a charging cable or data stick, a module with a bottle opener, a module with a pen, a module with an earbud holder, and a module with a keychain ring.

10. 10. The aerosol generating system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from a substrate for inhalation by a user.

11. An aerosol generating system as described in claim 10, wherein the system includes a substrate, and the substrate includes tobacco.

12. An aerosol generating system as described in claim 10, wherein the system includes a substrate, and the substrate includes nicotine.

13. 13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power source.

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