Non-nicotine electronic vaping device with dryness detection function

Abstract

To provide a dry puff and auto shutdown control system configured to control one or more elements of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device to maintain the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within operational limits defined for different parameters.SOLUTION: The non-nicotine electronic vaping device includes processing circuitry configured to: determine a plurality of resistance values for a heater during a time window; calculate a percent change in resistance of the heater between a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values; determine whether the percent change in resistance of the heater exceeds a threshold of the percent change in resistance; and disable power to the heater in response to determining that the percent change in resistance of the heater exceeds the threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 31

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a non-nicotine e-vaping device. [Background technology]

[0002] A non-nicotine electronic vaping device (or non-nicotine e-vaping device) includes a heater that vaporizes a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation material to produce a vapor. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device may include several non-nicotine electronic vaping elements, including a power source, a non-nicotine cartridge or non-nicotine e-vaping tank that includes the heater, and a non-nicotine reservoir that can hold the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation material.

[0003] [Summary] One or more exemplary embodiments provide a dry puff and auto-shutdown control system configured to control one or more elements of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device to maintain the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within defined operating limits for different parameters.

[0004] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the parameters of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may include the temperature of the heater, the rate of change of the heater resistance, a combination thereof, or the like. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the automatic shutdown control system may automatically shut down or disable one or more subsystems or elements of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device in response to detecting the presence of a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device. After shutting down or disabling, reactivation or re-enabling of one or more subsystems or elements may require corrective action (e.g., by the adult vaper).

[0005] At least one exemplary embodiment provides a method for controlling operation of a non-nicotine e-vaping device including a heater, the method including: determining a plurality of resistance values ​​of the heater during a time window; calculating a rate of change of the resistance value of the heater between a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values; determining whether the rate of change of the resistance value of the heater exceeds a resistance rate-change threshold; and disabling power to the heater in response to determining that the rate of change of the resistance value of the heater exceeds the resistance rate-change threshold.

[0006] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vaping device including processing circuitry configured to: determine a plurality of resistance values ​​of a heater during a time window; calculate a rate of change of the resistance value of the heater between a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values; determine whether the rate of change of the resistance value of the heater exceeds a resistance rate-change threshold; and disable power to the heater in response to determining that the rate of change of the resistance value of the heater exceeds the resistance rate-change threshold.

[0007] According to at least some example embodiments, the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater may be stored in a first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory, where a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater may be the oldest resistance value stored in the FIFO memory, and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater may be the most recent resistance value stored in the FIFO memory.

[0008] The threshold rate of change of resistance value can be obtained from a memory of the non-nicotine pod assembly of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0009] Whether the resistance value of the heater has stabilized may be detected based on the current flowing through the heater. A plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater during the time window may be determined in response to detecting that the resistance value of the heater has stabilized.

[0010] Whether the resistance value of the heater has stabilized can be determined from the current flowing through the heater and the threshold value of the wetting current.

[0011] In response to determining that the rate of change of the heater resistance has exceeded a threshold rate of change of resistance, an indication of a dry puff state in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may be output.

[0012] The non-nicotine electronic vaping device may power off in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has not been removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a first threshold time interval after disabling power to the heater.

[0013] The non-nicotine electronic vaping device may be returned to an operational mode by clearing a fault associated with a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has been removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a first threshold time interval after disabling power to the heater.

[0014] Vaping in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may be enabled in response to determining that another non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operating mode.

[0015] The non-nicotine electronic vaping device may power off in response to determining that another non-nicotine pod assembly has not been inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operating mode.

[0016] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a method for controlling a non-nicotine electronic vaping device including a heater, the method comprising: determining a plurality of resistance values ​​of the heater during a time window, calculating a rate of change of the resistance value of the heater between a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values, determining whether the rate of change of the resistance value of the heater exceeds a resistance rate-change threshold, and in response to determining that the rate of change of the resistance value of the heater exceeds the resistance rate-change threshold, outputting an indication of a dry puff state of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0017] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vaping device including processing circuitry configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to: determine a plurality of resistance values ​​of a heater during a time window, calculate a rate of change of the resistance value of the heater between a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values, determine whether the rate of change of the resistance value of the heater exceeds a resistance rate-change threshold, and output an indication of a dry puff state in the non-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determining that the rate of change of the resistance value of the heater exceeds the resistance rate-change threshold.

[0018] According to at least some example embodiments, the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater may be stored in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory, where a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater may be the oldest resistance value stored in the FIFO memory, and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater may be the most recent resistance value stored in the FIFO memory.

[0019] The threshold rate of change of resistance value can be obtained from a memory of the non-nicotine pod assembly of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0020] Whether the resistance value of the heater has stabilized may be determined based on the current flowing through the heater, and in response to determining that the resistance value of the heater has stabilized, multiple resistance values ​​of the heater during the time window may be determined.

[0021] Whether the resistance value of the heater has stabilized can be determined from the current flowing through the heater and the threshold value of the wetting current.

[0022] The non-nicotine electronic vaping device may be powered off in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has not been removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a first threshold time interval after outputting an indication of a dry puff condition at the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0023] Power to the heater may be disabled in response to detecting that a rate of change of resistance of the heater exceeds a threshold rate of change of resistance, and the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may be returned to an operational mode by clearing a fault associated with a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly is removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a first threshold time interval after disabling power to the heater.

[0024] Vaping in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may be enabled in response to determining that another non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operating mode.

[0025] The non-nicotine electronic vaping device may power off in response to determining that another non-nicotine pod assembly has not been inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operating mode.

[0026] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a method of controlling a non-nicotine electronic vaping device, the method including: determining whether a non-nicotine pod assembly is removed before a first time interval has elapsed after detecting a dry puff state in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device; and, in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has been removed before the first time interval has elapsed, clearing a fault associated with the dry puff state in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device and returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to an operational mode.

[0027] At least one other example embodiment provides a non-nicotine electronic vaping device including a processing circuit configured to, after detecting a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, determine whether the non-nicotine pod assembly is removed before a first time interval has elapsed, and, in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has been removed before the first time interval has elapsed, return to an operational mode by clearing a fault associated with the dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

[0028] According to at least some example embodiments, it may be determined whether another non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode, and vaping at the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may be enabled in response to determining that another non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode.

[0029] A dry puff state in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device may be detected based on whether a rate of change of resistance of a heater in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device exceeds a threshold rate of change of resistance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent from a consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Various dimensions of the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG.

[0033] [Figure 3] 3 is a rear view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 1.

[0034] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a proximal end view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG.

[0035] [Figure 5] 5 is a distal end view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 1.

[0036] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG.

[0037] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pod inlet in FIG.

[0038] [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 6.

[0039] [Figure 9]9 is a perspective view of the device body of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 6.

[0040] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the device main body of FIG.

[0041] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the through hole in FIG.

[0042] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the device electrical contacts in FIG.

[0043] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view including the mouthpiece in FIG.

[0044] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a partial exploded view including the bezel structure of FIG.

[0045] [Figure 15] 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece, spring, retaining structure, and bezel structure of FIG.

[0046] [Figure 16] 16 is a partial exploded perspective view including the front cover, frame, and rear cover in FIG.

[0047] [Figure 17] 17 is a perspective view of a non-nicotine pod assembly of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 6.

[0048] [Figure 18] 18 is another perspective view of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17. FIG.

[0049] [Figure 19]19 is another perspective view of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 18. FIG.

[0050] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 19 without the connector module.

[0051] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the connector module of FIG.

[0052] [Figure 22] 22 is another perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 21. FIG.

[0053] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view including the wick, heater, electrical leads, and contact core of FIG.

[0054] [Figure 24] 24 is an exploded perspective view of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17 including the first housing portion.

[0055] [Figure 25] 25 is a partially exploded perspective view of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17 including the second housing portion.

[0056] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the activation pin of FIG. 25.

[0057] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 22 without the wick, heater, electrical leads, and contact cores.

[0058] [Figure 28] 28 is an exploded perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 27. FIG.

[0059] [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the electrical system of the device body and non-nicotine pod assembly of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0060] [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a simple block diagram illustrating a dry puff and automatic shutdown control system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0061] [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a dryness detection method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0062] [Figure 32] FIG. 32 shows graphs of resistance versus time when a dry puff condition is present at the start of the puff ("Dry Puff"), when a dry puff condition occurs during the puff ("Drying Puff"), and when a dry puff condition is not present ("Standard Puff").

[0063] [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device following shutdown of the vape function in response to detection of a hard pod fault event, such as a dry puff condition, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0064] [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a heater voltage measurement circuit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0065] [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a heater current measurement circuit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a pod temperature measurement circuit according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0067] [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a pod temperature measurement circuit according to some other exemplary embodiments.

[0068] [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a circuit diagram illustrating a heating engine control circuit according to some example embodiments.

[0069] [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a circuit diagram illustrating a heating engine control circuit according to some other exemplary embodiments.

[0070] [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a temperature sensing transducer according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0071] [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a temperature sensing transducer according to some other exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] Several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to only the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0073] Thus, while example embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the example embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives thereof. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0074] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," "attached to," "adjacent to," or "covering" another element or layer, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to, coupled to, attached to, adjacent to, or covering the other element or layer, or that intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, like numbers refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations or subcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0075] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections; however, it should be understood that these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0076] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use and operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures were turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Additionally, a device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees, oriented in other directions, etc.), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0077] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0078] As used herein, when the words "about" and "substantially" are used in connection with numerical values, unless expressly defined otherwise, the associated numerical value is intended to include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value.

[0079] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0080] As used herein, "non-nicotine electronic vaping device" or "non-nicotine e-vaping device" is sometimes referred to, and may be considered synonymous, with non-nicotine e-vapor apparatus and / or non-nicotine e-vaping apparatus.

[0081] FIG. 1 is a front view of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 includes a device body 100 configured to receive a non-nicotine pod assembly 300. The non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is a modular article configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. A "non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation" is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into vapor. For example, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be, but is not limited to, a liquid, solid, and / or gel formulation containing water, beads, a solvent, an active ingredient, ethanol, a botanical extract, a natural or artificial flavor, and / or a non-nicotine vapor-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0082] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation does not contain or is not derived from tobacco. The non-nicotine compound of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation may be part of or contained in a liquid or partial liquid, including an extract, oil, alcohol, tincture, suspension, dispersion, colloid, general non-neutral (weakly acidic or weakly basic) solution, or a combination thereof. During preparation of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation, the non-nicotine compound may be injected, mixed, or otherwise combined with other components of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation.

[0083] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine compounds undergo a slow, natural decarboxylation process over an extended period of time at relatively low temperatures, including room temperature (e.g., 72°F) or below. Furthermore, the non-nicotine compounds may undergo a significantly enhanced decarboxylation process (e.g., greater than 50% decarboxylation) when exposed to relatively low pressures, such as 1 atmosphere, for periods of time (minutes or hours), particularly elevated temperatures in the range of about 175°F or above. High temperatures of about 240°F or above can cause rapid or instantaneous decarboxylation with a relatively high decarboxylation rate, but even higher temperatures may cause some or all of the chemical properties of the non-nicotine compound(s).

[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine compound may be derived from a medicinal plant (e.g., a naturally occurring component of a plant that provides a medically recognized therapeutic effect). The medicinal plant may be a cannabis plant, and the component may be at least one cannabis-derived component. Cannabinoids (e.g., phytocannabinoids) and terpenes are examples of cannabis-derived components. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body to produce various effects. As such, cannabinoids are used for a variety of medicinal purposes. The cannabis-derived material may include leaves and / or flower material from one or more cannabis plants, or an extract from one or more cannabis plants. For example, the one or more species of cannabis plant may include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. In some exemplary embodiments, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation is 60-80% (e.g., 70%) Cannabis sativa and 20-40% (e.g., 30%) Cannabis indica, or contains a mixture of cannabis and / or cannabis-derived components.

[0085] Non-limiting examples of cannabis-derived cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is the precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiol acid (CBDA) can be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, by heating. In exemplary embodiments, the heat from the heater may cause decarboxylation to convert tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and / or decarboxylation to convert cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0086] In examples where both tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion will cause a decrease in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and an increase in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via a decarboxylation process during heating of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for vaporization. Similarly, in examples where both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion will cause a decrease in cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and an increase in cannabidiol (CBD). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the cannabidiol acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD) via a decarboxylation process during heating of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation for vaporization.

[0087] Non-nicotine prevapor formulations may include non-nicotine compounds that provide a medically recognized therapeutic effect (e.g., treatment of pain, nausea, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders). Details of the therapeutic method are described in U.S. Application No. 15 / 845,501, filed December 18, 2017, entitled "VAPORIZING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A COMPOUND USING THE SAME," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0088] In exemplary embodiments, the at least one flavor valant is present in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 15% (e.g., about 1% to 12%, about 2% to 10%, or about 5% to 8%) based on the total weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. The at least one flavor valant may be at least one of a natural flavor valant, an artificial flavor valant, or a combination of a natural flavor valant and an artificial flavor valant. The at least one flavor valant may include a volatile cannabis flavor compound (flavonoid) or other flavor compound instead of or in addition to a cannabis flavor compound. For example, the at least one flavor valant may include menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, combinations thereof, and / or extracts thereof. Additionally, flavor valant may be included to provide other herbal flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, booze flavors, roasted flavors, mint flavors, savory flavors, combinations thereof, and any other desired flavors.

[0089] During vaping, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to generate vapor. As referred to herein, "non-nicotine vapor" is any substance produced or output from any non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 extends longitudinally and has a length greater than its width. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 is characterized by a length greater than its thickness. Furthermore, the width of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 may be greater than its thickness. Assuming an x-y-z Cartesian coordinate system, the length of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 may be measured in the y-direction, the width may be measured in the x-direction, and the thickness may be measured in the z-direction. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 may have a substantially linear configuration with tapered ends based on its front, side, and rear views, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0091] The device body 100 includes a front cover 104, a frame 106, and a rear cover 108. The front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108 form a device housing that encloses mechanical elements, electronic elements, and / or circuitry related to the operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. For example, the device housing of the device body 100 can enclose a power source configured to provide power to the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500, which may include providing current to the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. The device housing of the device body 100 may also include one or more electrical systems for controlling the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. Electrical systems according to exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below. Furthermore, when assembled, the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108 may comprise the majority of the visible portion of the device body 100.

[0092] The front cover 104 (e.g., the first cover) defines a primary opening configured to accommodate the bezel structure 112. The primary opening may have a rounded rectangular shape, although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the bezel structure 112. The bezel structure 112 defines a through hole 150 configured to receive the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. The through hole 150 is discussed in more detail herein, for example, in connection with FIG. 9 .

[0093] The front cover 104 also defines a secondary opening configured to receive a light guide arrangement. The secondary opening may resemble a slot (e.g., an elongated rectangle with rounded edges), although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the light guide arrangement. In the exemplary embodiment, the light guide arrangement includes a light guide housing 114 and a button housing 122. The light guide housing 114 is configured to expose a light guide lens 116, and the button housing 122 is configured to expose a first button lens 124 and a second button lens 126 (e.g., FIG. 16 ). The first button lens 124 and an upstream portion of the button housing 122 may form a first button 118. Similarly, the second button lens 126 and a downstream portion of the button housing 122 may form a second button 120. The button housing 122 may be in the form of a single structure or two separate structures. In the latter configuration, the first button 118 and the second button 120 can move with a more independent feel when pressed.

[0094] Operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 may be controlled by a first button 118 and a second button 120. For example, the first button 118 may be a power button and the second button 120 may be an intensity button. Although two buttons are shown in the drawings in association with the light guide arrangement, it should be understood that more (or fewer) buttons may be provided depending on the available functionality and desired user interface.

[0095] The frame 106 (e.g., a base frame) is the central support structure of the device body 100 (and the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 as a whole). The frame 106 is sometimes referred to as a chassis. The frame 106 includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of side sections between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end and the distal end are sometimes referred to as the downstream end and the upstream end, respectively. As used herein, "proximal" (and conversely, "distal") refers to the adult vapor during vaping, and "downstream" (and conversely, "upstream") refers to the vapor flow. For additional strength and stability, a bridge may be provided between opposing inner surfaces of the side sections (e.g., approximately midway along the length of the frame 106). The frame 106 may be integrally formed to form a monolithic structure.

[0096] With regard to the material of construction, the frame 106 may be formed of an alloy or plastic. The alloy (e.g., die-cast grade, machinable grade) may be an aluminum (Al) alloy or a zinc (Zn) alloy. The plastic may be polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination thereof (PC / ABS). For example, the polycarbonate may be LUPOY SC1004A. Additionally, the frame 106 may be provided with a surface finish for functional and / or aesthetic reasons (e.g., to provide a premium appearance). In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 106 (e.g., when formed of an aluminum alloy) may be anodized. In another embodiment, the frame 106 (e.g., when formed of a zinc alloy) may be coated with hard enamel or painted. In another embodiment, the frame 106 (e.g., when formed of a polycarbonate) may be metallized. In yet another embodiment, the frame 106 (e.g., when formed of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) may be electroplated. It should be understood that the materials of construction for the frame 106 may also be applied to the front cover 104, the rear cover 108, and / or other suitable components of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500.

[0097] The rear cover 108 (e.g., the second cover) also defines an opening configured to accommodate the bezel structure 112. The opening may have a rounded rectangular shape, although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the bezel structure 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening in the rear cover 108 is smaller than the primary opening in the front cover 104. Additionally, although not shown, it should be understood that a light guide arrangement (e.g., including a button) may be provided on the back of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 in addition to (or instead of) the light guide arrangement on the front of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500.

[0098] The front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 via a snap-fit ​​arrangement. For example, the front cover 104 and / or the rear cover 108 may include clips configured to interlock with corresponding mating members on the frame 106. In a non-limiting embodiment, the clips may be in the form of tabs having orifices configured to receive corresponding mating members (e.g., protrusions with beveled edges) on the frame 106. Alternatively, the front cover 104 and / or the rear cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 via an interference fit (sometimes referred to as a press fit or friction fit). However, it should be understood that the front cover 104, frame 106, and rear cover 108 may be coupled using other suitable arrangements and techniques.

[0099] The device body 100 also includes a mouthpiece 102. The mouthpiece 102 may be secured to a proximal end of a frame 106. Further, in an exemplary embodiment in which the frame 106 is sandwiched between the front cover 104 and the rear cover 108, as shown in FIG. 2, the mouthpiece 102 may be adjacent to the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108. Further, in a non-limiting embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 may be joined to the device housing via a bayonet connection.

[0100] FIG. 4 is a proximal end view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 defines a plurality of vapor outlets. In a non-limiting embodiment, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 may be elliptical. Further, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 may include a first crossbar corresponding to a major axis of the elliptical-shaped outlet surface and a second crossbar corresponding to a minor axis of the elliptical-shaped outlet surface. Furthermore, the first crossbar and the second crossbar may intersect perpendicularly and be integrally formed parts of the mouthpiece 102. While the outlet surface is shown defining four vapor outlets, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not so limited. For example, the outlet surface may define fewer than four (e.g., one or two) vapor outlets or more than four (e.g., six or eight) vapor outlets.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a distal end view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 5, the distal end of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 includes a port 110. The port 110 is configured to receive current from an external power source (e.g., via a USB cable) to charge an internal power source within the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. Additionally, the port 110 may be configured to transmit data to and / or receive data from (e.g., via a USB cable) another non-nicotine electronic vaping device or other electronic device (e.g., a phone, a tablet, a computer). Furthermore, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with another electronic device, such as a phone, via application software (app) installed on the electronic device. In such an example, an adult vaper may control or otherwise interface (e.g., locate the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, review usage information, or change operating parameters) with the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 via the app.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pod inlet in FIG. 6. Referring to FIGS. 6-7, and as briefly described above, the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 includes a non-nicotine pod assembly 300 configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The non-nicotine pod assembly 300 has an upstream end (facing the light guide arrangement) and a downstream end (facing the mouthpiece 102). In a non-limiting embodiment, the upstream end is the opposite surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 from the downstream end. The upstream end of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 defines a pod inlet 322. The device body 100 defines a through-hole (e.g., through-hole 150 in FIG. 9) configured to receive the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the bezel structure 112 of the device body 100 defines the through-hole and includes an upstream rim. As shown particularly in FIG. 7, the upstream rim of the bezel structure 112 is angled (e.g., recessed inward) to expose the pod inlet 322 when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is seated within the through-hole of the device body 100.

[0103] For example, rather than following the contour of the front cover 104 (so as to be relatively flush with the front surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, thus obscuring the pod inlet 322), the upstream rim of the bezel structure 112 is in the form of a scoop configured to direct ambient air to the pod inlet 322. This angled / scooped configuration may help reduce or prevent blockage of the air inlet (e.g., the pod inlet 322) of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. The depth of the scoop may be such that less than half (e.g., less than a quarter) of the upstream end face of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is exposed. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the pod inlet 322 is in the form of a slot. Furthermore, when the device body 100 is considered to extend in a first direction, the slot may be considered to extend in a second direction, the second direction being transverse to the first direction.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 6. In FIG. 8, the cross-section is taken along the longitudinal axis of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. As shown, the device body 100 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 include mechanical elements, electronic elements, and / or circuitry related to the operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500, which are discussed in more detail herein and / or incorporated by reference herein. For example, the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may include a mechanical element configured to actuate to release a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from a sealed non-nicotine reservoir therein. The non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may also have a mechanical aspect configured to engage with the device body 100 to facilitate insertion and seating of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300.

[0105] Additionally, the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may be a "smart pod" that includes electronic elements and / or circuitry configured to store, receive, and / or transmit information to and from the device body 100. Such information may be used to authenticate the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 for use with the device body 100 (e.g., to prevent the use of unauthorized / counterfeit non-nicotine pod assemblies). Furthermore, the information may be used to identify the type of non-nicotine pod assembly 300, which is then correlated with a vape profile based on the identified type. The vape profile may be designed to define general parameters for heating a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, which may be adjusted, modified, or otherwise regulated by an adult vaper before and / or during vaping.

[0106] The non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may also communicate other information with the device body 100 that may be relevant to the operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. Examples of relevant information may include the level of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation within the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 and / or the amount of time that has elapsed since the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 was inserted into the device body 100 and activated. For example, if the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 was inserted into the device body 100 and activated more than a certain period of time ago (e.g., more than six months ago), the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 may not allow vaping, and the adult vaper may be prompted to change to a new non-nicotine pod assembly, even if the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 still contains a sufficient level of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

[0107] The device body 100 may include mechanical elements (e.g., complementary structures) configured to engage, retain, and / or actuate the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. Additionally, the device body 100 may include electronic elements and / or circuitry configured to receive electrical current to charge an internal power source (e.g., a battery) configured to power the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 during vaping. Additionally, the device body 100 may include electronic elements and / or circuitry configured to communicate with the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, a different non-nicotine electronic vaping device, other electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, computers), and / or adult vapers. The communicated information may include pod-specific data, current vaping details, and / or past vaping patterns / history. The adult vaper may be notified of such communication with feedback that is tactile (e.g., vibration), auditory (e.g., beep), and / or visual (e.g., colored / flashing lights). Charging and / or communication of information may occur using port 110 (eg, via a USB cable).

[0108] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device body of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 9, the bezel structure 112 of the device body 100 defines a through-hole 150. The through-hole 150 is configured to receive the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. To facilitate insertion and seating of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 into the through-hole 150, the upstream rim of the bezel structure 112 includes a first upstream protrusion 128a and a second upstream protrusion 128b. The through-hole 150 may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners. In the exemplary embodiment, the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b are integrally formed with the bezel structure 112 and are located at two rounded corners of the upstream rim.

[0109] The downstream wall of the bezel structure 112 may define a first downstream opening, a second downstream opening, and a third downstream opening. The retention structure including the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b is engaged with the bezel structure 112 such that the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b protrude into the through-hole 150 through the first downstream opening and the second downstream opening of the bezel structure 112, respectively. Furthermore, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 extends through the third downstream opening of the bezel structure 112 and into the through-hole 150 so as to be between the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b.

[0110] Fig. 10 is a front view showing the device body of Fig. 9. Referring to Fig. 10, the device body 100 includes a device electrical connector 132 disposed upstream of the through-hole 150. The device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 is configured to electrically engage with the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 seated in the through-hole 150. As a result, power can be supplied from the device body 100 to the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 via the device electrical connector 132 during vaping. Furthermore, data can be transmitted to and / or received from the device body 100 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 via the device electrical connector 132.

[0111] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the through-hole in Figure 10. Referring to Figure 11, the first upstream protrusion 128a, the second upstream protrusion 128b, the first downstream protrusion 130a, the second downstream protrusion 130b, and the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 protrude into the through-hole 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b are stationary structures (e.g., stationary pivots), and the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b are retractable structures (e.g., retractable members). For example, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b may be configured to temporarily transition to a retracted state (and reversibly return to the retracted state) to facilitate insertion of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, and may be configured to default to the retracted state (e.g., spring-loaded).

[0112] In particular, when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is inserted into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, the recesses on the upstream end surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may first engage with the first upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b, and then the non-nicotine pod assembly may pivot (around the first upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b) until the recesses on the downstream end surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 engage with the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b. In such an example, the rotation axis (during pivoting) of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device body 100. Furthermore, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b, which may be biased for ease of handling, can retract and resiliently extend to engage with recesses in the downstream end surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is pivoted into the through-hole 150. Furthermore, the engagement of the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b with the recesses in the downstream end surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 can generate tactile and / or auditory feedback (e.g., an audible click) to notify the adult vaper that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is properly attached to the through-hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0113] Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the device electrical contacts in Figure 10. The device electrical contacts of the device body 100 are configured to engage with the pod electrical contacts of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is seated in the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. Referring to Figure 12, the device electrical contacts of the device body 100 include a device electrical connector 132. The device electrical connector 132 includes power contacts and data contacts. The power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 are configured to supply power from the device body 100 to the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. As shown, the power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 include a first pair of power contacts and a second pair of power contacts (which are positioned closer to the front cover 104 than to the rear cover 108). The first pair of power contacts (e.g., the pair adjacent first upstream protrusion 128a) may be a single, unitary structure distinct from the second pair of power contacts, which, when assembled, includes two protrusions that extend into through-hole 150. Similarly, the second pair of power contacts (e.g., the pair adjacent second upstream protrusion 128b) may be a single, unitary structure distinct from the first pair of power contacts, which, when assembled, includes two protrusions that extend into through-hole 150. The first and second pairs of power contacts of device electrical connector 132 may be conveniently mounted and biased to protrude into through-hole 150 by default and to retract (e.g., independently) from through-hole 150 upon application of a force that overcomes the bias.

[0114] The data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 are configured to transmit data between the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 and the device body 100. As shown, the data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 include a row of five protrusions (located closer to the rear cover 108 than to the front cover 104). The data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 may be separate structures that extend into the through-holes 150 when assembled. The data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 may also be conveniently mounted and biased to extend into the through-holes 150 by default and retract (e.g., independently) from the through-holes 150 upon receiving a force that overcomes the bias. For example, when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is inserted into the through-holes 150 of the device body 100, the pod electrical contacts of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 will press against corresponding device electrical contacts of the device body 100. As a result, the power and data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 retract (e.g., at least partially retract) into the device body 100, but their resilient arrangement continues to press against the corresponding pod electrical contacts, thereby helping to ensure a proper electrical connection between the device body 100 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. Furthermore, such a connection may also be mechanically secure and have minimal contact resistance so as to enable reliable and accurate transfer and / or communication of power and / or signals between the device body 100 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. While various aspects have been discussed in connection with the device electrical contacts of the device body 100, it should be understood that example embodiments are not limited thereto and other configurations may be utilized.

[0115] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view including the mouthpiece of FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 13, mouthpiece 102 is configured to engage with the device housing via a retaining structure 140. In the exemplary embodiment, retaining structure 140 is located primarily between frame 106 and bezel structure 112. As shown, retaining structure 140 is positioned within the device housing such that the proximal end of retaining structure 140 extends through the proximal end of frame 106. Retaining structure 140 may extend slightly beyond or substantially even with the proximal end of frame 106. The proximal end of retaining structure 140 is configured to receive the distal end of mouthpiece 102. The proximal end of retaining structure 140 may be a female end, while the distal end of the mouthpiece may be a male end.

[0116] For example, the mouthpiece 102 may be coupled (e.g., reversibly coupled) to the retention structure 140 with a bayonet connection. In such an example, the female end of the retention structure 140 may define a pair of opposing L-shaped slots, while the male end of the mouthpiece 102 may have opposing radial members 134 (e.g., radial pins) configured to engage with the L-shaped slots of the retention structure 140. Each of the L-shaped slots of the retention structure 140 has a longitudinal portion and a circumferential portion. Optionally, the ends of the circumferential portions may have serrated portions that help reduce or prevent the likelihood of the radial members 134 of the mouthpiece 102 being inadvertently disengaged. In a non-limiting embodiment, the longitudinal portions of the L-shaped slots extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device body 100, and the circumferential portions of the L-shaped slots extend around the longitudinal axis (e.g., central axis) of the device body 100. As a result, to couple the mouthpiece 102 to the device housing, the mouthpiece 102 shown in FIG. 13 is first rotated 90 degrees to align the radial members 134 with the entrances of the longitudinal portions of the L-shaped slots in the retaining structure 140. The mouthpiece 102 is then pressed into the retaining structure 140 such that the radial members 134 slide along the longitudinal portions of the L-shaped slots until they reach their junctions with each of the circumferential portions. At this point, the mouthpiece 102 is then rotated such that the radial members 134 move across the circumferential portions until they reach their respective terminal ends. If serif portions are present at each terminal end, tactile and / or auditory feedback (e.g., an audible click) may be generated to notify the adult vaper that the mouthpiece 102 has been properly coupled to the device housing.

[0117] The mouthpiece 102 defines a vapor passage 136 through which non-nicotine vapor flows during vaping. The vapor passage 136 is in fluid communication with the through-hole 150 (which is where the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 seats within the device body 100). The proximal end of the vapor passage 136 may include a flared portion. Additionally, the mouthpiece 102 may include an end cover 138. The end cover 138 may taper from its distal end to its proximal end. The outlet surface of the end cover 138 defines a plurality of vapor outlets. While four vapor outlets are shown on the end cover 138, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment is not limited in this respect.

[0118] FIG. 14 is a partially exploded perspective view including the bezel structure of FIG. 9. FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece, spring, retaining structure, and bezel structure of FIG. 14. Referring to FIGS. 14-15, bezel structure 112 includes an upstream wall and a downstream wall. The upstream wall of bezel structure 112 defines a connector opening 146. Connector opening 146 is configured to expose or receive device electrical connector 132 of device body 100. The downstream wall of bezel structure 112 defines a first downstream opening 148a, a second downstream opening 148b, and a third downstream opening 148c. First downstream opening 148a and second downstream opening 148b of bezel structure 112 are configured to receive first downstream protrusion 130a and second downstream protrusion 130b of retaining structure 140, respectively. The third downstream opening 148c of the bezel structure 112 is configured to receive the distal end of the mouthpiece 102.

[0119] As shown in Figure 14, first downstream protrusion 130a and second downstream protrusion 130b are on the concave side of retention structure 140. As shown in Figure 15, first post 142a and second post 142b are on opposite convex sides of retention structure 140. First spring 144a and second spring 144b are disposed on first post 142a and second post 142b, respectively. First spring 144a and second spring 144b are configured to bias retention structure 140 against bezel structure 112.

[0120] When assembled, the bezel structure 112 may be secured to the frame 106 via a pair of tabs adjacent the connector opening 146. Additionally, the retention structure 140 biases the bezel structure 112 such that the first and second downstream protrusions 130a, 130b extend through the first and second downstream openings 148a, 148b, respectively. The mouthpiece 102 is coupled to the retention structure 140 such that the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 extends through the retention structure 140 and through the third downstream opening 148c of the bezel structure 112. The first and second springs 144a, 144b are between the frame 106 and the retention structure 140.

[0121] When the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is inserted into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, the downstream end of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is pressed against the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the retaining structure 140. As a result, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the retaining structure 140 resiliently yield and retract from the through-hole 150 of the device body 100 (due to compression of the first spring 144a and the second spring 144b), thereby allowing insertion of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 to proceed. In an exemplary embodiment, when the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b are fully retracted from the through-hole 150 of the device body 100, displacement of the retaining structure 140 may cause the ends of the first post 142a and the second post 142b to abut against the inner end surface of the frame 106. Furthermore, because mouthpiece 102 is coupled to retaining structure 140, the distal end of mouthpiece 102 will retract from through-hole 150, and therefore the proximal end of mouthpiece 102 (e.g., the visible portion including end cover 138) will also move a corresponding distance away from the device housing.

[0122] When the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is inserted sufficiently so that the first and second downstream recesses of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 reach positions where they can engage with the first and second downstream protrusions 130a and 130b, respectively, the stored energy from the compression of the first and second springs 144a and 144b will cause the first and second downstream protrusions 130a and 130b to resiliently expand and engage with the first and second downstream recesses, respectively, of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. Furthermore, the engagement can generate tactile and / or auditory feedback (e.g., an audible click) to notify the adult vaper that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is properly seated within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view including the front cover, frame, and rear cover of FIG. 14. Referring to FIG. 16, various mechanical elements, electronic elements, and / or circuits associated with the operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 may be secured to the frame 106. The front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 via a snap-fit ​​arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, the front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 include clips configured to interlock with corresponding mating members on the frame 106. The clips may be in the form of tabs having orifices configured to receive corresponding mating members on the frame 106 (e.g., protrusions with chamfered edges). In FIG. 16, the front cover 104 has two rows of four clips each (for a total of eight clips for the front cover 104). Similarly, the rear cover 108 has two rows of four clips each (for a total of eight clips for the rear cover 108). The corresponding mating members on the frame 106 may be on the inner sidewalls of the frame 106. As a result, when the front cover 104 and rear cover 108 are snapped together, the engaged clips and interlocking members may be invisible. Alternatively, the front cover 104 and / or rear cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 via an interference fit. However, it should be understood that the front cover 104, frame 106, and rear cover 108 may be joined using other suitable arrangements and techniques.

[0124] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a non-nicotine pod assembly of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device of FIG. 6. FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 18. Referring to FIGS. 17-19, a non-nicotine pod assembly 300 for a non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 includes a pod body configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The pod body has an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end of the pod body defines a cavity 310 (FIG. 20). The downstream end of the pod body defines a pod outlet 304 in fluid communication with the cavity 310 at the upstream end. A connector module 320 is configured to seat within the cavity 310 of the pod body. The connector module 320 includes an exterior surface and a side surface. The exterior surface of the connector module 320 forms the exterior of the pod body.

[0125] The exterior surface of the connector module 320 defines a pod inlet 322. The pod inlet 322 (through which air enters during vaping) is in fluid communication with the pod outlet 304 (through which non-nicotine vapor exits during vaping). The pod inlet 322 is shown in FIG. 19 as being in the form of a slot. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment is not so limited and that other configurations are possible. When the connector module 320 is seated within the pod body cavity 310, the exterior surface of the connector module 320 remains visible, but the sides of the connector module 320 are largely hidden, such that they are only partially visible through the pod inlet 322 based on a predetermined angle.

[0126] The outer surface of the connector module 320 includes at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contact may include multiple power contacts. For example, the multiple power contacts may include a first power contact 324a and a second power contact 324b. The first power contact 324a of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is configured to electrically connect with a first pair of power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 (e.g., the pair adjacent to the first upstream protrusion 128a in FIG. 12 ). Similarly, the second power contact 324b of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is configured to electrically connect with a second pair of power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 (e.g., the pair adjacent to the second upstream protrusion 128b in FIG. 12 ). Furthermore, the at least one electrical contact of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 includes multiple data contacts 326. The plurality of data contacts 326 of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 are configured to electrically connect with the data contacts (e.g., the row of five prongs in FIG. 12 ) of the device electrical connector 132. While two power contacts and five data contacts are shown in connection with the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, it should be understood that other variations are possible depending on the design of the device body 100.

[0127] In the exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first side surface between the front surface and the rear surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, an upstream end surface, and a downstream end surface opposite the upstream end surface. Corners of the side surfaces and end surfaces (e.g., the corner between the first side surface and the upstream end surface, the corner between the upstream end surface and the second side surface, the corner between the second side surface and the downstream end surface, and the corner between the downstream end surface and the first side surface) may be rounded. However, in some cases, the corners may be angular. Furthermore, the periphery of the front surface may be in the form of a ledge. The outer surface of the connector module 320 can be considered to be part of the upstream end surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. The front surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may be wider and longer than the rear surface. In such an example, the first side surface and the second side surface may be angled inward relative to each other. The upstream end surface and the downstream end surface may also be angled inward relative to each other. The angled surface ensures that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is inserted in one direction (e.g., from the front side of the device body 100 (the side associated with the front cover 104)), thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 being improperly inserted into the device body 100.

[0128] As shown, the pod body of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 includes a first housing portion 302 and a second housing portion 308. The first housing portion 302 has a downstream end that defines a pod outlet 304. The rim of the pod outlet 304 may optionally be a recessed or concave region. In such an example, the region may resemble an inlet, and the side of the rim adjacent the rear surface of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may be open, while the side of the rim adjacent the front surface may be surrounded by a raised portion at the downstream end of the first housing portion 302. The raised portion may function as a stop for the distal end of the mouthpiece 102. As a result, this configuration for the pod outlet 304 facilitates receiving and aligning the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 (e.g., FIG. 11 ) through the open side of the rim, which can then be seated against the raised portion at the downstream end of the first housing portion 302. In a non-limiting embodiment, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 may also include (or be formed from) a resilient material to help create a seal around the pod outlet 304 when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is properly inserted into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0129] The downstream end of the first housing section 302 further defines at least one downstream recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one downstream recess is in the form of a first downstream recess 306a and a second downstream recess 306b. The pod outlet 304 may be located between the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b are configured to engage with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b, respectively, of the device body 100. As shown in FIG. 11 , the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the device body 100 may be disposed at adjacent corners of the downstream wall of the through-hole 150. Additionally, each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may be in the form of a V-shaped notch. In such an example, each of the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the device body 100 may be in the form of a wedge-shaped structure configured to engage with the corresponding V-shaped notch of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a may be in contact with a corner of the downstream end face and the first side face, and the second downstream recess 306b may be in contact with a corner of the downstream end face and the second side face. As a result, the ends of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b adjacent to the first side face and the second side face, respectively, may be open. In such an example, as shown in FIG. 18, each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may be a three-sided recess.

[0130] The second housing section 308 has an upstream end defining a cavity 310 ( FIG. 20 ). The cavity 310 is configured to receive a connector module 320 ( FIG. 21 ). Additionally, the upstream end of the second housing section 308 defines at least one upstream recess. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one upstream recess is in the form of a first upstream recess 312 a and a second upstream recess 312 b. The pod inlet 322 may be between the first upstream recess 312 a and the second upstream recess 312 b. The first upstream recess 312 a and the second upstream recess 312 b are configured to engage the first upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b, respectively, of the device body 100. As shown in FIG. 12 , the first upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b of the device body 100 may be disposed at adjacent corners of the upstream wall of the through-hole 150. The depth of each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may be greater than the depth of each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. Furthermore, the ends of each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may be more rounded than the ends of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. For example, each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may be in the form of a U-shaped recess. In such an example, each of the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100 may be in the form of a round knob configured to engage with the corresponding U-shaped recess of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a may be aligned with a corner of the upstream end face and the first side face, and the second upstream recess 312b may be aligned with a corner of the upstream end face and the second side face, so that ends of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b adjacent to the first side face and the second side face, respectively, may be open.

[0131] The first housing portion 302 may define a non-nicotine reservoir configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The non-nicotine reservoir may be configured to seal the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation until the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is activated to release the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the non-nicotine reservoir. As a result of the sealing, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be isolated from not only the environment but also internal elements of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 that may potentially react with the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, thereby reducing or preventing potential adverse effects on the shelf life and / or sensory characteristics (e.g., flavor) of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The second housing portion 308 may include structure configured to activate the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 and to receive and heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation released from the non-nicotine reservoir following activation.

[0132] The non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may be manually activated by an adult vaper prior to insertion of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 into the device body 100. Alternatively, the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may be activated as part of inserting the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 into the device body 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the second housing portion 308 of the pod body includes a perforator configured to release the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the non-nicotine reservoir during activation of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. The perforators may be in the form of a first activation pin 314a and a second activation pin 314b, which will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0133] To manually activate the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, an adult vaper may press the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b inward (e.g., simultaneously or sequentially) before inserting the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. For example, the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b may be manually pressed until their ends are substantially flush with the upstream end face of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the inward movement of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b pierces or otherwise penetrates the seal of the non-nicotine reservoir, causing the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to be released therefrom.

[0134] Alternatively, to activate the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 as part of inserting the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 into the device body 100, the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is initially positioned such that the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b engage (e.g., upstream engage) with the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b, respectively. Each of the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100 may be in the form of a round knob configured to engage with a corresponding U-shaped recess of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b, so that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 can then be relatively easily rotated about the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b into the through-hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0135] With respect to the pivoting of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, the axis of rotation can be considered to extend through the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b and to be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device body 100. During initial positioning and subsequent pivoting of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b contact the upstream wall of the through-hole 150, and as the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 advances into the through-hole 150, the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are pressed (e.g., simultaneously) into the second housing portion 308, transitioning from the extended state to the retracted state. When the downstream end of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 reaches near the downstream wall of the through hole 150 and comes into contact with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b retract and elastically extend (e.g., spring back), and due to the positioning of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the device main body 100 engage with the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, respectively (e.g., downstream engagement).

[0136] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 is secured to the retention structure 140 (of which the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b are a part). In such an example, retraction of the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b from the through-hole 150 causes simultaneous movement of the mouthpiece 102 a corresponding distance in the same direction (e.g., the downstream direction). Conversely, when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is fully inserted to facilitate downstream engagement, the mouthpiece 102 springs back simultaneously with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b. In addition to the resilient engagement by the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 is also configured to bias against the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 (and align with the pod outlet 304 to form a relatively vapor-tight seal) when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is properly installed within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100.

[0137] Additionally, the downstream engagement may produce an audible click and / or tactile feedback to indicate that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is properly seated within the through-hole 150 of the device body 100. Upon proper seating, the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 will be mechanically, electrically, and fluidly connected to the device body 100. Although the non-limiting embodiments herein have been described as the upstream engagement of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 occurring before the downstream engagement, it should be understood that the proper mating, activation, and / or electrical arrangements may be reversed such that the downstream engagement occurs before the upstream engagement.

[0138] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 19 without the connector module. Referring to FIG. 20, the upstream end of the second housing portion 308 defines a cavity 310. As described above, the cavity 310 is configured to receive the connector module 320 (e.g., via an interference fit). In the exemplary embodiment, the cavity 310 is located between the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b, and between the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b. In the absence of the connector module 320, the insert 342 (FIG. 24) and the absorbent material 346 (FIG. 25) are visible through the recess opening of the cavity 310. The insert 342 is configured to hold the absorbent material 346. The absorbent material 346 is configured to absorb and retain an amount of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation released from the non-nicotine reservoir upon actuation of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. The insert 342 and the absorbent material 346 are discussed in more detail herein.

[0139] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 21. Referring to FIGS. 21-22, the general framework of the connector module 320 includes a module housing 354 and a faceplate 366. Furthermore, the connector module 320 has multiple surfaces, including an exterior surface and a side surface, with the exterior surface adjacent to the side surface. In the exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface of the connector module 320 is formed by the faceplate 366, the first power contacts 324a, the second power contacts 324b, and the upstream surfaces of the data contacts 326. The side surface of the connector module 320 is part of the module housing 354. The side surface of the connector module 320 defines a first module inlet 330 and a second module inlet 332. Additionally, two side surfaces adjacent to the side surface (also part of the module housing 354) may include rib structures (e.g., crush ribs) configured to facilitate an interference fit when the connector module 320 is seated within the pod body cavity 310. For example, each of the two side surfaces may include a pair of rib structures that taper away from the faceplate 366. As a result, when the connector module 320 is pressed into the pod body cavity 310, the module housing 354 encounters increasing resistance through friction of the rib structures against the sidewalls of the cavity 310. When the connector module 320 is seated within the cavity 310, the faceplate 366 may be substantially flush with the upstream end of the second housing section 308. Additionally, the side surfaces of the connector module 320 (which define the first and second module inlets 330, 332) face the sidewalls of the cavity 310.

[0140] The faceplate 366 of the connector module 320 may have a grooved edge 328 that, in combination with a corresponding side of the cavity 310, defines the pod inlet 322. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the faceplate 366 of the connector module 320 may alternatively be configured to completely define the pod inlet 322. The side of the connector module 320 (defining the first module inlet 330 and the second module inlet 332) and the side of the cavity 310 (facing the side) define an intermediate space therebetween. The intermediate space is downstream from the pod inlet 322 and upstream from the first module inlet 330 and the second module inlet 332. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the pod inlet 322 is in fluid communication with both the first module inlet 330 and the second module inlet 332 via the intermediate space. The first module inlet 330 may be larger than the second module inlet 332. In such an example, when incoming air is received by the pod inlet 322 during vaping, the first module inlet 330 may receive a primary flow (e.g., a larger flow) of the incoming air, while the second module inlet 332 may receive a secondary flow (e.g., a smaller flow) of the incoming air.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 22 , the connector module 320 includes a wick 338 configured to transfer the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a heater 336. The heater 336 is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to generate vapor during vaping. The heater 336 may be mounted to the connector module 320 via a contact core 334. The heater 336 is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of the connector module 320. For example, one end (e.g., a first end) of the heater 336 may be connected to the first power contact 324a, and the other end (e.g., a second end) of the heater 336 may be connected to the second power contact 324b. In an exemplary embodiment, the heater 336 includes a folded heating element. In such an example, the wick 338 may have a planar form configured to be held by the folded heating element. When the connector module 320 is seated within the cavity 310 of the pod body, the wick 338 is configured to be in fluid communication with the absorbent material 346 such that (when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is activated) any non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation that may be within the absorbent material 346 migrates to the wick 338 via capillary action.

[0142] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the wick, heater, electrical leads, and contact core of FIG. 22. Referring to FIG. 23, the wick 338 may be a fibrous pad or other structure with pores / gaps designed for capillary action. Additionally, the wick 338 may have an irregular hexagonal shape, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The wick 338 may be manufactured in this shape or cut to this shape from a larger sheet of material. The lower portion of the wick 338 tapers toward the heater 336 windings, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation remaining in portions of the wick 338 that avoid continuous vaporization (due to their distance from the heater 336).

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, the heater 336 is configured to undergo Joule heating (also known as ohmic / resistive heating) when an electric current is applied thereto. More specifically, the heater 336 may be formed of one or more conductors and configured to generate heat when an electric current is passed therethrough. The electric current may be supplied from a power source (e.g., a battery) within the device body 100 and transferred to the heater 336 via the first power contact 324 a and the first electrical lead 340 a (or via the second power contact 324 b and the second electrical lead 340 b).

[0144] Suitable conductors for the heater 336 include iron-based alloys (e.g., stainless steel) and / or nickel-based alloys (e.g., nichrome). The heater 336 may be fabricated from a conductive sheet (e.g., metal, alloy) that is stamped to cut a winding pattern therefrom. The winding pattern may have curved segments alternating with horizontal segments such that the horizontal segments zigzag back and forth while running parallel to one another. Furthermore, the width of each horizontal segment of the winding pattern may be substantially equal to the spacing between adjacent horizontal segments of the winding pattern, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. To obtain the configuration of the heater 336 shown in the drawings, the winding pattern may be folded to capture the wick 338.

[0145] The heater 336 may be secured to the contact core 334 by the first and second electrical leads 340a, 340b. The contact core 334 is formed of an insulating material and configured to electrically isolate the first electrical lead 340a from the second electrical lead 340b. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second electrical leads 340a, 340b each define a female opening configured to engage with a corresponding male member of the contact core 334. Once engaged, the first and second ends of the heater 336 may be secured (e.g., by welding, soldering, brazing) to the first and second electrical leads 340a, 340b, respectively. The contact core 334 may then be mounted (e.g., via an interference fit) within a corresponding socket of the module housing 354. Upon completion of assembly of connector module 320, first electrical lead 340a electrically connects a first end of heater 336 with first power contact 324a, while second electrical lead 340b electrically connects a second end of heater 336 with second power contact 324b. The heater and related structure are described in more detail in U.S. Application No. 15 / 729,909 (Atty. Dkt. No. 24000-000371-US), filed October 11, 2017, and entitled "Folded Heater For Non-nicotine electronic vaping device," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0146] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view including a first housing portion of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17. Referring to FIG. 24, first housing portion 302 includes a vapor channel 316. Vapor channel 316 is configured to receive non-nicotine vapor generated by heater 336 and is in fluid communication with pod outlet 304. In an exemplary embodiment, vapor channel 316 may gradually increase in size (e.g., diameter) as it extends toward pod outlet 304. Furthermore, vapor channel 316 may be integrally formed with first housing portion 302. A wrap 318, an insert 342, and a seal 344 are disposed at the upstream end of first housing portion 302 and define a non-nicotine reservoir of non-nicotine pod assembly 300. For example, wrap 318 may be disposed on a rim of first housing portion 302. The insert 342 may be seated within the first housing portion 302 to engage the inner surface of the first housing portion 302 along a rim (e.g., via an interference fit) such that the interface between the periphery of the insert 342 and the inner surface of the first housing portion 302 is fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and / or air-tight). Additionally, a seal 344 is attached upstream of the insert 342 to close an outlet of the non-nicotine reservoir within the insert 342 so as to provide fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and / or air-tight) containment of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation within the non-nicotine reservoir.

[0147] In the exemplary embodiment, insert 342 includes a holder portion protruding from the upstream side (as shown in FIG. 24 ) and a connector portion protruding from the downstream side (not visible in FIG. 24 ). The holder portion of insert 342 is configured to hold absorbent material 346, and the connector portion of insert 342 is configured to engage with vapor channel 316 of first housing portion 302. The connector portion of insert 342 may be configured to seat within vapor channel 316 and thus engage with the interior of vapor channel 316. Alternatively, the connector portion of insert 342 may be configured to receive vapor channel 316 and thus engage with the exterior of vapor channel 316. Insert 342 also defines a non-nicotine reservoir outlet through which the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows when seal 344 is punctured (as shown in FIG. 24 ) during actuation of non-nicotine pod assembly 300. The holder portion and connector portion of the insert 342 may be between, but is not limited to, the non-nicotine reservoir outlets (e.g., the first and second non-nicotine reservoir outlets) in an exemplary embodiment. Additionally, the insert 342 defines a vapor conduit extending through the holder portion and the connector portion. As a result, when the insert 342 is seated within the first housing portion 302, the vapor conduit of the insert 342 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the vapor channel 316 to form a continuous pathway through the non-nicotine reservoir to the pod outlet 304 for non-nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 during vaping.

[0148] The seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of the insert 342 so as to cover the non-nicotine reservoir outlet within the insert 342. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal 344 defines an opening (e.g., a central opening) configured to provide adequate clearance for accommodating a holder portion (protruding from the upstream side of the insert 342) when the seal 344 is attached to the insert 342. It should be understood that in FIG. 24 , the seal 344 is shown in a punctured state. In particular, when punctured by the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, the two puncture portions of the seal 344 are pressed as flaps into the non-nicotine reservoir (as shown in FIG. 24 ), thus forming two puncture openings in the seal 344 (e.g., one on each side of the central opening). The size and shape of the perforated openings in the seal 344 may correspond to the size and shape of the non-nicotine reservoir outlet in the insert 342. In contrast, when unpierced, seal 344 has a planar configuration and only one opening (e.g., a central opening). Seal 344 is designed to be strong enough to remain intact during normal movement and / or handling of non-nicotine pod assembly 300 to avoid premature / inadvertent rupture. For example, seal 344 may be a coated foil (e.g., aluminum-backed Tritan).

[0149] FIG. 25 is a partially exploded perspective view including the second housing portion of the non-nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17. Referring to FIG. 25, the second housing portion 308 is structured to include various elements configured to release, receive, and heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. For example, a first activation pin 314a and a second activation pin 314b are configured to puncture a non-nicotine reservoir within the first housing portion 302 to release the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. Each of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b has a distal end that extends through a corresponding opening in the second housing portion 308. In the exemplary embodiment, the distal ends of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are visible after assembly (e.g., FIG. 17), while the remainder of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are hidden from view within the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. Additionally, each of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b has a proximal end positioned adjacent to and upstream of the seal 344 prior to activation of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. When the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are pressed into the second housing portion 308 to activate the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, the proximal end of each of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b will advance through the insert 342, thereby piercing the seal 344 and releasing the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the non-nicotine reservoir. Movement of the first activation pin 314a may be independent of movement of the second activation pin 314b (or vice versa). The first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are described in more detail herein.

[0150] The absorbent material 346 is configured to engage with the holder portion of the insert 342 (protruding from the upstream side of the insert 342 as shown in FIG. 24 ). The absorbent material 346 may have an annular shape, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. As depicted in FIG. 25 , the absorbent material 346 may resemble a hollow cylinder. In such an example, the outer diameter of the absorbent material 346 may be substantially equal to (or slightly greater than) the length of the wick 338. The inner diameter of the absorbent material 346 may be smaller than the average outer diameter of the holder portion of the insert 342 to provide an interference fit. To facilitate engagement with the absorbent material 346, the tip of the holder portion of the insert 342 may be tapered. Additionally, although not visible in FIG. 25 , the downstream side of the second housing portion 308 may define a recess configured to receive and support the absorbent material 346. An example of such a recess may be a circular chamber in fluid communication with and downstream of the cavity 310. The absorbent material 346 is configured to receive and retain an amount of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation released from the non-nicotine reservoir when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is activated.

[0151] The wick 338 is disposed within the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 in fluid communication with the absorbent material 346 such that the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation can be drawn from the absorbent material 346 to the heater 336 by capillary action. The wick 338 may be in physical contact with the upstream side of the absorbent material 346 (e.g., the bottom of the absorbent material 346 based on the diagram shown in FIG. 25 ). Additionally, the wick 338 may be aligned with the diameter of the absorbent material 346, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 25 (as previously shown in FIG. 23 ), the heater 336 may have a folded configuration to grip opposing surfaces of the wick 338 and establish thermal contact. The heater 336 is configured to heat the wick 338 to generate vapor during vaping. To facilitate such heating, a first end of the heater 336 may be electrically connected to the first power contact 324a via a first electrical lead 340a, while a second end of the heater 336 may be electrically connected to the second power contact 324b via a second electrical lead 340b. As a result, current may be supplied from a power source (e.g., a battery) within the device body 100 and transferred to the heater 336 via the first power contact 324a and the first electrical lead 340a (or via the second power contact 324b and the second electrical lead 340b). It should be noted that the first electrical lead 340a and the second electrical lead 340b (shown separately in FIG. 23) may be engaged with the contact core 334 (as shown in FIG. 25). Relevant details of other aspects of the connector module 320 configured to seat within the cavity 310 of the second housing portion 308 have been described above (e.g., in connection with FIGS. 21-22) and will not be repeated in this section for the sake of brevity. During vaping, non-nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 is drawn through the vapor conduit of the insert 342, through the vapor channel 316 of the first housing portion 302, out the pod outlet 304 of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, and through the vapor passage 136 of the mouthpiece 102 to the vapor outlet(s).

[0153] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the activation pin of FIG. 25. Referring to FIG. 26, the activation pin may be in the form of a first activation pin 314a and a second activation pin 314b. While two activation pins are shown and discussed in connection with non-limiting embodiments herein, it should be understood that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may alternatively include only one activation pin. In FIG. 26, the first activation pin 314a may include a first blade 348a, a first actuator 350a, and a first O-ring 352a. Similarly, the second activation pin 314b may include a second blade 348b, a second actuator 350b, and a second O-ring 352b.

[0154] In the exemplary embodiment, the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b are configured to be attached to the upper (e.g., proximal) portions of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b, respectively. The attachment may be achieved via a snap-fit ​​connection, an interference-fit (e.g., friction-fit) connection, adhesive, or other suitable bonding technique. The upper portion of each of the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b may have one or more curved or concave edges that taper upward to a pointed tip. For example, each of the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b may have two pointed tips with a concave edge therebetween and a curved edge adjacent each pointed tip. The concave edges and the curved edges may have the same radius of curvature, but their arc lengths may be different. The first blade 348a and the second blade 348b may be formed from sheet metal (e.g., stainless steel) that is cut or otherwise shaped to have a desired profile and bent to its final form. In another embodiment, the first blade 348a and the second blade 348b may be formed from plastic.

[0155] Based on a plan view, the size and shape of the first blade 348a, the second blade 348b, and the portions of the first and second actuators 350a, 350b to which they are attached may correspond to the size and shape of the non-nicotine reservoir outlet in the insert 342. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 26 , the first and second actuators 350a, 350b may include protruding edges (e.g., curved inner lips that face each other) configured to push the two piercing portions of the seal 344 into the non-nicotine reservoir as the first and second blades 348a, 348b advance into the non-nicotine reservoir. In a non-limiting embodiment, when the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are fully inserted into the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, two flaps (from the two punctured portions of the seal 344, as shown in FIG. 24 ) can be present between the curved sidewall of the non-nicotine reservoir outlet of the insert 342 and the corresponding curvature of the protruding edges of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b. As a result, the possibility of the two punctured openings of the seal 344 being blocked (by the two flaps from the two punctured portions) can be reduced or prevented. Furthermore, the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b can be configured to guide the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the non-nicotine reservoir toward the absorbent material 346.

[0156] A lower portion (e.g., a distal portion) of each of the first and second actuators 350a and 350b is configured to extend through the bottom (e.g., upstream end) of the second housing portion 308. This rod-shaped portion of each of the first and second actuators 350a and 350b may be referred to as a shaft. The first and second O-rings 352a and 352b may be seated in annular grooves provided in the shafts of the first and second actuators 350a and 350b, respectively. The first and second O-rings 352a and 352b are configured to engage the shafts of the first and second actuators 350a and 350b and the inner surfaces of the corresponding openings in the second housing portion 308 to provide a fluid-tight seal. As a result, when the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b are pushed inward to activate the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, the first O-ring 352a and the second O-ring 352b can move with the respective shafts of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b within the corresponding openings in the second housing portion 308 while maintaining their respective seals, thereby helping to reduce or prevent leakage of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation through the openings in the second housing portion 308 by the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314b. The first O-ring 352a and the second O-ring 352b may be formed of silicone.

[0157] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 22 , excluding the wick, heater, electrical leads, and contact cores. FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 27 . Referring to FIGS. 27-28 , a module housing 354 and a faceplate 366 generally form the exterior framework of the connector module 320. The module housing 354 defines a first module inlet 330 and a grooved edge 356. The grooved edge 356 of the module housing 354 exposes a second module inlet 332 (defined by a bypass structure 358). However, it should be understood that the grooved edge 356 can also be considered to define a module inlet (e.g., in combination with the faceplate 366). The faceplate 366 has a grooved edge 328 that, together with a corresponding side of the cavity 310 of the second housing section 308, defines the pod inlet 322. Additionally, faceplate 366 defines first, second, and third contact openings, which may be square-shaped and configured to expose first and second power contacts 324 a and 324 b, respectively, and third contact openings which are rectangular-shaped and configured to expose multiple data contacts 326, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0158] First power contacts 324 a, second power contacts 324 b, printed circuit board (PCB) 362, and bypass structure 358 are disposed within an outer frame formed by module housing 354 and faceplate 366. Printed circuit board (PCB) 362 includes a plurality of data contacts 326 on its upstream side (hidden in FIG. 28 ) and a sensor 364 on its downstream side. Bypass structure 358 defines second module inlet 332 and bypass outlet 360.

[0159] During assembly, the first power contact 324 a and the second power contact 324 b are positioned such that they are visible through the first and second contact openings, respectively, of the faceplate 366. Additionally, the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 is positioned such that the upstream plurality of data contacts 326 are visible through the third contact opening of the faceplate 366. The printed circuit board (PCB) 362 may overlap the rear surface of the first power contact 324 a and the second power contact 324 b. The bypass structure 358 is positioned on the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 such that the sensor 364 is within the air flow path defined by the second module inlet 332 and the bypass outlet 360. When assembled, the bypass structure 358 and the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 can be considered to be surrounded on at least four sides by the serpentine structure of the first power contact 324 a and the second power contact 324 b. In the exemplary embodiment, the bifurcated ends of the first and second power contacts 324a, 324b are configured to electrically connect to the first and second electrical leads 340a, 340b.

[0160] When incoming air is received by the pod inlet 322 during vaping, the first module inlet 330 may receive a primary flow (e.g., a larger flow) of the incoming air, while the second module inlet 332 may receive a secondary flow (e.g., a smaller flow) of the incoming air. The secondary flow of incoming air can improve the sensitivity of the sensor 364. After exiting the bypass structure 358 through the bypass outlet 360, the secondary flow recombines with the primary flow to form a combined flow that is drawn into and through the contact core 334 to encounter the heater 336 and wick 338. In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary flow may be 60-95% (e.g., 80-90%) of the incoming air, while the secondary flow may be 5-40% (e.g., 10-20%) of the incoming air.

[0161] The first module inlet 330 may be a resistance-to-draw (RTD) port, and the second module inlet 332 may be a bypass port. In such a configuration, the draw resistance of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 may be adjusted by changing the size of the first module inlet 330 (rather than changing the size of the pod inlet 322). In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the first module inlet 330 may be selected to provide a draw resistance between 25 and 100 mmH2O (e.g., between 30 and 50 mmH2O). For example, a 1.0 mm diameter for the first module inlet 330 may provide a draw resistance of 88.3 mmH2O. In another example, a 1.1 mm diameter for the first module inlet 330 may provide a draw resistance of 73.6 mmH2O. In another example, a 1.2 mm diameter for the first module inlet 330 may provide a draw resistance of 58.7 mmH2O. In yet another example, a diameter of 1.3 mm for the first modular inlet 330 may result in a draw resistance of 43.8 mm H2O. Notably, the size of the first modular inlet 330, due to its internal placement, may be adjusted without affecting the external aesthetics of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, thereby allowing for a more standard product design for pod assemblies having a variety of resistance-to-draw (RTD), while reducing the possibility of inadvertent blockage of the incoming air.

[0162] FIG. 29 illustrates the electrical system of the device body and non-nicotine pod assembly of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0163] 29, the electrical system includes a device body electrical system 2100 and a non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200. The device body electrical system 2100 may be included in the device body 100, and the non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200 may be included in the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 described above with reference to FIGS.

[0164] 29, the non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200 includes a heater 336, one or more pod sensors 2220, and a non-volatile memory (NVM) 2205. The NVM 2205 may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) integrated circuit (IC). The one or more pod sensors 2220 may include a temperature-sensing transducer.

[0165] The non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200 may further include a body electrical / data interface (not shown) for transferring power and / or data between the device body 100 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, electrical contacts 324a, 324b, and 326 shown in FIG. 17, for example, may function as the body electrical / data interface.

[0166] The device body electrical system 2100 includes a controller 2105, a power supply 2110, a device sensor or measurement circuit 2125, a heating engine control circuit (also referred to as a heating engine shut-off circuit) 2127, a vapor indicator 2135, on-product controls 2150 (e.g., buttons 118 and 120 shown in FIG. 1 ), memory 2130, and a clock circuit 2128. The device body electrical system 2100 may further include a pod electrical / data interface (not shown) for transferring power and / or data between the device body 100 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the device electrical connector 132, shown in FIG. 12 , for example, may function as the pod electrical / data interface.

[0167] The power supply 2110 may be an internal power source for powering the device body 100 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. The supply of power from the power supply 2110 may be controlled by the controller 2105 via a power control circuit (not shown). The power control circuit may include one or more switches or transistors for regulating the power output from the power supply 2110. The power supply 2110 may be a lithium ion battery or a variant thereof (e.g., a lithium ion polymer battery).

[0168] The controller 2105 may be configured to control the overall operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller 2105 may include processing circuitry, such as hardware including logic circuitry; a hardware / software combination, such as a processor executing software; or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuitry may more specifically be, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like.

[0169] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the controller 2105 includes a general purpose input / output (GPIO), an integrated circuit (I 2 C) interface, an input / output (I / O) interface such as a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI) interface, a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a clock input terminal. However, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may be a microprocessor.

[0170] The controller 2105 is communicatively coupled to the device sensor 2125 , the heating engine control circuitry 2127 , the vapor indicator 2135 , the memory 2130 , the on-product control 2150 , the clock circuitry 2128 and the power supply 2110 .

[0171] The heating engine control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via a GPIO pin. The memory 2130 is connected to the controller 2105 via an SPI pin. The clock circuit 2128 is connected to the clock input terminal of the controller 2105. The vapor indicator 2135 is connected to the I 2 C interface pins and GPIO pins to the controller 2105. The device sensors 2125 are connected to the controller 2105 through respective pins of the multi-channel ADC.

[0172] The clock circuit 2128 may be a timing mechanism, such as an oscillator circuit, that enables the controller 2105 to track idle time, vape length, a combination of idle time and vape length, etc. of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. The clock circuit 2128 may also include a dedicated external clock crystal configured to generate a system clock for the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500.

[0173] Memory 2130 may be a non-volatile memory configured to store one or more shutdown logs. In one example, memory 2130 may store the one or more shutdown logs in one or more tables. Memory 2130 and the one or more shutdown logs stored therein are described in more detail below. In one example, memory 2130 may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), such as flash memory.

[0174] 29, the device sensor 2125 may include multiple sensors or measurement circuits configured to provide signals indicative of sensor or measurement information to the controller 2105. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the device sensor 2125 includes a heater current measurement circuit 21258, a heater voltage measurement circuit 21252, and a pod temperature measurement circuit 21250.

[0175] The heater current measurement circuit 21258 may be configured to output a (e.g., voltage) signal indicative of the current through the heater 336. An exemplary embodiment of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 is described in more detail below with respect to FIG.

[0176] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 may be configured to output a (e.g., voltage) signal indicative of the voltage across the heater 336. An exemplary embodiment of the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 is described in more detail below with respect to FIG.

[0177] The pod temperature measurement circuit 21250 may be configured to output a signal (e.g., a voltage) indicative of the resistance and / or temperature of one or more elements of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. Exemplary embodiments of the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250 are described in more detail below with respect to FIGS.

[0178] As described above, the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250, heater current measurement circuit 21258, and heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 are connected to the controller 2105 via pins of the multi-channel ADC. To measure characteristics and / or parameters of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 (e.g., heater 336 voltage, current, resistance, temperature, etc.), the multi-channel ADC of the controller 2105 may sample output signals from the device sensors 2125 at a sampling rate appropriate for the given characteristic and / or parameter being measured by each device sensor.

[0179] Although not shown in Figure 29, the pod sensor 2220 may also include the sensor 364 shown in Figure 28. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor 364 may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow or pressure sensor, or another type of sensor configured to measure air flow, such as a hot wire anemometer.

[0180] The heat engine control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via a GPIO pin. The heat engine control circuit 2127 is configured to control (enable and / or disable) the heat engine of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 by controlling power to the heater 336. As described in more detail below, the heat engine control circuit 2127 can disable the heat engine based on a control signal (sometimes referred to herein as a device power state signal) from the controller 2105.

[0181] When the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is inserted into the device body 100, the controller 2105 also 2 The controller 2105 is communicatively coupled to at least the NVM 2205 and the pod sensor 2220 via a C interface. In one example, the controller 2105 may obtain operating parameters of the non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200 from the NVM 2205.

[0182] The controller 2105 may control the vapor indicator 2135 to indicate to the adult vapor the status and / or operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. The vapor indicator 2135 may be implemented at least in part via a light guide (e.g., the light guide arrangement shown in FIG. 1 ) and may include a power indicator (e.g., an LED) that may be activated when the controller 2105 senses a button pressed by the adult vapor. The vapor indicator 2135 may also include a vibrator, speaker, or other feedback mechanism and may indicate the current state of a vaping parameter controlled by the adult vapor (e.g., non-nicotine vapor volume).

[0183] 29, the controller 2105 may control power to the heater 336 to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation according to a heating profile (e.g., heating based on volume, temperature, flavor, etc.). The heating profile may be determined based on empirical data and may be stored in the NVM 2205 of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300.

[0184] 30 is a simple block diagram illustrating a dry puff and auto-shutdown control system 2300 according to an exemplary embodiment. For simplicity, the dry puff and auto-shutdown control system 2300 may be referred to herein as the auto-shutdown control system 2300.

[0185] The automatic shutdown control system 2300 shown in Figure 30 may be implemented in the controller 2105. In one example, the automatic shutdown control system 2300 may be implemented as part of a device manager finite state machine (FSM) software implementation running on the controller 2105. In the example shown in Figure 30, the automatic shutdown control system 2300 includes a dryness detection module 2610. However, it should be understood that the automatic shutdown control system 2300 may include various other subsystem modules.

[0186] 30 , the automatic shutdown control system 2300, or more generally the controller 2105, may identify a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 and cause the controller 2105 to control one or more subsystems of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 to perform one or more consequential actions in response to identifying the dry puff condition. A dry puff condition is sometimes referred to as a dry puff fault or dry puff fault condition. Identification of the dry puff condition may be based on information and / or inputs such as threshold parameters of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300, pod sensor information from one or more pod sensors 2220, sensor information from one or more sensors 2125 of the device body electrical system 2100, or any combination thereof. A dry puff condition is an example of a hard pod fault event in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. A hard pod failure event is an event that may require corrective action (eg, replacement of the non-nicotine pod assembly) to re-enable vape functionality in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500.

[0187] The controller 2105 may control one or more subsystems by outputting one or more control signals (or asserting or deasserting respective signals), as described in more detail below. In some cases, the control signals output from the controller 2105 may be referred to as device power state signals, device power state instructions, or device power control signals. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may output one or more control signals to the heat engine control circuit 2127 to shut down the vaping function in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 in response to detecting a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500.

[0188] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the type of consequential action in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 can be based on the dry puff condition and / or the current operation of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. Multiple consequential actions may be performed sequentially in response to a fault event, such as a dry puff condition. In one example, the consequential actions can include: (i) An auto-off operation in which the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 switches to a low power state (e.g., equivalent to turning off the non-nicotine electronic vaping device using the power button). (ii) a heater off operation, which cuts off or disables power to the heater 336, terminating the current puff but leaving the device otherwise ready to vape; or (iii) A vape-off operation that disables the vape subsystem (e.g., by disabling all power to the heater 336), thereby preventing vaping until corrective action is taken (e.g., replacing the non-nicotine pod assembly).

[0189] As mentioned above, the auto-shutdown control system 2300 includes a dryness detection subsystem 2610 (also referred to as a dryness detection subsystem module, circuit, or circuitry). Through the dryness detection subsystem 2610, the controller 2105 monitors the wetness (or dryness) of the wick 338 to detect the presence of a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. As mentioned above, when a dry puff condition is detected, the controller 2105 can shut down or disable one or more subsystems or elements of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500.

[0190] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 monitors the wettability of the wick 338 based on the rate of change of the resistance of the heater 336 over time during vaping. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may receive one or more signals indicative of the resistance of the heater 336 from the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250.

[0191] In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may calculate the resistance of the heater 336 based on signals from the heater current measurement circuit 21258 and / or the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252.

[0192] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, if the rate of change of resistance of the heater 336 over the time window exceeds a threshold rate of change of resistance, the controller 2105 determines that a dry puff condition exists in the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 (e.g., the wick 338 is dry). The controller 2105 may obtain the threshold rate of change of resistance value from the NVM 2205 in the non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200. The threshold rate of change of resistance may be set by the manufacturer of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 based on empirical data, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the heater 336 configuration, subcombinations thereof, combinations thereof, etc. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the threshold rate of change of resistance may be between approximately 0.1% and 25.5% (in increments of approximately 0.1%). In one example, the threshold rate of change of resistance may be approximately 2.0% for a heater constructed from 316L grade stainless steel.

[0193] In one example, a dry puff condition may exist because the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is not being supplied to the wick 338 at a sufficient flow rate to maintain the normal temperature profile of the heater 336. Thus, the rate of change of resistance may be indicative of the flow rate of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to the wick 338, and the dryness detection subsystem 2610 may be characterized as being configured to determine whether a dry puff condition exists based on the flow rate of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to the wick 338. Furthermore, a dry puff condition may result from depletion of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation within the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. Thus, detection of a dry puff condition may also indicate a depleted and / or empty non-nicotine pod assembly.

[0194] The controller 2105 may utilize a sliding measurement window of N samples of the resistance of the heater 336 such that the determination is made over a recent time slice during the vape. This allows the controller 2105 to accommodate the relatively long application of negative pressure by an adult vaper, while also providing more rapid detection of a dry puff state, where the resistance of the heater 336 begins to change relatively quickly while negative pressure is being applied.

[0195] In response to detecting a dry puff condition, the controller 2105 can control the heating engine control circuit 2127 to cut off power to the heater 336 (heater off) and / or disable vaping in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 (vape off).

[0196] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory storing approximately 100 samples (N=100) may be used to establish a sliding measurement window of approximately 100 milliseconds (ms) during which the resistance of heater 336 is periodically updated (e.g., recalculated) at 1 ms "ticks." The FIFO memory may be built into controller 2105 or may be included in memory 2130 shown in FIG. 29.

[0197] According to at least some example embodiments, the sliding window may not begin until the resistance measurement of the heater 336 is relatively stable; otherwise, spurious values ​​inserted into the FIFO may cause false positives later in the process. The resistance measurement is considered relatively stable when it reaches an operating condition where the expected measurement error is less than a resistance rate-of-change threshold. In one example, the resistance value of the heater 336 may become relatively stable once the current through the heater 336 exceeds a "wet" current threshold (e.g., approximately 100 milliamps (mA)). The controller 2105 may determine that the "wet" current threshold has been reached by monitoring the current through the heater 336 based on a signal from the heater current measurement circuit 21258.

[0198] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a dryness detection method according to an exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the flowchart shown in FIG. 31 is described with reference to the electrical system shown in FIG. 29. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this example. Rather, the exemplary embodiment is applicable to other non-nicotine electronic vaping devices and their electrical systems. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 31 is described with reference to operations performed by the controller 2105. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment may similarly be described with reference to the auto-shutdown control system 2300 and / or the dryness detection subsystem 2610 performing one or more of the functions / operations shown in FIG. 31.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 31, when the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is inserted into the device body 100 and the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 is powered on, in step S2702, the controller 2105 obtains the resistance threshold (also referred to as the resistance change rate parameter) Δ%R_THRESHOLD stored in the NVM 2205 in the non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200.

[0200] In step S2704, the controller 2105 determines whether a vaping condition exists in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may determine whether a vaping condition exists in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 based on the output from the sensor 364. In one example, if the output from the sensor 364 indicates application of a negative pressure above a threshold at the mouthpiece 102 of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500, the controller 2105 may determine that a vaping condition exists in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500.

[0201] If the controller 2105 detects a vape state in step S2704, then in step S2705 the controller 2105 controls the heating engine control circuit 2127 to apply power to the heater 336 for vaping. An example of controlling the heating engine control circuit 2127 to apply power to the heater 336 is described in more detail below with respect to Figures 38 and 39.

[0202] In step S2706, the controller 2105 determines whether the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized. As described above, the controller 2105 may determine that the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized when the current through the heater 336 reaches a "wet" current threshold (e.g., approximately 100 milliamperes (mA)). The controller 2105 may determine that the current through the heater 336 has reached the "wet" current threshold based on the output signal from the heater current measurement circuit 21258.

[0203] If it is determined in step S2706 that the resistance value of the heater 336 has stabilized, the controller 2105 starts storing the measured resistance value of the heater 336 in the FIFO memory at 1 ms intervals (1 ms "tick").

[0204] In step S2710, the controller 2105 determines whether the FIFO memory is full (e.g., whether a threshold number of samples have been collected). In one example, the FIFO memory may be full when approximately 100 samples of the resistance of the heater 336 have been stored (e.g., approximately 100 ms after the resistance of the heater 336 has been determined to have stabilized in step S2706).

[0205] If the controller 2105 determines that the FIFO memory is full, in step S2712, the first resistance value R stored in the FIFO memory is t_0 (at t0) and the final (latest) resistance value R t_N-1 (t N-1 Calculate the percentage change in resistance, Δ%R, between

[0206] In step S2714, the controller 2105 compares the calculated resistance change rate Δ%R with the resistance change rate threshold Δ%R_THRESHOLD acquired from the NVM 2205 in step S2702.

[0207] If the calculated rate of change in resistance Δ%R is greater than the rate of change in resistance threshold Δ%R_THRESHOLD, then in step S2716, the controller 2105 controls the heating engine control circuit 2127 to shut down (e.g., disconnect power to) the heater 336. In one example, the controller 2105 may control the heating engine control circuit 2127 to perform a vape-off operation. As described above, the vape-off operation can disable all energy to the heater 336, thereby preventing vaping until corrective action is taken (e.g., by an adult vaper). As described in more detail below, the controller 2105 may control the heating engine control circuit 2127 to disable all energy to the heater 336 by outputting a vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN having a logic high level (FIG. 38) and / or by deasserting (or stopping output of) the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM (FIG. 39). In at least one embodiment, at least the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM may be a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. Exemplary correction operations are also described in more detail below.

[0208] Returning to step S2714, if the calculated rate of change in resistance Δ%R is equal to or less than the threshold value for rate of change in resistance Δ%R_THRESHOLD, the process returns to S2708 and continues the processing as described above.

[0209] Returning to step S2710, if the controller 2105 determines that the FIFO memory is not yet full, processing returns to step S2708 and continues as described above.

[0210] Returning to step S2706, if the controller 2105 determines that the resistance of the heater 336 has not yet stabilized, the controller 2105 continues to monitor the resistance of the heater 336. Once the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized, processing proceeds to step S2708 and continues as described above.

[0211] Returning to step S2704, if the controller 2105 determines that a vape condition does not yet exist, the controller 2105 continues to monitor the output of the sensor 364 for a vape condition. If a vape condition is detected, the process continues as described above.

[0212] FIG. 32 shows graphs of resistance versus time when a dry puff condition is present at the start of the puff ("Dry Puff"), when a dry puff condition occurs during the puff ("Drying Puff"), and when a dry puff condition is not present ("Standard Puff").

[0213] If a dry puff condition exists at the beginning of a puff, the resistance increases more rapidly over time, as shown in Figure 32. In this example, the controller 2105 may shut down the vape function of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 at the end of the first sampling interval (e.g., about 100 ms) because the rate of change of resistance Δ%R of the heater 336 at the end of the first time interval is greater than the rate of change of resistance threshold Δ%R_THRESHOLD.

[0214] When a dry puff condition begins to exist during a puff, the heater resistance begins to increase more rapidly (the slope of the graph becomes steeper). In this case, the controller 2105 determines that the rate of change in heater 336 resistance, Δ%R, between the oldest and newest heater resistances in the FIFO exceeds the resistance rate change threshold, Δ%R_THRESHOLD, at time t SHUTOFF Shut down the vape function with the

[0215] If a dry puff condition does not exist (a standard puff condition exists), the puff terminates and power is turned off to the heater 336 in response to cessation of application of negative pressure or after expiration of a threshold time interval. In this case, a heater-off operation may be performed rather than a vapour-off operation.

[0216] As discussed above, a dry puff condition is an example of a hard pod failure event in a non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500.

[0217] 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating a non-nicotine electronic vaping device after shutting down the vape function (vape-off operation) in response to detecting a hard pod fault event, such as a dry puff condition, according to an exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 33 is described with respect to a dry puff condition. However, the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this example.

[0218] Also, for illustrative purposes, the flowchart shown in FIG. 33 is described with reference to the electrical system shown in FIG. 29. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, the exemplary embodiments are applicable to other non-nicotine electronic vaping devices and their electrical systems. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 33 are described with reference to operations performed by the controller 2105. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments may equally be described with reference to the auto-shutdown control system 2300 and / or the dryness detection subsystem 2610 performing one or more of the functions / operations shown in FIG. 33.

[0219] 33, in step S3804, controller 2105 logs the occurrence of the dry puff condition in memory 2130. In one example, controller 2105 may store an identifier of the event (dry puff condition or dry puff event) in association with the resulting action (e.g., a vapour-off action) and the time the event and resulting action occurred.

[0220] In step S3806, the controller 2105 controls the vapor indicator 2135 to output an indication that a dry puff condition has been detected. In one example, the indication may be in the form of an audible, visual indication, and / or haptic feedback to the adult vaper. For example, the indication may be a flashing red LED, a software message including an error code sent (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a connected "App" on a remote electronic device, which may then trigger a notification within the App that provides the adult vaper with information regarding corrective action, any combination thereof, or the like.

[0221] In step S3808, the controller 2105 determines whether the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 has been removed from the device body 100 within (before expiration of) the removal threshold time interval (corrective action) after (e.g., in response to) indicating a dry puff state to the adult vapor. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may determine that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 has been digitally removed from the device body 100 by verifying that a set of five contacts 326 of the non-nicotine pod assembly has been removed. In another example, the controller 2105 may determine that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 has been removed from the device body 100 by sensing that the electrical contacts 324a, 324b, and / or 326 of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 have been removed from the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100. In at least one example, the controller 2105 may sense that the electrical contacts 324a, 324b and / or 326 of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 have been disconnected from the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100 by detecting infinite resistance between the electrical contacts 324a, 324b and / or 326 of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 and the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100.

[0222] If the controller 2105 determines that the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 has been removed from the device body 100 within the removal threshold time interval after (e.g., in response to) indicating a dry puff state to the adult vapor, then in step S3814 the controller 2105 controls the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 to return to normal operation (non-fault state). In this case, energy to the heater 336 is still disabled because the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 has been removed, but the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 is otherwise ready to vape in response to application of negative pressure by the adult vapor when a new non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted.

[0223] In step S3812, the controller 2105 determines whether a new non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the device body 100 within (before expiration of) the insertion threshold time interval after removing the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 and returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 to normal operation in step S3814. In at least one example, the insertion threshold time interval may have a length between about 5 minutes and about 120 minutes. The insertion threshold time interval may be set to a length within this range by an adult vaper. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may determine that a new non-nicotine pod assembly has been inserted into the device body 100 by sensing the resistance (e.g., between about 0.5 ohms and about 5.0 ohms) of the heater 336 between the electrical contacts 324a and 324b of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 and the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100. In a further exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may determine that a new non-nicotine pod assembly has been inserted into the device body 100 by sensing the presence of a pull-up resistor included in the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 between the electrical contacts 326 of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 and the device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100.

[0224] If the controller 2105 determines that a new non-nicotine pod assembly has been inserted into the device body 100 within the insertion threshold time interval, then in step S3810, the controller 2105 controls the heating engine control circuit 2127 to re-enable the vape module (e.g., enable the application of power to the heater 336). As described in more detail below, the controller 2105 may control the heating engine control circuit 2127 to re-enable the vape module by outputting a vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN having a logic low level (FIG. 38) and / or asserting a vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM (FIG. 39).

[0225] Returning to step S3812, if the controller 2105 determines that a new non-nicotine pod assembly has not been inserted into the device body 100 within the insertion threshold time interval, then in step S3816 the controller 2105 outputs another one or more control signals to perform an auto-off operation in which the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 is powered off or placed into a low-power mode. According to at least some example embodiments, in the context of a typical software auto-off, the controller 2105 may output numerous or multiple GPIO control lines (signals) to turn off all or substantially all peripherals of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 and cause the controller 2105 to enter a sleep state.

[0226] Returning now to step S3808, if the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 is not removed within the removal threshold time interval, the process proceeds to step S3816 and continues as described above.

[0227] FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a heater voltage measurement circuit 21252.

[0228] 34, the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 includes resistor 3702 and resistor 3704 connected in a voltage divider configuration between a terminal configured to receive an input voltage signal COIL_OUT and ground. The input voltage signal COIL_OUT is the voltage input to the heater 336 (the voltage at the input terminal). A node N3716 between resistor 3702 and resistor 3704 is coupled to the positive input of an operational amplifier (Op-Amp) 3708. A capacitor 3706 is connected between node N3716 and ground to form a low-pass filter circuit (R / C filter) for stabilizing the input voltage to the positive input of the operational amplifier 3708. This filter circuit reduces inaccuracies due to switching noise induced by the PWM signal used to energize the heater 336 and also has the same phase response / group delay for both current and voltage.

[0229] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 further includes resistors 3710, 3712 and a capacitor 3714. The resistor 3712 is connected between the node N 3718 and a terminal configured to receive the output voltage signal COIL_RTN. The output voltage signal COIL_RTN is the voltage output from the heater 336 (the voltage at the output terminal of the heater 336).

[0230] Resistor 3710 and capacitor 3714 are connected in parallel between node N3718 and the output of operational amplifier 3708. Node N3718 is also connected to the negative input of operational amplifier 3708. Resistors 3710, 3712 and capacitor 3714 are connected in a low-pass filter circuit configuration.

[0231] The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 utilizes an operational amplifier 3708 to measure the voltage difference between the input voltage signal COIL_OUT and the output voltage signal COIL_RTN and outputs a scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL that represents the voltage across the heater 336. The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 outputs the scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL to an ADC pin of the controller 2105 for digital sampling and measurement by the controller 2105.

[0232] The gain of the operational amplifier 3708 may be set based on surrounding passive electrical elements (e.g., resistors and capacitors) to improve the dynamic range of the voltage measurement. In one example, the dynamic range of the operational amplifier 3708 may be achieved by scaling the voltage so that the maximum voltage output matches the maximum input range of the ADC (e.g., approximately 1.8 V). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the scaling may be approximately 267 mV per 1 V, so the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 may measure up to approximately 1.8 V / 0.267 V = 6.74 V.

[0233] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the heater current measurement circuit 21258 shown in FIG.

[0234] 35, the output voltage signal COIL_RTN is input to a four-terminal (4T) measurement resistor 3802 connected to ground. The differential voltage across the four-terminal measurement resistor 3802 is scaled by an operational amplifier 3806 to output a heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR indicative of the current through the heater 336. The heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR is output to an ADC pin of the controller 2105 for digital sampling and measurement of the current through the heater 336 by the controller 2105.

[0235] 35, a four-terminal measurement resistor 3802 may be used to reduce errors in current measurements using the "Kelvin current measurement" technique. In this example, separating the current measurement path from the voltage measurement path can reduce noise in the voltage measurement path.

[0236] The gain of the op-amp 3806 may be set to improve the dynamic range of the measurement. In this example, the scaling of the op-amp 3806 may be approximately 0.577 V / A, so the heater current measurement circuit 21258 can measure up to approximately: JPEG0007802983000001.jpg1035.

[0237] 35 , a first terminal of a four-terminal measurement resistor 3802 is connected to a terminal of the heater 336 to receive the output voltage signal COIL_RTN. A second terminal of the four-terminal measurement resistor 3802 is connected to ground. A third terminal of the four-terminal measurement resistor 3802 is connected to a low-pass filter circuit (R / C filter) including a resistor 3804, a capacitor 3808, and a resistor 3810. The output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the positive input of an operational amplifier 3806. The low-pass filter circuit reduces inaccuracies due to switching noise induced by the PWM signal applied to energize the heater 336 and can have the same phase response / group delay for both current and voltage.

[0238] The heater current measurement circuit 21258 further includes resistors 3812 and 3814, and a capacitor 3816. The resistors 3812, 3814, and the capacitor 3816 are connected to the fourth terminal of the four-terminal measurement resistor 3802, the negative input of the operational amplifier 3806, and the output of the operational amplifier 3806 in a low-pass filter circuit configuration, and the output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the negative input of the operational amplifier 3806.

[0239] The op amp 3806 outputs a differential voltage as the heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR to the ADC pin of the controller 2105 for use by the controller 2105 to sample and measure the current through the heater 336 .

[0240] According to at least this exemplary embodiment, the configuration of heater current measurement circuit 21258 is similar to the configuration of heater voltage measurement circuit 21252, except that a low-pass filter circuit including resistors 3804 and 3810 and capacitor 3808 is connected to one terminal of four-terminal measurement resistor 3802, and a low-pass filter circuit including resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816 is connected to the other terminal of four-terminal measurement resistor 3802.

[0241] The controller 2105 may average multiple samples (e.g., of voltage) over a time window (e.g., about 1 ms) corresponding to the "tick" time used in the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device 500 and convert the average into a mathematical representation of the voltage and current across the heater 336 through the application of a scaling value. The scaling value may be determined based on the gain settings implemented in each op-amp, which may be specific to the hardware of the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device 500.

[0242] The controller 2105 may filter the converted voltage and current measurements with, for example, a 3-tap moving average filter to attenuate measurement noise. The controller 2105 may then use the filtered measurements to calculate: Resistance R of heater 336 HEATER JPEG0007802983000002.jpg1036 Power P applied to heater 336 HEATER JPEG0007802983000003.jpg651 ·Power supply current JPEG0007802983000004.jpg1027 where JPEG0007802983000005.jpg1053. Efficiency is the power P delivered to the heater 336 over all operating conditions. in In one example, the efficiency may be at least 85%.

[0243] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the gain settings of the passive elements of the circuits shown in FIGS. 34 and / or 35 may be adjusted to match the output signal range to the input range of the controller 2105.

[0244] 36 and 37 are diagrams illustrating a pod temperature measurement circuit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0245] 36, the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250A includes a driver stage 3902A and a measurement stage 3904A. The driver stage 3902A is configured to generate a pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER to power the pod sensor 2220 in response to a pod temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB. The pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER may be a PWM signal. The measurement stage 3904A is configured to generate a pod temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL based on a DAC comparison signal HW_DAC from a DAC (not shown) in the controller 2105 and a pod sensor signal SP_HW from the pod sensor 2220. The pod temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL may be a differential voltage signal indicative of the temperature of one or more elements of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. Inputs to and outputs from an exemplary embodiment of the pod sensor 2220 are described in more detail below.

[0246] 36, the driver stage 3902A receives a pod temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB from the controller 2105. In this example, the pod temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB may be a PWM signal having a duty cycle adjusted by the controller 2105 to vary power based on the pod sensor signal SP_HW from the pod sensor 2220. When the pod temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB is asserted (active), the driver stage 3902A may be enabled to output the pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER; otherwise, the output of the driver stage 3902A may be disabled.

[0247] The pod temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB is input to the enable terminal EN of the low dropout voltage regulator (LDO) U10, which converts the pod temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB, which is a low current drive strength processor signal, into the pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER, which is a high current drive strength PWM signal.

[0248] Resistor R80 is connected as a pull-down resistor between enable terminal EN of LDO U10 and ground so that the output of driver stage 3902A is disabled when pod temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB is in an unknown state.

[0249] Driver stage 3902A further includes capacitors C43 and C44. Capacitor C44 is connected to the input terminal IN of LDO U10 and a voltage source to provide a non-nicotine reservoir and filter, and can improve the speed at which the pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER reaches its on-voltage. Capacitor C43 is connected between the output terminal IN and ground to provide filtering and a non-nicotine reservoir for the pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER.

[0250] Resistors R60 and R61 form a feedback network 39028 in the form of a voltage divider. Feedback network 39028 outputs a feedback voltage to the adjustment or feedback terminal ADJ of LDO U10. LDO U10 sets the precision voltage output of the pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER based on the feedback voltage input to feedback terminal ADJ. According to at least some example embodiments, the precision voltage output of the pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER and the feedback voltage V ADJ The relationship between the output and the JPEG0007802983000006.jpg1048In this example, the resistances of resistors R60 and R61 are known, and the voltage V ADJ are also known based on the type of LDO U10.

[0251] In measurement stage 3904A, the pod sensor signal SP_HW from the pod sensor 2220 is input to the negative input of operational amplifier U11A via resistor R66, and the voltage of the pod sensor signal SP_HW is gain-scaled for measurement by the ADC in controller 2105. Opamp U11A is an inverting amplifier whose gain is set according to the resistance of resistor R66 and the resistance of resistor R67 connected between the negative input and output of opamp U11A. Capacitor C47 is connected in parallel with resistor R67 to form a low-pass filter circuit to remove high-frequency noise from the pod sensor signal SP_HW.

[0252] The DAC comparison signal HW_DAC from the DAC in the controller 2105 is input to the positive input of the operational amplifier U11A via a voltage divider circuit 39042 including resistors R63 and R64. The DAC comparison signal HW_DAC sets the reference voltage level of the operational amplifier U11A, essentially selecting the differential voltage applied to the operational amplifier U11A and suppressing or preventing saturation of the operational amplifier U11A. In other words, the DAC comparison signal HW_DAC sets the operating point of the operational amplifier U11A to suppress saturation of the pod temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL output by the operational amplifier U11A. The voltage divider 39042 reduces the voltage of each DAC step to provide finer range setting control. The ratio of resistors R63 and R64 can approximate the balance resistor and the pod sensor 2220 (e.g., at its maximum temperature). Capacitor C46 is connected in parallel with resistor R64 to form a low pass filter circuit to filter noise from the DAC comparison signal HW_DAC. Resistor R69 is connected between the output of voltage divider 39042 and the positive input of operational amplifier U11A.

[0253] The pod sensor signal SP_HW from the pod sensor 2220 may have a relatively small voltage level (e.g., about 2 mV), and therefore the relatively high gain of the op amp U11A may be used to match the pod temperature measurement signal HW_SIGNAL to the dynamic signal range (e.g., about 1.8 V) of the ADC in the controller 2105. Thus, the op amp U11A amplifies the pod sensor signal SP_HW and outputs the amplified signal as the pod temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL to the ADC for sampling and measurement by the controller 2105.

[0254] 37 , the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250B includes a driver stage 3902B and a measurement stage 3904B. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 37 , the driver stage 3902B and the measurement stage 3904B are similar to the driver stage 3902A and the measurement stage 3904A, respectively, shown in FIG. 36 , except that the driver stage 3902B further includes a measurement balancing resistor R93, and the capacitance of capacitor C43 may be reduced to increase the rise / fall time of the pod sensor signal SP_HW. In at least one example, the measurement balancing resistor R93 may have a resistance of approximately 3 ohms and may be moved from the non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200 to the device body assembly electrical system 2100 to reduce the cost of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300. Furthermore, in at least the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 37 , passive elements may be positioned and adjusted to configure gain settings such that the output signal range matches the input signal range of the controller 2105.

[0255] 38 is a circuit diagram illustrating a heat engine control circuit according to some example embodiments. The heat engine control circuit shown in FIG. 38 is an example of the heat engine control circuit 2127 shown in FIG.

[0256] Referring to FIG. 38, the heating engine control circuit 2127A includes a CMOS charge pump U2 configured to supply a power rail (e.g., an approximately 7V power rail (7V_CP)) to one or more gate driver integrated circuits (ICs) to control a power FET (also called a heating engine drive circuit or circuit, heater power control circuit not shown in FIG. 38) that energizes the heater 336 in the non-nicotine pod assembly 300.

[0257] In an example operation, charge pump U2 is controlled (selectively activated or deactivated) based on a vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN (device power state signal; also referred to as a vape enable signal) from controller 2105. In the example shown in FIG. 38, charge pump U2 is activated in response to the vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN output having a logic low level and is deactivated in response to the coil shutdown signal COIL_SHDN output having a logic high level. Once power rail 7V_CP has stabilized after activation of charge pump U2 (e.g., after a settling time interval has elapsed), controller 2105 may enable heater activation signal GATE_ON to supply power to heater power control circuitry and heater 336.

[0258] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may perform a vape-off operation by outputting (enabling) the vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN having a logic high level to disable all power to the heater 336 until the vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN is disabled (transitions to a logic low level) by the controller 2105.

[0259] The controller 2105 may output a heater activation signal GATE_ON (another device power state signal) having a logic high level in response to detecting the presence of a vaping condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. In this exemplary embodiment, transistors (e.g., field effect transistors (FETs)) Q5 and Q7A′ are activated when the controller 2105 enables the heater activation signal GATE_ON to a logic high level. The controller 2105 may output the heater activation signal GATE_ON having a logic low level to disable power to the heater 336, thereby performing a heater-off operation.

[0260] In the event of a power stage failure in which transistors Q5 and Q7A′ do not respond to the heater activation signal GATE_ON, the controller 2105 may perform a vape shutdown operation by outputting a vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN having a logic high level to cut off power to the gate drivers, thereby cutting off power to the heater 336.

[0261] In another example, if the controller 2105 fails to boot properly, resulting in the vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN having an indeterminate state, the heating engine control circuit 2127A automatically pulls the vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN to a logic high level and automatically cuts off power to the heater 336.

[0262] 38, capacitor C9, charge pump U2, and capacitor C10 are connected in a positive voltage doubler configuration. Capacitor C9 is connected between terminals C- and C+ of charge pump U2 and serves as a non-nicotine reservoir for charge pump U2. The input voltage terminal VIN of charge pump U2 is connected to voltage source BATT at node N3801, and capacitor C10 is connected between ground and output voltage terminal VOUT of charge pump U2 at node N3802. Capacitor C10 provides a filter and non-nicotine reservoir for the output from charge pump U2, thereby providing a more stable voltage output from charge pump U2.

[0263] Capacitor C11 is connected between node N3801 and ground and provides a filter and non-nicotine reservoir for the input voltage to charge pump U2.

[0264] Resistor R10 is connected between a positive voltage supply and the shutdown terminal SHDN. Resistor R10 functions as a pull-up resistor that ensures that the input to the shutdown terminal SHDN is high when the vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN is in an indeterminate state, thereby disabling the output (VOUT) of charge pump U2 and cutting off power to the heater 336.

[0265] Resistor R43 is connected between ground and the gate of transistor Q7A' at node N3804. Resistor R43 acts as a pull-down resistor to ensure that transistor Q7A' is in a high impedance (OFF) state when heater activation signal GATE_ON is in an indeterminate state, thereby disabling power rail 7V_CP and cutting off power to heater 336.

[0266] Resistor R41 is connected between node N3802 and node N3803, which are between the gate of transistor Q5 and the drain of transistor Q7A'. Resistor R41 functions as a pull-down resistor to ensure that transistor Q5 is switched off.

[0267] Transistor Q5 is configured to selectively isolate power rail 7V_CP from the VOUT terminal of charge pump U2. The gate of transistor Q5 is connected to node N3803, the drain of transistor Q5 is connected to the output voltage terminal VOUT of charge pump U2 at node N3802, and the source of transistor Q5 functions as the output terminal of power rail 7V_CP. This configuration allows capacitor C10 to reach its operating voltage more quickly by isolating the load, providing a fail-safe by preventing power from being supplied to heater 336 unless both the vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN and the heater enable signal GATE_ON are in the correct state.

[0268] Transistor Q7A is configured to control the operation of transistor Q5 based on heater activation signal GATE_ON. For example, when heater activation signal GATE_ON is at a logic high level (e.g., 2V or higher), transistor Q7A is in its low impedance (ON) state, which grounds the gate of transistor Q5, causing transistor Q5 to transition to its low impedance (ON) state. In this case, heat engine control circuit 2127A outputs power rail 7V_CP to a heat engine drive circuit (not shown), thereby enabling power to be supplied to heater 336.

[0269] When the heater activation signal GATE_ON is a logic low level, transistor Q7A transitions to a high impedance (OFF) state, discharging the gate of transistor Q5 through resistor R41 and causing transistor Q5 to transition to a high impedance (OFF) state, in which case power rail 7V_CP is not output and power to the heating engine drive circuit (and heater 336) is cut off.

[0270] 38, the controller 2105 does not directly control transistor Q5 because it requires a gate voltage (approximately 7V) similar to the source voltage to enter a high impedance (OFF) state. Transistor Q7A provides a mechanism for controlling transistor Q5 based on a low voltage from controller 2105.

[0271] 39 is a circuit diagram illustrating another heat engine control circuit according to an example embodiment. The heat engine control circuit shown in FIG. 39 is an alternative implementation of the heat engine control circuit 2127 shown in FIG.

[0272] 39, the heating engine control circuit 2127B includes a rail converter circuit 39020 (also referred to as a boost converter circuit) and a gate driver circuit 39040. The rail converter circuit 39020 is configured to output a voltage signal 9V_GATE (also referred to as a power signal or an input voltage signal) for powering the gate driver circuit 39040 based on a vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM (also referred to as a vape shutdown signal). The rail converter circuit 39020 uses the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM to regulate the 9V_GATE output, which may be software defined.

[0273] The gate driver circuit 39040 utilizes the input voltage signal 9V_GATE from the rail converter circuit 39020 to drive the heating engine drive circuit 3906.

[0274] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 39, the rail converter circuit 39020 generates the input voltage signal 9V_GATE only when the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is present. The controller 2105 may disable the 9V rail and cut off power to the gate driver circuit 39040 by deasserting (stopping or terminating) the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM. Similar to the vape shutdown signal COIL_SHDN in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 38, the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM may function as a device state power signal for performing a vape-off operation in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500. In this example, the controller 2105 may perform a vape-off operation by deasserting the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM, thereby disabling all power to the gate driver circuit 39040, the heating engine drive circuit 3906, and the heater 336. The controller 2105 may then enable vaping in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500 by re-asserting the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM to the rail converter circuit 39020.

[0275] 38, the controller 2105 may, in response to detecting a vaping condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device 500, output a first heater enable signal GATE_ENB having a logic high level to enable power to the heating engine drive circuit 3906 and the heater 336. The controller 2105 may output the first heater enable signal GATE_ENB having a logic low level to disable power to the heating engine drive circuit 3906 and the heater 336, thereby performing a heater-off operation.

[0276] Referring more particularly to the rail converter circuit 39020 of Figure 39, a capacitor C36 is connected between the voltage source BATT and ground. Capacitor C36 functions as a non-nicotine reservoir for the rail converter circuit 39020.

[0277] A first terminal of inductor L1006 is connected to node Node1 between voltage source BATT and capacitor C36. Inductor L1006 functions as the main storage element of rail converter circuit 39020.

[0278] The second terminal of inductor L1006, the drain of transistor (e.g., enhancement-mode MOSFET) Q1009, and the first terminal of capacitor C1056 are connected at node Node2. The source of transistor Q1009 is connected to ground, and the gate of transistor Q1009 is configured to receive vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM from controller 2105.

[0279] In the example shown in FIG. 39, transistor Q1009 functions as the main switching element of rail converter circuit 39020.

[0280] Resistor R29 is connected between the gate of transistor Q1009 and ground to act as a pull-down resistor to more reliably switch transistor Q1009 off and prevent operation of heater 336 when the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is in an indeterminate state.

[0281] The second terminal of capacitor C1056 is connected to the cathode of Zener diode D1012 and the anode of Zener diode D1013 at node Node 3. The anode of Zener diode D1012 is connected to ground.

[0282] The cathode of Zener diode D1013 is connected to one terminal of capacitor C35 and to the input of a voltage divider circuit at node Node4 that includes resistors R1087 and R1088. The other terminal of capacitor C35 is connected to ground. The voltage at node Node4 is the output voltage 9V_GATE from rail converter circuit 39020.

[0283] A resistor R1089 is connected to the output of the voltage divider circuit at node Node5.

[0284] In exemplary operation, when the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is asserted to a logic high level, transistor Q1009 switches to a low impedance state (ON), thereby allowing current to flow from voltage source BATT and capacitor C36 through inductor L1006 and transistor Q1009 to ground, causing energy to be stored in inductor L1006, causing the current to increase linearly with time.

[0285] When the vapor enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is at a logic low level, transistor Q1009 switches to a high impedance state (OFF), inductor L1006 continues to conduct current (linear decay), and the voltage at node Node2 increases.

[0286] The duty cycle of the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM determines the amount of voltage rise for a given load. Thus, the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is controlled in a closed loop by controller 2105 using the feedback signal COIL_VGATE_FB output by the voltage divider circuit at node Node5 as feedback. The switching described above occurs at a relatively high rate (e.g., approximately 2 MHz, although different frequencies may be used depending on the required parameters and component values).

[0287] Still referring to the rail converter circuit 39020 of Figure 39, capacitor C1056 is an AC coupling capacitor that provides a DC block to remove DC levels. Capacitor C1056 blocks current from flowing from voltage source BATT through inductor L1006 and diode D1013 to the gate driver circuit 39040 when the vape enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is low (e.g., when the non-nicotine e-vaping device 500 is in standby mode) to conserve battery life. The capacitance of capacitor C1056 may be selected to provide a relatively low impedance path at the switching frequency.

[0288] Zener diode D1012 establishes the ground level of the switching signal. The voltage at node Node3 may be normally bipolar because capacitor C1056 removes the DC level. As an example, Zener diode D1012 can clamp the negative half-cycle of the signal to approximately 0.3 V below ground.

[0289] Capacitor C35 functions as an output non-nicotine reservoir for rail converter circuit 39020. Zener diode D1013 blocks current from capacitor C35 from flowing through capacitor C1056 and transistor Q1009 when transistor Q1009 is ON.

[0290] The decaying current from inductor L1006 causes a voltage rise at node Node4 between Zener diode D1013 and capacitor C35, which flows into capacitor C35, which maintains the 9V_GATE voltage while storing energy in inductor L1006.

[0291] A voltage divider network including resistors R1087 and R1088 reduces the voltage to an acceptable level for measurement by the ADC of controller 2105. This reduced voltage signal is output as the feedback signal COIL_VGATE_FB.

[0292] In the circuit shown in FIG. 39, the feedback signal COIL_VGATE_FB voltage is scaled by approximately 0.25, so the 9V output voltage is reduced to approximately 2.25V for input to the ADC in controller 2105.

[0293] Resistor R1089 provides current limiting for overvoltage faults at the output of rail converter circuit 39020 (eg, node Node4) and protects the ADC in controller 2105.

[0294] A 9V output voltage signal 9V_GATE is output from the rail converter circuit 39020 to the gate driver circuit 39040, and power is supplied to the gate driver circuit 39040.

[0295] Referring now in more detail to the gate driver circuit 39040, the gate driver circuit 39040 includes, among other things, an integrated gate driver U2003 configured to convert low current signal(s) from the controller 2105 into high current signals for controlling the switching of transistors (e.g., MOSFETs) of the heating engine drive circuit 3906. The integrated gate driver U2003 is also configured to convert voltage levels from the controller 2105 to voltage levels required by the transistors of the heating engine drive circuit 3906. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 39, the integrated gate driver U2003 is a half-bridge driver. However, the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this example.

[0296] More specifically, the 9V output voltage from the rail converter circuit 39020 is input to the gate driver circuit 39040 via a filter circuit including resistor R2012 and capacitor C2009. The filter circuit including resistor R2012 and capacitor C2009 is connected to the VCC terminal (pin 4) of the integrated gate driver U2003 and the anode of Zener diode S2002 at node Node6. The second terminal of capacitor C2009 is connected to ground. The anode of Zener diode D2002 is connected to the first terminal of capacitor C2007 and to the boost terminal BST (pin 1) of the integrated gate driver U2003 at node Node7. The second terminal of capacitor C2007 is connected to the switching node terminal SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U2003 and to the heat engine drive circuit 3906 (e.g., between two MOSFETs) at node Node8. 39, Zener diode D2002 and capacitor C2007 form part of a bootstrap charge pump circuit connected between input voltage terminal VCC and boost terminal BST of integrated gate driver U2003. Capacitor C2007 is connected to the 9V input voltage signal 9V_GATE from rail converter circuit 39020 and therefore charges through diode D2002 to a voltage approximately equal to the voltage signal 9V_GATE.

[0297] 39, the high-side gate driver terminal DRVH (pin 8), the low-side gate driver terminal DRVL (pin 5) and the EP terminal (pin 9) of the integrated gate driver U2003 are also connected to the heating engine drive circuit 3906.

[0298] Resistor R2013 and capacitor C2010 form a filter circuit connected to input terminal IN (pin 2) of integrated gate driver U2003. The filter circuit is configured to remove high frequency noise from second heater enable signal COIL_Z input to the input terminal. Note that second heater enable signal COIL_Z may be a PWM signal from controller 2105.

[0299] Resistor R2014 is connected to the filter circuit and to input terminal IN of node Node9. Resistor R2014 is used as a pull-down resistor such that if second heater enable signal COIL_Z is floating (or indeterminate), input terminal IN of integrated gate driver U2003 is held at a logic low level, preventing operation of heat engine drive circuit 3906 and heater 336.

[0300] The first heater enable signal GATE_ENB from the controller 2105 is input to the OD terminal (pin 3) of the integrated gate driver U2003. A resistor R2016 is connected to the OD terminal of the integrated gate driver U2003 as a pull-down resistor, and is configured to hold the OD terminal of the integrated gate driver U2003 at a logic low level to prevent activation of the heating engine drive circuit 3906 and heater 336 if the first heater enable signal GATE_ENB from the controller 2105 is floating (or undefined).

[0301] 39, the heating engine drive circuit 3906 includes a transistor (e.g., MOSFET) circuit including transistors (e.g., MOSFETs) 39062 and 39064 connected in series between a voltage source BATT and ground. The gate of transistor 39064 is connected to the low-side gate driver terminal DRVL (pin 5) of the integrated gate driver U2003, the drain of transistor 39064 is connected to the switching node terminal SWN (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U2003 at node Node8, and the source of transistor 39064 is connected to ground GND.

[0302] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver terminal DRVL is high, the transistor 39064 is in a low impedance state (ON), which connects the node Node8 to ground.

[0303] As described above, capacitor C2007 is connected to the 9V input voltage signal 9V_GATE from the rail converter circuit 39020 and is therefore charged to a voltage equal to or substantially equal to the 9V input voltage signal 9V_GATE through diode D2002.

[0304] When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver terminal DRVL is low, the transistor 39064 switches to a high-impedance state (OFF), and the high-side gate driver terminal DRVH (pin 8) is internally connected to the boost terminal BST within the integrated gate driver U2003. As a result, the transistor 39062 switches to a low-impedance state (ON), which connects the switching node SWN to the voltage source BATT, allowing the switching node SWN (Node 8) to be pulled to the voltage of the voltage source BATT.

[0305] In this case, node Node7 is pulled up to a boosted voltage V(BST)≈V(9V_GATE)+V(BATT), which allows the gate-to-source voltage of transistor 39062 to be made the same or substantially the same as the voltage of the 9V input voltage signal 9V_GATE (e.g., V(9V_GATE)), regardless of (or independent of) the voltage from voltage source BATT. As a result, switching node SWN (Node8) provides a high current switching signal that can be used to generate a voltage output to heater 336 that is substantially independent of the voltage output from battery voltage source BATT.

[0306] 40 and 41 are exemplary embodiments of temperature sensing transducers included in the pod sensor 2220 shown in FIG.

[0307] 40 , the temperature sensing transducer 3600A includes a resistor R3602 and a sensor transducer R3604. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the resistor R3602 may have a fixed resistance of approximately 3 ohms. The sensor transducer R3604 may be a resistor having a variable resistance that changes with temperature. The resistor R3602 and the sensor transducer R3604 are arranged in a voltage divider circuit such that the voltage across the sensor transducer R3604 (the voltage at the measurement node N3606) is output to the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250 for scaling and may then be used to measure the temperature of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 or one or more components of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300.

[0308] In exemplary operation, the driver stage 3902A of the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250A (FIG. 36) applies the pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER to the temperature sensing transducer 3600A, and the measurement stage 3904A of the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250A scales the sensed voltage of the pod sensor signal SP_HW at measurement node N 3606 and outputs the scaled voltage as the pod temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL to the controller 2105. The controller 2105 then determines the temperature of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 or one or more elements of the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 based on the pod temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL.

[0309] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the voltage of the pod temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER may be fixed, and therefore the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250A can also calculate the current through resistors R3602 and R3604 since the resistance of resistor R3602 is a known resistance.

[0310] 41 , the temperature sensing transducer 3600B is similar to the temperature sensing transducer 3600A of FIG. 40 , except that the resistor R3602 has been omitted from the temperature sensing transducer 3600B and relocated to the driver stage 3902B of the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250B of FIG. 37 , as described above with respect to FIG. 37 . By relocating the resistor R3602 to the driver stage 3902B of the pod temperature measurement circuit 21250B, the cost of the non-nicotine pod assembly electrical system 2200 and / or the number of terminals required to interface between the device body 100 and the non-nicotine pod assembly 300 may be reduced. Furthermore, the resistance of the sensor transducer R3606 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 41 may be greater than the resistance of the sensor transducer R3604 in FIG. 40 to reduce current consumption by the temperature sensing transducer 3600B.

[0311] While exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A non-nicotine electronic vaping device, comprising: detecting that the resistance value of the heater has stabilized based on the current flowing through the heater; determining a plurality of resistance values ​​of the heater during a time window in response to detecting that the resistance value of the heater has stabilized; calculating a rate of change in resistance of the heater between a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values; determining whether a rate of change in the resistance value of the heater exceeds a threshold rate of change in the resistance value; Disabling power to the heater in response to determining that a rate of change of resistance of the heater has exceeded the threshold rate of change of resistance; determining whether a non-nicotine pod assembly is removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a first threshold time interval after disabling power to the heater; a processing circuit configured to power off the non-nicotine electronic vaping device in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has not been removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the first threshold time interval after disabling power to the heater.

2. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, a first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory configured to store a plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater; the first resistance value among the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater is the oldest resistance value stored in the FIFO memory; The non-nicotine electronic vaping device, wherein the second resistance value among the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater is the most recent resistance value stored in the FIFO memory.

3. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, a non-nicotine pod assembly including a memory that stores a rate of change of the resistance threshold; The non-nicotine electronic vaping device, wherein the processing circuit is configured to obtain the resistance value rate of change threshold from the memory in the non-nicotine pod assembly.

4. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, The non-nicotine e-vaping device, wherein the processing circuit is configured to detect when the resistance of the heater has stabilized based on a current through the heater and a wetting current threshold.

5. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, the processing circuit is configured to output an indication of a dry puff condition in response to determining that a rate of change of resistance of the heater has exceeded the threshold rate of change of resistance.

6. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, The processing circuitry a non-nicotine electronic vaping device configured to, in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has been removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the first threshold time interval after disabling power to the heater, return the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to an operational mode by clearing a fault associated with a dry puff condition in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

7. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 6, The processing circuitry determining whether another non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode; a non-nicotine electronic vaping device configured to enable vaping with the non-nicotine electronic vaping device in response to determining that another non-nicotine pod assembly has been inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode.

8. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 6, The processing circuitry determining whether another non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode; and configured to power off the non-nicotine electronic vaping device in response to determining that the other non-nicotine pod assembly has not been inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the second threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode.

9. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 1, a non-nicotine reservoir configured to store a non-nicotine prevapor formulation; and The heater is provided, The heater is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the non-nicotine reservoir.

10. A non-nicotine electronic vaping device, comprising: The non-nicotine electronic vaping device comprises: determining a plurality of resistance values ​​of the heater during a time window; calculating a rate of change in resistance of the heater between a first resistance value of the plurality of resistance values ​​and a second resistance value of the plurality of resistance values; Detecting whether a rate of change in the resistance value of the heater exceeds a threshold rate of change in the resistance value; In response to detecting that a rate of change of the resistance of the heater exceeds the resistance rate change threshold, outputting an indication of a dry puff state of the non-nicotine electronic vaping device; determining whether a non-nicotine pod assembly is removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a first threshold time interval after outputting the indication of the dry puff condition; and powering off the non-nicotine electronic vaping device in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has not been removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the first threshold time interval after outputting the indication of the dry puff condition. A non-nicotine electronic vaping device comprising a processing circuit configured to cause processing.

11. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 10, a first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory configured to store a plurality of resistance values ​​of the heater; the first resistance value among the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater is the oldest resistance value stored in the FIFO memory; The non-nicotine electronic vaping device, wherein the second resistance value among the plurality of resistance values ​​for the heater is the most recent resistance value stored in the FIFO memory.

12. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 10, a non-nicotine pod assembly including a memory that stores a rate of change of the resistance threshold; The non-nicotine electronic vaping device, wherein the processing circuit is configured to obtain the resistance value rate of change threshold from the memory in the non-nicotine pod assembly.

13. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 10, The processing circuitry detecting that the resistance value of the heater has stabilized based on the current flowing through the heater; and configured to determine a plurality of resistance values ​​of the heater during the time window in response to detecting that the resistance value of the heater has stabilized.

14. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 13, The non-nicotine electronic vaping device, wherein the processing circuit is configured to detect when the resistance of the heater has stabilized based on the current through the heater and a wetting current threshold.

15. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 10, The processing circuitry Disabling power to the heater in response to determining that a rate of change in resistance of the heater has exceeded a threshold rate of change in resistance; determining whether the non-nicotine pod assembly is removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a second threshold time interval after disabling power to the heater; a non-nicotine electronic vaping device configured to, in response to determining that the non-nicotine pod assembly has been removed from the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the second threshold time interval after disabling power to the heater, return the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to an operational mode by clearing a fault associated with the dry puff state in the non-nicotine electronic vaping device.

16. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 15, The processing circuitry determining whether another non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a third threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode; the non-nicotine electronic vaping device is configured to enable vaping in response to determining that another non-nicotine pod assembly has been inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the third threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode.

17. The non-nicotine electronic vaping device of claim 15, The processing circuitry determining whether another non-nicotine pod assembly is inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within a third threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode; and configured to power off the non-nicotine electronic vaping device in response to determining that the other non-nicotine pod assembly has not been inserted into the non-nicotine electronic vaping device within the third threshold time interval after returning the non-nicotine electronic vaping device to the operational mode.

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