Conductive housing and method for aerosol delivery devices

Abstract

A housing for an aerosol delivery device is described, comprising a circuit board mounted within the housing, a radiating conductor element at least partially surrounding the circuit board, and an electrical connection between an antenna signal output of the circuit board and a first connection point inside the radiating conductor element for providing an antenna signal for transmission such that the housing operates as an antenna during use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to housings, and more particularly to housings for aerosol delivery devices.

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-delivery substrate, such as tobacco, to form an aerosol by heating the substrate rather than burning it. The aerosol-delivery device may also be provided with communication means, for example, for communicating with a mobile communication device of a device user. Further developments in this field remain needed. Overview

[0003] In a first aspect, the present specification describes a housing (e.g., a metal housing) for an aerosol delivery device (e.g., a housing for an electronic smoking article). The housing includes a circuit board mounted within the housing, a radiating conductor element at least partially surrounding the circuit board, and an electrical connection between an antenna signal output of the circuit board and a first connection point inside the radiating conductor element for providing an antenna signal for transmission such that the housing operates as an antenna during use. The electrical connection may include a contact spring.

[0004] In use, the housing may act as a monopole antenna. In some alternative embodiments, the housing may act as a dipole antenna in use.

[0005] The housing may further include a slot disposed in the radiating conductor element. The slot may be located near the first connection point. The slot may be sized to meet (or attempt to meet) a desired antenna efficiency.

[0006] Some exemplary embodiments further include an antenna matching circuit (e.g., an adjustable antenna matching circuit). The antenna matching circuit may be configured to adjust the operating frequency of the antenna. The antenna matching circuit may include an inductor and a capacitor, at least one of which may be adjustable.

[0007] The radiating conductor element may extend from the first surface to the second surface. Alternatively or additionally, the radiating conductor element may have a substantially elliptical cross section.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing further comprises a communications module. The communications module may be for communicating with a remote device, such as a mobile phone. The remote device may include, for example, a user interface (or an application that provides a user interface). The communications module may be a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, or some similar module. The communications module may be provided as part of a circuit board.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present specification describes an aerosol delivery device (eg, a non-combustible aerosol delivery device) comprising a housing including any of the features of the first aspect above.

[0010] In a third aspect, the present specification describes an electronic smoking article comprising the aerosol delivery device of the second aspect.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, the present specification describes a method comprising using an aerosol delivery device according to the second aspect or an electronic smoking article according to the third aspect to communicate with a mobile communication device.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, the present specification describes a method including inserting a circuit board into a housing for an aerosol delivery device, wherein an electrical connection on the circuit board provides an electrical connection between a first connection point inside a radiating conductor element of the housing and an antenna signal output of the circuit board for providing an antenna signal for transmission (e.g., a Bluetooth signal or a WiFi signal), such that during use, the housing acts as an antenna and the radiating conductor element at least partially surrounds the circuit board. The antenna signal may be used, for example, to identify the location of the aerosol delivery device. Once inserted, the circuit board may be completely surrounded by the housing.

[0013] The method may include matching an impedance between the antenna signal output and the housing. The method may further include adjusting the impedance match.

[0014] The method may include generating an antenna signal output for transmission.

[0015] The method may include using the antenna signal for communication with a mobile communication device.

[0016] In a sixth aspect, the present specification describes a kit of parts including an article (e.g., a removable article including an aerosol-generating material) for use in a non-combustion aerosol generating system, the non-combustion aerosol generating system comprising a housing including any of the features of the first aspect described above or a device including any of the features of the second aspect described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] Illustrative embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an antenna arrangement in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plot illustrating the performance according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plot illustrating the performance according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary user interface according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0018] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user, including: Non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and aerosol-generating materials; and An article that includes an aerosolizable material and is configured for use in one of these non-combustible aerosol delivery systems.

[0019] According to this disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which, during use, the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the component aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or ignited to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporizer or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0022] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0023] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may, for example, include tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0024] Generally, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol-forming materials and are configured for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0026] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, a power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate the heat generating power source.

[0027] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0028] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0029] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol.

[0030] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable material may include an active material, an aerosol-forming material, and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may include nicotine (optionally contained in tobacco or a tobacco derivative) or one or more other non-olfactory physiologically active materials. A non-olfactory physiologically active material is a material included in the aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological response other than olfactory perception. As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, a dietary supplement, a nootropic, or a psychoactive agent. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B 12. In one embodiment, the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug.

[0031] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0032] The one or more functional ingredients may include one or more of a flavor, a carrier, a pH adjuster, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0033] In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device may include an aerosolizable material or a region for receiving an aerosolizable material. In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device may include a mouthpiece. The region for receiving an aerosolizable material may be a storage region for storing the aerosolizable material. For example, the storage region may be a reservoir. In one embodiment, the region for receiving an aerosolizable material may be separate from the aerosol-generation region or may be combined with the aerosol-generation region.

[0034] An aerosolizable material, which may also be referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material, is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosolizable material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain, for example, nicotine and / or a flavorant.

[0035] The aerosol-generating material may be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a "monolithic solid." The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the retained fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material), or the retained fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0036] The aerosolizable material may be present on a substrate, which may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted aerosolizable material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy.

[0037] A consumable is an article containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material or a material that can be heated by electrical conduction.

[0038] 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, generally designated by reference numeral 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. Aerosol delivery device 10 (such as an e-cigarette) includes a mouthpiece 11, a cartridge or pod 12, an atomizer 13, a sensor 14, a control module 15, a battery 16 (e.g., a rechargeable lithium battery), and an LED 17 (or some other illumination device). Control module 15 may include a microprocessor.

[0039] During use of aerosol delivery device 10, a user inhales through mouthpiece 11. Cartridge or pod 12 may store a liquid solution (eg, glycerol, flavoring, and nicotine).

[0040] Sensor 14 may be an airflow sensor configured to sense the airflow inhaled by the user and may provide input to control module 15. The functions of control module 15 may include controlling atomizer 13 and LED 17. Device 10 may use atomizer 13 to attempt to simulate the aroma of smoky vapor. LED indicator light 17 may illuminate when in use to simulate a flame glow during smoking.

[0041] The control module 15 may include a communication means, such as a Bluetooth chip or a WiFi chip. The communication means may be integrated into the microprocessor of the control module 15. An antenna (described in more detail below) enables the communication means to communicate with a remote device (e.g., a cell phone, mobile communication device, laptop, computer, or some other device) and allows information (e.g., e-cigarette usage statistics, liquid level data, etc.) to be provided to a user (e.g., using an application on the remote device).

[0042] As described in more detail below, the antenna may be provided by a shell or housing (e.g., the shell, housing, or sleeve of the aerosol delivery device 10), which may be a metal shell or housing. The antenna may be, for example, a dipole antenna or a monopole antenna.

[0043] The aerosol delivery device 10 may include a connector, such as a USB connector (not shown), that allows it to be connected to a power source for charging the battery 16 .

[0044] Aerosol delivery device 10 is provided by way of example only, and many variations and alternatives are possible.

[0045] 2 is a block diagram of a system, generally designated by reference numeral 20, according to an exemplary embodiment. System 20 includes aerosol delivery device 10 and a remote device 22 (i.e., remote from the aerosol delivery device). Remote device 22 may be, for example, a cell phone, mobile communication device, laptop, computer, or similar device, and may be owned or used by a user of aerosol delivery device 10.

[0046] As mentioned above (and described in more detail below), aerosol delivery device 10 has an output that transmits a signal (such as a Bluetooth or WiFi signal). The transmitted signal can be detected by remote device 22, allowing aerosol delivery device 10 to communicate with remote device 22. In some exemplary embodiments, remote device 22 can transmit to aerosol delivery device 10 (as shown by the dotted lines in system 20), although this is not required for all embodiments.

[0047] The signal transmitted from aerosol delivery device 10 to remote device 22 may be used to transmit information such as how many e-cigarettes the user has smoked (e.g., within a defined period, such as per day) or the amount of liquid remaining. Those skilled in the art will recognize many other examples of data that may be transmitted from aerosol delivery device 10 to remote device 22 (or indeed, data that may be transmitted from remote device 22 to aerosol delivery device 10).

[0048] 3 is a block diagram of a housing, generally designated by reference numeral 30, according to an exemplary embodiment. Housing 30 may include an outer sleeve 31, such as a metal sleeve (e.g., an aluminum sleeve), which may provide an exterior for at least a portion of aerosol delivery device 10 described above. Note that housing 30 may be used with alternative aerosol delivery or generation devices and electronic smoking articles.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, mounted within housing 30 are a printed circuit board 32 and a battery 34. Electronic components of control module 15 of aerosol delivery device 10 may be provided on printed circuit board 32 (generally designated by reference numeral 36). Other components (such as atomizer 13) may also be provided. While battery 34 is shown below printed circuit board 32, it should be noted that this is merely one exemplary embodiment. The printed circuit board and battery may be provided side-by-side, for example.

[0050] An electrical connection 35 is provided between a connection point 37 inside the sleeve 31 and an antenna signal output for providing an antenna signal for transmission by the housing 30 (so that the housing can be used as an antenna). The electrical connection 35 may take the form of a contact spring, for example.

[0051] 4 is a block diagram of a system generally designated by reference numeral 40 according to an exemplary embodiment. Housing 40 is an exemplary implementation of housing 30 described above. Housing 40 may be a sleeve (such as sleeve 31 described above). Housing 40 may be oval cylindrical in shape or may be elastic so that the shape of the housing has some flexibility. Housing 40 may be shaped according to the shape of aerosol delivery device 10 (e.g., may have a circular, rectangular, oval, diamond, or any other shape). Housing 40 may be a metal housing.

[0052] The housing 40 comprises an elliptical radiating conductor shell having an outer side 41 and an inner side 42 , a first elliptical element 43 , a second elliptical element 44 , a circuit board component 45 , a slot 46 , and an antenna signal feed 47 .

[0053] The slots 46 are provided to allow current inside the elliptical radiating conductor shells 41, 42 to flow to the outside of the elliptical radiating conductor shells, thereby improving antenna efficiency (as will be further explained below). For aesthetic appearance of the product, a non-conductive material (such as a plastic material) can be attached to or filled into the seams of the slots.

[0054] The circuit board component 45 can be equipped with a Bluetooth chip or a WiFi chip and an antenna output.

[0055] Although not shown in FIG. 4, the connection points of the housing described above with respect to FIG. 3 may be provided on the inside 42 of the radiating conductor shell.

[0056] 4, elements 43 and 44 have an oval shape, although this is not required for all exemplary embodiments. Housing 40 may be shaped according to the shape of aerosol delivery device 10 (e.g., may have a circular, rectangular, oval, diamond, or any other shape).

[0057] Several variations are possible for the housing 40. For example, the first oval element 43 and / or the second oval element 44 may be provided with holes on the surface for several functions such as LED lights, buttons, air inlets, charging docks, etc.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm generally designated by reference numeral 50, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0059] The algorithm 50 begins at operation 52 where the printed circuit board 32 is inserted into the housing 30 (or housing 40).

[0060] In operation 54, insertion of circuit board 32 continues until electrical contacts 35 (e.g., contact springs) contact connection points 37 inside the metal housing (e.g., inside 42 of the radiating conductor shell). In this configuration, electrical contacts 35 provide an electrical connection between connection points 37 and an antenna signal output for providing an antenna signal for transmission by the housing. Note that electrical contacts 35 need not be contact springs; for example, pogo pins could be used.

[0061] Once algorithm 50 is complete, printed circuit board 32 is completely enclosed within housing 30 or 40 .

[0062] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm generally designated 60 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0063] The algorithm 60 begins at operation 62 where an antenna signal is generated. The antenna signal may be generated by a control module.

[0064] In operation 64, an impedance match is provided between the antenna signal generating circuit and the transmitting antenna (e.g., housing 30 or 40). The impedance match is performed by an antenna matching circuit 74, described further below. The antenna matching circuit may be used to control the operating frequency of the antenna and may include capacitive and inductive elements, at least one of which may be adjustable to change the antenna operating frequency.

[0065] A signal is transmitted using the metal housing as an antenna in operation 66. The transmission may take the form of a Bluetooth signal or a WiFi signal.

[0066] 7 is a block diagram of an antenna arrangement generally designated by reference numeral 70, according to an exemplary embodiment. The antenna arrangement may be a monopole antenna, although other antenna arrangements, such as a dipole antenna, may also be used.

[0067] The antenna arrangement 70 includes a signal node 71 (such as the antenna signal feed 47 described above), a conductor 72 (e.g., the radiating conductor shells 41, 42 described above), and an antenna matching circuit 74 (which may be provided to adjust the operating frequency of the antenna).

[0068] 7, the antenna matching circuit 74 may include an inductance L and a capacitance C. The antenna matching circuit may be adjustable (e.g., where the inductance and / or capacitance are adjustable). In one exemplary implementation, the inductance is provided by a 3.3 mH inductor and the capacitance is provided by a 1.2 pF capacitor, although clearly alternative arrangements are possible.

[0069] Signal node 71 is connected to conductor 72 using a spring, such as electrical connection (eg, contact spring) 35 described above.

[0070] Signal node 71 may be used to transmit data from aerosol delivery device 10 to the aforementioned remote device 22. By way of example, data such as aerosol device usage data, battery level, etc. may be transmitted. This data may be collected and used (e.g., displayed or stored) in detachment device 22. For example, remote device 22 may be a mobile phone having an application that can be used to display information about aerosol delivery device 10.

[0071] 2, the antenna signal may be transmitted from the aerosol delivery device 10 (such as an electronic smoking article) to a remote device 22 (such as a mobile communication device). The remote device may use the data in many different ways.

[0072] 8 is a plot generally designated 80 illustrating performance according to an exemplary embodiment. Plot 80 shows data generated using a system having slot elements with a width of 0.7 mm. Three different slot lengths were tested (0 mm, 8 mm, and 16 mm, respectively), and the results using those slot lengths are plotted in FIG. 8.

[0073] Figure 8 plots the return loss (S11) measured using a network analyzer for each of the three slot lengths. Plot 80 clearly shows the resonant mode frequency 82 where the loss is substantially reduced. The center frequency of resonant mode frequency 82 is approximately 2425 MHz in each case. Therefore, the size (length) of slot element 46 has little or no effect on the resonant mode frequency of the antenna.

[0074] The resonant mode frequency 82 covers wireless Bluetooth communication frequencies and WiFi 2.4G communication frequencies, so the metal housings 30, 40 may use the resonant mode frequency 62 for Bluetooth or WiFi transmission.

[0075] 9 is a plot generally designated by reference numeral 90 illustrating functionality in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Plot 90 shows an efficiency diagram for a resonant mode antenna. The efficiency of three different slot lengths (0 mm, 8 mm, and 16 mm) is plotted, showing that slot length has a measurable effect on return loss.

[0076] From the experimental results, it can be seen that the size of the slot element 46 affects the antenna efficiency. The longer the slot element 46, the higher the antenna efficiency. The larger the size of the slot element, the more current is distributed to the outside of the radiating conductor element of the elliptical shell, which helps to improve the transmitting and receiving signals of the antenna.

[0077] Bluetooth transmissions (at a frequency of approximately 2425 MHz) have a wavelength of approximately 12.5 cm. As noted above, the antenna may be a monopole antenna. An ideal monopole antenna implemented by metal housing 30, 40 may have a housing length of half the wavelength (approximately 6.25 cm), which approximates the dimensions of many suitable housings. A dipole antenna implemented by metal housing 30, 40 may have an ideal housing length similar to or equal to the transmission wavelength (approximately 12.5 cm).

[0078] 10 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm, generally designated by reference numeral 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. Algorithm 100 illustrates one example of the use of data that may be obtained from aerosol delivery device 10 by remote device 22.

[0079] Algorithm 100 begins at operation 102, where a signal is received at remote device 22 or some other mobile communication device from aerosol delivery device 10, an electronic smoking article, or some similar device.

[0080] In operation 104, a location of the aerosol delivery device, electronic smoking article, or similar device is determined based on the received communication. The location determination may take the form of determining the location of the transmission relative to the location of the reception.

[0081] In optional operation 106, the location determined in operation 104 may be plotted, for example, on a display of the remote device or mobile communications device.

[0082] 11 illustrates an exemplary user interface, generally designated 110, according to an exemplary embodiment. User interface 120 may be output by remote device 22 or some other mobile communications device.

[0083] The user interface shows the user location (eg, the location of the remote device 22) along with an indicator of the location of the aerosol delivery device 10 (marked with an "X" in the user interface 110).

[0084] Of course, the user interface 110 is provided by way of example only, and many alternative display configurations can be provided, including displaying other forms of data.

[0085] As noted above, aerosol delivery device 10 has been described by way of example only, and many variations and alternatives are possible. By way of example, Figure 12 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, generally designated by reference numeral 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. Aerosol delivery device 200 is an exemplary implementation of aerosol delivery device 10 described above.

[0086] 12 shows aerosol supply device 200 without an outer cover. Aerosol supply device 200 may include a replaceable item 201 that can be inserted into aerosol supply device 200 to allow heating of item 201. Aerosol supply device 100 further includes an activation switch 202 that can be used to turn aerosol supply device 200 and multiple heating elements 203 a, 203 b, and 203 c on or off, and one or more air tube extensions 204 and 205. One or more air tube extensions 204, 205 may be optional.

[0087] Heating elements 203a, 203b, and 203c may be heaters that directly heat article 201. Alternatively, heating elements 203a, 203b, and 203c may be induction heating elements configured to interact with a susceptor contained within (or provided elsewhere in) article 201. The use of three heating elements 203a, 203b, and 203c is not required for all exemplary embodiments. Thus, aerosol delivery device 100 may include one or more heating elements.

[0088] A susceptor may be provided as part of the item 201. In an exemplary embodiment, when the item 201 is inserted into the aerosol supply device, the insertion of the item 201 may cause the aerosol supply device 200 to be turned on. When the aerosol supply device 100 is turned on, the (induction) heating element 203 (e.g., an induction heating element) may heat (e.g., inductively heat) the item 201 via the susceptor. In an alternative embodiment, the susceptor may be provided as part of the aerosol supply device 200 (e.g., as part of a holder for receiving the item 201).

[0089] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. [Item of invention] [Item 1] 1. A housing for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a circuit board mounted within the housing; a radiating conductor element at least partially surrounding the circuit board; an electrical connection between an antenna signal output of the circuit board and a first connection point inside the radiating conductive element for providing an antenna signal for transmission, such that the housing operates as an antenna in use; A housing comprising: [Item 2] Item 1. The housing of item 1, wherein in use, the housing operates as a monopole antenna. [Item 3] 3. The housing of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a slot provided in the radiating conductor element. [Item 4] Item 4. The housing of item 3, wherein the slot is near the first connection point. [Item 5] 5. The housing of claim 3 or 4, wherein the slot is sized to meet a desired antenna efficiency. [Item 6] 6. The housing according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the electrical connection comprises a contact spring. [Item 7] 7. The housing according to any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising an antenna matching circuit. [Item 8] Item 8. The housing of item 7, wherein the antenna matching circuit is adjustable. [Item 9] Item 9. The housing of item 7 or 8, wherein the antenna matching circuit is configured to adjust the operating frequency of the antenna. [Item 10] Item 10. The housing according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein the antenna matching circuit comprises an inductor and a capacitor. [Item 11] 11. The housing according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the radiating conductor element extends from a first surface to a second surface. [Item 12] Item 12. The housing according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the radiating conductor element has a substantially elliptical cross section. [Item 13] Item 13. The housing of any one of items 1 to 12, further comprising a communication module. [Item 14] Item 14. The housing of item 13, wherein the communication module is for communicating with a remote device. [Item 15] Item 15. The housing according to item 13 or 14, wherein the communication module is a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module. [Item 16] 16. The housing according to any one of items 13 to 15, wherein the communication module is provided as part of the circuit board. [Item 17] 17. The housing according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the housing is a metal housing. [Item 18] 18. The housing according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the housing is a housing for an electronic smoking article. [Item 19] An aerosol supply device comprising the housing according to any one of items 1 to 18. [Item 20] Item 19. An electronic smoking article comprising the aerosol delivery device of item 19. [Item 21] 21. A method comprising using the aerosol delivery device of claim 19 or the electronic smoking article of claim 20 to communicate with a mobile communication device. [Item 22] inserting a circuit board into a housing for an aerosol delivery device, wherein an electrical connection on the circuit board provides an electrical connection between an antenna signal output on the circuit board for providing an antenna signal for transmission and a first connection point inside a radiating conductor element of the housing, the radiating conductor element at least partially surrounding the circuit board, such that the housing acts as an antenna during use. A method comprising: [Item 23] 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising matching impedance between the antenna signal output and the housing. [Item 24] 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising adjusting the impedance matching. [Item 25] 25. The method of any one of items 22 to 24, further comprising generating the antenna signal output for transmission. [Item 26] 26. The method according to any one of items 22 to 25, wherein the antenna signal for transmission is a Bluetooth signal or a WiFi signal. [Item 27] 27. The method of any one of items 22 to 26, further comprising using the antenna signal for communication with a mobile communication device. [Item 28] 28. The method of any one of items 22 to 27, wherein the antenna signal is used to identify the location of the aerosol delivery device.

Claims

1. 1. A conductive housing for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a circuit board mounted within the conductive housing; an electrical connection between an antenna signal output of the circuit board for providing an antenna signal for transmission and a first connection point inside the conductive housing at least partially surrounding the circuit board, such that in use the conductive housing acts as an antenna; A conductive housing comprising:

2. The conductive housing of claim 1 , wherein, in use, the conductive housing operates as a monopole antenna.

3. The conductive housing of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a slot disposed within the conductive housing.

4. The conductive housing of claim 3 , wherein the slot is adjacent the first connection point.

5. The conductive housing of claim 3 , wherein the slot allows current inside the conductive housing to flow to the outside of the conductive housing.

6. The conductive housing of claim 1 , wherein the electrical connection comprises a contact spring.

7. The conductive housing of claim 1 further comprising an antenna matching circuit.

8. The conductive housing of claim 7 , wherein the antenna matching circuit is tunable.

9. The conductive housing of claim 7 , wherein the antenna matching circuit is configured to adjust the operating frequency of the antenna.

10. The conductive housing of claim 7 , wherein the antenna matching circuit comprises an inductor and a capacitor.

11. The conductive housing of claim 1 , wherein the conductive housing extends from a first surface to a second surface.

12. The conductive housing of claim 1 , wherein the conductive housing has a substantially oval cross section.

13. The conductive housing of claim 1 further comprising a communications module.

14. The conductive housing of claim 13 , wherein the communication module is for communicating with a remote device.

15. The conductive housing of claim 13, wherein the communication module is a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module.

16. The conductive housing of claim 13 , wherein the communication module is provided as part of the circuit board.

17. The conductive housing of claim 1 , wherein the conductive housing is a metal housing.

18. The conductive housing of claim 1 , wherein the conductive housing is a housing for an electronic smoking article.

19. An aerosol delivery device comprising the conductive housing of claim 1.

20. 20. An electronic smoking article comprising the aerosol delivery device of claim 19.

21. 21. A method comprising using the aerosol delivery device of claim 19 or the electronic smoking article of claim 20 to communicate with a mobile communication device.

22. inserting a circuit board into a conductive housing for an aerosol delivery device, wherein an electrical connection on the circuit board provides an electrical connection between an antenna signal output on the circuit board and a first connection point inside the conductive housing for providing an antenna signal for transmission, such that the conductive housing acts as an antenna during use, the conductive housing at least partially enclosing the circuit board; A method comprising:

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising matching an impedance between the antenna signal output and the conductive housing.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising adjusting the impedance match.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising generating the antenna signal for transmission.

26. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the antenna signal for transmission is a Bluetooth signal or a WiFi signal.

27. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising using the antenna signal for communication with a mobile communication device.

28. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the antenna signal is used to identify the location of the aerosol delivery device.

Images