Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

An aerosol delivery system is provided for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol delivery system comprises an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol product article, and a connector. The aerosol delivery device comprises control circuitry for identifying the aerosol product article. The control circuitry comprises a physical connection. The aerosol product article stores an aerosol generating material. The connector comprises a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuitry.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery system, a method for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, and an aerosol delivery means. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems are known. Typical systems use a user-activated heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material via an aerosol delivery device, which is then inhaled by the user. Modern systems may use consumable elements that include replaceable aerosol-generating materials. It may be desirable for manufacturers to control the use of authentic consumables. In particular, a manufacturer's device operates best with authentic manufacturer consumables, and the use of non-authentic consumables may shorten the device's lifespan or degrade the device's operation, affecting the user experience.

[0003] The present invention aims to solve some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0005] Some embodiments described herein provide an aerosol delivery system for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for identifying an aerosol product article, the control circuit comprising a physical connection; an aerosol product article for storing an aerosol-generating material; and a connector comprising a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit.

[0006] Such a system can recognize the authenticity of an aerosol product so that the device will only operate if the aerosol product is an acceptable authentic product. In particular, it can prevent operation of the device if the aerosol product is non-authentic. In this way, the system prevents the device from being used with aerosol products that are not known to interact with the device in a desired manner. In particular, this allows the manufacturer to ensure that the user experience is standardized over multiple uses, thereby improving the user experience of the system. Indeed, preventing operation of the device with non-authentic aerosol products can improve both the user experience and the device's longevity, since the manufacturer's aerosol products can be configured to best interact with the device.

[0007] Thus, users of the system can be protected, and the system itself can be protected from use with non-authentic aerosol producing products.

[0008] Some embodiments described herein provide a method for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, the method including the steps of: providing an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising control circuitry for identifying an aerosol product item, the control circuitry comprising a physical connection; providing an aerosol product item for storing an aerosol-generating material; providing a connector comprising a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit; connecting the connector to the physical connection of the control circuit; identifying authenticity of the aerosol product item; and updating an operational status of the aerosol delivery device based on the authenticity of the aerosol product item.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply means for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol supply means comprising an aerosol supply device comprising control circuitry means for identifying an aerosol product article, the control circuitry means comprising physical connection means; an aerosol product article for storing an aerosol generating means; and connection means comprising a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection means of the control circuitry means.

[0010] The present teachings are now illustrated by the following drawings, which are merely referenced: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to an example; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to an example; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to an example; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0013] Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed / described in detail. Accordingly, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein but not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, sometimes referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, with the understanding that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Additionally, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize," may generally be used interchangeably.

[0015] 1 shows a schematic diagram of one example of an aerosol delivery system 100 according to the present invention. Aerosol delivery system 100 includes an aerosol delivery device 110. Aerosol delivery device 110 includes control circuitry 112 for identifying an aerosol product product. Control circuitry 112 includes a physical connection 114. Aerosol delivery system 100 includes an aerosol product product 120 for storing aerosol-generating material. Aerosol delivery system 100 includes a connector 130 with a complementary physical connection 132 for connecting to physical connection 114 of control circuitry 112.

[0016] Aerosol delivery device 110 may be a device including a heater, an atomizer, or the like for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be supplied to aerosol delivery device 110 in the form of an aerosol product item 120. Aerosol product item 120 may include the aerosol-generating material and may be removably insertable into aerosol delivery device 110. In one example, aerosol product item 120 is a refillable pod that can be inserted into and removed from aerosol delivery device 110 for use.

[0017] 1 shows three main elements: aerosol delivery device 110, aerosol product 120, and connector 130. Connector 130 may physically connect to physical connection 114 of control circuitry 112 via a complementary physical connection 132. This physical connection may be achieved via one or more corresponding protrusions and recesses, slots, or the like.

[0018] During use, connector 130 is physically connected to control circuitry 112, which identifies aerosol product article 120. In particular, control circuitry 112 identifies whether aerosol product article 120 is an authentic aerosol product article or an inauthentic aerosol product article. Upon identifying aerosol product article 120 as authentic, control circuitry 112 may send a signal to aerosol delivery device 110 to enable activation of aerosol delivery device 110 by inhaling on device 110 or pressing an activation button.

[0019] In one example, the connector 130 may complete a circuit within the control circuit 112 such that the control circuit 112 can operate to identify the aerosol product article 120. In this example, the connector 130 provides an increased level of security in the use of the aerosol delivery device 110. The connector 130 is provided to an authorized user so that only the authorized user can connect the connector 130 to the control circuit 112. In this manner, the system 100 prevents use by unauthorized users as well as non-authentic aerosol product articles 120. Furthermore, the use of a physical connection between the connector 130 and the control circuit 112 makes it more difficult to manufacture a fraudulent, non-authentic connector 130 that connects to the control circuit 112 and allows unauthorized users to use the device 110. In this manner, the security of the system 100 is increased by using a physical connection rather than a software connection, which may be vulnerable to hacking or attack.

[0020] In another example, connector 130 can have circuitry to enable identification of aerosol product item 120. In this manner, when connector 130 is physically connected to control circuitry 112 and aerosol product item 120 is inserted into aerosol delivery device 110, both control circuitry 112 and connector 130 can identify aerosol product item 120. In one example, control circuitry 112 identifies one indicator of authenticity and connector 130 identifies another indicator of authenticity. If both control circuitry 112 and connector 130 identify aerosol product item 120 as authentic, control circuitry 112 enables operation of aerosol delivery device 110.

[0021] In the above example, upon successful authentication of aerosol product item 120, connector 130 may send a signal to control circuitry 112 via physical connection 114, 132 (which may also be an electrical connection) indicating that aerosol product item 120 has been authenticated by connector 130. Control circuitry 112 may receive this signal, and upon authentication of aerosol product item 120 by control circuitry 112, enable a user to activate aerosol delivery device 110. This activation may take the form of activating a heater or the like in response to the user inhaling on device 110 or pressing an activation button.

[0022] In particular, the physical configuration of the connection between control circuit 112 and connector 130 can be such that control circuit 112 can identify a first identifier located at a first location on aerosol product item 120, while controller 130 can identify a second identifier located at a second location on aerosol product item 120. In this manner, a two-part check by connector 130 and control circuit 112 is provided as to the authenticity of aerosol product item 120. Furthermore, the requirement for two identifiers at two locations on aerosol product item 120 significantly complicates the production of a non-authentic aerosol product item that can operate within aerosol delivery device 110. Thus, the likelihood of successfully using a non-authentic aerosol product item with aerosol delivery device 110 is significantly reduced.

[0023] In the example of Figure 1, device 110, aerosol product article 120, and connector 130 are three separate objects that may be used together. Referring now to Figure 2, a system 200 similar to system 100 of Figure 1 is shown. Features similar to those used in Figure 1 are shown with reference numbers increased by 100. For example, system 100 of Figure 1 is similar to system 200 of Figure 2. Similar or identical features may not be described for the sake of brevity.

[0024] In FIG. 2 , connector 230 is part of or connected to aerosol product item 220. In this example, aerosol product item 220 can be authenticated by connector 230 by having a cooperative connection to which connector 230 can be connected. The physical connection of connector 230 to aerosol product item 220 can be a first stage of authentication of aerosol product item 220. Connector 230 may not be physically connectable to a non-authentic aerosol product item. Connector 230 can then be connected to control circuitry 212 for a second stage of authentication. In the example of FIG. 2 , control circuitry 212 and physical connection 214 are within device 210, and when connected to connector 230, aerosol product item 220 is located within the body of aerosol delivery device 210.

[0025] 2 increases the difficulty of producing an unauthentic aerosol product item for use with system 200. The first authentication step may be completing a circuit within connector 230 by proper connection with aerosol product item 220. The second authentication step may be identification of aerosol product item 220 by control circuit 212, for example, by recognizing an identifier (e.g., a QR code, RFID tag, etc.) within aerosol product item 220. As noted above, until authentication occurs, the heater or atomizer of device 210 cannot operate, preventing use of an unauthentic aerosol product item.

[0026] Referring now to Figure 3, a system 300 similar to system 200 of Figure 2 is shown. Features similar to those used in Figure 2 are shown with reference numbers increased by 100. For example, system 200 of Figure 2 is similar to system 300 of Figure 3. Similar or identical features may not be described for the sake of brevity.

[0027] 3 includes an additional element 340 of which connector 330 is a part. In one example, this element can be a communication device 340. Communication device 340 can be a smartphone, tablet, PC, etc. that can provide control of or provide signals to elements of system 300 via communication between communication device 340 and aerosol delivery device 310. This can be by electrical communication via physical connections 314, 332 or by remote communication.

[0028] In particular, authentication of the aerosol product item 320 may occur via any of the processes described above, while authentication of the user may occur via the communication device 340. In particular, modern smartphones and tablets have access mechanisms and authentication systems that allow only authorized users to access the smartphone or tablet, such as through fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, passwords, passkeys, alphanumeric access sequences, or software identification tokens. Such mechanisms and systems may be used to identify a user attempting to use the device 310 as an authorized user. In particular, user authentication may require the user to access the communication device 340 and connect it to the control circuitry 312 via the connector 330. The user then inserts the aerosol product item 320 into the aerosol delivery device 310, and the aerosol product item is authenticated by the control circuitry 312 before the aerosol delivery device 310 is operational. Such a system provides a highly robust and secure system 300 that resists both unauthorized attempts to use the device 310 and the use of non-genuine aerosol product items. Again, the proposed two-factor system protects both the user and the device in a robust manner.

[0029] In one example, communication device 340 may communicate with aerosol delivery device 310 via wired or wireless communication. Authentication of aerosol product 320 may be via a wired physical connection, while user authentication may occur via a system that relays authentication via Bluetooth®, WiFi®, or other wireless communication. Modern smartphones and tablets have such capabilities and can be utilized in this example to communicate with aerosol delivery device 310 and transmit a signal of user authorization. In this manner, a control signal can be transmitted from connector 330 to control circuit 312 of aerosol delivery device 310.

[0030] Communications device 340 may be used to interact with aerosol delivery device 310. This may simply take the form of an authorization step, as described above. However, after a user of communications device 340 is confirmed as authorized via an interface on communications device 340, communications device 340 may be able to control elements of aerosol delivery device 310. Communications device 340 may be used to change settings of aerosol delivery device 310, e.g., the heating profile provided, device parameters, etc., to alter the aerosol delivered by aerosol delivery device 310. In this manner, an authorized user may control and personalize the aerosol delivered by aerosol delivery device 310. Thus, control signals sent from connector 330 to control circuitry 312 of aerosol delivery device 310 may relate to controlling the functionality of device 310. Control signals may also relate to enabling device 310 to function (or not function) based on successful or unsuccessful user authentication.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, communications device 340 may be capable of providing diagnostic or troubleshooting capabilities for aerosol delivery device 310. Indeed, when communicating with aerosol delivery device 310, whether via wireless or wired communication, communications device 340 may be able to evaluate the operating criteria or condition of components of aerosol delivery device 310. Thus, communications device 340 may be able to notify a user when parts may need to be replaced. A user may interact with device 310 via communications device 340 via an app on communications device 340.

[0032] 3 allows for a relatively low cost and highly controlled generation of aerosol generation from aerosol delivery device 310 by utilizing connector 330 and control circuitry 312 as well as communication device 340. Because aerosol-generating material 320 is relatively passive in the authorization process and does not function to identify the user, no power source is required within aerosol-generating material 320.

[0033] In any of the above examples, connector 330 may include its own control circuitry for communicating with aerosol product item 320. Aerosol product item 320 may include an identifier, such as a QR code or RFID tag, for identifying aerosol product item 320. Aerosol product item 320 may include two such identifiers, for example, one for identification by connector 330 and one for identification by control circuit 312.

[0034] The identifier may indicate the authenticity of the aerosol product item 320. Alternatively or additionally, the identifier may indicate the chemical composition of the aerosol product item 320. In this manner, the control circuitry 312 may identify the aerosol product item 320 and then select a heating profile appropriate for use with the particular aerosol product item 320. If a different aerosol product item 320 is identified, the control circuitry 312 may select a different heating profile. These predetermined heating profiles may be designed by the manufacturer and encoded into the identifier of the aerosol product item 320. In this manner, the manufacturer may assist the user in generating the desired aerosol from the aerosol product item 320 without requiring input from the user.

[0035] In one example, connector 330 is a USB connector and physical connection 314 of control circuitry 312 is a complementary USB connection. The systems used herein may use a USB dongle or USB drive or similar USB device to provide a connection between connector 330 and control circuitry 312. Connector 330 may connect to control circuitry 312 by moving in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 .

[0036] Connector 330 and control circuitry 312 may control the operational state of aerosol delivery device 310 based on authentication of the user and aerosol product item 320. The "operational state" of aerosol delivery device 310 may be broadly considered to be one or more of an active state or an inactive state. Signals provided from connector 330 are received by control circuitry 312 and may ultimately result in updating aerosol delivery device 310 from one active state to another.

[0037] In the "active state," the elements of the aerosol delivery device 310 used to generate the aerosol (e.g., atomizer, heater, etc.) may be activated. Specific activation of the device 310 may require additional input, such as the user inhaling on the device 310 or the user pressing a button on the device 310, as described above; alternatively, the device 310 may automatically cause the heater to generate the aerosol upon receiving a signal from the control circuitry 312 regarding authentication of the user and / or the aerosol product 320.

[0038] In the "inactive state," elements of the aerosol delivery device 310 used to generate the aerosol (e.g., atomizer, heater, etc.) may not be activated. In this example, inhaling or pressing a button on the device 310 does not affect the heater or atomizer, etc. The aerosol delivery device 310 may be in an inactive state prior to authentication of the user / aerosol product item 320. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device 310 may be in an inactive state when the aerosol product item 320 or potential user is not identified as authentic or authorized.

[0039] The term "operating state" may refer to a number of states in which the device 310 may be operated, and may include variations between these states (such as a heating profile). Similarly, the term "non-operating state" may refer to a number of states in which the device 310 may not be operated, and may include variations between these states (such as a requirement to return the device to an operating state).

[0040] The operating state selected by the aerosol delivery device 310 may be based on a characteristic of the aerosol product item 320, which may be identified by the control circuit 312 or the connector 330. The characteristic may be any of the following: the chemical composition of the aerosolizable material of the aerosol product item 320; the strength of the aerosolizable material of the aerosol product item 320; the size of the aerosol product item 320, which relates to the amount of aerosolizable material in the aerosol product item 320; and the rating of the aerosol product item 320. The rating of the aerosol product item 320 may relate to whether the aerosol product item 320 is from a batch with a particularly high concentration of one compound, whether the aerosol product item 320 has multiple aerosolizable materials, or any other relevant factor. Such characteristics may be associated with the aerosol product item 320 and may affect subsequent activity of the aerosol delivery device 310, such as the heating profile applied.

[0041] The identifier of the aerosol product item 320 can be a coded identifier, such as a QR code or bar code, that can be read by the connector 320 or the control circuitry 312. There is a correspondence between these elements so that the connector 320 or the control circuitry 312 can read the identifier. For example, if the identifier is a QR code, the connector 320 or the control circuitry 312 can be a QR code reader. The identifier can also be an RFID, and the connector 320 or the control circuitry 312 can be an RFID reader. Other identifier / detector combinations are possible.

[0042] System 300 may have a memory (not shown) for storing a database. The memory may be part of control circuitry 312. The database may store identities of authentic aerosol product items and authorized users so that system 300 can cross-check with the database in memory when identifying an aerosol product item or a user. The manufacturer may also set operational conditions in memory for use with a particular aerosol product item based on best usage practices understood at the factory. The operational conditions may alternatively or additionally be set by the user and may be editable by the user, for example, via communication device 340. In this example, the user experience is improved by providing greater flexibility to the user.

[0043] In one example, a database for storing identification information of authentic aerosol product articles and authorized users may be maintained remotely in a data store and accessed by a communication element in the control circuitry 312 of the device 310 or by the communication device 340. Details about the specific heating profile for use with a particular aerosol product article may also be stored in the remote database. In this manner, updates to the authenticity of the aerosol product article, authorized users, and predetermined operating conditions for use with a particular aerosol product article may be made without downloading such updates to be stored in the device 310; rather, the device 310 may remotely read the updated database. In this manner, if changes occur, they may be easily deployed to or accessed by all associated devices 310.

[0044] Storing the database on device 310 or communication device 340 can be advantageous because system 300 does not need to have a communication element within system 300 and does not need to connect to a communication network to access a remotely maintained database before each use session.

[0045] Storing the database remotely and connecting to the database via a communications element can be advantageous because the system 300 does not need to include the database in memory and the database can be updated remotely, ensuring that the device 310 does not need to periodically update its built-in database. In this way, recently modified (modified in terms of synthesis, authentication, etc.) aerosol product articles 320 can be accurately assessed as to their suitability or the heating profile used in those aerosol product articles from the regularly updated remote database.

[0046] The active or inactive operating state can be indicated by the control circuitry 312, and the user may initiate activation of the heater from additional input, such as by pressing a button or puffing on the device 310. In this configuration, the control circuitry 312 may determine that the aerosol product and user authentication requirements have not been met, thereby preventing activation of the heater despite the user providing input, such as pressing a button or puffing.

[0047] In contrast, when authorization is granted, the control circuit 312 may enable activation of the heater in response to a button press or inhalation by the user. In this manner, the system 300 provides for safe delivery of aerosols only to authentic aerosol products and authorized users.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of using an aerosol delivery system. In method 400, the device may start in a default, inactive state (step 402). Advantageously, the device is in an inactive state prior to user authorization and aerosol product identification. In this state, the user cannot activate the heater. The user then physically connects the device to a connector (step 404). The control circuitry and connector operate to authenticate the aerosol product, in one example by identifying an identifier within the aerosol product (step 406). This may include a check against an on-board database or a remote database.

[0049] If the aerosol product item is identified as authentic, the method proceeds to step 410. The operational state of the device is then updated to an operational state (step 412). This operational state may be designed for use with the identified aerosol product item (e.g., with a particular heating temperature, aerosol generation, etc.). After the usage session is over, for example, if the aerosol product item is removed and discarded, the method returns to step 402 with the device in a non-operational state. Thus, upon the introduction of a new aerosol product item, a new round of authentication is performed to allow for system hardening.

[0050] If the aerosol product item is identified as non-authentic, the method proceeds to step 420. The operational state of the device is updated to an inactive state (step 422). In this example, the user may be unable to operate the device. Such a state may be overcome, for example, by removing the non-authentic aerosol product item and replacing it with an authentic aerosol product item.

[0051] A similar method can be envisioned for authenticating a user, and indeed, in the example shown here, proceeding to step 412, the device and connector assess the authenticity of both the user and the aerosol product before enabling the device for use.

[0052] In some cases, the inactive state may be a locked state. The locked state may be used when repeated attempts to use the device occur while in the inactive state. Alternatively, the locked state may be updated after multiple attempts to use the device with non-authentic aerosol products or by unauthorized users. In this manner, the device may be protected from hacking attempts, misuse, and the like. Similarly, if an unauthorized user attempts to use the device without authorization, an indication of such an attempt or an indication that multiple requests occurred during the inactive period may be provided to the authorized user. The authorized user may then act accordingly. The locked state may be changed back to the default inactive state by entry of a password, passcode, passkey, alphanumeric sequence, or similar known only to the intended user. This may be done via the communication device shown in FIG. 3. This enhances the overall protection provided to the device by the system.

[0053] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein can operate with interchangeable flavor pods within the device. The flavors can be either tobacco and glycolic, and can include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, etc.). The flavor enhancers may include other additives such as citric acid, maltodextrin ...

[0054] When combined with an aerosol-generating medium or an aerosol-producing article, the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol delivery system.

[0055] Thus, an aerosol delivery system for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user has been described, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device having a control circuit for identifying an aerosol product product, the control circuit having a physical connection; an aerosol product product for storing an aerosol-generating material; and a connector having a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit.

[0056] The aerosol delivery system may be used in tobacco industry products, such as a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0057] In one embodiment, a tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0058] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0059] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0060] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is coupled to or includes a heater.

[0061] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating a substrate material without burning it. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, such as tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0062] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0063] In one embodiment, a tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0064] In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic item.

[0065] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without electronic means, such as by burning a combustible material, such as charcoal.

[0066] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0067] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol or aerosol-forming agent, or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0068] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating, without combustion, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0069] To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure provides, by way of example, various embodiments by which the claimed inventions may be practiced and which provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid in understanding and teach the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limitations on the present disclosure 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 and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Furthermore, the present disclosure encompasses other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery system for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol delivery system comprising:

1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for identifying an aerosol product, said control circuit comprising a physical connection; an aerosol-producing article for storing the aerosol-forming material; a connector that connects to the physical connection of the control circuit and that has a complementary physical connection to allow identification of the aerosol product; Equipped with The aerosol delivery system, wherein the connector is separate from the aerosol delivery device and the aerosol product.

2. 2. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the connector having a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit is part of a communication device for communicating with the aerosol delivery device.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2, wherein the communication device is one of a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC, and the communication device is configured to identify a user of the aerosol delivery system.

4. the connector further comprises a control circuit for communicating with the aerosol product product, and the aerosol product product further comprises an identifier for identifying the aerosol product product; The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector is configured to identify the identifier.

5. The aerosol delivery system of claim 4 , wherein the control circuitry of the aerosol delivery device is configured to identify the identifier of the aerosol product item.

6. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector is at least one of a USB dongle or a USB drive.

7. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector is configured to provide a control signal to the control circuit of the aerosol delivery device.

8. 1. A method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: Providing an aerosol delivery device, comprising: the aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for identifying an aerosol product, the control circuit comprising a physical connection; providing an aerosol production article for storing an aerosol-forming material; providing a connector having a complementary physical connection for connecting to said physical connection of said control circuit; connecting the connector to the physical connection of the control circuit to enable identification of the aerosol product; identifying the authenticity of the aerosol product; updating an operational status of the aerosol delivery device based on the authenticity of the aerosol product; Including, The method, wherein the connector is separate from the aerosol delivery device and the aerosol product.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein providing a connector comprises providing a connector connected to a communication device for communicating with the aerosol delivery device.

10. identifying a user's identity by said communication device; communicating the identification information of the user to the aerosol delivery device by the communication device; 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

11. checking the identity of the user against a database of authorized users; updating an operational status of the aerosol delivery device based on the identification information of the user; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

12. identifying the authenticity of the aerosol product; checking the identity of the user against a database of authorized users; At least one step of accessing a database in an on-board memory; The method of claim 11.

13. identifying the authenticity of the aerosol product; checking the identity of the user against a database of authorized users; At least one step of remotely accessing an external database; The method of claim 11.

14. 1. An aerosol delivery means for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, said aerosol delivery means comprising:

1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising control circuitry means for identifying an aerosol product, said control circuitry means comprising physical connection means; an aerosol producing article for storing the aerosol generating means; connection means for connecting to said physical connection means of said control circuit means and providing a complementary physical connection for enabling identification of said aerosol product article; Equipped with An aerosol delivery means, wherein the connection means is separate from the aerosol delivery device and the aerosol product article.

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