How to operate an aerosol supply device

Abstract

A method (400) for operating an aerosol supply device (100) is provided. The method includes a step of determining an ambient temperature, a step of comparing the determined ambient temperature with a threshold value, a step of operating the device (100) in a predetermined usage session, and a step of setting a limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions, wherein the limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions is set depending on a comparison between the determined ambient temperature and the threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating an aerosol supply device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol supply device and an aerosol supply system including an article containing the aerosol supply device and an aerosol generating material.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by producing products that release compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, and these tobacco products or other non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, a method of operating an aerosol supply device is provided. The method includes determining an ambient temperature, comparing the determined ambient temperature with a threshold value, operating the device in a predetermined usage session, and setting a limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions (consecutive sessions), and the limit regarding the number of consecutive usage sessions is set based on a comparison between the determined ambient temperature and the threshold value.

[0004] The aerosol supply device may include a battery, and the ambient temperature may be determined by measuring the temperature of the battery.

[0005] The threshold value may be a predetermined temperature value of the battery.

[0006] The threshold temperature may be between 20°C and 70°C, or between 30°C and 60°C, or between 40°C and 50°C. In some embodiments, the threshold temperature may be 50°C.

[0007] The aerosol supply device may include a temperature sensor positioned to detect the battery temperature.

[0008] The temperature sensor may also be a thermistor.

[0009] This method may include the steps of setting a first limit on the number of consecutive use sessions based on the determined ambient temperature being higher than a threshold, and setting a second limit on the number of consecutive use sessions based on the determined ambient temperature being lower than a threshold.

[0010] The first limit may be lower than the second limit. Alternatively, the first limit may be higher than the second limit.

[0011] The first limit may be two consecutive sessions. Alternatively, the first limit may be three consecutive sessions.

[0012] The second limit may be three consecutive sessions. Alternatively, the second limit may be two consecutive sessions.

[0013] The threshold may be a first threshold, the method may include the step of comparing the determined ambient temperature with a second threshold, and may further include the step of preparing at least one further limit, the limit on the number of consecutive sessions may be set to at least one further limit based on the comparison with the second threshold.

[0014] The method may include a step of determining the ambient temperature when the device is started.

[0015] The method may include a step of determining when the limit on the number of consecutive use sessions has been reached.

[0016] The method may include a step of providing a message that the device should not be used if the limit on the number of consecutive use sessions has been reached. The message may be presented by an LED.

[0017] The method may include a step to prevent the device from being used if the limit on the number of consecutive use sessions has been reached.

[0018] The method may include a step of resetting the consecutive session count.

[0019] The method may include the steps of identifying when the device enters charging mode and resetting the continuous session count in response to the device entering charging mode.

[0020] The method may include the steps of determining the length of time the device has been in charging mode, comparing the length of time the device has been in charging mode with a charging time threshold, and resetting the continuous session count only if the length of time is longer than the charging time threshold.

[0021] The method may include the steps of determining the length of time since the end of the session in use, comparing this length of time with a session interruption threshold, and resetting the consecutive session count only if the length of time is longer than the session interruption threshold.

[0022] The session interruption threshold may be 60 seconds, 50 seconds, 40 seconds, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, or 10 seconds.

[0023] The step of operating the device in a predetermined usage session may include operating the device for a predetermined duration of time; operating the device for a predetermined number of detection puffs performed by the user; detecting that at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material is inserted into the device; detecting that at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material is removed from the device; detecting that at least a portion of a first article containing aerosol-generating material is inserted into or removed from the device; and identifying user input.

[0024] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply device is provided comprising a heating assembly arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, a temperature sensor configured to determine an ambient temperature, a processor, and memory, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to transmit the determined temperature to the processor, and the processor is configured to compare the determined ambient temperature with a threshold and set a limit on the number of consecutive use sessions, the limit on the number of consecutive use sessions being set based on the comparison of the determined ambient temperature with the threshold.

[0025] According to some embodiments described herein, a method for operating an aerosol supply device is provided. The method is: Before the start of the operation session, the step of determining the battery temperature as an indicator of the housing surface temperature, The steps include comparing the determined temperature with a threshold, If the determined temperature exceeds a threshold, the device operation session is prevented from running. Includes.

[0026] According to some embodiments described herein, a computer program is provided that includes instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described herein.

[0027] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply system is provided that includes an aerosol supply device described herein and an article including an aerosol-generating material arranged to be at least partially received by the aerosol supply device.

[0028] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a front view of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 2] It is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of an aerosol supply device and a case. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing a method of operating an aerosol supply device.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” refers to a material capable of generating an aerosol when energy is applied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol-generating material may also contain any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing material, and may include one or more of the following: tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, re-tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also contain other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol-generating material may also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smoking material.”

[0031] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance and / or filler may be further present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may be further present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0032] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a monolithic solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, inside. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of amorphous solid, or about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of amorphous solid.

[0033] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a sheet, or be a sheet, and the sheet may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheets may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0034] According to this disclosure, a “non-flammable” aerosol supply system is a system in which the composition aerosol-generating material of the aerosol supply system (or components of the aerosol supply system) is not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not essential.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0038] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of these aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0039] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may comprise a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system, including the non-flammable aerosol supply device of the non-flammable aerosol supply system, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be applied in the vicinity of the heat-generating power source to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat-transferring material.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0043] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging material, filter, mouthpiece, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0044] An aerosol generating device is capable of accepting an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that contains or is contained in use the aerosol-generating material, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components in use. After the user inserts the article into the aerosol generating device, the article is heated to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to accept the article.

[0045] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Schematically, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 300 containing an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium to be inhaled by the user of the device 100. The article 300 and the device 100 together form an aerosol supply system.

[0046] The device 100 comprises a body 101. A housing 102 encloses and accommodates various components of the body 101. An opening 103 is formed at one end of the body 101, and an article 300 can be inserted through the opening for heating by the aerosol generator 150 (see Figure 2). When in use, the article 300 may be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 150, where it may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 150.

[0047] Device 100 further includes a button assembly 200 that activates device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may switch device 100 on by operating the button assembly 200.

[0048] The aerosol generator 150 defines the longitudinal axis X.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of device 100. Device 100 includes electrical components such as a connector / port 160 capable of receiving a cable for charging the device's battery. For example, the connector 160 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, the connector 160 may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

[0050] Device 100 includes a power supply 170, which in the illustrated embodiment is a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Suitable battery examples include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the aerosol generator 150 to supply power to heat the aerosol-generating material as needed and under the control of the controller.

[0051] The device includes a user interface display 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface display 111 is an LED, but in other embodiments, a screen or other suitable user interface display 111 may be provided.

[0052] The main body 101 has the end surface of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 103 is sometimes known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 104 of the device 100, as it is located closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts an article 300 into the opening 103, operates the aerosol generator 150 to start heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated by the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along the flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0053] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 103 may be known as the distal end 106 of the device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use. When the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device, the aerosol flows toward the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal, applied to the features of the device 100, are described in terms of the relative positions of such features toward each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0054] As used herein, a single component refers to a component of device 100 that cannot be separated into two or more components after the device 100 has been assembled. "Integratedly molded" refers to two or more feature parts that are formed into a single component during the manufacturing process of the component.

[0055] The air passage 180 extends through the main body 101. The air passage 180 extends to the air inlet 190.

[0056] In one example, the aerosol generator 150 includes an induction-type heating system that includes a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator includes an inductor coil assembly. The aerosol generator 150 also includes a heating element, which is also known as a susceptor.

[0057] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, in which case inductive heating of the heating material occurs as the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates the susceptor. The heating material may be a magnetic material, in which case magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material occurs as the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, in which case the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0058] The aerosol generator 150 is an induction heating assembly comprising various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of article 300 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the inductive element. The fluctuating current in the inductive element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor that is properly positioned relative to the inductive element, generating eddy currents inside the susceptor. Since the susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore the eddy currents flow against this resistance, the susceptor is heated by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, further heat may be generated due to the magnetic hysteresis loss of the susceptor, i.e., due to the fluctuation in the orientation of the magnetic dipoles of the magnetic material as a result of aligning with the fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, rapid heating is possible because the heat is generated inside the susceptor. Furthermore, since no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, it is possible to increase the flexibility of the structure and application.

[0059] An inductor coil assembly includes an inductor coil. In some embodiments, the number of inductor coils differs. In some embodiments, two or more inductor coils are used. The inductor coil assembly further comprises a coil support. The coil support is tubular.

[0060] The heating element is part of the heating assembly. The heating element in this example is hollow and therefore defines at least a portion of the receptacle into which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, article 300 may be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular with a circular cross-section. The heating element has a substantially constant diameter along its axial length.

[0061] In some embodiments, the heating assembly defines the receptacle, and the heating element stands upright within the receptacle.

[0062] The heating element is formed from a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. In this example, the susceptor is made of carbon steel. It should be understood that other suitable materials may be used, such as ferromagnetic materials like iron, nickel, or cobalt.

[0063] In other embodiments, the feature functioning as a heating element is not limited to induction heating. Therefore, the feature functioning as a heating element may be heatable by electrical resistance. Accordingly, the aerosol generator 150 may include electrical contacts for electrical connection to a device for electrically operating the heating element by passing an electrical energy flow through it. Other heating modes by the aerosol generator 150 are also anticipated.

[0064] The receptacle and article 300 are sized so that article 300 is received by the heating element. This helps ensure that heating is most efficient. Article 300 in this example comprises an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is placed inside the receptacle. Article 300 may further comprise other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0065] The airflow passage 180 extends from the receptacle. The airflow passage 180 is located at the distal end. The airflow passage 180 protrudes from the heating element. The airflow passage 180 extending from the heating element is defined by the flow channel member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow channel member 182 form part of the airflow channel structure 181.

[0066] The flow channel member 182 extends between the heating element and the opening 190. The flow channel member 182 is tubular. The flow channel member 182 defines a bore. The flow channel member extends axially along the length of the flow channel member.

[0067] Device 100 comprises an electronic module 112 having at least one controller comprising a processor 114 and memory 116. The electronic module 112 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller. The PCB may further include one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components of device 100 together. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout device 100.

[0068] Device 100 includes a temperature sensor 175. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 175 is a thermistor. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermistor 175 is mounted on the battery 170 so that the temperature of the battery 170 can be measured. The thermistor 175 may be fixed to the battery 170 by any suitable means. For example, the thermistor 175 may be glued to the battery 170. In some embodiments, the battery 170 is fixed using adhesive. The thermistor 175 may be supported near the battery 170 or in contact with the battery 170 by a support structure, for example, a bracket (not shown).

[0069] The thermistor 175 is connected, as is well known, to a temperature-calibrated microampere meter and electrically connected to a battery 170 to power the thermistor-microampere meter circuit. This connection may be implemented via a PCB. In other embodiments, the thermistor 175 may be separately powered, for example, by a separate dedicated battery (not shown). A temperature sensor 175 is provided to monitor the temperature of the battery 170 during use of the device 100.

[0070] The temperature sensor 175 is electrically connected to the controller so that the temperature readings obtained by the temperature sensor 175 can be transmitted to the processor 114.

[0071] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor is provided on the battery 170 to monitor the battery temperature and detect overheating in real time. Thus, in such embodiments, the same temperature sensor 175 can be used for both real-time overheat detection and obtaining temperature readings required for the method of the present invention. This results in a reduction in the number of components, which may allow for a reduction in the size, weight, and cost of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0072] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 175 may not be located on the battery 170. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature sensor 175 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 102 so as to be able to measure the surface temperature of the device 100.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a pen-type aerosol dispensing device 350 that is removable from case 360. Case 360 ​​is configured to charge the device 350 when it is housed inside case 360. Case 360 ​​may utilize contact points or known wireless charging.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating method 400. In step 401, the ambient temperature of device 100 is measured. The ambient temperature is determined based on the measured device ambient temperature. The device ambient temperature represents the ambient temperature of the air surrounding device 100.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ambient temperature is defined as the temperature of the surrounding environment immediately near the device 100. The ambient temperature is the ambient air temperature surrounding the device. At startup, the device 100 has not yet begun to generate heat, and therefore the temperature of the device 100 may be the ambient temperature or close to it. The device temperature is the device ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the ambient temperature is defined as the device ambient temperature of the device 100. In some embodiments, before the device 100 is started up, the device ambient temperature is at least substantially the ambient air temperature surrounding the device. The ambient temperature of the device 100 may differ from the ambient air temperature surrounding the device. For example, before startup, one or more components within the device may generate some thermal energy. Furthermore, thermal radiation, such as sunlight, may heat the device.

[0076] Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature is determined when the device 100 is started. In the illustrated embodiment, this includes measuring the temperature of the battery 170 using thermistor 175. Before the device 100 starts a usage session, the temperature of the battery 170 represents the ambient temperature. In such embodiments, the ambient temperature is determined by the temperature of the battery 170. Therefore, the operation of the device can be adjusted based on the determined environmental conditions without requiring a dedicated component for measuring such environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the step of determining the ambient temperature may include measuring the surface temperature of the device, the ambient temperature, or the temperature of internal components of the device 100. In such embodiments, a temperature sensor with another primary function may be used to determine the ambient temperature, or a separate dedicated ambient temperature sensor may be provided.

[0077] After the ambient temperature of device 100 is measured in step 401, device 100 is operated in a predetermined usage session in step 405. The step of operating the device in a predetermined usage session can be defined in several ways. The step of operating device 100 in a predetermined usage session may include operating the device for a predetermined duration of time, operating the device for a predetermined number of detection puffs performed by the user, detecting that at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material is inserted into the device, detecting that at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material is removed from the device, detecting that at least a portion of a first article containing aerosol-generating material is inserted into or removed from the device, and identifying user input. Such predetermined usage sessions are known. Memory 116 records a count of the number of times a continuous usage session has occurred. When a predetermined usage session begins, the count in memory 116 is incremented by one. In step 403, the measured ambient temperature is transmitted from the temperature sensor 175 to the processor 114, where it is compared to a threshold value stored in memory 116. In some embodiments, the threshold value is set to 40°C. In some embodiments, the threshold value is set to 50°C. If the ambient temperature is higher than the threshold value, the method then proceeds to step 407, in which the processor 114 sets the limit on the number of consecutive sessions to a first limit value.

[0078] In some embodiments, when applied to usage sessions, the term “consecutive” is intended to mean that the time elapsed between the end of one usage session and the start of a subsequent usage session is less than a predetermined value (a session interruption threshold). In some embodiments, this predetermined time elapsed corresponds to 30 seconds. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that setting a limit on the number of such consecutive sessions based on the measured ambient temperature can reduce the likelihood of the device overheating, while still allowing users to perform consecutive sessions when the risk is low. For example, if the device has a low ambient temperature that may result from the user being outdoors on a cold day, the device may be able to perform more consecutive sessions before overheating. This additional functionality can be achieved by setting a limit based on the measured ambient temperature.

[0079] In such an embodiment, the first limit value may be lower than the second limit value.

[0080] In other embodiments, when applied to usage sessions, the term “consecutive” is intended to mean that those sessions were performed during the same usage period between two charging periods. By setting a limit on the number of such consecutive sessions based on the determined ambient temperature, the effect of ambient temperature on battery performance is taken into account, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the likelihood of the device's battery running out during a session is reduced. Thus, the user will have a better experience. For example, if the device has a low ambient temperature that may occur as a result of the user being outdoors on a cold day, the battery in the device may be able to perform fewer consecutive sessions before needing to be recharged because battery performance degrades at low temperatures. By setting a limit based on the determined ambient temperature, it is possible to take into account and adjust for this temperature effect.

[0081] In such an embodiment, the first limit value may be higher than the second limit value.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first limit is two consecutive sessions. If the ambient temperature does not exceed the threshold, the method then proceeds to step 409, in which the processor sets the limit on the number of consecutive sessions to a second limit. In some embodiments, the second limit is three consecutive sessions. In the illustrated embodiment, if the measured ambient temperature is at the threshold, the limit is then set to the second limit. However, in some embodiments, the limit can be set to the first limit if the measured ambient temperature is at the threshold.

[0083] When a predetermined usage session ends in step 405, the user may request that another session be started before the device 100 is recharged / before the session interruption threshold has elapsed (one consecutive session). Thus, in step 411, user input is received to start another consecutive session. This input may be received in any suitable way, but in the illustrated embodiment, this input is received via the button assembly 200 and transmitted to the processor 114. Upon receiving this input, in step 413, the processor 114 retrieves the consecutive session count from memory 116 and determines whether the consecutive session count has reached a set limit. If the limit has been reached, the method proceeds to step 415. In step 415, an indication that the consecutive session limit has been reached may be presented to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the indication is presented by LED 111. For example, the indication may include flashing of the LED. In other embodiments, the indication may be provided via any suitable display means, such as a reading on a screen.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, in step 415, the device may be temporarily disabled to prevent the user from starting another consecutive session despite notification that a limit has been reached. The device may be disabled in any suitable manner. For example, power to the aerosol generator 150 may be cut off for a certain period of time, or power to the button assembly 200 may be cut off for a certain period of time, in order to prevent registration of user input requesting further sessions.

[0085] If the limit has not been reached, the method returns to step 405, allowing another predetermined usage session to be initiated.

[0086] In some embodiments, the threshold in step 403 is a first threshold, and the method includes a further step (not shown) of comparing the measured ambient temperature with a second threshold in response to the comparison with the first threshold. For example, the second threshold may be higher than the first threshold. Thus, if the measured ambient temperature is lower than the first threshold, the limit is set to a first limit value; if the measured ambient temperature is higher than the first threshold, the limit is then compared with a second threshold. If the measured ambient temperature is higher than the first threshold but lower than the second threshold, the limit is then set to a second limit value; and if the measured ambient temperature is higher than the second threshold, the limit is then set to a third limit value, which may correspond to 1. In alternative embodiments, the second threshold may be lower than the first threshold. In some embodiments, a number of thresholds lower and higher than the first threshold may be provided so that the limit can be adjusted more specifically with respect to the measured ambient temperature.

[0087] After a period of time equivalent to the session interruption threshold has elapsed, the consecutive session count is reset to zero. In embodiments where consecutive sessions are defined as sessions occurring within the same usage period, the consecutive session count is reset to zero when the device is recharged.

[0088] In some embodiments, the method includes the step of determining when device 100 enters charging mode. This may be achieved by monitoring the current flowing through the device's charging port. In some embodiments, the continuous session count is reset to zero in response to device 100 entering charging mode. However, in other embodiments, the method may include the steps of determining the length of time device 100 has been in charging mode, comparing this length of time device 100 has been in charging mode to a charging time threshold, and resetting the continuous session count only if the length of time is longer than the charging time threshold. In other embodiments, the step of determining whether the charge level is sufficiently high may include comparing the charge level to a charge level threshold and resetting the continuous session count if the charge level exceeds the charge level threshold. In some embodiments, the charge level threshold is set to one of 50%, 60%, 80%, 90%, or 100%.

[0089] If the device 100 is next started after the continuous session count has been reset to zero, the method restarts from step 401. In some embodiments, the charge level threshold is set to one of 50%, 60%, 80%, 90%, or 100%.

[0090] In some embodiments, both the charge level and ambient temperature may be considered when setting the continuous session limit.

[0091] Embodiments of the present invention, in which consecutive sessions are defined as sessions occurring within the same usage period, may be particularly applicable to pen-type aerosol dispensing devices that are frequently stored in a charging carrying case. The device is removed from the case by the user to use the device.

[0092] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples 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 considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or to equivalents thereof, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriately include, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A method for operating an aerosol supply device, A step to determine the ambient temperature, The steps include comparing the determined ambient temperature with a threshold value, A step of operating the device in a predetermined usage session, Steps to set limits on the number of consecutive sessions and Includes, A method in which the limit on the number of consecutive use sessions is set based on the comparison between the determined ambient temperature and the threshold value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a battery, and the ambient temperature is determined by measuring the temperature of the battery.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the threshold value is a predetermined temperature value of the battery.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of the battery.

5. The method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: setting a first limit value for the number of continuous use sessions based on the determined ambient temperature being lower than the threshold; and setting a second limit value for the number of continuous use sessions based on the determined ambient temperature being higher than the threshold.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first limit is two consecutive usage sessions.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second limit is three consecutive use sessions.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the threshold is a first threshold, and the method includes the step of comparing the determined ambient temperature with a second threshold, and the step of providing at least one further limit, wherein the limit with respect to the number of consecutive use sessions is set to the at least one further limit based on the comparison with the second threshold.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining the ambient temperature when the device is started.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining when the limit on the number of consecutive use sessions has been reached.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing a display indicating that the device should not be used when the limit on the number of consecutive use sessions has been reached.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising the step of preventing the device from being used when the limit on the number of consecutive use sessions is reached.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of resetting the limit on the continuous use session.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of operating the device in a predetermined usage session includes at least one of operating the device for a predetermined duration of time; operating the device for a predetermined number of detection puffs performed by the user; detecting that at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material is inserted into the device; detecting that at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material is removed from the device; detecting that at least a portion of a first article containing aerosol-generating material is inserted into or removed from the device; and identifying user input.

15. A heating assembly arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A temperature sensor configured to detect ambient temperature, Processor and memory and Equipped with, An aerosol supply device wherein the temperature sensor is configured to transmit the detected ambient temperature to the processor, the processor is configured to compare the detected ambient temperature with a threshold value and set a limit on the number of continuous use sessions, and the limit on the number of continuous use sessions is set based on the comparison between the detected ambient temperature and the threshold value.

16. A computer program that, when executed by a computer, includes an instruction causing the computer to perform the method described in claim 1.

17. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device according to claim 15, and an article containing an aerosol-generating material arranged to be at least partially received by the aerosol supply device.

Images