Aerosol supply system

Abstract

The aerosol delivery system 300 for generating aerosol includes a feedback unit 200 for providing feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery system 300. The feedback unit 200 is configured to continuously provide a respective feedback F1, F2 during the duration of each operation mode M1, M2 while the aerosol delivery system, or any aerosol delivery device 4 thereof, is generating aerosol in at least one respective operation mode M1, M2. Each feedback F1, F2 is configured to provide an indication of a predetermined characteristic of the aerosol delivery system during the aerosol delivery system generating aerosol in the respective operation mode M1, M2, it being noted that the value of the predetermined characteristic may differ between each operation mode. The feedback F1, F2 is also different for each operation mode M1, M2, thereby allowing a user to distinguish each operation mode M1, M2.

Description

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, aerosol supply systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes). Background

[0002] Electronic aerosol supply systems often use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or more generally aerosol supply devices. Such aerosol supply systems typically include a reservoir of a fluid or liquid containing an aerosolizable material (also referred to as an aerosol generating material), e.g., a formulation that typically, but not necessarily, contains nicotine, or a solid material such as, for example, a tobacco-based product, from which vapor / aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, e.g., by thermal vaporization. Thus, an aerosol supply system typically includes an atomizer (also referred to as an aerosol generator), e.g., comprising a heating element, arranged to atomize a portion of the aerosolizable material to produce vapor.

[0003] When vapor is generated, the vapor can pass through a flavoring material to add flavor to the vapor (if the aerosolizable material itself is not flavored), and then the (flavored) vapor can be delivered from the aerosol supply system to the user via a mouthpiece.

[0004] A potential drawback of many existing aerosol supply systems and related aerosol supply devices is that they cannot provide appropriate feedback to the user while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosol. Thus, various approaches are described herein that attempt to help address or mitigate some of these problems by using a feedback unit that can provide user feedback depending on how the aerosol supply system is operating while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosol. Summary

[0005] According to a first aspect of one embodiment, an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol is provided. A feedback unit for providing feedback to the user of an aerosol supply system, The feedback unit is configured to continuously provide first feedback over the duration of the first operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the first operating mode, the first feedback being configured to provide an indication of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the first operating mode.

[0006] According to a second aspect of one embodiment, a method is provided for providing feedback to a user of an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol, the method being: The process includes providing a first feedback continuously over the duration of the first operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode, the first feedback including a representation of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode.

[0007] The features and embodiments of the present invention described above are equally applicable to various aspects of the present invention and can be combined with other embodiments of the present invention as needed, as well as in specific combinations described herein.

[0008] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described merely as examples with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing an aerosol supply system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol supply device (shown separately) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the components of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 3A] This is one of several cross-sectional views schematically showing the housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3B] This is another of several cross-sectional views schematically showing the housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3C] This is yet another cross-sectional view schematically showing the housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4A] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the partition elements of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 4B] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the partition elements of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 5A] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the elastic plug of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 5B] This is another perspective view schematically showing the elastic plug of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5C] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the elastic plug of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 6A] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 6B] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 7] An embodiment of an aerosol supply system is schematically shown, which can be used with an aerosol supply system as shown in Figures 1 to 6B, and which, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, includes a feedback unit configured to provide different feedback while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in each of its different operating modes. [Figure 8A]An embodiment of an aerosol supply system is schematically shown in which a feedback unit provides continuous first tactile feedback while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in a first operating mode, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] An embodiment of an aerosol supply system is schematically shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a feedback unit provides continuous second tactile feedback while an aerosol supply device is generating an aerosol in a second operating mode. [Figure 9A] An embodiment of an aerosol supply system is schematically shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a feedback unit provides continuous first visual feedback while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in a first operating mode. [Figure 9B] An embodiment of an aerosol supply system is schematically shown in which a feedback unit provides continuous second visual feedback while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in a second operating mode, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanation

[0010] Some examples and embodiments of aspects and features are discussed / described herein. Some examples and embodiments of aspects and features can be implemented conventionally and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented according to any prior art for implementing such aspects and features.

[0011] This disclosure relates to a non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as an e-cigarette). According to this disclosure, a “non-flammable” aerosol supply system is one in which the aerosolizable components (or their constituent parts) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate delivery to the user. The aerosolizable material, which may also be referred herein as an aerosol-generating material or aerosol precursor material, is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated or electrocuted in some other way. The aerosolizable material may also be flavored in some embodiments.

[0012] Throughout the following explanation, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, and it will be understood that these terms can be used interchangeably with "aerosol delivery system." Note that while electronic cigarettes are also known as vaping devices or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs), the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system is a hybrid device configured to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or more of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0014] Typically, a (non-flammable) aerosol supply system may comprise a cartridge / consumable component and a body / reusable / aerosol supply device component configured to releasably engage with the cartridge / consumable component.

[0015] The aerosol supply system may be provided with means for supplying power to the vaporizer therein, and may be provided with a transfer element for the aerosolizable material for receiving the aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply system may also include a reservoir for containing the aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments, a further reservoir for containing a flavoring material for flavoring the vapor generated from the aerosol supply system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vaporizer can be a heater / heating element that can interact with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form a vapor / aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the vaporizer can generate a vapor / aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat via, for example, one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurized, or electrostatic means.

[0017] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosolizable material that can include an active ingredient, a carrier ingredient, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

[0018] The active ingredient may include one or more physiological and / or olfactory active ingredients contained in an aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological and / or olfactory response of the user. The active ingredient may be selected from, for example, nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychotropics. The active ingredient may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active ingredient may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives or combinations. The active ingredient may include components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or another plant. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a physiological active ingredient and can be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine tartrate / nicotine tartrate salt), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient, which may be selected from “flavorings” and / or “flavorings” and, where local regulations permit, can be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in products intended for adult consumers. In some examples, such ingredients may be called flavorings, flavorings, flavoring materials, refrigerants, heating agents, and / or sweeteners.These are naturally occurring fragrance materials, plant substances, plant substance extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berries, red berries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime). Tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascaria, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, kurt, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine Mint, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, pimento, ginger, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the Mentha genus, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, It may contain other additives such as marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, fennel, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant-derived substances, or breath fresheners.These may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. These may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquid such as oil, solid such as powder, or gas, or extracts of one or more (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, osmanthus, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, drum bu, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, This may include caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piement, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the Mentha genus), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, herbal medicines, or breath fresheners. These may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, e.g., oil, liquid, or powder.

[0020] In some embodiments, the flavoring ingredients (flavorings) may include menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavorings may include flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry. In some embodiments, the flavorings may include eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavorings may include flavoring components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavorings may include, in addition to or instead of, scent and taste nerves, sensations (sensates) intended to achieve somatosensory sensations that are typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heating agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3.

[0021] The carrier component may contain one or more components that can form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier component may contain one or more of the following: 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 mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0022] One or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0023] As described above, an aerosol supply system (e-cigarette) may often comprise a modular assembly that includes both reusable parts (body or aerosol supply device) and replaceable consumables (cartridges). Devices that conform to this type of two-part modular configuration are sometimes commonly referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for e-cigarettes to have an elongated shape. To provide a concrete example, one embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may comprise this type of substantially elongated two-part device using consumable parts. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein can also be equally applied to other e-cigarette configurations, such as modular devices comprising three or more parts, based on so-called box-mod high-performance devices, which typically have a more boxy shape, as devices that conform to other overall shapes.

[0024] Therefore, referring to the above and Figure 1, is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system (e-cigarette) 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Terms relating to the relative orientation of various aspects of the e-cigarette (e.g., top, bottom, upward, downward, apex, base, etc.) are used herein in reference to the orientation of the e-cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless otherwise indicated in context). However, it will be understood that this is purely for the sake of clarity and is not intended to indicate that there is any arbitrary orientation required for an e-cigarette in use.

[0025] The e-cigarette 1 (aerosol supply system 1) comprises two main components: a cartridge 2 and an aerosol supply device 4. Although the aerosol supply device 4 and cartridge 2 are shown separately in Figure 1, they are coupled together during use.

[0026] The cartridge 2 and the aerosol supply device 4 are coupled by establishing mechanical and electrical connections between them. The specific method for establishing the mechanical and electrical connections is of no primary importance to the principles described herein and can be established according to the prior art, for example, by using appropriately positioned electrical contacts / electrodes to establish an electrical connection between the two parts as needed, based on screw-type, plug-in, latch-type or friction-fit mechanical fastening. For example, in the e-cigarette 1 shown in Figure 1, the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece 33, a mouthpiece end 52, and an interface end 54, and is coupled to the aerosol supply device by inserting the interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into the corresponding receptacle 8 / receiving section of the aerosol supply device. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is tightly fitted with the receptacle 8 and includes a projection 56 that engages with a corresponding stopper on the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 forming the receptacle 8 in order to releasably mechanically engage between the cartridge and the aerosol supply device. An electrical connection is established between the aerosol supply device and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts at the bottom of the cartridge (not shown in Figure 1) and corresponding spring-loaded contact pins at the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in Figure 1). As stated above, the specific method of establishing the electrical connection is not important to the principle described herein, and in fact, some implementations may have no electrical connection at all between the cartridge and the aerosol supply device, for example, because the transmission of power from the reusable components to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction technology).

[0027] The e-cigarette 1 (aerosol supply system) has a roughly elongated shape extending along its longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol supply device, the total length of the e-cigarette in this example (along the longitudinal axis) is approximately 12.5 cm. The total length of the aerosol supply device is approximately 9 cm, and the total length of the cartridge is approximately 5 cm (i.e., when they are coupled together, there is an overlap of approximately 1.5 cm between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the aerosol supply device). The cross-section of the e-cigarette is roughly elliptical, widest near the center and tapering towards both ends. The cross-section near the center of the e-cigarette is approximately 2.5 cm wide and 1.7 cm thick. The end of the cartridge is approximately 2 cm wide and 0.6 mm thick, while the other end of the e-cigarette is approximately 2 cm wide and 1.2 cm thick. The outer housing of the e-cigarette is made of plastic in this example. The specific size and shape of the e-cigarette and the materials used to construct it are not of primary importance to the principles described herein and may differ in different implementations. In other words, the principles described herein can be equally applied to e-cigarettes of various sizes, shapes, and / or materials.

[0028] The aerosol supply device 4 may be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general structural techniques, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of Figure 1, the aerosol supply device 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including a receptacle wall 12 that forms a receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as described above. The outer housing 10 of the aerosol supply device 4 in this example has a substantially elliptical cross-section that conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at these interface portions, allowing for a smooth transition between the two parts. Since the receptacle 8 and end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetrical when rotated 180 degrees, the cartridge can be inserted into the aerosol supply device in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 comprises two air inlet openings 14 (i.e., holes in the wall) of the aerosol supply device. These openings 14 are positioned to align with an air inlet 50 for the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol supply device. One of the different openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in a different orientation. It will be understood that some implementations may not have rotational symmetry such that the cartridge can be coupled to the aerosol supply device in only one orientation, while other implementations may have higher-order rotational symmetry such that the cartridge can be coupled to the aerosol supply device in multiple orientations.

[0029] The aerosol supply device further comprises a battery 16 for supplying operating power to the e-cigarette, a control circuit 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the e-cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

[0030] In this example, the battery 16 is rechargeable and may be a conventional type, for example, one commonly used in e-cigarettes or other applications requiring a relatively large current supply over a relatively short period. The battery 16 can be recharged via a charging port 24, which may have, for example, a USB connector.

[0031] In this example, the input button 20 is a conventional mechanical button, equipped with a spring-loaded component, which, for example, can establish electrical contact in the circuit below when pressed by a user. In this regard, the input button can be considered an input device for detecting user input, for example, to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific method of implementing the button is not important. For example, other forms of mechanical buttons or contact-sensing buttons (based on capacitive or optical sensing technology) may be used in other implementations, or there may be no button at all, and the device may rely on a smoke extraction detector to trigger aerosol generation.

[0032] The indicator light 22 is provided to give the user a visual indication of various features related to the e-cigarette, such as the operating status (e.g., on / off / standby) and other features such as battery life or malfunction status. These features may be indicated, for example, by various colors and / or various flash sequences, generally in accordance with prior art.

[0033] The control circuit 18 is appropriately configured / programmed to control the operation of the e-cigarette and provide conventional operating functions in accordance with established techniques for controlling e-cigarettes. The control circuit (processor circuit) 18 can be thought of as logically comprising various subunits / circuit elements related to various modes of operation of the e-cigarette. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuit 18 may include a power control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery / power source to the cartridge in response to user input, a user programming circuit for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, and other functional unit / circuit-related functionalities in accordance with the principles described herein and the normal operating modes of the e-cigarette, such as an indicator light display driver circuit and a user input detection circuit. It will be understood that the functionality of the control circuit 18 can be provided in various ways, such as by using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of cartridge 2 (disassembled along the longitudinal axis L). Cartridge 2 comprises a housing portion 32, an air channel seal 34, a partition element 36, an outlet pipe 38, a vaporizer / heating element 40, a transport element 42 for aerosolizable material, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 having a contact electrode 46. Figures 3 to 6 schematically show some of these components in more detail.

[0035] Figure 3A is a schematic cutaway of the housing portion 32 along the longitudinal axis L, where the housing portion 32 is thinnest. Figure 3B is a schematic cutaway of the housing portion 32 along the longitudinal axis L, where the housing portion 32 is widest. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing portion along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e., viewed from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

[0036] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of the partition element 36 seen from below. Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the partition element 36 seen from below.

[0037] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above, and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic view of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L as seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., viewed from above in the orientation of Figures 1 and 2).

[0038] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. Figure 6B is a schematic view of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L as seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., from above).

[0039] In this example, the housing portion 32 comprises a housing outer wall 64 and a housing inner tube 62, which in this example are formed from a single molded polypropylene body. The housing outer wall 64 forms the exterior of the cartridge 2, and the housing inner tube 62 forms part of the air channel through the cartridge. The housing portion is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge, except for the mouthpiece opening / aerosol outlet 60 from the mouthpiece 33, which is in fluid communication with the housing inner tube 62. The housing portion 32 includes an opening in its side wall that becomes the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example is approximately 2 mm 2The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes the projections 56 discussed above, which engage with corresponding stoppers on the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 forming the receptacle 8 in order to releasably mechanically engage between the cartridge and the aerosol supply device. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion further includes projections 66, which, when the cartridge is assembled, function as contact stoppers for positioning the partition element 36 along the longitudinal axis L. The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 further includes holes, which become latch recesses 68 positioned to receive corresponding latch projections 70 provided on the end cap, and when the cartridge is assembled the end cap is fixed to the housing portion.

[0040] The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes a double-wall section 74 that forms a gap 76 that is in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 forms part of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example, the double-wall section 74 of the housing portion 32 forms an air channel through which the gap passes within the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis, with a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of approximately 3 mm 2 The arrangement is such that the gap / part of the air channel 76 formed by the double-wall section of the housing portion extends downward to the open end of the housing portion 32.

[0041] The air channel seal 34 is a silicone molded body in a substantially tubular shape having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes a peripheral ridge 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes a peripheral ridge, but these are not visible in Figure 2. When the cartridge is assembled, the air channel seal 34 is fitted to the housing inner tube 62 such that the end of the housing inner tube 62 partially extends into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 of the air channel seal has a diameter of approximately 5.8 mm in its relaxed state, while the end of the housing inner tube 62 has a diameter of approximately 6.2 mm, so a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 stretches to accommodate the housing inner tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridge on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.

[0042] The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section made of, for example, ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an inner diameter of approximately 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 88, the end of which has a semicircular recess 90. When the cartridge is assembled, the outlet tube 38 is mounted to the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is approximately 9.0 mm in its relaxed state, thereby forming a seal when the air channel seal 34 is compressed and fitted inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by a ridge 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. A collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 acts as a stopper for the outlet tube 38.

[0043] The transport element 42 for the aerosolizable material includes a capillary core, and the vaporizer (aerosol generator) 40 includes a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary core. In addition to the resistance wire portion wound around the capillary core, the vaporizer is provided with a conductor 41, which contacts an electrode 46 attached to an end cap 54 through a hole in the plug 44, allowing power to be supplied to the vaporizer via an electrical interface established when the cartridge is connected to the aerosol supply device. The vaporizer conductor 41 may include the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary core, or it may include a different material (e.g., a low-resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary core. In this example, the heater coil 40 includes a nickel-iron alloy wire, and the core 42 includes a glass fiber bundle. The vaporizer and the transport element for the aerosolizable material are provided according to any prior art and may include various forms and / or various materials. For example, in some implementations, the core may include a fibrous or solid ceramic material, and the heater may include a different alloy. In other examples, the heater and wick may be combined, for example, in the form of a porous material and a resistant material. More generally, it will be understood that the specific properties of the transport element and vaporizer of the aerosolizable material are of no primary importance to the principles described herein.

[0044] Once the cartridge is assembled, the core 42 is received in the semicircular recess 90 of the outlet tube 38, so that the central portion of the core around which the heating coil is wound is located inside the outlet tube, while the end portion of the core is located outside the outlet tube 38.

[0045] The plug 44 in this example consists of a single molded body of silicone and may be elastic. The plug comprises a base portion 100 from which an outer wall 102 extends upward (i.e., toward the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upward from the base portion 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 that penetrates the base portion 100.

[0046] The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the housing portion 32 so that when the cartridge is assembled, the plug 44 forms a seal with the housing portion 32. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the outlet tube 38 so that when the cartridge is assembled, the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 108, the ends of which have semicircular recesses 110. Cradle sections 112 extending outward from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 (i.e., away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) are molded to receive sections of the transport element 42 of the aerosolizable material when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semicircular recesses 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 are aligned with the slots 88 and semicircular recesses 90 of the outlet pipe 38. As a result, the slots 88 of the outlet pipe 38 accommodate one of the cradles 112, and the semicircular recesses of the outlet pipe and the plug work together to form a hole through which the transport element for the aerosolizable material passes. The size of the hole formed by the semicircular recess through which the transport element for the aerosolizable material passes is closely related to the size and shape of the transport element for the aerosolizable material, but slightly smaller, and a certain degree of compression is achieved by the elasticity of the plug 44. This allows the aerosolizable material to be transported along the transport element for the aerosolizable material by capillary action, while limiting the extent to which the aerosolizable material that is not transported by capillary action can pass through the opening. As described above, the plug 44 includes a further opening 114 in the base portion 100, and when the cartridge is assembled, the contact wires 41 for the vaporizer pass through the opening 114. The base portion of the plug has a spacer 116 at its bottom, which maintains an offset between the rest of the base portion's bottom and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include an opening 114 through which the electrical contact wires 41 for the vaporizer pass.

[0047] The end cap 48 consists of a polypropylene molded body to which a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 are attached.

[0048] The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are at approximately the same height as the interface end 54 of the cartridge, which is located on the end cap 48. These are the electrode portions, to which the correspondingly aligned spring contacts in the aerosol supply device 4 are connected when the cartridge 2 is assembled and connected to the aerosol supply device 4. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 into the hole 114 of the plug 44 through which the contact wires 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly larger than the hole 114, and their upper ends are chamfered to facilitate insertion into the hole 114 of the plug, and are maintained in pressure contact with the contact wires for the vaporizer thanks to the plug.

[0049] The end cap has a base section 124 and an upright wall 120 that fits into the inner surface of the housing portion 32. The upright wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing portion 32, so that when the cartridge is assembled, the latch projection 70 engages with the latch recess 68 of the housing portion 32, snapping the end cap 48 into the housing portion. The top of the upright wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts against the peripheral portion of the plug 44, and the lower surface of the spacer 116 on the plug also abuts against the base section 124 of the plug, so that when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing portion, it is pressed against the elastic portion 44 and maintained in a slightly compressed state.

[0050] The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 that extends beyond the base of the upright wall 112, and its thickness corresponds to the thickness of the outer wall of the housing portion at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upright positioning pin 122 that aligns with a corresponding positioning hole 128 in the plug, which helps to determine the relative position of the two during assembly.

[0051] The partition element 36 consists of a single molded polypropylene body and includes a partition 130 and a collar 132 formed projecting from the partition 130 toward the interface end of the cartridge. The partition element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet pipe 38 passes (i.e., the partition is positioned around the outlet pipe 38). In some embodiments, the partition element 36 may be formed integrally with the outlet pipe 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the partition 130, and the upper surface of the partition 130 in turn engages with a projection 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32. Thus, the partition 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing portion 32—that is, the partition 130 is fixedly positioned along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the projection 66 in the housing portion, thereby forming a plug with a fixed surface for pressing. The collar 132, formed by a projection from the partition wall, includes a first pair of opposing projections / tongues 134 that engage with corresponding recesses provided on the inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The projections from the partition wall 130 further form a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with one of the corresponding cradle sections 112 within the section 44, further forming an opening through which a transport element for aerosolizable material passes when the cartridge is assembled.

[0052] When cartridge 2 is assembled, an air channel is formed that extends through the cartridge from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60. The first section of the air channel starts from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of housing portion 32 and is realized by a gap 76 formed by a double-wall section 74 of the outer wall 64 of housing portion 32, extending from the air inlet 50 towards the interface end 54 of the cartridge, beyond the plug 44. The second section of the air channel is realized by a gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. The third section of the air channel is realized by a hole 106 that penetrates the plug 44. The fourth section of the air channel is realized by the internal region of the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet pipe around the vaporizer 40. This fourth section of the air channel is also called the aerosol region / aerosol generation region, and it is the primary region where aerosols are generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol generation region may be called the air inlet section of the air channel. The fifth portion of the air channel is realized by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. The sixth portion of the air channel is realized by the inner tube 62 of the outer housing, which connects the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60 located at the end of the mouthpiece 33. The air channel from the aerosol generation region to the aerosol outlet is sometimes referred to as the aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

[0053] Furthermore, once the cartridge is assembled, the reservoir 31 for the aerosolizable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing portion 32. This can be filled during manufacturing, for example, through a filling hole that is later sealed, or by other means. The specific properties of the aerosolizable material, for example, its composition, are not of primary importance to the principles described herein, and generally any conventional aerosolizable material of the type commonly used in e-cigarettes can be used. This disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolizable material, which may be a conventional e-liquid as described above. However, the principles of this disclosure apply to any aerosolizable material that has the ability to flow, which may include liquids, gels, or solids, and in the case of solids, a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered as a bulk.

[0054] The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by the plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the partition wall 130 and a second region below the partition wall 130, within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The transport element (capillary core) 42 for the aerosolizable material passes through the opening in the wall of the air channel, which is formed by the semicircular recesses 108, 90 of the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38, and the cradle sections 112, 136 of the plug 44 and the partition element 36, which engage with each other as discussed above. Thus, the end of the transport element for the aerosolizable material extends into the second region of the reservoir, from which the aerosolizable material is drawn through the opening in the air channel into the vaporizer 40, where it is subsequently vaporized.

[0055] In normal use, cartridge 2 is coupled to aerosol supply device 4, which is activated and supplies power to the cartridge via contact electrodes 46 in the end cap 48. The power is then sent to vaporizer 40 through connecting wires 41. Thus, the vaporizer is electrically heated, thereby vaporizing a portion of the aerosolizable material from the transport element of the aerosolizable material near the vaporizer. This generates an aerosol in the aerosol-generating region of the air channel. The aerosolizable material vaporized from the transport element of the aerosolizable material is replaced by more aerosolizable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporizer is operating, the user inhales through the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This draws air in from there, regardless of which air inlet 14 of the aerosol supply device is aligned with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge (depending on the orientation in which the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle 8 of the aerosol supply device). Next, air enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double-wall section 74 of the housing portion 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48, and then enters the aerosol generation region surrounding the vaporizer 40 through the hole 106 in the base portion 100 of the plug 44. The incoming air mixes with the aerosol generated from the vaporizer to form a condensed aerosol, which is then drawn in along the outlet tube 38 and the housing inner tube 62 before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet / aerosol outlet 60 for the user to inhale.

[0056] Figures 1 to 6B above show the structure of a possible embodiment of aerosol supply system 1 configured to generate aerosols, which is suitable for use in the context of this disclosure (potentially in conjunction with other forms of aerosol supply systems).

[0057] Referring here to Figures 7 to 9B, the disclosure also provides an aerosol supply system 300 for generating an aerosol (which may be based on, for example, an aerosol supply system 1 as shown in Figures 1 to 6B, but obviously other forms of aerosol supply systems can also be used as long as they can generate an aerosol), and the aerosol supply system 300 further comprises a feedback unit 200 for providing feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system 300. At a general level, the feedback unit 200 may be configured to continuously provide a first feedback over the duration of the first operating mode M1 while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode M1. Thus, the first feedback F1 may be configured to provide an indication of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode M1.

[0058] In this specification, the term “continuous” can be understood to mean that, according to some embodiments, the feedback (whether it is a first feedback F1 or a second feedback F2) is output or provided by the feedback unit 200 in such a way that it is nonstop over its duration (or, in other words, that there is no pause in the feedback provided or output when such a continuous feedback signal is implemented in the feedback unit 200 to provide feedback, and / or there is no pause in any feedback signal provided to the feedback unit 200).

[0059] Similarly, according to some embodiments, the term “continuous” can also be understood to mean that the feedback (whether it is a first feedback F1 or a second feedback F2, for example) consists of a feedback pattern in which the feedback is repeated continuously, and that the feedback pattern is maintained over the duration of the feedback (otherwise, it is also “continuous”).

[0060] For example, according to several embodiments in which a feedback pattern is used for each feedback, the feedback pattern may be the result of a regular or pulsed feedback signal provided to the feedback unit 200 to provide (continuous) feedback.

[0061] Similarly, according to some embodiments, the feedback pattern may be obtained as a result of an initial feedback signal initially provided to the feedback unit 200 in order to implement the feedback unit 200 for providing (continuous) feedback using a (repeating) feedback pattern.

[0062] It is clear that such feedback patterns can be tailored to specific operating modes so that the feedback pattern (and therefore the feedback) of one operating mode (e.g., a first operating mode M1) can be distinguished from the feedback pattern (and therefore the feedback) of another operating mode (e.g., a second operating mode M2).

[0063] Therefore, the term "continuous" can be understood to mean feedback that the user can perceive as either feedback that is output continuously and / or feedback that is output according to a repeatable pattern, or feedback that can continue (and is substantially "continuous") over the duration of the feedback.

[0064] With the above in mind, the feedback unit 200 may therefore be configured to continuously provide feedback over the duration of the first operating mode M1 while the aerosol supply system 300 is generating aerosols in a predetermined operating mode. Preferably, this duration is configured to be as long as possible over the total duration of the operating mode so that the provided feedback is best recognized while the aerosol supply system is in use. In this way, the user can recognize the feedback in a timely manner or act on it in a timely manner, as opposed to the feedback being provided at the end of a predetermined operating mode. With this in mind, according to some embodiments, the duration may include at least 50% of the total duration of the operating mode. According to some other embodiments, the duration may include at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 98%, and / or at least 99% of the total duration of the operating mode.

[0065] To further assist the user in recognizing feedback in a timely and rapid manner, for example, at the start of an operating mode, or in taking timely action based on that feedback, the duration may begin at a predetermined time during the entire duration of the operating mode. Therefore, in this regard, according to some specific embodiments, the duration may begin up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, and / or 20% of the total duration of the operating mode. With respect to such operation, it should be understood that the aerosol supply system may be configured to predetermine what constitutes the start of an operating mode and to know in advance how long a predetermined operating mode will last. For example, in a very specific embodiment, the aerosol supply system may determine that a predetermined operating mode begins when the aerosol generator is powered on or power is supplied to the aerosol generator. Thus, as long as the aerosol supply system can supply power to the aerosol generator for a predetermined time (after which the operating mode ends), the aerosol supply system may be configured to know when and for how long feedback should be provided as part of this operating mode.

[0066] In another embodiment, for example, the start of an operating mode may be configured based on the time when smoke (from a user of the aerosol supply system) is detected by the aerosol supply system (e.g., by a smoke absorption sensor) from the aerosol supply system or aerosol supply device 4. In this way, the aerosol supply system may be configured to know when and for how long feedback should be provided as part of this operating mode when smoke absorption is detected, insofar as it can supply power to the aerosol generator for a predetermined time (after which the operating mode ends).

[0067] Considering the above, it is assumed that the first feedback F1 is not provided while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in a second operating mode M2 ​​(e.g., when a stronger smoke inhalation is detected), which may differ from the first operating mode M1 (e.g., when a weaker smoke inhalation is detected). Thus, the feedback unit 200 may be configured to provide a second feedback F2 instead while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in this second operating mode M2, where the second feedback F2 is different from the first feedback F1. Thus, the first feedback F1 may be provided while the aerosol supply system (or aerosol supply device 4) is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode M1, and the second (different) feedback F2 may be provided while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the second (different) operating mode M2. Therefore, essentially, based on the user's recognition of either the first feedback F1 or the second feedback F2, the user can more easily identify which operating mode is currently in operation while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols.

[0068] In connection with the above, each operating mode (e.g., a first operating mode M1, and / or a second operating mode M2) is intended to correspond to a predetermined characteristic consisting of their respective values ​​(e.g., a first value in the first operating mode, and / or a second value in the second operating mode that is different from the first value).

[0069] As will be described later, according to some embodiments, these predetermined characteristics may include physical parameters (such as the aerosol generation rate from the aerosol supply system in some specific embodiments).

[0070] Similarly, according to some embodiments, predetermined properties may include chemical parameters (such as the composition of the aerosol-generating material configured to vaporize in order to produce an aerosol).

[0071] Similarly, according to some additional / alternative embodiments, predetermined characteristics may include electrical parameters (e.g., the amount of power delivered to the aerosol generator).

[0072] However, whatever the predetermined characteristics may be, insofar as two or more operating modes can be used, the values ​​of these predetermined characteristics may be configured to vary between each different operating mode (e.g., the first / second power delivered to the aerosol generator in each of the first / second operating modes, and / or the first / second composition of the aerosol generating material in each of the first / second operating modes), according to some embodiments as described below.

[0073] Therefore, in light of the above general disclosure, any form of feedback provided by the feedback unit 200 can take various different forms. For example, any feedback provided (such as the first feedback F1 and / or the second feedback F2) may include at least one of visual feedback, acoustic feedback, and / or tactile feedback. The use of acoustic or tactile feedback may be particularly effective for people with visual impairments.

[0074] To implement the above feedback, the feedback unit 200 may include, as necessary, one or a combination of optical feedback elements or visual feedback elements (LEDs, light sources, displays, etc.), acoustic elements (speakers, etc.), and / or tactile feedback elements (vibrators, etc.), according to several embodiments.

[0075] Clearly, in some specific embodiments of the above, any such feedback unit 200, including any potential visual / acoustic / tactile feedback elements, may be most conveniently located on the aerosol supply device 4 (which may include a cartridge 2 / aerosol supply device 4 type arrangement according to some embodiments). However, similarly, according to some other potential embodiments, the feedback unit 200 may not be located on the aerosol supply device 4 (i.e., in other words, the aerosol supply device 4 may not have the feedback unit 200), and thus may instead be located elsewhere where it may be operable to communicate with the aerosol supply device 4, for example, as part of an electrical device 250. Thus, the electrical device 250 may have the feedback unit 200.

[0076] Regarding what such electrical devices 250 may be, it is assumed that they may comprise any form of electrical device 250 capable of operably communicating with the aerosol supply system 300 or the aerosol supply device 4, such as any portable device (and, of course, not limited to) a tablet computer, smartphone, portable computer, smartwatch, or smart device (electric wrist strap or ankle strap) that may be carried or worn by a user of the aerosol supply device 4. It will be understood that, if necessary, the electrical device 250 may be operable to communicate with the aerosol supply device 4 wirelessly or by other means via the wireless connection protocol 270. In this case, obviously, the electrical device 250 may also comprise a wireless transmitter / receiver / transceiver 252 as necessary to facilitate any such wireless communication with the aerosol supply device 4 (which may also comprise a wireless transmitter / receiver / transceiver 97 that communicates with the controller 18).

[0077] As for the potential uses of any first feedback F1 and potentially any second providing feedback F2, it is assumed that they may be configured to be provided by the feedback unit 200 to accommodate a wide variety of potential first and second operating modes M1 and M2, as will be described later.

[0078] However, as a first note, it should be noted that, according to some embodiments, each operating mode may include an operating mode configured to be selected by the user before the aerosol supply system generates an aerosol using this (selected) operating mode. In this way, to the extent that the aerosol supply system 300 can be configured to allow the user to initially select an operating mode of the aerosol supply system from either a first operating mode M1 or a second operating mode M2, any provided feedback from the feedback unit 200 may, in such cases, provide the user with positive confirmation that the correct operating mode has been selected.

[0079] However, according to some other embodiments, the user does not necessarily need to know in advance which operating mode the aerosol supply system is generating the aerosol in. In this way, the feedback provided by the feedback unit 200 may help the user identify which operating mode is currently being used while the aerosol is being generated.

[0080] Therefore, applying the above to the situation, according to some embodiments, the first operating mode M1 may be configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol supply system at a first generation rate, insofar as predetermined characteristics may include the aerosol generation rate from the aerosol supply system. On the other hand, the second operating mode M2 ​​may be configured to generate aerosols at a second generation rate different from the first generation rate. In this way, such embodiments enable the user to be continuously provided with first and / or second feedback F1, F2 over the duration of the operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in either the first or second operating mode, and thus the user can be provided with feedback to more easily identify how much aerosol is being inhaled within a given time.

[0081] For example, insofar as the rate of generation of the second operating mode M2 ​​may be greater than the rate of generation of the first operating mode M1, if the aerosol supply system includes a feedback unit 200 that includes a tactile element (e.g., a vibrator, according to some specific embodiments), the first feedback F1 may include a first tactile feedback for moving the tactile element continuously in a first predetermined manner over a duration, such as by vibrating the tactile element at a first predetermined frequency or by vibrating the tactile element with a first predetermined power. Therefore, in such embodiments, if a second feedback F2 is also used, the second feedback F2 may include a second tactile feedback for moving the tactile element continuously over a duration in a second predetermined way, such as by vibrating the tactile element at a second predetermined frequency (which may be potentially different from, higher than, and / or lower than, a first predetermined frequency) or by vibrating the tactile element at a second predetermined power (which may be potentially different from, higher than, and / or lower than, a first predetermined power).

[0082] Similarly, insofar as the generation rate of the second operating mode M2 ​​can be greater than the generation rate of the first operating mode M1, the first feedback F1 includes first visual feedback for operating the feedback unit 200 (LEDs, light sources, and / or displays, etc.) in a first predetermined manner, such as by continuously displaying a first predetermined color, pattern, information, and / or symbol on the feedback unit 200 over a duration. In this case, any second providing feedback (if any) F2 may include second visual feedback for operating the feedback unit 200 in a second predetermined manner, such as by continuously displaying a second predetermined color, pattern, information, and / or symbol on the feedback unit 200 over a duration, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0083] In some embodiments, rather than first and second operating modes corresponding to various generation rates of aerosol generation from the system, the amount of energy delivered to the aerosol generator 40 may be included in predetermined characteristics, in which case the first operating mode M1 may be configured to generate aerosols based on a first amount of energy delivered from the aerosol supply system to any providing aerosol generator 40. Thus, the second operating mode M2 ​​may be configured to generate aerosols based on a second amount of energy delivered to the aerosol generator (different from the first amount of energy, for example, greater or less than the first amount of energy).

[0084] Similarly, if the composition of an aerosol-generating material is configured to vaporize to produce an aerosol with predetermined properties, according to some embodiments, a first operating mode M1 corresponds to an aerosol produced from an aerosol-generating material containing a first composition (such as a flavor), and a second operating mode M2 ​​corresponds to an aerosol produced from an aerosol-generating material containing a second composition (different from the second composition). Such embodiments may be particularly useful if the aerosol supply system 300 includes an aerosol supply device 4 configured to separately accept a first cartridge 2A having a reservoir 31 containing an aerosol-generating material of a first composition (e.g., mint or menthol, flavoring), and / or a second cartridge 2B having a reservoir 31 containing an aerosol-generating material of a second composition (e.g., tropical fruit such as passion fruit, flavoring). In this way, a very specific embodiment may include a feedback unit 200 including a display, wherein a first feedback F1 includes a green display and / or a mint leaf colored display on the display, and a second feedback F2 includes a yellow, purple and / or orange display and / or a passion fruit colored display on the display. In this way, even if the user does not know the composition of the aerosol-generating material, the user can identify the composition based on continuous feedback from the feedback unit 200, for example, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0085] In consideration of the above, in some embodiments, a controller such as the control circuit 18 described above may also be provided to help determine whether the aerosol supply system 300 (or aerosol supply device 4) is generating aerosols in either the first operating mode M1 or the second operating mode M2. Thus, in such embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine whether the aerosol supply system (or any aerosol supply device 4 from there) is generating aerosols in either the first or second operating mode. In response to the determination that the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the first operating mode, the controller 18 may be configured to generate an output signal so that the feedback unit 200 provides a first feedback F1.

[0086] Clearly, insofar as a second feedback is also used, the above embodiments using the controller 18 may, in some embodiments, further include a controller configured to generate an output signal so that the feedback unit 200 provides a second feedback F2 in response to the controller 18 determining that the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in a second operating mode M2.

[0087] Not necessarily, and depending on what constitutes the first or second operating mode, according to some embodiments, any supplying aerosol supply system 300 or device 4 may also include a sensor 91 for generating sensor data. Thus, the controller 18 may be configured to receive sensor data from the sensor 91 and to use the sensor data to determine whether the aerosol supply system (or aerosol supply device 4) is generating aerosols in either the first operating mode M1 or the second operating mode M2. In response to the controller 18 determining that the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the first operating mode M1 (or the second / n operating mode M2), the controller 18 may then be configured to generate an output signal so that the feedback unit 200 provides first (or second / n) feedback.

[0088] The nature of such a sensor 91 obviously depends on what each operating mode M1, M2 is intended to relate to and how these operating modes are determined by the controller 18.

[0089] For example, according to some embodiments, the sensor 91 may include a temperature sensor 93, and the sensor data may indicate ambient temperature or the temperature of a part of the aerosol supply system, such as the temperature of the aerosol generator 40 in some specific embodiments, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 7.

[0090] Accordingly, according to such an embodiment, the controller 18 may be configured to use sensor data to determine whether the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in a first operating mode M1 or a second operating mode M2.

[0091] Similarly, according to several embodiments in which the sensor data indicates temperature such as ambient temperature, one operating mode may include sensor data indicating a temperature not exceeding a (first) predetermined temperature, and another operating mode may additionally / alternatively include sensor data indicating a temperature exceeding a (second) predetermined temperature—in some specific embodiments, the first predetermined temperature may be the same as the second predetermined temperature.

[0092] In this way, while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols, different feedback can be continuously provided to the user of the aerosol supply system according to the temperature sensed by sensors 91 and 93.

[0093] Clearly, when the sensor 91 is used, in some embodiments, according to some embodiments, the sensor 91 may be equipped with a motion detector 95 such that the sensor data includes acceleration data. Thus, in such embodiments, the controller 18 may be configured to use the acceleration data to determine whether the aerosol supply system (or aerosol supply device 4) is generating aerosols in either a first operating mode M1 or a second operating mode M2. Any such acceleration data can obviously be generated well using a suitable form of motion detector 95. For example, according to some embodiments, the motion detector 95 may be equipped with at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a magnetoscope, or any other form of motion detector capable of outputting relevant acceleration data.

[0094] Regarding the location of the optional providing motion detector 95, according to some embodiments, the motion detector 95 may be located on or within the aerosol supply system, such as either the cartridge 2 (if used) or the aerosol supply device 4. However, obviously, according to some embodiments, the motion detector 95 may be located on any providing electrical device 250.

[0095] Therefore, at a general level, the presence of the motion detector 95 makes it possible for the operating mode to reflect the various conditions under which the aerosol supply system (or its user via the electrical device 250) is operating.

[0096] For example, in a particular embodiment in which a predetermined characteristic includes acceleration represented by the aerosol supply device 4 and / or more generally by the aerosol supply system 300, the acceleration data may include acceleration values, and the controller 18 is configured to determine that the aerosol supply system 300 is generating aerosols in one of the operating modes (e.g., a first or second) in response to the controller 18 determining that the acceleration value is less than or equal to a predetermined acceleration value, and / or to determine that the aerosol supply system 300 is generating aerosols in another operating mode (e.g., a second or first) in response to the controller 18 determining that the acceleration value is greater than the predetermined acceleration. Thus, in such an embodiment, if the acceleration exceeds the predetermined acceleration, the aerosol supply system 300 may indicate that it is being used in an operating mode corresponding to a mode in which the user is operating the device while under stress, and / or a mode in which the user is operating the device while exercising.

[0097] In embodiments where the predetermined characteristics include the composition of the aerosol-generating material configured to be vaporized to generate an aerosol, such that each operating mode corresponds to an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material containing a different composition (as shown in embodiments of Figures 9A and 9B), composition information may, in some cases, be provided directly to the controller 18, for example, as part of an optional connection of cartridge 2 to the aerosol supply device 4. In some embodiments, obviously, instead, the composition may be determined using sensor data from sensors 91, 97, which are configured to generate sensor data indicating the composition of the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol supply system 300. According to some embodiments, these sensors 91, 97 may be configured to fluidly communicate with and / or contact the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol supply system 300. Similarly, according to some specific embodiments, any supply cartridge 2 and / or reservoir 31 from the aerosol supply system may, therefore, include any such supply sensors 91, 97, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 7.

[0098] With the above in mind, it will generally be understood that the feedback levels corresponding to each operating mode may differ, for example, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 9A and 9B. In other words, according to some embodiments, one of the first and second feedbacks F1, F2 may include a higher level of feedback than the feedback level corresponding to the other of the first and second feedbacks F1, F2. The "level" of feedback may include the amount of feedback (e.g., brightness of feedback in the case of visual feedback, or volume of feedback in the case of acoustic feedback), the magnitude of the feedback (e.g., brightness of feedback in the case of visual feedback, or strength of feedback in the case of haptic feedback), or even the prominence of the feedback (e.g., brightness of feedback in the case of visual feedback, strength of feedback in the case of haptic feedback, or volume of feedback in the case of acoustic feedback). Obviously, when such levels are used, this may also include an average level or a maximum level, according to some narrower embodiments.

[0099] Therefore, taking the above into consideration, an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols and a feedback unit for providing feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system are appropriately described. The feedback unit is configured to continuously provide a first feedback over the duration of the first operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the first operating mode, and this first feedback is configured to provide an indication of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the first operating mode.

[0100] A method for providing feedback to users of an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols is also described, and this method is described as follows: The process includes providing a first feedback continuously over the duration of the first operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode, the first feedback including a representation of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode.

[0101] An aerosol supply system 300 for generating aerosols is also described, which includes a feedback unit 200 for providing feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system 300. The feedback unit 200 is configured to continuously provide feedback F1, F2 for the duration of each operating mode M1, M2 while the aerosol supply system, or any of its aerosol supply devices 4, is generating aerosols in at least one of each operating mode M1, M2. Each feedback F1, F2 is configured to provide an indication of a predetermined characteristic of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in each operating mode M1, M2, and it should be noted that the values ​​of the predetermined characteristics may differ between each operating mode. The feedback F1, F2 also differ for each operating mode M1, M2, so that the user can identify each operating mode M1, M2.

[0102] To address various issues and advance the technology, this disclosure provides, as an example, various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be carried out. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid understanding and to teach the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations to the disclosure as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the claims. Various embodiments preferably consist of, or essentially consist of, various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and it should be understood that the features of dependent claims may be combined with the features of independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly described in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

[0103] For example, regarding how any providing feedback units 200 (if any) can be powered, it will be understood that each feedback unit can be powered using either the power supply 16 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 7) or its own power supply (not shown).

[0104] Similarly, with regard to the positioning of any such feedback units 200 and / or sensors, it will be understood that these positions can be provided anywhere within the aerosol supply system 300 where necessary to enable them to provide the required functionality. This arrangement may even include locations where the feedback units 200 and / or sensors are not actually located in the aerosol supply device 4 (e.g., within a separate electrical device 250 that can be attached to the user, such as a strap or some other patch or device that can be secured to the user (e.g., via an adhesive patch, which can be released if necessary)).

[0105] Similarly, if the aerosol supply system 300 comprises a cartridge 2 and an aerosol supply device 4, any providing feedback unit 200 and / or sensor 91 may be located in either the cartridge 2 or the aerosol supply device 4, as necessary, to enable the required functionality of the feedback unit or sensor.

[0106] For completeness, it will be understood that with respect to the aerosol supply device or any feedback unit 200 or sensor 91 within the system, any power or signals transmitted to them may be supplied using either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuit 18 and the respective feedback unit 200 / sensor 91. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 7, for example, a wired connection is provided between the relevant feedback unit 200 and / or sensor 91 and the control circuit 18, and this wired connection extends through contact electrodes 46 located in the aerosol supply device 4 and the cartridge 2, respectively, if the components are located in the cartridge 2 across the interface end 54.

[0107] Finally, it will be understood that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to a specific number of operating modes, and as a result the teachings may correspond to any integer number of operating modes (e.g., a number between 1 and 100). In this way, the feedback unit 200 may be configured to continuously provide (nth) feedback while the aerosol supply system (or aerosol supply device 4) is generating aerosols in the corresponding (nth) operating mode. This disclosure includes the following embodiments. (Embodiment 1) an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, The aerosol supply system is equipped with a feedback unit for providing feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system, The feedback unit is configured to continuously provide a first feedback over the duration of the first operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the first operating mode. An aerosol supply system wherein the first feedback is configured to provide an indication of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode. (Embodiment 2) The feedback unit is configured to continuously provide a second feedback for the duration of the second operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the second operating mode, and the second feedback is configured to provide an indication of the predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols in the second operating mode. The predetermined characteristic includes a first value in the first operating mode, and the predetermined characteristic includes a second value in the second operating mode, wherein the second value is different from the first value. The aerosol supply system described in Embodiment 1. (Embodiment 3) The aerosol supply system according to Embodiment 2, wherein one of the first and second feedbacks includes a feedback level higher than the feedback level corresponding to the other of the first and second feedbacks. (Embodiment 4) The aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the duration begins within 5% of the total duration of the operating mode. (Embodiment 5) The aerosol supply system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the duration includes at least 50% of the total duration of the operating mode. (Embodiment 6) The aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol supply system includes a display, and the feedback unit includes the display. (Embodiment 7) An aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein each feedback includes visual feedback. (Embodiment 8) An aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein each feedback includes tactile feedback. (Embodiment 9) An aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein each feedback includes acoustic feedback. (Embodiment 10) The aerosol supply system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the predetermined characteristics include the aerosol generation rate from the aerosol supply system. (Embodiment 11) The aerosol supply system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol supply system comprises an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol, and the predetermined characteristics include the amount of power delivered to the aerosol generator. (Embodiment 12) An aerosol supply system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the predetermined properties include a composition of an aerosol generating material configured to vaporize and generate the aerosol. (Embodiment 13) The system further comprises a sensor for generating sensor data and a controller, wherein the controller The sensor data is received from the aforementioned sensor, Using the aforementioned sensor data, the operating mode in which the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols is determined. The feedback unit generates an output signal in order to provide the feedback corresponding to the determined operating mode. An aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, configured as described above. (Embodiment 14) An aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, further comprising a sensor for generating sensor data, wherein the sensor is configured to generate sensor data configured to be used by the aerosol supply system to determine the operating mode of the aerosol supply system. (Embodiment 15) The aerosol supply system according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the sensor data is configured to be used by the aerosol supply system to determine whether the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode of the aerosol supply system and / or whether the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the second operating mode of the aerosol supply system. (Embodiment 16) The aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol supply system comprises an aerosol supply device for generating the aerosol, and the aerosol supply device comprises the feedback unit. (Embodiment 17) The aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, further comprising an electrical device capable of communicating with an aerosol supply device from the aerosol supply system, wherein the electrical device comprises the feedback unit. (Embodiment 18) The aerosol supply system according to Embodiment 17, wherein the electrical device includes a portable device. (Embodiment 19) The aerosol supply system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, further comprising a cartridge and an aerosol supply device configured to receive the cartridge. (Embodiment 20) The aerosol supply system according to embodiment 19, wherein the aerosol supply device includes the feedback unit. (Embodiment 21) A method for providing feedback to the user of an aerosol supply system in order to generate an aerosol, A method comprising the step of continuously providing first feedback over the duration of a first operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in a first operating mode, wherein the first feedback includes an indication of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the first operating mode. (Embodiment 22) A step of continuously providing a second feedback over the duration of the second operating mode while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the second operating mode, further comprising the step of the second feedback including an indication of the predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is generating an aerosol in the second operating mode, The predetermined characteristic includes a first value in the first operating mode, and the predetermined characteristic includes a second value in the second operating mode, wherein the second value is different from the first value. The method according to Embodiment 21. (Embodiment 23) The method further comprises a controller, The steps include using the controller to determine the operating mode in which the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols, Using the controller, the feedback unit generates an output signal to provide the feedback corresponding to the determined operating mode. The method according to embodiment 21 or 22, further comprising the above. (Embodiment 24) The method further comprises a sensor for generating sensor data, The controller includes the steps of receiving sensor data from the sensor, The steps include: determining the operating mode in which the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols using the aforementioned sensor data; The method according to embodiment 23, further comprising:

Claims

1. an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols, The aerosol supply system is equipped with a feedback unit for providing feedback to the user of the aerosol supply system, The feedback unit is configured to continuously provide a first feedback for the duration of the first operating mode while the aerosol supply system is supplying power to the aerosol generator in the first operating mode. The first feedback is configured to provide an indication of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is supplying power to the aerosol generator in the first operating mode. The feedback unit is configured to continuously provide a second feedback for the duration of the second operating mode while the aerosol supply system is supplying power to the aerosol generator in the second operating mode, and the second feedback is configured to provide an indication of the predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is supplying power to the aerosol generator in the second operating mode. The predetermined characteristic includes a first value in the first operating mode, and the predetermined characteristic includes a second value in the second operating mode, wherein the second value is different from the first value. The first feedback includes a first predetermined symbol, and the second feedback includes a second predetermined symbol. An aerosol supply system in which the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator in the second operating mode is different from the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator in the first operating mode, so that heating occurs at different temperatures by the aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein one of the first and second feedbacks includes a feedback level higher than the feedback level corresponding to the other of the first and second feedbacks.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the duration begins within 5% of the total duration of the operating mode.

4. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the duration includes at least 50% of the total duration of the operating mode.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol supply system includes a display, and the feedback unit includes the display.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined characteristics include the aerosol generation rate from the aerosol supply system.

7. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol supply system comprises an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol, and the predetermined characteristics include the amount of power delivered to the aerosol generator.

8. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined properties include a composition of an aerosol generating material configured to be vaporized to produce the aerosol.

9. The system further comprises a sensor for generating sensor data and a controller, wherein the controller The sensor data is received from the aforementioned sensor, Using the aforementioned sensor data, the operating mode in which the aerosol supply system is generating aerosols is determined. The feedback unit generates an output signal in order to provide the feedback corresponding to the determined operating mode. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

10. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for generating sensor data, wherein the sensor is configured to generate sensor data configured to be used by the aerosol supply system to determine the operating mode of the aerosol supply system.

11. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol supply system comprises an aerosol supply device for generating the aerosol, and the aerosol supply device comprises the feedback unit.

12. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical device capable of communicating with an aerosol supply device from the aerosol supply system, wherein the electrical device comprises the feedback unit.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a cartridge and an aerosol supply device configured to receive the cartridge.

14. The aerosol supply system according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises the feedback unit.

15. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator in the second operating mode is different from the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator in the first operating mode, so that the rate of aerosol generation by the aerosol generator is different.

16. A method for providing feedback to the user of an aerosol supply system in order to generate an aerosol, The process includes the step of continuously providing first feedback over the duration of the first operating mode while the aerosol supply system is supplying power to the aerosol generator in a first operating mode, wherein the first feedback includes an indication of predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is supplying power to the aerosol generator in the first operating mode. A step of continuously providing a second feedback over the duration of the second operating mode while the aerosol supply system is supplying power to the aerosol generator in a second operating mode, further comprising the step of the second feedback including an indication of the predetermined characteristics of the aerosol supply system while the aerosol supply system is supplying power to the aerosol generator in the second operating mode, The predetermined characteristic includes a first value in the first operating mode, and the predetermined characteristic includes a second value in the second operating mode, wherein the second value is different from the first value. The first feedback includes a first predetermined symbol, and the second feedback includes a second predetermined symbol. A method wherein the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator in the second operating mode is different from the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator in the first operating mode, so that heating occurs at different temperatures by the aerosol generator.

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