Pressure sensing for aerosol delivery devices

Abstract

To provide an aerosol delivery device with functionality for sensing the pressure within an environment of the aerosol delivery devices.SOLUTION: An aerosol delivery device comprises a control component and a digital pressure sensor. The digital pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure applied thereto, and generate a corresponding signal that indicates the pressure thus measured. The control component or the digital pressure sensor is further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal, or a condition of the aerosol delivery device or a user thereof determined from the corresponding signal. Control of the at least one functional element includes output of the pressure or condition for presentation by a display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes) that may utilize electrically generated heat for aerosol generation. The smoking article may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor that can be manufactured from tobacco, derived from tobacco, or otherwise incorporate materials that can incorporate tobacco, and the precursor can form an inhalable substance for human consumption.

Background Art

[0002] Over the years, numerous devices have been proposed as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco for use. Many of these devices, so to speak, provide a sensation associated with smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, but are designed not to deliver the substantial amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products resulting from the burning of tobacco. For this purpose, many alternative smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile materials, or attempt to provide the sensation of smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes without significantly burning tobacco. For example, see the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources described in the background art of the following publications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 by Collett et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 by Griffith Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 by Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 by Sears et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 by Ampolini et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780 by Davis et al., and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 222,615 filed on 28 July 2016. See also, for example, the various embodiments of the product and heating configuration described in the background art sections of U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 by Counts et al. and U.S. Patent No. 8,079,371 by Robinson et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 8,079,371 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, it may be desirable to provide aerosol delivery devices with a function to sense the pressure in the environment surrounding the aerosol delivery device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods for forming such devices, and elements of such devices. Therefore, this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0006] Exemplary Embodiment 1: An aerosol delivery device comprising: at least one housing surrounding a reservoir configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition; a heating element; a control component configured to operate in active mode, wherein in active mode, the control body is configured to control the heating element to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition; and a digital pressure sensor configured to measure applied pressure and generate a corresponding signal indicating the pressure thus measured, wherein the control component or the digital pressure sensor is further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal, or the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user determined from the corresponding signal, the control of at least one functional element includes outputting pressure or state for presentation by a display.

[0007] Exemplary Embodiment 2: An aerosol delivery device of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein a control component or digital pressure sensor is further configured to determine the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user from a corresponding signal, and the control of at least one functional element includes an output of the thus determined state for presentation by a display.

[0008] Exemplary Embodiment 3: An aerosol delivery device of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein a digital pressure sensor includes a variometer function, and the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes a rate of change of altitude of the aerosol delivery device.

[0009] Exemplary Embodiment 4: An aerosol delivery device of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein a digital pressure sensor includes a spirometer function, and the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes the user's respiratory state.

[0010] Exemplary Embodiment 5: An aerosol delivery device of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor is a piezoresistive pressure sensor or a capacitive pressure sensor of a micro-electromechanical system-based (MEMS), and in at least one example the piezoresistive pressure sensor has a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0011] Exemplary Embodiment 6: An aerosol delivery device of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a rechargeable power source, which includes a lithium-ion battery (LiB), a thin-film solid battery (SSB), or a supercapacitor, configured to power a digital pressure sensor.

[0012] Exemplary Embodiment 7: An aerosol delivery device of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, further comprising an infinite input response (IIR) filter or ferrite beads operably coupled to a digital pressure sensor and configured to reduce the detection of short-term fluctuations in pressure measured by the digital pressure sensor.

[0013] Exemplary Embodiment 8: An aerosol delivery device of any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, wherein a digital pressure sensor is selectively operable in a dormant mode in which the digital pressure sensor is disabled, or in an active mode or a continuous mode, and in the active mode or the continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a single measurement or a set of measurements of pressure, respectively.

[0014] Exemplary Embodiment 9: An aerosol delivery device of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein in at least one example the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements at a predetermined oversampling rate.

[0015] Exemplary Embodiment 10: An aerosol delivery device of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein in at least one example, the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in continuous mode, and the digital pressure sensor is configured to continuously cycle between active mode and rest periods.

[0016] Exemplary Embodiment 11: A control body connected to or connectable to a cartridge to form an aerosol delivery device, wherein the cartridge comprises a heating element and contains an aerosol precursor composition, and the control body comprises a housing and, within the housing, a control component configured to operate in active mode, wherein in active mode, the control component is configured to control the heating element to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition, and a digital pressure sensor configured to measure applied pressure and generate a corresponding signal indicating the pressure thus measured, wherein the control component or the digital pressure sensor is further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal, or the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user determined from the corresponding signal, wherein the control of at least one functional element includes outputting pressure or state for presentation by a display.

[0017] Exemplary Embodiment 12: A control body of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control component or the digital pressure sensor is further configured to determine the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user from the corresponding signal, and the control of at least one functional element includes outputting the so-determined state for presentation by the display.

[0018] Exemplary Embodiment 13: A control body of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a barometer function, and the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes the rate of change of altitude of the aerosol delivery device.

[0019] Exemplary Embodiment 14: A control body of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a spirometer function, and the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes the breathing state of the user.

[0020] Exemplary Embodiment 15: A control body of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor is or includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor or a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based capacitive pressure sensor, and in at least one example, the piezoresistive pressure sensor has a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0021] Exemplary Embodiment 16: A control body of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control body is configured to supply power to the digital pressure sensor and further includes a rechargeable power source including a lithium-ion battery (LiB), a thin-film solid-state battery (SSB), or a supercapacitor.

[0022] Exemplary Embodiment 17: A control body of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein the control body is operably connected to a digital pressure sensor and further includes an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter or a ferrite bead configured to reduce the detection of short-term fluctuations in the pressure measured by the digital pressure sensor.

[0023] Exemplary Embodiment 18: A control body of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein the digital pressure sensor is selectively operable in a sleep mode in which the digital pressure sensor is disabled, or in an active mode or a continuous mode, and is configured to obtain a single measurement value or a plurality of measurement values of the pressure in the active mode or the continuous mode.

[0024] Exemplary Embodiment 19: A control body of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein in at least one example where the digital pressure sensor is operable in a continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a plurality of measurement values of the pressure at a predetermined oversampling rate.

[0025] Exemplary Embodiment 20: A control body of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, or any combination of any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, wherein in at least one example where the digital pressure sensor is operable in a continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to continuously cycle between an active mode and a sleep mode.

[0026] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the Disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings which are briefly described below. The Disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements described herein, whether such features or elements are expressly combined in the specific exemplary embodiments described herein or otherwise enumerated. The Disclosure is intended to be read as a whole so that any separable features or elements of the Disclosure appear to be combinable in any aspect or exemplary embodiment, unless the context of the Disclosure clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] Therefore, it will be understood that this summary is provided solely for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Other exemplary embodiments, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings illustrating the principles of some of the described exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Thus, this disclosure is explained using the general terminology described above, and the attached drawings will be referenced below, but these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This shows a side view of an aerosol delivery device, including a cartridge connected to a control unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] These are partial cutaway views of aerosol delivery devices according to various exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3] Various components of the aerosol delivery apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2 are illustrated according to various exemplary embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] This disclosure is described more fully below with reference to its exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments are described so as to ensure that this disclosure is thorough and complete and that the scope of this disclosure is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In fact, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to satisfy the applicable legal requirements of this disclosure. The singular nouns "a," "an," "the," etc., used herein and in the appended claims include multiple references unless otherwise explicitly indicated in the context. Also, while this specification may refer to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships, etc., unless otherwise stated, one or more of these may be absolute or approximate to describe possible acceptable modifications, such as those by technical tolerance.

[0031] As described below, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery systems. The aerosol delivery systems according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without significantly burning the material) to form an inhalable substance. Components of such systems are most preferably in the form of articles small enough to be considered handheld devices. That is, since the aerosol is mainly produced from the byproducts of the combustion or thermal decomposition of tobacco, the use of preferred aerosol delivery system components does not produce smoke; rather, the use of these preferred systems results in the production of vapor due to the volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporated therein. In some exemplary embodiments, components of the aerosol delivery system may be characterized as e-cigarettes, which most preferably incorporate tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components and thereby deliver tobacco-derived components in aerosol form.

[0032] A particular aerosol-generating component of a preferred aerosol delivery system can produce a number of sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., the form of inhalation and exhalation, the type of taste or flavor, the sensory stimulation effect, the physical feel, the form of use, the visual stimulation such as that produced by a visible aerosol) without any of its components substantially burning. For example, a user of the aerosol-generating component of the present disclosure can hold and use the component in the same way a smoker uses a conventional type of smoking article, inhaling the aerosol produced by the component from one end of the component, and puffing at selected time intervals.

[0033] The aerosol delivery systems of this disclosure can also be characterized as vapor-generating articles or drug delivery articles. Such articles or devices can therefore be adapted to deliver one or more substances (e.g., flavors and / or pharmaceutically active ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance may be substantially in vapor form (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance may be in aerosol form (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). For clarity, the term “aerosol” as used herein means including vapors, gases and aerosols in forms or types suitable for human inhalation, whether visible or in a form that can be considered fuzzy.

[0034] The aerosol delivery systems of this disclosure generally include many components housed within an outer body or shell, which may be called a housing. The overall design of the outer body or shell is modifiable, and the form or configuration of the outer body, which can define the overall dimensions and shape of the aerosol delivery device, is modifiable. Typically, an elongated body resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar may be formed from a single, integrated housing, or the elongated housing may be formed from two or more separable bodies. For example, an aerosol delivery device may include an elongated shell or body whose shape may be substantially tubular and thus resembling the shape of a conventional cigarette or cigar. In one example, all components of the aerosol delivery device are housed within a single housing. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device may include two or more housings that are joined and separable. For example, an aerosol delivery device may have a control body at one end, which includes a housing for one or more reusable components (e.g., a rechargeable battery and / or a storage battery such as a supercapacitor, and various electronic devices for controlling the operation of the item), and at the other end, an outer body or shell that houses a disposable component (e.g., a disposable flavoring cartridge) that can be detachably connected thereto.

[0035] The aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure most preferably include any combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control component (means for operating, controlling, regulating and stopping power for heating, such as by controlling the flow of current from the power source to other components of the article (e.g., a microprocessor, individually or as part of a microcontroller)), a heater or heating element (e.g., an electrically resistive heating element or other component, which may be commonly referred to as a “sprayer,” either alone or in combination with one or more further elements), an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid that can generally produce an aerosol when sufficiently heated, such as components commonly referred to as “smoke juice,” “e-liquid,” and “e-juice”), and a mouth end region or tip (e.g., a defined airflow path through the article such that the generated aerosol can be drawn out upon inhalation).

[0036] Further specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of the components within the aerosol delivery system of this disclosure will become apparent in light of the further disclosures provided below. Furthermore, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol delivery system components can be understood by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as representative products referenced in the background art section of this disclosure. Furthermore, the arrangement of components within an aerosol delivery device can also be understood by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices. Examples of products whose components, methods of operation, materials contained therein, and / or other attributes may be included in the apparatus of this disclosure include ACCORD(R) from Philip Morris Incorporated, ALPHA(TM), JOYE 510(TM) and M4(TM) from InnoVapor LLC, CIRRUS(TM) and FLING(TM) from White Cloud Cigarettes, BLU(TM) from Lorillard Technologies, Inc., COHITA(TM), COLIBRI(TM), ELITE CLASSIC(TM), MAGNUM(TM), PHANTOM(TM) and SENSE(TM) from Effer(R) International Inc., DUOPRO(TM), STORM(TM) and VAPORKING(R) from Electronic Cigarettes, Inc., EGAR(TM) from Egar Australia, eGo-C(TM) and eGo-T(TM) from Joyetech, and Elusion UK. ELUSION™ by Ltd, EONSMOKE® by Eonsmoke LLC, FIN™ by FIN Branding Group, LLC, SMOKE® by Green Smoke Inc.USA, GREENARETTE™ by Greenarette LLC, HALLIGAN™, HENDU™, JET™, MAXXQ™, PINK™, and PITBULL™ by Smoke Stik®, and Philip Morris International, Inc.HEATBAR™ from [company name], HYDRO IMPERIAL™ and LXE™ from Crown7, LOGIC™ and THE CUBAN™ from LOGIC Technology, LUCI® from Luciano Smokes Inc., METRO® from Nicotek, LLC, NJOY® and ONEJOY™ from Sottera, Inc., NO.7™ from SS Choice LLC, PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE™ from PremiumEstore LLC, RAPP E-MYSTICK™ from Ruyan America, Inc., RED DRAGON™ from Red Dragon Products, LLC, RUYAN® from Ruyan Group (Holdings) Ltd., SF® from Smoker Friendly International, LLC, GREEN SMART SMOKER® from The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd., and SMOKE from Coastline Products LLC. ASSIST(R), SMOKING EVERYWHERE(R) from Smoking Everywhere, Inc., V2CIGS(TM) from VMR Products LLC, VAPOR NINE(TM) from VaporNine LLC, VAPOR4LIFE(R) from Vapor 4 Life, Inc., VEPPO(TM) from E-CigaretteDirect, LLC, AVIGO, VUSE, VUSE CONNECT, VUSE FOB, VUSE HYBRID, ALTO, ALTO+, MODO, CIRO, FOX+FOG and SOLO+ from RJReynolds Vapor Company, MISTIC MENTHOL from Mistic Ecigs, and CN Creative Ltd.It is marketed as VYPE. Furthermore, other electric aerosol delivery devices, particularly those characterized as so-called e-cigarettes, are marketed under the trade names COOLER VISIONS™, DIRECT E-CIG™, DRAGONFLY™, EMIST™, EVERSMOKE™, GAMUCCI®, HYBRID FLAME™, KNIGHT STICKS™, ROYAL BLUES™, SMOKETIP®, and SOUTH BEACH SMOKE™.

[0037] Additional manufacturers, designers and / or assignees of components and related technologies that may be employed in the aerosol delivery apparatus of this disclosure include: Shenzhen Jieshibo Technology in Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen First Union Technology in Shenzhen, China; Safe Cig in Los Angeles, California; Janty Asia Company in the Philippines; Joyetech Changzhou Electronics in Shenzhen, China; SIS Resources; B2B International Holdings in Dover, Delaware; Evolv LLC in Ohio; Montrade in Bologna, Italy; Shenzhen Bauway Technology in Shenzhen, China; Global Vapor Trademarks Inc. in Pompano Beach, Florida; Vapor Corp. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Nemtra GMBH in Laschau-Markersbach, Germany; Perrigo L. Co. in Allegan, Michigan; Needs Co., Ltd. in Las Vegas, Nevada; McNeil AB in Helsingborg, Sweden; Chong Corp. in Mountain View, California; and Alexza Pharmaceuticals, BLEC, LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina; Gaitrend Sarl in Roebach-les-Bitz, France; FeelLife Bioscience International in Shenzhen, China; Vishay Electronic BMGH in Selb, Germany; Shenzhen Smaco Technology Ltd in Shenzhen, China.This includes Vapor Systems International (Boca Raton, Florida), Exonoid Medical Devices (Israel), Shenzhen Nowotech Electronic (Shenzhen, China), Minilogic Device Corporation (Hong Kong, China), Shenzhen Kontle Electronics (Shenzhen, China), Fuma International, LLC (Mediona, Ohio), 21st Century Smoke (Beloit, Wisconsin), and Kimree Holdings (HK) Co. Limited (Hong Kong, China).

[0038] In various examples, an aerosol delivery device may include a reservoir configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition. The reservoir may be formed from a porous material (e.g., a fibrous material) and may therefore be called a porous substrate (e.g., a fibrous substrate).

[0039] A fibrous substrate useful as a reservoir in an aerosol delivery device may be a woven or nonwoven material formed from multiple fibers or filaments, and may be formed from either or both natural and synthetic fibers. For example, the fibrous substrate may include glass fiber material. In certain examples, cellulose acetate material can be used. In other exemplary embodiments, carbon material can be used. The reservoir may be substantially in the form of a container and may contain the fibrous material therein.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a side view of an aerosol delivery device 100 including a control body 102 and a cartridge 104 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 shows the control body and cartridge connected to each other. The control body and cartridge may be detachably aligned in a functional relationship. Various mechanisms may connect the cartridge to the control body, resulting in screw engagement, press-fit engagement, interlocking fit, magnetic engagement, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, when the cartridge and control body are in an assembled configuration, the aerosol delivery device may be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical. The aerosol delivery device may also have a substantially rectangular or rhomboid cross-section, which may result in good compatibility with substantially flat or thin-film power sources, such as power sources including flat batteries (e.g., lithium-ion polymer batteries). The cartridge and control body may include separate respective housings or outer bodies which may be formed from any of a number of different materials. The housings may be formed from any suitable structurally stable material. In some examples, the housings may be formed from metals or alloys such as stainless steel, aluminum, etc. Other suitable materials include various plastics (e.g., polycarbonate), metal plating on plastics, ceramics, and the like.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the control body 102 or the cartridge 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be described as disposable or reusable. For example, the control body may have a replaceable or rechargeable battery and thus be combined with any type of recharging technology, including connection to a typical wall outlet, connection to a car charger (i.e., cigarette lighter socket), connection to a computer via a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector, connection to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes called a solar cell), or connection to a solar panel of a solar cell (e.g., a 28% efficiency gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cell), or connection to an RF-DC converter. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge may include a disposable cartridge, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,639 by Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Figure 2 further illustrates an aerosol delivery device 100 according to several exemplary embodiments. As can be seen in the cutaway diagram shown therein, the aerosol delivery device may also include a control body 102 and a cartridge 104, each containing a number of respective components. The components shown in Figure 2 are representative of components that may be present in the control body and cartridge and are not intended to limit the scope of components covered by this disclosure. As shown, for example, the control body may be formed from a control body shell 206 that may include control components 208 (e.g., a microprocessor individually or as part of a microcontroller), a flow sensor 210, a power supply 212, and one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 214, and such components may be variably alignable. LEDs may be an example of a preferred visual indicator that may be equipped in the aerosol delivery device. In addition to, or instead of, visual indicators such as LEDs, other indicators such as audible indicators (e.g., speakers) and tactile indicators (e.g., vibration motors) may be included.

[0043] The power source 212 may include, for example, a battery (disposable or rechargeable), a lithium-ion battery (LiB), a solid-state battery (SSB), a thin-film SSB, a supercapacitor, or any combination thereof. Several examples of suitable power sources are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 918,926 filed October 21, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] A suitable example of a solid-state battery is STMicroelectronics' EnFilm™ rechargeable solid lithium thin-film battery, which features a LiCoO2 cathode, LiPON ceramic electrolyte, and lithium anode. In particular, the STMicroelectronics EFL700A39 battery has a nominal voltage of 4.1V and a thickness of only 220μm. This battery has a lifespan of 10 years and a charge-discharge cycle life of 4000 cycles. This battery also has a relatively short typical charging time, charging in about 30 minutes in some cases (e.g., up to 30 minutes until the battery is fully (100%) charged or up to 10 minutes until the battery is at least 80%). This battery has a ceramic electrolyte, which can generate current through electron movement, thereby reducing the risk of undesirable dendrite growth at the cathode and anode, which could normally lead to short circuits. The ceramic electrolyte can also reduce the risk of fire when in contact with fire.

[0045] The supercapacitor may be any of several different types of supercapacitors, such as electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), hybrid capacitors, or lithium-ion capacitors (LICs). Supercapacitors such as EDLCs may be fast-charging (e.g., 3 seconds). Supercapacitors offer a long lifespan (e.g., 32 years) and cycle life (e.g., 1,000,000 charge-discharge cycles), providing an environmentally friendly and low-cost solution. Supercapacitors can supply high-current pulses to electrical loads. Furthermore, because supercapacitors do not contain flammable electrolytes between electrodes, they can therefore operate under conditions where the possibility of short circuits is negligible.

[0046] Hybrid capacitors, such as LICs, generally possess battery-like characteristics (high voltage and high energy density) while maintaining the conventional capacitor characteristics of rapid charging (e.g., 3 to 120 seconds). Hybrid capacitors can be rechargeable and may have the ability to operate on their own for relatively long periods without requiring another energy source that can charge them. Hybrid capacitors may have a longer lifespan (e.g., 10 years) and cycle life than other options and are more environmentally friendly.

[0047] The cartridge 104 can be formed from a cartridge shell 216 containing a heater 220 (sometimes called a heating element) that surrounds a reservoir 218 configured to hold the aerosol precursor composition. In various configurations, this structure may also be called a tank. Thus, terms such as “cartridge” and “tank” can be used interchangeably to refer to the shell or other housing that surrounds the reservoir of the aerosol precursor composition and contains the heater.

[0048] As shown, in some examples, the reservoir 218 may be in fluid communication with a liquid transport element 222 configured to draw up or otherwise transport the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir housing to the heater 220. In some examples, a valve may be located between the reservoir and the heater and configured to control the amount of aerosol precursor composition sent or delivered from the reservoir to the heater.

[0049] The heater 220 may be formed using various example materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. These example heaters may be resistance heating elements such as wire coils and microheaters. Examples of materials that may form the heating element include Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, stainless steel, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)2), graphite and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns) and ceramics (e.g., positive temperature coefficient ceramics or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). Exemplary embodiments of heaters or heating elements useful for aerosol delivery devices according to this disclosure are further described below and can be incorporated into devices such as those shown in Figure 2 as described herein.

[0050] An opening 224 may be present within the cartridge shell 216 (for example, at the mouth end) to allow the formed aerosol to be released from the cartridge 104.

[0051] The cartridge 104 may also include one or more electronic components 226, which may include integrated circuits, memory components, sensors, etc. The electronic components may be configured to communicate with the control components 208 and / or external devices by wired or wireless means. The electronic components may be located anywhere within the cartridge or its base 228.

[0052] Although the control component 208 and the flow sensor 210 are shown separately, it should be understood that various electronic components, including the control component and the flow sensor, may be combined on an electronically printed circuit board (PCB) that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. Furthermore, the PCB may be oriented horizontally to the diagram in Figure 1, in that the PCB may be parallel in the longitudinal direction to the central axis of the control body. In some examples, the air flow sensor may include its own PCB or other base element to which it can be mounted. In some examples, a flexible PCB may be used. The flexible PCB may be configured in various shapes, including substantially tubular shapes. In some examples, the flexible PCB may be combined with a heater substrate, laminated on a heater substrate, or form part or all of a heater substrate.

[0053] The control body 102 and cartridge 104 may include components configured to facilitate fluid engagement between them. As shown in Figure 2, the control body may include a coupler 230 having a cavity 232 inside. The base 228 of the cartridge may be configured to engage with the coupler and may include a projection 234 configured to fit into the cavity. Such engagement facilitates a stable connection between the control body and the cartridge and establishes an electrical connection between the power supply 212 and control components 208 in the control body and the heater 220 in the cartridge. Furthermore, the control body shell 206 may include an air intake 236, which may be a notch in the shell, where the notch is connected to the coupler, allowing ambient air around the coupler to pass through and into the shell, then through the cavity 232 of the coupler, and into the cartridge via the projection 234.

[0054] Useful couplers and bases provided herein are described in Novak et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the coupler 230 may define an outer circumference 238 configured to pair with the inner circumference 240 of the base 228. In one example, the inner circumference of the base may define a radius substantially equal to or slightly larger than the radius of the outer circumference of the coupler. Furthermore, the coupler may define one or more protrusions 242 on its outer circumference configured to engage with one or more recesses 244 defined on the inner circumference of the base. However, the base may be connected to the coupler using various other example structures, shapes and components. In some examples, the connection between the base of the cartridge 104 and the coupler of the control body 102 may be substantially permanent, while in other examples, the connection between them may be disconnectable, for example, the control body may be reused with one or more additional cartridges, which may be disposable and / or refillable.

[0055] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 may be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical. In other examples, additional shapes and dimensions are included, such as rectangular or triangular cross-sections, polyhedral shapes, etc.

[0056] The reservoir 218 shown in Figure 2 may be a container or a fibrous reservoir, as described herein. For example, in this example, the reservoir may include one or more layers of nonwoven fibers substantially formed in the shape of a tube surrounding the interior of a cartridge shell 216. An aerosol precursor composition can be held within the reservoir. For example, liquid components may be adsorbed and held by the reservoir. The reservoir may be fluidly connected to a liquid transport element 222. In this example, the liquid transport element can transport the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir to a heater 220, which is in the form of a metal wire coil, by capillary action. Thus, the heater is in a heating arrangement with the liquid transport element. Exemplary embodiments of reservoirs and transport elements useful for aerosol delivery devices according to this disclosure are described below, and such reservoirs and / or transport elements may be incorporated into a device such as the one shown in Figure 2 described herein. In particular, certain combinations of heating members and transport elements, further described below, may be incorporated into a device such as the one shown in Figure 2 described herein.

[0057] When used, the user inhales into the aerosol delivery device 100, the flow sensor 210 detects the airflow, and the heater 220 is activated to vaporize the components of the aerosol precursor composition. Inhalation at the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device draws ambient air into the intake port 236, passing through the cavity 232 in the coupler 230 and the central opening in the projection 234 of the base 228. In the cartridge 104, the inhaled air combines with the formed vapor to form an aerosol. The aerosol is blown away from the heater, inhaled, or otherwise sucked out through the opening 224 in the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device.

[0058] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include a number of additional software control functions. For example, the aerosol delivery device may include a power protection circuit configured to detect power input, load to power terminals, and charge input. The power protection circuit may include short-circuit protection, undervoltage lockout, and / or overvoltage charge protection. The aerosol delivery device may also include a component for ambient temperature measurement, and its control component 208 may be configured to control at least one functional element to prohibit power charging (in particular of any battery) if the ambient temperature falls below a certain temperature (e.g., 0°C) or exceeds a certain temperature (e.g., 45°C) before charging starts or during charging.

[0059] Power delivery from power supply 212 may vary over the course of each revving using the device 100, according to a power control mechanism. The device may include a “long revving” safety timer so that if a user or component failure (e.g., flow sensor 210) causes the device to attempt continuous revving, the control component 208 may control at least one functional element to automatically terminate revving after a certain period (e.g., 4 seconds). Furthermore, the time between revvings using the device may be limited to less than a certain period (e.g., 100 seconds). The watchdog safety timer may automatically reset the aerosol delivery device if its control component or software running on the aerosol delivery device becomes unstable and fails to service the timer within a suitable time interval (e.g., 8 seconds). Further safety protections may be provided, such as permanently disabling the aerosol delivery device to prevent accidental overheating in the event of a defect or failure of the flow sensor 210. If the pressure sensor malfunctions and the device is continuously activated without stopping after a maximum revving time of 4 seconds, the rev limit switch may shut down the device.

[0060] The aerosol delivery device 100 may include a blow-tracking algorithm configured to lock out the heater when a defined number of blows are achieved for an installed cartridge (based on the number of available blows calculated in relation to the e-liquid filling in the cartridge). The aerosol delivery device may include sleep, standby, or low-power mode functions, thereby automatically shutting off power delivery after a defined period of inactivity. Additional safety protection may be provided in such a way that every charge / discharge cycle of the power supply 212 can be monitored by the control component 208 over its lifetime. After the power supply has reached a predetermined number of cycles (e.g., 200) equivalent to a full discharge and full recharge cycle, the power supply may be declared depleted, and the control component may control at least one functional element to prevent the power supply from being further charged.

[0061] Various components of the aerosol delivery apparatus described herein can be selected from components described and commercially available in the art currently. Examples of batteries that can be used in accordance with this disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766 by Peckerar et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] The aerosol delivery device 100 may incorporate a sensor 210 or another sensor or detector to control the power supply to the heater 220 when aerosol generation is desired (e.g., when inhaled during use). Thus, a configuration or method is provided for, for example, to turn off the power supply to the heater when not inhaled by the aerosol delivery device during use, and to turn on the power supply to activate or trigger the generation of heat by the heater during inhalation. Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their structures and configurations, their components, and their general methods of operation are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 by Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 by McCafferty et al., and PCT Patent Application Publication WO2010 / 003480 by Flick, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] The aerosol delivery device 100 most preferably incorporates a control component 208 or another control mechanism for controlling the amount of power supplied to the heater 220 during suction. Typical types of electronic components, their structures and configurations, their characteristics, and their general methods of operation are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 by Gerth et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,947,874 by Brooks et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 by McCafferty et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 by Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,040,314 by Nguyen et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,205,622 by Pan, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0230117 by Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 by Collet et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0270727 by Ampolini et al., and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0257445 by Henry et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] Typical types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in Newton's U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569, Chapman et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261487, Davis et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780, and Bless et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, various wicking materials and the composition and operation of those wicking materials in certain types of e-cigarettes are described in Sears et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0209105, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] Aerosol precursor compositions, also called vapor precursor compositions, may contain a variety of components, such as polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and / or flavorings. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations are also described and characterized in U.S. Patent No. 7,217,320 by Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 by Zheng et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0213417 by Chong et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 by Collett et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020823 by Lipowicz et al., and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020830 by Koller, as well as WO2014 / 182736 by Bowen et al. and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 222,615 filed on 28 July 2016, and these disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include the aerosol precursors incorporated into RJReynolds Vapor Company's VUSE(R) products, Imperial Tobacco Group PLC's BLU(TM) products, Mistic Ecigs' MISTIC MENTHOL products, and CN Creative Ltd.'s VYPE products. The so-called "smoke juice" for e-cigarettes available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC is also desirable.

[0066] Visual indicators and related components, auditory indicators, tactile indicators, and other components that provide visual stimuli, or representative additional types of indicators, may be used in the aerosol delivery device 100. Examples of suitable LED components, as well as their configurations and uses, are described by reference in U.S. Patent No. 5,154,192 by Sprinkel et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,499,766 by Newton, U.S. Patent No. 8,539,959 by Scatterday, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216233 by Sears et al.

[0067] Further features, control units, or components that can be incorporated into the aerosol delivery apparatus of this disclosure are all incorporated herein by reference to Harris et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,967,148, Watkins et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,934,289, Counts et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,954,979, Fleischhauer et al. U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560, Hon U.S. Patent No. 8,365,742, Fernando et al. U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976, and Katase U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0016. This is described in Patent No. 550, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0163063 by Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192623 by Tucker et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0298905 by Leven et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0180553 by Kim et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 by Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 by Novak et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261408 by DePiano et al.

[0068] As described above, the control component 208 includes a number of electronic components, which in some examples may be formed from a PCB. The electronic components may include a microprocessor or processor core and memory. In some examples, the control component may include a microcontroller having an integrated processor core and memory, and may further include one or more integrated input / output peripherals. In some examples, the control component may be coupled to a communication interface 246 to enable wireless communication with one or more networks, computing devices or other appropriately enabled devices. Examples of preferred communication interfaces are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 638,562 by Marion et al., filed March 4, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of preferred configurations in which the aerosol delivery device may be configured for wireless communication are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0007651 by Ampolini et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0219933 by Henry, Jr. et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] According to some exemplary embodiments, the control body 102 may include a digital pressure sensor 248 configured to measure applied pressure. The digital pressure sensor may then generate a corresponding signal indicating the pressure thus measured. Suitable examples of digital pressure sensors may include, or may include, piezoresistive pressure sensors, microelectromechanical system-based (MEMS) capacitive pressure sensors, and / or sensors having variometer or spirometer functions. For example, the digital pressure sensor may include a variometer function, and the status of the aerosol delivery device 100 or its user may include the rate of change in altitude of the aerosol delivery device. In another example, the digital pressure sensor may include a spirometer function, and the status of the aerosol delivery device or its user may include the user's respiratory state. In some embodiments, the digital pressure sensor may include a noise cancellation function that reveals and thereby eliminates the influence of noise variables when the pressure is measured at sea level or substantially high altitude.

[0070] Examples of suitable piezoresistive pressure sensors are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,017,420 by Kalvesten et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,856,885 by Bhansali et al., and U.S. Patent Application No. 2006 / 0213275 by Cobianu et al., each incorporated herein by reference. Examples of suitable sensors having variometer functionality are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,191,792 by Gloor, incorporated herein by reference. Examples of suitable sensors having spirometer functionality are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,063,669 by Brawner et al., incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] The digital pressure sensor 248 may be selectively operable in a standby mode in which the digital pressure sensor is disabled. The digital pressure sensor may also be selectively operable in an active mode or a continuous mode in which the digital pressure sensor is configured to obtain a single measurement or multiple measurements of pressure, respectively. In at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor can operate in continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor may be configured to obtain multiple measurements of pressure at a predetermined oversampling rate. Furthermore, in at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor can operate in continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor may be configured to cycle continuously between the active mode and the standby period. In some examples, the digital pressure sensor may be connected to a control component 208, and the control component is configured so that the digital pressure sensor can operate in either the active mode (e.g., single measurement mode) or the continuous mode.

[0072] Figure 3 shows the aerosol delivery device 100, including a digital pressure sensor 248, in more detail. As previously mentioned, the digital pressure sensor may be configured to generate a corresponding signal indicating the pressure measured thereby (pressure applied to the digital pressure sensor). The control component 208 or the digital pressure sensor may be configured to control at least one functional element 302 of the aerosol delivery device based on (1) the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal, or (2) the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user determined from the corresponding signal.

[0073] In general, the functional elements 302 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be controlled in one of several different ways in response to a state determined from a measured pressure or a corresponding signal. For example, the control of the functional element 302 may include outputting pressure or a state for presentation by the display 304. In another example, the indicators 250 (e.g., visual indicators, auditory indicators, tactile indicators) may be controlled to provide user-perceptible feedback (e.g., visual, auditory, or tactile feedback). In yet another example, the functional elements may be controlled to change the locked state of the aerosol delivery device 100. This may include, for example, disabling the operation of one or more components of the aerosol delivery device based on a state determined from a measured pressure or a corresponding signal.

[0074] In some examples, the control component 208 or digital pressure sensor 248 may be further configured to determine the state of the aerosol delivery device 100 or its user from a corresponding signal. For example, the state may include weather forecasts, assessment of the user's lungs, and thereby diagnosis of conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions affecting respiration. In these examples, the control component or digital pressure sensor may be configured to control the functional element 302 to output the thus determined state for presentation by the display 304. In some examples, the corresponding signal or state may be output for presentation by the display in tabular or graphical format.

[0075] In some examples where the control unit 102 includes a communication interface 246, the control of the functional element 302 may include controlling the communication interface to wirelessly transmit a corresponding signal, or the status of the aerosol delivery device or user, to a remote computing device (external computing device) located outside the aerosol delivery device 100. This computing device may also be embodied as several different devices. For example, information may be transmitted to medical devices, weather tracking systems, global positioning systems, etc. Suitable examples of computing devices include any of several different mobile computers such as portable computers (e.g., laptops, notebooks, and tablet computers), mobile phones (e.g., cellular phones, smartphones), and wearable computers (e.g., smartwatches). In other examples, the computing device may be embodied as something other than a mobile computer, for example, a desktop computer, a server computer, etc.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, the aerosol delivery device 100, and more specifically the control unit 102, may include several electronic components, including an infinite input response (IIR) filter 306 and a DC-DC converter 308. The IIR filter or ferrite bead may be operably coupled to a digital pressure sensor 248 and configured to reduce the detection of short-term fluctuations in the pressure measured by the digital pressure sensor. The power supply 212 may be configured to supply power to the digital pressure sensor and may include a lithium-ion battery (LiB), a stainless steel battery (SSB), or a supercapacitor. In these examples, the DC-DC converter may be operably coupled between the power supply and the digital pressure sensor and configured to deliver a constant voltage from the power supply to the digital pressure sensor. In some examples, the DC-DC converter is a switching regulator configured to reduce errors in response to a two-way unipolar double-throw (SPDT) switch to toggle to change the load state from off to on.

[0077] Referring again to Figure 2, in addition to the control unit 102, or instead, the cartridge may also include a digital pressure sensor 252 (e.g., a capacitive, e.g., micro-electromechanical system-based (MEMS) capacitive, resistive, or thermal conductivity type, or a piezoresistive digital pressure sensor) and possibly an indicator 254. As described above, the functional elements of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be controlled in any of several different ways in response to a measured pressure or a state determined from a corresponding signal. For example, the pressure or the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user may be output for presentation by a display (e.g., display 304), or indicators 250, 254 may be controlled to provide user-perceptible feedback.

[0078] The above description of the use of the article may be applied to the various exemplary embodiments described herein through minor modifications that may be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of further disclosures provided herein. However, the above description of use is not intended to limit the use of the article, but is provided to comply with all necessary disclosure requirements of this disclosure. Any elements shown in Figures 1 to 3, or otherwise shown in the article described above, may be included in aerosol delivery devices according to this disclosure.

[0079] Those skilled in the art, who have an interest in the teachings shown in the above description and the associated drawings, will likely envision many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while the above description and the associated drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in light of specific combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, other combinations of elements and / or functions not explicitly described above are also conceivable, for example, as may be described in some of the appended claims. Certain terms are used herein, but they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limitation.

Claims

1. Aerosol delivery device, Aerosol precursor composition and A control component configured to operate in active mode, wherein in active mode, the control component is configured to cause an aerosol delivery device to generate an aerosol from an aerosol precursor composition, A digital pressure sensor configured to measure applied pressure and generate a corresponding signal indicating the pressure thus measured, The digital pressure sensor can be selectively operated in a dormant mode where the digital pressure sensor is disabled, or in an active mode or continuous mode. In each of the active and continuous modes, the digital pressure sensor is configured to acquire a single or multiple pressure measurements, respectively. The control component or digital pressure sensor is further configured to control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the pressure indicated by the corresponding signal, or the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user determined from the corresponding signal. The digital pressure sensor includes a variometer function, and the aerosol delivery device or the user's status includes the rate of change of altitude of the aerosol delivery device.

2. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, further comprising controlling at least one functional element to disable a component of the aerosol delivery device.

3. In at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in continuous mode, the aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1 is configured to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements at a predetermined oversampling rate.

4. In at least one example in which the digital pressure sensor is capable of operating in continuous mode, the digital pressure sensor is configured to cycle continuously between an active mode and a resting mode, according to claim 1, the aerosol delivery apparatus.

5. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the digital pressure sensor is a piezoresistive pressure sensor or a capacitive pressure sensor based on a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), and in at least one example the piezoresistive pressure sensor has a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

6. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable power source configured to supply power to a digital pressure sensor, the power source comprising a lithium-ion battery (LiB), a thin-film solid-state battery (SSB), or a supercapacitor.

7. The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol precursor composition is contained in a reservoir.

8. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol precursor composition is supported by a substrate.

9. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the digital pressure sensor includes a spirometer function, and the state of the aerosol delivery device or its user includes the user's respiratory state.

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