SAFETY FEATURES FOR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE.

Abstract

A safety device for an aerosol generating device may include a coupling assembly configured to releasably engage a part of the aerosol generating device and a locking assembly operably coupled to the coupling assembly. The locking assembly may be configured to have a locked state, in which the coupling assembly is secured to the part of the aerosol generating device, and an unlocked state, in which the coupling assembly is released from being secured to the part of the aerosol generating device. The coupling assembly may also be configured to perform a denial-of-benefit function in response to the removal of the safety device from the aerosol generating device.

Description

SAFETY FEATURES FOR AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD The example embodiments generally relate to non-combustible aerosol delivery systems and, in particular, relate to safety devices for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device. BACKGROUND Non-combustible aerosol delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes / tobacco heating products or similar devices) generally contain an aerosolizable material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation. The formulation typically includes nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example, through heat vaporization. However, devices containing formulations with other materials, such as cannabinoids (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiol (CBD)), botanicals, medicinal products, caffeine, and / or other active ingredients, are also possible.Thus, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system will typically include an aerosol generation chamber containing a vaporizer, such as a heater, designed to vaporize a portion of the aerosolizable material to generate an aerosol within the chamber. When a user inhales into a mouthpiece of the device and electrical power is supplied to the heater, air is drawn into the device and the aerosol generation chamber, where it mixes with the vaporized aerosolizable material to form a condensation aerosol. A flow path exists between the aerosol generation chamber and an opening in the nozzle, so that the air drawn through the aerosol generation chamber continues along the flow path to the opening, carrying with it some of the condensation aerosol, and exits through the opening to be inhaled by the user. Aerosol delivery systems include, for example, vapor products, such as those that deliver nicotine and are commonly known as electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), as well as non-burning heat products, including heated tobacco products (THPs). Many of these products take the form of a system comprising a device and a consumable, with the consumable containing the material from which the delivered substance is derived. Typically, the device is reusable, and the consumable is single-use (although some consumables are refillable, as in the case of so-called open systems). Therefore, in many cases, the consumable is sold separately from the device, often in a multipack. Furthermore, subsystems and some individual components of devices or consumables may be supplied by specialized manufacturers. Aerosol delivery devices, such as those described above, are typically handheld in size. Because of their size and popularity, these devices are sometimes targeted for theft or other unauthorized use. Preventing, or at least inhibiting, the unauthorized use of aerosol delivery devices, whether through theft or other reasons, is of great interest to manufacturers of these devices. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide convenient and effective ways to limit the unauthorized use of aerosol delivery devices by adding various security features to them. BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES In one example embodiment, a safety device may be provided for an aerosol generating device. The safety device may include a coupling assembly configured to releasably couple a part of the aerosol generating device and a locking assembly operably coupled to the coupling assembly. The locking assembly may be configured to have a locked state in which the coupling assembly is secured to the part of the aerosol generating device, and an unlocked state in which the coupling assembly is released from its attachment to the part of the aerosol generating device. The coupling assembly may further be configured to perform a denial-of-benefit function in response to the removal of the safety device from the aerosol generating device. In another exemplary embodiment, a method may be provided for preventing the unauthorized use of an aerosol generating device. The method may include applying a safety device having a coupling assembly and a locking assembly to a portion of the aerosol generating device to which a consumable cartridge can be coupled, and transitioning the locking assembly to a locked state where the coupling assembly is secured to the portion of the aerosol generating device.The method may further include, in response to receiving a key or code, the transition of the locking assembly to an unlocked state where the coupling assembly is released from attachment to the aerosol generating device portion and performs a denial-of-benefit function in response to removal of the security device from the aerosol generating device when the locking assembly is in the locked state. It will be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely to summarize some example implementations to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the example implementations described above are merely examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Further examples of embodiment, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some of the described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWING OR DRAWINGS Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: FIG. IA illustrates a general block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system that can be used in connection with one example embodiment; FIG. 1B and 1C illustrate an aerosol delivery system in the form of a vapor product, according to some example implementations; FIG. ID illustrates a nebulizer that can be used to implement an aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery system, according to some example implementations; FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a non-heating product aerosol delivery system, according to some example implementations; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example implementation of a security device according to an example embodiment; FIG. 4, which is defined by FIG. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E, shows a safety device according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 5, which is defined by FIG. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H and 51, shows another safety device according to an embodiment example; FIG. 6, which is defined by FIG. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F, illustrates another safety device according to an embodiment example; FIG. 7, which is defined by FIG. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E, illustrates another safety device according to one example embodiment; and FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a method for preventing the unauthorized use of an aerosol provisioning / generation device according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Some example embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, example embodiments. In fact, the examples described and illustrated herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to satisfy applicable legal requirements. Similar reference numbers refer to similar items throughout this document. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" should be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true.As used herein, operable coupling should be understood as a direct or indirect connection that, in any case, allows the functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other. As previously mentioned, non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as ENDS devices, can be subject to unauthorized use. To inhibit or prevent such unauthorized use, safety devices can be employed. Some safety features may require modifications to the hardware or software (or both) of existing devices. However, while these modifications can certainly be effective, it may be desirable to avoid changing the designs of existing devices or components. Accordingly, some example embodiments may provide safety devices that can be supplied for use with aerosol delivery devices without necessarily modifying the devices themselves.Such security devices may be, for example, denial-of-benefit devices that prevent the use of the aerosol delivery device, and may in some cases do so by destroying the aerosol delivery device, unless the security device is properly removed. Proper removal may be performed by authorized personnel who possess a code, unlocking device, and / or similar device configured to unlock the security device after it has been attached to the aerosol delivery device. Consequently, some embodiments may provide solutions to the problems noted above, and such solutions may be implemented either alone or in combination with others. Since the example embodiments can be employed in connection with the provision of safety for non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as ENDS devices, an overview of an example device will be provided, as some aspects of the case described herein can be adapted to interact with such devices. Unless otherwise specified or clearly implied from the context, references to first, second, or similar terms should not be interpreted as implying a particular order. A feature described as being above another (unless otherwise specified or clear from the context) may be below, and vice versa; likewise, features described as being to the left of another feature may be to the right, and vice versa. Furthermore, although this document refers to quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, or the like, unless otherwise stated, one or more of these, if not all, may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations, such as those due to technical tolerances or similar. As used herein, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the OR of a set of operands is the inclusive OR and is therefore true if and only if one or more of the operands are true, as opposed to the exclusive OR, which is false when all operands are true. Thus, for example, [A] OR [B] is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Furthermore, the articles a and an mean one or more, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context that they refer to a single form. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the terms data, content, digital content, information, and similar terms may be used interchangeably on occasion. The application examples in this disclosure generally pertain to delivery systems designed to provide at least one substance to a user, for example, to satisfy a specific consumption occasion. The substance may include components that produce a physiological effect on the user, a sensory effect on the user, or both. Delivery systems can take many forms. Examples of suitable delivery systems include aerosol delivery systems, such as powered aerosol delivery systems designed to release one or more substances or compounds from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material. These aerosol delivery systems may sometimes be called non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, aerosol delivery devices, or similar terms, and the aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. Examples of suitable aerosol delivery systems include vapor products, non-burning heat products, hybrid products, and similar devices. Vapor products are commonly known as e-cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), although the aerosol-generating material does not necessarily have to contain nicotine. Many vapor products are designed to heat a liquid material to generate an aerosol. Other vapor products are designed to break down an aerosol-generating material into an aerosol without heating, or with only secondary heating. Non-heating products include heated tobacco products (THPs) and carbon-tipped heated tobacco products (CTHPs), and many are designed to heat a solid material to generate an aerosol without burning the material. Hybrid products utilize a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. Some hybrid products are similar to vapor products, except that the aerosol generated from a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) to pick up additional components before reaching the user. In some implementation examples, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Figure 1A is a block diagram of an aerosol delivery system 100 according to some example implementations. In several examples, the aerosol delivery system may be a vapor product, an unburned heat product, or a hybrid product. The aerosol delivery system includes one or more of each of a number of components, including, for example, an aerosol delivery device 102 and a consumable 104 (sometimes referred to as an item) for use with the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery system also includes an aerosol generator 106. In various embodiments, the aerosol generator may be part of the aerosol delivery device or the consumable. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator may be separate from the aerosol delivery device and the consumable and removably coupled to the aerosol delivery device and / or the consumable. In several examples, the aerosol delivery system 100 and its components, including the aerosol delivery device 102 and the consumable 104, may be reusable or disposable. In some examples, the aerosol delivery system, which includes both the aerosol delivery device and the consumable, may be disposable. In some examples, the aerosol delivery device may be reusable, and the consumable may be reusable (e.g., refillable) or disposable (e.g., replaceable). In other examples, the consumable may be both refillable and replaceable. In examples where the aerosol generator 106 is part of the aerosol delivery device or the consumable, the aerosol generator may be reusable or single-use, just like the aerosol delivery device or the consumable. In some example embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 102 may include a housing 108 with a power supply 110 and circuitry 112. The power supply is configured to provide a source of power to the aerosol delivery device and, therefore, to the aerosol delivery system 100. The power supply may be or include, for example, an electrical power source such as a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery (SSB), a lithium-ion battery, a supercapacitor, or similar. Circuitry 112 may be configured to enable one or more functionalities (sometimes called services) of the aerosol delivery device 102 and, therefore, of the aerosol delivery system 100. The circuits include electronic components and, in some examples, one or more of the electronic components may be formed by a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). In some examples, circuitry 112 includes at least one switch 114 that can be manipulated directly or indirectly by a user to activate the aerosol delivery device 102 and, therefore, the aerosol delivery system 100. The switch may be or include a push button, a touch-sensitive surface, or the like that can be manually operated by the user. Additionally or alternatively, the switch may be or include a sensor configured to detect one or more process variables that indicate the use of the aerosol delivery device or the aerosol delivery system.An example is a flow sensor, pressure sensor, pressure switch, or similar device that is configured to detect airflow or a change in pressure caused by airflow when a user removes consumable 104. Switch 114 may provide user interface functionality. In some examples, circuitry 112 may include a user interface (UI) 116 that is separate from or integrated with the switch. The UI may include one or more input and / or output devices to enable interaction between the user and the spray delivery device 102. As previously described with respect to the switch, examples of suitable input devices include pushbuttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, and the like. The one or more output devices generally include devices configured to provide information in a human-perceptible form, which may be visual, audible, or tactile / haptic. Examples of suitable output devices include light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), quantum dot-based LEDs, and the like.Other examples of suitable output devices include display devices (e.g., electronic visual displays), touch screens (integrated touch surface and display device), speakers, vibration motors, and the like. In some examples, circuitry 112 includes processing circuitry 118 configured to perform data processing, application execution, other processing, control, or management services according to one or more example implementations. The processing circuitry may include an embedded processor in a variety of forms, such as at least a processor core, microprocessor, coprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or various other computing or processing devices, including one or more integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), some combination thereof, or similar.In some examples, the processing circuit may include memory coupled or integrated with the processor, and which may store data, instructions for computer programs executable by the processor, some combination thereof, or similar. As also shown in some examples, the housing 108, and therefore the aerosol delivery device 102, may also include a coupler 120 and / or a receptacle 122 structured to engage and hold the consumable 104, and thereby couple the aerosol delivery device to the consumable. The coupler may be, or include, a connector, closure, or the like configured to connect with a corresponding coupler on the consumable, for example, by means of a push-fit (or interference), threaded, magnetic, or similar connection. The receptacle may be, or include, a reservoir, tank, container, cavity, receiving chamber, or the like structured to receive and contain the consumable or at least a portion thereof. Consumable 104 is an item that includes aerosol-generating material 124 (also called aerosol precursor composition), some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. Aerosol delivery system 100 may include one or more consumables, and each consumable may include one or more aerosol-generating materials. In some examples where the aerosol delivery system is a hybrid product, the aerosol delivery system may include a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol, which may pass through a second solid aerosol-generating material to pick up additional components before reaching the user. These aerosol-generating materials may be within a single consumable or within separate consumables that can be extracted. The aerosol-generating material 124 is capable of generating aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol-generating material may include an amorphous solid, which may alternatively be called a monolithic solid (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include from approximately 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid, up to approximately 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid. The aerosol generating material 124 may include one or more of each of a number of constituents such as an active substance 126, a flavoring agent 128, an aerosol forming material 130 or other functional material 132. The active substance 126 may be a physiologically active material, meaning a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response such as improved alertness, improved concentration, increased energy, increased stamina, increased calmness, or improved sleep. The active ingredient may be, for example, a nutraceutical, a nootropic, or a psychoactive substance. The active ingredient may be natural or synthetic. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), L-theanine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 (cobalamin), or Vitamin C, melatonin, cannabinoids, terpenes, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active ingredient may include one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other botanical products. In some examples where active substance 126 includes derivatives or extracts, the active substance may be or include one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As stated herein, active substance 126 may include or be derived from one or more botanical products or constituents, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term botanical includes any material derived from plants, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, or the like. Alternatively, the material may include an active compound that occurs naturally in a botanical product and is obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, crushed particles, granules, pellets, strips, sheets, or the like.Some examples of botanical products are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cacao, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, steak plant, turmeric, sandalwood, coriander, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil Chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv and Mentha suaveolens. In other examples, active substance 126 may be or include one or more of the following substances: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) / oxytryptan / Griffonia simplicifolia, acetylcholine, arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bacopa monnieri, beta-alanine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), Centella asiatica, chai-hu, cinnamon, citicoline, cotinine, creatine, curcumin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3), dopamine, Dorstenia arifolia, Dorstenia odorata, essential oils, GABA, Galphimia glauca, glutamic acid, hops, Kaempferia parviflora (Thai ginseng), kava, L-carnitine, L-arginine, lavender oil, L-choline, licorice, L-lysine, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, lutein, magnesium, magnesium L-threonate, myo-inositol, nardostachys chinensis, nitrate, Viola odorata oil extract, oxygen, phenylalanine, phosphatidylserine, quercetin, resveratrol, Rhizoma gastrodiae, Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea, rose essential oil, Sadenosylmethionine (SAMe),sceletium tortuosum, schisandra, selenium, serotonin, skullcap, spearmint extract, tuberose, theobromine, tumaric, Turnera aphrodisiaca, tyrosine, vitamin A, vitamin B3 or yerba mate., In some example embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 124 includes a flavoring agent 128. As used herein, the terms flavoring agent and flavor refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in a product for adult consumers. Flavorings may include flavoring materials of natural origin, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese whitebark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, grass, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, blueberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian,dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, blackberry, citrus, Drambuie, bourbon, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, paprika, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil of any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flaxseed, ginkgo biloba, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, flower elderberry, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, steak plant, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonenethymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as activated charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical substances, or breath fresheners. Flavorings may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. Flavorings may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gaseous. In some embodiments of this example, flavoring agent 128 may include a sensory agent, intended to achieve a somatosensory sensation that is usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the aroma or gustatory nerves, and may include agents that provide warming, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A suitable warming agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, among others, eucolyptol, WS-3. The aerosol-forming material 130 may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some example embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetin, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. The other functional materials 132 may include one or more pH regulators, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants. Suitable binders include, for example, pectin, guar gum, fruit pectin, citrus pectin, tobacco pectin, hydroxyethylated guar gum, hydroxypropylated guar gum, hydroxyethylated locust bean gum, hydroxypropylated locust bean gum, alginate, starch, modified starch, derived starch, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, tamarind gum, dextran, pullalon, konjac flour, or xanthan gum. In some example embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 124 may be present on or in a support to form a substrate 134. The support may be or include, for example, paper, cardboard, cardstock, reconstituted material (for example, a material formed from reconstituted plant material, such as reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted hemp, etc.), a plastic material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some examples, the support includes a susceptor, which may be embedded within the aerosol-generating material or on one or both sides of the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown separately, in some example embodiments, consumable 104 may further include a structured receptacle for engaging and holding aerosol-generating material 124, or substrate 134 containing the aerosol-generating material. The receptacle may be or include a reservoir, tank, container, cavity, receiving chamber, or the like, structured to receive and contain the aerosol-generating material or the substrate. The consumable may include an aerosol-generating material transfer component (also called a liquid transport element) configured to transport the aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator 106. The aerosol-generating material may be a substrate. The aerosol-generating material transfer component may be adapted to absorb or otherwise transport the aerosol-generating material by capillary action.In some examples, the aerosol-generating material transfer component may include a microfluidic chip, a micropump, or another component suitable for transporting the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generator 106 (also called the atomizer, aerosolizer, or aerosol-generating component) is configured to energize the aerosol-generating material 124 in order to generate an aerosol, or to cause the generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol generator can be powered by the energy source 110 under the control of circuit 112 to energize the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. In some embodiments of this example, the aerosol generator 106 is an electric heater configured to perform electrical heating where electrical energy from the power supply is converted into thermal energy, which is applied to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatiles from the material and form an aerosol. Examples of suitable forms of electrical heating include resistance (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiant heating, arc heating, and the like. More specific examples of suitable electric heaters include resistive heating elements such as wire coils, flat plates, tips, microheaters, or the like. In some example embodiments, the aerosol generator 106 is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating, or only with secondary heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of the following: pressure, vibration, or electrostatic energy. More specific examples of these aerosol generators include jet nebulizers, ultrasonic wave nebulizers, vibrating mesh technology (VMT) nebulizers, surface acoustic wave (SAW) nebulizers, and the like. A jet nebulizer is configured to use compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen) to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol, and an ultrasonic wave nebulizer is configured to use ultrasonic waves to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. A VMT nebulizer includes a mesh and a piezoelectric material (e.g., piezoelectric, piezomagnetic) that can be driven to vibrate and cause the mesh to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. A SAW nebulizer is configured to use surface acoustic waves or Rayleigh waves to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol generator 106 may include a susceptor, or the susceptor may be part of the substrate 134. The susceptor is a material heatable by penetration with a variable magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator, which may be separate from the aerosol generator or part of it. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, so that its penetration with a variable magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic, so that its penetration with a variable magnetic field causes heating by magnetic hysteresis of the heating material. In some examples, the susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor in these examples can be heated by both heating mechanisms. Although not shown separately, the aerosol delivery device 102 or the consumable 104, or both, may include an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol modifying agent is a substance configured to modify the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 124, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristic of the aerosol. In several examples, the aerosol modifying agent may be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol modifying agent may include, for example, one or more flavorings, colorants, water, or carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifying agent may be solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol modifying agent may be in powder, strand, or granule form. The aerosol modifying agent may be free of filtration material.In some examples, the aerosol modifying agent may be supplied in an aerosol modifying agent release component, which is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol delivery system 100 and its components, including the aerosol delivery device 102, the consumable 104, and the aerosol generator 106, can be manufactured in any of the different form factors and with additional or alternative components to those described above. Figures 1B and 1C illustrate an aerosol delivery system 140 in vapor form, which in some example implementations may correspond to aerosol delivery system 100. As shown, the aerosol delivery system 140 may include an aerosol delivery device 141 (also called a control body or power unit) and a consumable 142 (also called a cartridge or reservoir), which may correspond respectively to aerosol delivery device 102 and consumable 104. The aerosol delivery system, and in particular the consumable, may also include an aerosol generator corresponding to aerosol generator 106, and in the form of an electric heater 144, such as a heating element like a metal plate or a coil of metal wire configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy by resistance (Joule) heating.The aerosol delivery device and the consumable can be permanently or detachably aligned in an operating relationship. Figures 1B and 1C illustrate, respectively, a perspective view and a partially cut side view of the aerosol delivery system in a coupled configuration. As shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, the aerosol device 141 and consumable 142 include several components. The components illustrated in FIG. 1C are representative of the components that may be present in an aerosol delivery device and consumable, and are not intended to limit the scope of components covered by this disclosure. The aerosol delivery device 141 may include a housing 145 (sometimes referred to as the aerosol delivery device housing) that may include a power supply 150. The housing may also include circuitry 152 with a sensor-shaped switch 154. The housing may also include a circuit 152 with a sensor-shaped switch 154, a user interface including a light source 156 that can be illuminated by the use of the aerosol delivery system 140, and a processing circuit 158 ​​(also referred to as the control component). The housing may also include a receptacle in the form of a consumable receiving chamber 162 structured to engage and hold the consumable 142.And the consumable may include an aerosol generating material 164 which may correspond to aerosol generating material 124, and which may include one or more of each of a number of constituents such as an active substance, a flavoring, an aerosol forming material or other functional material. As also shown in FIG. 1C, the aerosol delivery device 141 may also include electrical connectors 166 positioned in the receiving chamber of the consumable 162, configured to electrically couple the circuits and thus the aerosol delivery device to the consumable 142, and in particular electrical contacts 168 on the consumable. In this respect, the electrical connectors and contacts may form a connection interface between the aerosol delivery device and the consumable. As also shown, the aerosol delivery device may include an external electrical connector 170 for connecting the aerosol delivery device to one or more external devices. Examples of suitable external electrical connectors include USB connectors, proprietary connectors such as Apple's Lightning connector, and the like. In several examples, consumable 142 includes a reservoir and a nozzle. The reservoir and nozzle parts may be integrated or permanently attached, or the reservoir part may define the nozzle part (or vice versa). In other examples, the reservoir and nozzle parts may be separate and removable. The consumable 142, the reservoir portion, and / or the nozzle portion can be defined separately with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (TI) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the first transverse axis. The consumable may consist of a housing 172 (sometimes referred to as the consumable casing) enclosing a reservoir 174 (in the reservoir portion) configured to retain the aerosol-generating material 164. In some examples, the consumable may include an aerosol generator, such as the electric heater 144 in the illustrated example. In some examples, the electrical connectors 166 on the aerosol delivery device 141 and the electrical contacts 168 on the consumable may electrically connect the electric heater to the power supply 150 and / or the circuits 152 of the aerosol delivery device. As shown in some examples, the reservoir 174 may be in fluid communication with an aerosol-generating material transfer component 176 adapted to absorb or otherwise transport the aerosol-generating material 164 stored in the reservoir housing to the electric heater 144. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating material transfer component may be positioned close to (e.g., directly adjacent to, adjacent to, in close proximity to, or in relatively close proximity to) the electric heater. The aerosol-generating material transfer component may extend between the electric heater and the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir, and at least a portion of the electric heater may be located above a proximal end of the reservoir.For the purposes of this disclosure, "above" in this particular context should be understood to mean "towards a proximal end of the reservoir and / or consumable 142 in a direction substantially along the longitudinal axis (L). Other arrangements of the aerosol-generating material transfer component are also covered within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments of the example, the aerosol-generating material transfer component may be located near a distal end of the reservoir and / or arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis (L). The electric heater 144 and the aerosol-generating material transfer component 176 can be configured as separate, seamlessly connected elements, or as a combined element. For example, in some embodiments, an electric heater can be integrated into an aerosol-generating material transfer component. Furthermore, the electric heater and the aerosol-generating material transfer component can be of any construction as described herein. In some examples, a valve can be placed between the tank and the other components. 174 and the electric heater, and be configured to control a quantity of aerosol-generating material 164 that passes or is supplied from the reservoir to the electric heater. An opening 178 may be present in the housing 172 (for example, at the mouth end of the nozzle portion) to allow the aerosol formed from the consumable 142 to exit. As previously stated, the circuitry 152 of the aerosol delivery device 141 may include a number of electronic components, and in some examples, it may consist of a circuit board such as a PCB that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. The sensor 154 (switch) may be one of these electronic components located on the circuit board. In some examples, the sensor may comprise its own circuit board or another base element to which it may be attached. In some examples, a flexible circuit board may be used. A flexible circuit board may be configured in a variety of ways. In some examples, a flexible circuit board may be combined with, overlapped with, or form part or all of a heating substrate. In some examples, the reservoir 174 may be a container for storing the aerosol-generating material 164. In some examples, the reservoir may be or include a fibrous reservoir with a substrate bearing the aerosol-generating material on or in a support. For example, the reservoir may comprise one or more layers of substantially formed nonwoven fibers in the shape of a tube surrounding the inside of the housing 172, in this example. The aerosol-generating material may be retained in the reservoir. Liquid components, for example, may be absorbed by the reservoir. The reservoir may be in fluid connection with the aerosol-generating material transfer component 176. The aerosol-generating material transfer component may transport the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir—either by capillary action or via a micropump—to the electric heater 144.As such, the electric heater is connected to the tank via a micro-pump. The electric heater is thus arranged in conjunction with the aerosol-generating material transfer component. When a user operates the aerosol system 140, the sensor 154 detects the airflow, and the electric heater 144 is activated to ignite the aerosol-generating material 164 and produce an aerosol. Pulling the nozzle end of the aerosol delivery system draws in ambient air and passes through it. In the consumable 142, the drawn-in air combines with the aerosol being drawn from the electric heater and exits through the opening 178 at the nozzle end of the aerosol system. Again, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system 140 is an electric heater 144 designed to heat the aerosol-generating material 164 to produce an aerosol. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator is designed to break down the aerosol-generating material without heating, or only with secondary heating. FIG. 1D illustrates a nebulizer 180 that can be used to implement the aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery system, according to some of these other example implementations. As shown in FIG. 10, the nebulizer 180 includes a mesh plate 182 and a piezoelectric material 184 that can be bonded together. The piezoelectric material can be driven to vibrate and cause the mesh plate to break up the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. In some examples, the nebulizer may also include a support component located on one side of the mesh plate opposite the piezoelectric material to increase the mesh plate's lifespan, and / or an auxiliary component between the mesh plate and the piezoelectric material to facilitate interfacial contact between the mesh plate and the piezoelectric material. In several example embodiments, the mesh plate 182 can have a variety of different configurations. The mesh plate can have a flat profile, a domed shape (concave or convex with respect to the spray-generating material), or a flat portion and a domed portion. The mesh plate defines a plurality of perforations 186 that can be substantially uniform or vary in size across a perforated portion of the mesh plate. The perforations can be circular or non-circular openings (e.g., oval, rectangular, triangular, regular polygons, irregular polygons). In three dimensions, the perforations can have a fixed cross-section, as in the case of cylindrical perforations with a fixed circular cross-section, or a variable cross-section, as in the case of truncated conical perforations with a variable circular cross-section.In other embodiments, the perforations can be tetragonal or pyramidal. Piezoelectric material 184 may be or include a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material. A piezoelectric material may be coupled to circuits configured to produce an oscillating electrical signal that vibrates the piezoelectric material. In the case of a piezomagnetic material, the circuits may produce a pair of antiphase oscillating electrical signals to drive a pair of magnets and produce antiphase oscillating magnetic fields that vibrate the piezomagnetic material. The piezoelectric material 184 can be attached to the mesh plate 182, and the vibration of the piezoelectric material can, in turn, vibrate the mesh plate. The mesh plate can be in contact with or immersed in aerosol-generating material, in sufficient proximity to aerosol-generating material, or it can otherwise receive aerosol-generating material through an aerosol-generating material transfer component. The vibration of the mesh plate can then cause the aerosol-generating material to pass through the perforations 186, which break the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol-generating material can be guided through the perforations 186 in the vibrating mesh plate 182, resulting in aerosol particles.In other examples where the mesh plate is in contact with or immersed in aerosol-generating material, the vibrating mesh plate can create ultrasonic waves within the aerosol-generating material that cause the formation of an aerosol on the surface of the aerosol-generating material. As previously described, hybrid products utilize a combination of aerosol-generating materials, and some hybrid products are similar to vapor products except that the aerosol generated from one aerosol-generating material can pass through a second aerosol-generating material to collect additional constituents. Another similar aerosol delivery system in the form of a hybrid product can therefore be constructed similarly to the vapor product of FIGS. 1B and 1C (with an electric heater 144 or a nebulizer 180). The hybrid product may include a second aerosol-generating material through which the aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 164 passes to collect additional constituents before passing through the opening 178 at the mouth end of the aerosol delivery system. Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate an aerosol delivery system 200 in the form of a non-heated product, which in some example embodiments may correspond to the aerosol delivery system 100. As shown, the aerosol delivery system may include an aerosol delivery device 202 (also called a control body or power unit) and a consumable 204 (also called an aerosol source member or cartridge), which may correspond respectively to the aerosol delivery device 102 and the consumable 104. The aerosol delivery system, and in particular the aerosol delivery device, may also include an aerosol generator corresponding to the aerosol generator 106, and in the form of an electric heater 206. The aerosol delivery device and the consumable may be permanently or detachably aligned in an operating relationship.Figure 2A illustrates the aerosol delivery system in a coupled configuration, while Figure 2B illustrates the aerosol delivery system in a decoupled configuration. Figure 2C illustrates a partially cut side view of the aerosol delivery system in the coupled configuration. As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, the aerosol delivery device 202 and consumable 204 each include a number of respective components. The components illustrated in the figures are representative of the components that may be present in an aerosol delivery device and consumable and are not intended to limit the scope of components covered by this disclosure. The aerosol delivery device 202 may include a housing 208 (sometimes called the aerosol delivery device housing) that may include a power supply 210. The housing may also include circuitry 212 with a sensor-shaped switch 214, a user interface including a light source 216 that can be illuminated by the use of the aerosol delivery system 200, and processing circuitry 218 (also called control components). In some examples, at least some of the electronic components of the circuitry may consist of a circuit board or flexible circuit board that electrically supports and connects the electronic components. The housing 208 may also include a receptacle in the form of a consumable receiving chamber 220 structured to engage and hold the consumable 204. The consumable 204 may include an aerosol-generating material 224, which may correspond to the aerosol-generating material 124, and which may include one or more of each of a number of constituents such as an active substance, a flavoring, an aerosol-forming material, or other functional material. The aerosol-generating material may be present on or in a carrier to form a substrate 226. In the coupled configuration of the aerosol delivery system 200, consumable 204 may be retained in the receiving chamber 220 to varying degrees. In some examples, less than half or approximately half of the consumable may be retained in the receiving chamber 220. In other examples, more than half of consumable 204 may be retained in the receiving chamber 220. In other examples, substantially half of consumable 204 may be retained in the receiving chamber 220. In other examples, virtually all of consumable 204 may be retained in the receiving chamber 220. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, in various embodiments of this disclosure, the consumable 204 may include a heated end 228 sized and shaped for insertion into the aerosol delivery device 202, and a mouthpiece 230 over which a user draws to create the aerosol. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the heated end may include the aerosol-generating material 224. In some example embodiments, the mouth end 230 of the consumable 204 may include a filter 232 made of a material such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene. The filter may additionally or alternatively contain strands of tobacco-containing material. In some examples, at least a portion of the consumable may be wrapped in an outer material, which may be made of any material useful for providing additional structure, support, and / or thermal resistance. In some examples, excess length of the wrapping at the mouth end of the consumable may function simply to separate the aerosol-generating material 224 from a user's mouth, to provide space for the placement of a filter material, to affect the draw of the consumable, or to affect the flow characteristics of the aerosol exiting the consumable during draw. The electric heater 206 can electrically heat the aerosol-generating material 224 by resistance (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiant heating, arc heating, and similar methods. The electric heater can have a variety of different configurations. In some examples, at least a portion of the electric heater may surround or at least partially surround at least a portion of the consumable 204 containing the aerosol-generating material when it is inserted into the aerosol delivery device 202. In other examples, at least a portion of the electric heater may penetrate the consumable when it is inserted into the aerosol delivery device. In some examples, the substrate material 226 may include a susceptor, which may be embedded within the aerosol-generating material or on one or both sides of the aerosol-generating material. Although shown as part of the aerosol delivery device 202, the electric heater 206 may instead be part of the consumable 504. In some examples, the electric heater or a part of the electric heater may be combined, packaged, or integrated with (for example, embedded within) the aerosol generating material 224. As shown in some examples, the electric heater 206 may extend close to a latching end of the housing 208, and may be configured to substantially surround a portion of the heated end 228 of the consumable 204 that includes the aerosol-generating material 224. The electric heater 206 may be or may include an outer cylinder 242, and one or more resistive heating elements 244 such as tips surrounded by the outer cylinder to create the receiving chamber 220, which may extend from a receiving base 246 of the aerosol delivery device to an opening 248 of the housing 208 of the aerosol delivery device.In some examples, the outer cylinder may be a double-walled vacuum tube constructed of stainless steel to keep the heat generated by the resistive heating element(s) inside the outer cylinder, and more particularly, to keep the heat generated by the resistive heating element(s) inside the aerosol generating material. Similar to the electric heater 206, the resistive heating element(s) 244 may have a variety of configurations and range in number from a single resistive heating element to a plurality of resistive heating elements. As shown, the resistive heating element(s) may extend from a receiving base 246 of the aerosol delivery device 202. In some examples, the resistive heating element(s) may be located at or around an approximate radial center of the heated end 228 of the consumable 204 when inserted into the aerosol delivery device. In some examples, the resistive heating element(s) may penetrate the heated end of the consumable and come into direct contact with the aerosol-generating material.In other examples, the resistive heating element(s) may be located within (but out of direct contact with) a cavity defined by an inner surface of the heated end of the consumable. In some examples, the resistive heating element(s) 244 of the electric heater 206 may be connected to an electrical circuit that includes the power supply 210, so that the electric current produced by the power supply can pass through the resistive heating element(s). The passage of electric current through the resistive heating element(s) may, in turn, cause the resistive heating element(s) to produce heat through resistance heating (Joule heating). In other examples, the electric heater 206, which includes the outer cylinder 242 and the resistive heating element(s) 244, can be configured for induction heating. The outer cylinder is connected in one electrical circuit, which includes the power supply 210, and the resistive heating element(s) are connected in another electrical circuit. In this configuration, the outer cylinder and the resistive heating element(s) can function as a transformer, with the outer cylinder acting as an induction transmitter and the resistive heating element(s) acting as an induction receiver. In some of these examples, the outer cylinder and the resistive heating element(s) can be part of the aerosol delivery device 202.In other examples, the outer cylinder may be part of the aerosol delivery device, and the resistive heating element(s) may be part of consumable 204. The outer cylinder 242 can receive alternating current directly from the power supply 210, or indirectly from the power supply where an inverter (as part of circuit 212) is configured to convert the direct current from the power supply into alternating current. The alternating current drives the outer cylinder to generate an oscillating magnetic field, which induces eddy currents in the resistive heating element(s) 244. These eddy currents, in turn, induce eddy currents in the resistive heating element(s) 244. These eddy currents then cause the resistive heating element(s) to generate heat by resistance (Joule) heating.In these examples, the resistive heating element(s) can be wirelessly heated to form an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 224 placed near the resistive heating element(s). In several example embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 202 may include an air inlet 250 (e.g., one or more openings or apertures) in the housing 208 (and perhaps also in the receiving base 246) to allow airflow into the receiving chamber 220. When a user sucks on the nozzle end 228 of the consumable 204, airflow can pass into the consumable 224 and be drawn through the receiving chamber. When a user squeezes the nozzle end 228 of the consumable 204, airflow can be drawn through the air inlet into the receiving chamber, pass into the consumable, and through the aerosol-generating material 224. The airflow can be detected by the sensor 214, and the electric heater 206 can be activated to energize the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol.The airflow may be combined with the aerosol that is agitated, drawn in, or otherwise extracted through an opening at the mouth end of the aerosol delivery system. In examples including the 232 filter, the airflow combined with the aerosol may be extracted through an opening in the filter at the mouth end. As previously mentioned, to avoid changes to the designs of the aerosol-generating devices themselves, while simultaneously improving the ability of such devices to prevent unauthorized use, it may be advisable to add safety features. In some cases, safety features can be implemented by coupling a separate safety device with a part of the aerosol delivery system. Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a safety device 300 that can be provided to couple with a part (e.g., the reusable part) of the aerosol delivery system 200. The safety device 300 of FIG. 3 may include a housing 310. The housing 310 may include (for example, support, house, or be coupled to) a coupling assembly 320 and a locking assembly 330. The coupling assembly 320 may be configured to engage the aerosol delivery device 202 in such a way as to prevent the use of the aerosol delivery device 202 until the coupling assembly 320 has been properly withdrawn. Meanwhile, the locking assembly 330 may be operably coupled to the coupling assembly 320 to permit (when the locking assembly 330 is moved to an unlocked state) the proper withdrawal of the coupling assembly 320 from the aerosol delivery device 202 to allow operation of the aerosol delivery device 202. The locking assembly 330 may also be operably coupled to the coupling assembly 320 in such a way as to prevent (when the locking assembly 330 is moved to a locked state) the removal of the coupling assembly 320 from the aerosol delivery device 202, thereby correspondingly preventing the operation of the aerosol delivery device 202. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the coupling assembly 320 may be configured in such a way that determined efforts to remove the coupling assembly 320 from the aerosol delivery device 202 while the locking assembly 330 is in the locked state may ultimately destroy or otherwise disable the aerosol delivery device 202.As such, the coupling assembly 320 and the locking assembly 330 can cooperate with each other in relation to their engagement with the aerosol delivery device 202 in order to act as a denial-of-benefit safety device in relation to the aerosol delivery device 202. As can be seen from the above description, there are several ways in which the coupling assembly 320 can engage the aerosol dispensing device 202 to prevent its use. For example, the coupling assembly 320 could engage or prevent the operation of circuit 152 of the aerosol dispensing device 202 while the locking assembly 330 is in the locked state. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling assembly 320 could block or inhibit the charging of the power supply 210 of the aerosol dispensing device 202 while the locking assembly 330 is in the locked state.Alternatively or additionally, the coupling assembly 320 may inhibit the proper functioning of a coupling interface 301 (electrically or mechanically) between the aerosol delivery device 202 and the consumable 204 to prevent the aerosol delivery device 202 and the consumable 204 from being operationally coupled. Other options are also possible. Figure 3 illustrates a particular example where the safety device 300 engages with the aerosol delivery device 202 in such a way as to prevent the delivery device 202 from being attached to a consumable 204 without the safety device 300 being properly removed. In this respect, the housing 310 of the safety device 300 engages with the coupling interface 301 of the aerosol delivery device 202 while the locking assembly 330 is in the unlocked state. The coupling assembly 320 is then electrically and / or mechanically engaged with parts of the aerosol delivery device. 202 (for example, housing 208 and / or circuit 152) to inhibit the connection of consumable 204 to mating interface 301, and locking assembly 330 is locked. From that point on, consumable 204 cannot be operably mated to aerosol delivery device 202 until locking assembly 330 is unlocked and mating assembly 320 is removed. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the locking assembly 330 can be locked and / or unlocked in various ways. For example, a key 332 and / or a code 334 can be provided to the locking assembly 330 to switch it between states. In some cases, code 334 can be entered into the locking assembly 330 manually or electronically. For example, code 334 can be manually entered into a combination lock, in which case code 334 is the correct combination to unlock the combination lock. However, in some embodiments, code 334 can be an optical, audio, or radio signal configured to unlock the locking assembly 330.In such embodiments, code 334 may be a particular signal, pattern, and / or the like, that unlocks lock set 330. Key 332 can also take different forms. In some cases, it can be a physical key inserted into a pin lock, wafer lock, disc lock, or similar type of lock. However, in other instances, it can be magnetic and, for example, configured in a unique shape such that the magnetic force exerted by it to transition the locking assembly 330 to the unlocked state can only be achieved when the key 332 is properly configured. Other forms of key 332 are also possible. As previously stated, the coupling assembly 320 can be configured to couple with the housing 208 and / or the circuit 152 of the aerosol delivery device 202 (among other possible coupling configurations). In some cases, both coupling configurations can be achieved by inserting the housing 310 of the safety device 300 into a portion of the coupling interface 301. This insertion is generally indicated by arrow 340 in FIG. 3. By way of example, the coupling interface 301 can include a receiving chamber 350 formed by the housing 208 (e.g., defined by one or more walls thereof) of the aerosol delivery device 202. The receiving chamber 350 (at least at one end thereof) can generally be sized and shaped to couple with the consumable 204 for the normal operation of the aerosol delivery system 200.Other portions of housing 208 may be formed by housing 208 (for example, defined by one or more of its walls). Other portions of housing 208 may extend around the sides of the aerosol delivery device 202. The coupling assembly 320 (which may define a portion of or be attached to housing 310) and / or housing 310 may be sized and formed to mate with the receiving chamber 350 in a manner similar to how consumable 204 mates with receiving chamber 350, and to do so in place of (and excluding) consumable 204. In such an example, coupling assembly 320 can be inserted into receiver chamber 350, and locking assembly 330 can be switched to the locked state, rigidly coupling or securing receiver chamber 350 to coupling assembly 320. Consumable 204 cannot, therefore, be inserted into receiver chamber 350 because coupling assembly 320 blocks access to it. When key 332 or code 334 is provided to locking assembly 330 to switch it to the unlocked state, coupling assembly 320 can be removed from receiver chamber 350, allowing consumable 204 to be inserted.However, if an unauthorized user attempts to remove the security device 300 from the receiving chamber 350 without first unlocking the locking assembly 330, the coupling assembly 320 will prevent such removal while the locking assembly 330 remains locked. In this case, the coupling assembly 320 will remain engaged with the receiving chamber 350 despite any efforts involving normal forces associated with removing the security device 300 from its engagement with the receiving chamber 350. To the extent that the unauthorized user exerts a certain amount of force to remove the security device 300 (for example, using tools or significant force), the security device 300 is configured to perform the denial-of-benefit function as previously described.For example, the coupling assembly 320 may be configured to damage the receiving chamber 350 (for example, by damaging one or more walls of the receiving chamber) to prevent the receiving chamber 350 from properly engaging consumable 204. FIG. 4A-4E illustrate an example of a structure where the coupling assembly 320 may be configured in this way. As an alternative to damaging the receiving chamber 350, the coupling assembly 320 can be configured to be destroyed (by excessive force) in such a way as to disable the aerosol delivery device 202 without destroying the receiving chamber. In this regard, for example, the coupling assembly 320 can be designed with a failure mode that leaves a portion of it inside the receiving chamber 350 to block access to the chamber, but also further inhibits the removal of the coupling assembly 320 from the chamber without rendering the chamber 350 (or other portions of the aerosol delivery device 202) unusable. Figures 5A-5I below illustrate an example of a structure where the coupling assembly 320 can be configured in this way. Alternatively, the coupling assembly 320 can be configured to engage with an electronic interface 352 of the coupling interface 301. In such an example, the coupling assembly 320 can be configured to disable or destroy the electronic interface 352 when the coupling assembly 320 is forcibly removed (or an attempt is made to remove it) from the receiving chamber 350. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 3, the electronic interface 352 can be positioned inside the receiving chamber 350 to interface with the consumable 204 when the consumable 204 is inserted into the receiving chamber 350. For example, the electronic interface 352 can include electrical connectors (e.g., posts, wires, conductors, contacts, etc.) that operably couple the circuit 152 and / or the power supply 210 to the heating element 244 in the consumable 204.In some examples, the coupling assembly 320 may be configured to mate with the electronic interface 352 in such a way that the electronic interface 352 will be destroyed or rendered inoperative if the coupling assembly 320 is removed without first transitioning the locking assembly 330 to the unlocked state. For example, the coupling assembly 320 may destroy a post, wire, conductor, or contact of the electronic interface 352 if an attempt is made to remove the coupling assembly 320 without first unlocking the locking assembly 330. Figures 6A–6F illustrate an example of a structure where the coupling assembly 320 may be configured in this manner. Referring now to FIG. 4, which is defined by FIGS. 4A-4E, an example implementation of the safety device 300' will be described in more detail. In this context, the safety device 300' is implemented with a combination lock 400 operating as the locking assembly 330, and other structures forming the coupling assembly 320. Notably, however, other forms of locking assembly 330 could be employed alternatively. FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the isolated safety device 300'. FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the safety device 300' with half of a lock body 410 of the combination lock 400 removed. Meanwhile, FIGS. 40, 4D, and 4E each illustrate different perspective views of the safety device 300' while it is inserted into the receiving chamber 350.Notably, the remaining portions of the aerosol delivery device 202 are not shown in order to allow visibility of the portions of the safety device 300' that interact with the receiving chamber 350. The locking assembly 320 of the safety device 300 includes a latch assembly 410 and a tensioning assembly 420. The latch assembly 410 is operably coupled to a locking shaft 430 that extends within a locking body 440 of the combination lock 400. Other parts of the locking assembly 320 (e.g., the combination lock 400) of this example include one or more wheels 442 that are rotatable with respect to the lock body 440. The locking shaft 430 includes teeth 431 and 432 that are rotatable. The locking shaft 430 includes teeth 432 that interlock with the wheels 442 to retain the locking shaft 430 in the locked state until the wheels 442 align with positions corresponding to code 334. Two of the wheels 442 are removed from the lock body 440 in this example to facilitate visibility inside the lock body 440, and of the teeth 432.When code 334 is entered by rotating and repositioning wheels 442, the locking axle 430 is released to the unlocked state. The latch assembly 410 includes a first latch assembly 412 and a second latch assembly 414. The first and second latch assemblies 412 and 414 in this example each include two latch members (e.g., cams or lobes). However, in alternative embodiments, one or more locking members could be used. The first and second latch assemblies 412 and 414 are each mounted on a set of pins 416 that also pass through corresponding portions of the locking shaft 430. In this example, the first latch is mounted on a set of pins 416. In this example, the first latch assembly 412 is positioned with a latch member on each opposite side of, and adjacent to, the locking shaft 430.Meanwhile, the second set of latches 414 is positioned such that each member of the second set of latches 414 is adjacent to a corresponding member of the first set of latches 412, again on opposite sides of the locking shaft 430 (and thus outside the first set of latches 412 with respect to the locking shaft 430). Each of the locking members of the first and second locking assemblies 412 and 414 has a corresponding retainer 418, and the retainers 418 of the first and second locking assemblies 412 and 414 extend in opposite directions. Meanwhile, the receiving chamber 350 of this example includes latch receivers 450 arranged on opposite sides of the receiving chamber 350 to receive the corresponding retainers 418 of the latch assembly 410 when the locking shaft 430 is in the locked state.However, such latch receivers 450 are not required, and friction between the receiving chamber 350 and the latch assembly 410 may be generated without such receivers in some embodiments. The tensioning assembly 420 includes tension cables 422 that extend from the locking body 440 to a portion of the locking members of each of the first and second locking assemblies 412 and 414. When the locking shaft 430 is in the locked state, pulling the locking body 440 applies force to the first and second latch assemblies 412 and 414 via the locking shaft 430. The application of force via the locking shaft 430 causes the first and second latch assemblies 412 and 414 to press more forcefully against the receiving chamber 350, drastically increasing the difficulty of removing the latch assembly 410 from the receiving chamber 350. When the locking shaft 430 is in the unlocked state, the locking assembly 330 is able to move a small distance from the coupling assembly 320 because the locking shaft 430 now has freedom of movement within the assembly. 330 locking.This slight translation eliminates slack in the tension cables 422 and places them under tension as the locking assembly 330 is pulled, preventing force from being applied through the locking shaft 430. The tension in the tension cables 422 applies force to the first and second locking assemblies 412 and 414, causing them to contract and apply less friction to the receiver chamber 350. With less friction, the first and second latch assemblies 412 and 414 can be withdrawn from the receiver chamber 350 without damaging it. As previously stated, the locking assembly 320 and the coupling assembly 330 can also be configured functionally and structurally in other ways. In this regard, FIG. 5, defined by FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, and 5I, shows an example of a safety device 300 with a different structure used for the coupling assembly 330, but a similar structure (i.e., combination lock 500) for the locking assembly 320. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the safety device 300 coupled to the receiving chamber 350. FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate perspective views of the safety device 300 isolated (i.e., removed from the receiving chamber 350). Figure 5E illustrates a perspective view of the safety device 300 with half of the lock body 540 of the combination lock 500 removed. Figure 5F shows one of the latching bodies of the coupling assembly 330 removed.FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of the safety device 300, and FIG. 5H is also a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis, but rotated 90 degrees with respect to FIG. 5G. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view through the engagement bodies of the coupling assembly 330 taken along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Similar to the example embodiment described in reference to FIG. 4. The locking assembly 320 (for example, the combination lock 500) of this example includes a locking shaft 530, a locking body 540, and one or more wheels 542 that are rotatable with respect to the locking body 540. The locking shaft 530 includes teeth 532 that interact with the wheels 542 to retain the locking shaft 530 in the locked state until the wheels 542 align with the positions corresponding to code 334. Two of the wheels 542 are withdrawn from the locking shaft 530 until the wheels 542 align with the positions corresponding to code 334.Two of the wheels 542 are removed from the lock body 540 in this example to facilitate visibility inside the lock body 540 and of the teeth 532. When the code 334 is entered by rotating and repositioning the wheels 542, the locking shaft 530 is released to the unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the combination lock 500 is able to move away from the receiving chamber 350 to create space (i.e., separation) between the locking assembly 320 (e.g., the combination lock 500) and the coupling assembly 330 in a direction shown by the arrow 550. While this separation occurs, the coupling assembly 330 is separated from the locking assembly 320 (e.g., the combination lock 500).While this separation occurs, the components of the coupling assembly 330 remain fixed inside the receiving chamber 350, but the combination lock 500 moves away from both the receiving chamber 350 and the coupling assembly 330. The separation created allows the combination lock 500 to rotate (as shown by arrow 552), which in turn drives the locking shaft 530 to also rotate the locking shaft 530 in the direction shown by arrow 552. Within the lock body 540, a shaft translation space 543 is formed, which defines the amount of translation of the locking shaft 530 that is enabled when the combination lock 500 is unlocked. When the locking shaft 530 has moved (in the direction of arrow 550) through the translation gap of shaft 543, a gap sufficient to allow the combination lock 500 (and lock body 540) to be rotated in the direction of arrow 552, thereby rotating the locking shaft 530 with respect to the coupling assembly 330, which remains fixed in the receiving chamber 350 at this time (i.e., before the locking shaft 530 and lock body 540 have been rotated).Before the locking body 540 of the combination lock 500 has been rotated (together with the locking shaft 530), the locking shaft 530 can be considered to be in an aligned position. After the locking body 540 of the combination lock 500 has been rotated with respect to the receiver chamber 350 (for example, in the direction of arrow 552), the locking shaft 530 can be considered to be in a rotated position. The coupling assembly 330 of this example embodiment includes a first coupling body 510 and a second coupling body 512, which are configured to mirror each other and are arranged on opposite sides of a coupling shaft 520. The coupling shaft 520 is rotatable between the first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 based on a position of the locking shaft 530 (i.e., based on whether the locking shaft 530 is in the aligned position or the rotated position). The locking shaft 530 can be operably coupled to the latching shaft 520 such that the rotation of the locking shaft 530 correspondingly drags the latching shaft 520 when the locking shaft 530 is rotated after a sufficient gap has been created by unlocking the combination lock 500 and creating the gap by moving in the arrow direction 550 as described above.In this respect, in the locked state of the combination lock 500, both the locking shaft 530 and the coupling shaft 520 are in the aligned position. In the unlocked state of the combination lock 500, after sufficient space has been created by moving the lock body 540 away from the first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 (for example, in the direction of arrow 550) to pass through the translational clearance of the shaft 543, as previously described, the locking shaft 530, and therefore also the coupling shaft 520, can rotate (in the direction of arrow 552) to the rotated position. The first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 can be held close to the locking shaft 530 by a first O-ring 534 and a second O-ring 536 (for example, forming a bias assembly). The first and second O-rings 534 and 536 can be incorporated as flexible members that are under tension when the coupling shaft 520 is in the aligned position. In this respect, the coupling shaft 520 can have a diameter (at least in a portion thereof) that is large enough to separate the first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 against the biasing force of the first and second O-rings. 534 and 536. Furthermore, in some cases, the second O-ring 536 may be larger than the first O-ring 534, and the second O-ring 536 may be configured to engage (e.g., frictionally) inside the receiving chamber 350 when tensioned. Consequently, when the coupling shaft 520 is in the aligned position, the first and second O-rings 534 and 536 may be under tension because the coupling shaft 520 pushes the first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 apart against the tension of the first and second O-rings 534 and 536. When under tension, the second O-ring 534 and 536 may be configured to engage (e.g., by friction) inside the receiving chamber 350 when tensioned.When tensioned, the second O-ring 536 (and perhaps also or alternatively the first O-ring 534) expands and frictionally engages inside the receiving chamber 350 to retain the coupling assembly 330 in the receiving chamber 350. As best shown in FIG. 51, the first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 may each have a receiving cavity 514 formed therein. The receiving cavities 514 may be oriented toward each other on opposite sides of the coupling shaft 520. Furthermore, the receiving cavities 514 may be dimensioned and shaped to correspond to a shape of a portion of the coupling shaft 520 such that, when the coupling shaft 520 is rotated to the rotated position (for example, by rotating the locking shaft 530 in the direction of arrow 552), the portion of the coupling shaft 520 corresponding to the receiving cavities 514 aligns with it. Aligning the receiving cavities 514 with the part of the coupling shaft 520 that has the shape corresponding to the shape of the receiving cavities 514 allows the distance between the first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 to decrease.Decreasing the distance between the first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 correspondingly reduces the tension on the first and second O-rings 534 and 536. The reduced tension (which can be considered a tension-free state for the first and second O-rings 534 and 536) correspondingly reduces the friction that the second O-ring 536 exerts on the inside of the receiving chamber 350. Consequently, the coupling assembly 330 can be withdrawn from the receiving chamber 350. Notably, the coupling shaft 520 and the locking shaft 530 in this example are operably coupled to each other via a mechanical fusible member, such as, for example, a shear pin 580. The shear pin 580 may extend through a proximal end of the locking shaft 530 (relative to the coupling shaft 520), and also through a portion of the coupling shaft 520. The shear pin 580 may be configured to handle any normal forces associated with the change between the aligned and rotated positions of the locking shaft 530 and the coupling shaft 520.However, if excessive forces are exerted on the shear pin 580 (for example, either in translational or rotational directions), the shear pin 580 may be set to break, thereby allowing complete separation of the locking body 540 from the first and second engagement bodies 510 and 512 of the coupling assembly 330. As such, the coupling assembly 330 and engagement body 520 may break apart. Consequently, the coupling assembly 330 and the locking assembly 340 may physically disconnect from each other, with the coupling assembly 330 still fixed (presumably permanently) in the receiving chamber 350. This provides a function-denial benefit by preventing the loading of consumable 204 into the receiving chamber 350. As can be seen more clearly in the figures. 5G and 5H, a 582 cap member may be provided at one end of the first and second 510 engagement bodies. 512, which is close to the combination lock 500. The cover member 582 can restrict access to the combination lock 500. The cover member 582 can restrict access to the latching shaft 520 to prevent tampering with it if the safety pin 580 has been destroyed, thus attempting to make the denial-of-benefit function permanent. As mentioned previously, in some implementations, coupling assembly 320 may be configured to engage with the electronic interface 352 of the coupling interface 301, and coupling assembly 323 may be configured to disable or destroy the electronic interface 352 when coupling assembly 320 is forcibly removed (or an attempt is made to remove it) from the receiving chamber 350 without proper unlocking. Figure 6, which is defined by Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F, shows another alternative example of a safety device 300''' according to one embodiment. Figure 6A illustrates a perspective view of the safety device 300''' engaged within the receiving chamber 350 of the aerosol delivery device 202 (i.e., similarly to how an instance of consumable 204 would be engaged). Figure 6B shows a similar perspective to that of Figure 6A.6A except that the housing is removed to expose portions of the safety device 300''' that mate with the electronic interface 352 of the aerosol delivery device 202. FIG. 6C is a partially exploded view of some portions of the safety device 300'''. FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a lifting member of the safety device 300'''. FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the isolated electronic interface 352, and FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view taken through the lifting member and a portion of the electronic interface 352. With reference to FIG. 6, the electronic interface 352 may include contact posts 600 (or power pins). The contact posts 600 can be electrically connected to the heating element 244 of the consumable 204 when the consumable 204 is inserted into the receiving chamber 350. As such, the contact posts 600 can transfer power from the power source 210 and / or circuit 152 of the aerosol delivery device 202 to the heating element 244. Therefore, the contact posts 600 can be electrically connected to circuit 152 and / or power source 210 under normal conditions. The safety device 300''' may include a lifting member 610 that is configured to engage one of the contact posts 600 when the safety device 300''' is fully inserted into the receiving chamber 350. The lifting member 610 may be attached to a housing 612 of the safety device 300''' (directly or indirectly) via a live hinge 614. The live hinge 614 may allow the lifting member 610 to pivot in the direction indicated by arrow 620. However, the live hinge 614 may have a relaxed (i.e., non-pivoting) state, as shown in Figures 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6F.The lifting member 610 may also include a lifting arm 616 that is attached to a portion of the lifting member 610 in such a way that the application of upward force (for example, in the direction shown by arrow 622) will cause the live hinge 614 to pivot as shown by arrow 620. In one example embodiment, the safety device 300''' may include a shape-memory member 630 that can be positioned within the housing 612 to be ready to apply the upward force to the lifting arm 616 when the shape-memory member 630 is activated. The shape-memory member 630 may be made of a shape-memory alloy (e.g., nitinol or similar) that may be referred to as muscle wire. The normal or relaxed shape of the shape-memory member 630 may not exert any upward force on the lifting arm 616. However, when current is applied to the shape-memory member 630, the shape-memory member 630 may contract, thereby applying the lifting force to the lifting arm 616 to cause the live hinge 614 to pivot in the direction shown by the arrow 620.The current for shrinking the shape memory member 630 can be supplied from a load source. In this respect, for example, the safety device 300''' can include a load interface 650 and a circuit board 652 that can be configured to receive and apply current to the shape memory member 630. When coupled with one of the contact posts 600, and while the shape memory member 630 is not contracted, the lifting member 610 can be effectively locked in contact with opposite sides of the contact post 600 to which the lifting member 610 is coupled. Figure 6F illustrates this condition. As such, when a force intended to remove the safety device 300''' from the receiving chamber 350 is applied while the shape memory member 630 is not contracted, the edges 640 of the lifting member 610 will grip the contact post 600 and cause the force to be applied to the contact post 600 and, if sufficient, damage the electrical connections to the contact post 600 to create an open electrical circuit.Therefore, the electrical interface 352 may be damaged to the point where the consumable 204, even if it has been installed correctly after removing the safety device 300''', will not work, as the contact post 600 is electrically isolated and open-circuited. However, when the shape memory member 630 retracts, and the lifting arm 616 is raised so that the live hinge 614 pivots, the edges 640 of the lifting member 610, shown to engage the contact post 600 in FIG. 6F, will disengage the contact post 600. This allows the safety device 300''' to be removed from the tube 350 without damaging the aerosol delivery device 202 (or the electronic interface 352). The locking assembly 320 of the example in FIG. 6 can employ a wireless key or code. For example, the locking assembly 320 can be configured to be unlocked by applying code 334 via an audible, optical, or other electrical signal to circuit board 652. The example in FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment in which a wireless key or code is used to operate the locking assembly 320. FIG. 7 is defined by FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E. In this regard, FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of device 700, and FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of device 700 with one of its housings removed to expose its circuit board 712. FIG. 7C is an exploded view of the coupling assembly 330 of this example embodiment, and FIG. Figure 7D illustrates a partially assembled view of a movable spacer of an example embodiment.Figure 7E illustrates a cross-sectional view through the device 700 in the unlocked (or released) condition. Figure 7 illustrates a wirelessly activated security device 700. The device 700 may include a receiver element 710 configured to receive the optical, electrical, or audible signal (for example, code 334 or key 332). A circuit board 712 may be operably coupled to the receiver element 710 and include processing circuitry configured to process code 334 or key 332 upon receipt. If code 334 or key 332 is genuine, the processing circuitry on circuit board 712 can change the state of device 700 from locked to unlocked. Unlocking device 700 may then involve communicating a signal or activation to the coupling assembly 330. The coupling assembly 330 in this example may include a signal or activation.The coupling assembly 330 of this example may include a first coupling body 720 and a second coupling body 722, which may be held close together by a first O-ring 730 and a second O-ring 732 in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 5. As such, the first and second O-rings 732 may be joined by a first O-ring 730 and a second O-ring 732. As such, the first and second O-rings 730 and 732 may be similar in form and function to the first and second O-rings 534 and 536 described above. The first and second coupling bodies 720 and 722 may also be similar to the first and second coupling bodies 510 and 512 described above, except that the first and second coupling bodies 720 and 722 may be separated from each other by a movable spacer 740 instead of by the coupling shaft 520.Furthermore, in this example, only one of the first coupling body 720 or the second coupling body 722 may include one or more receiving cavities 750. The other of the first coupling body 720 or the second coupling body 722 may include projections 752 that are formed to correspond to the receiving cavity (or cavities) 750, and are substantially aligned with them. The movable spacer 740 may include through holes 760 that correspond to one or more shaped receiving cavities 750. The movable spacer 740 may be movable (e.g., sliding) in its position between the first and second engagement bodies 720 and 722, into and out of an alignment position between the through holes 760 and the receiving cavities 750 (and projections 752). When the movable spacer 740 is out of alignment with the receiving cavities 750 and projections 752, the movable spacer 740 may prevent the projections 752 from moving and engaging in the receiving cavities 750 (in response to pressure from the first and second O-rings 730 and 732).When the movable spacer 740 is aligned with the receiving cavities 750 and the projections 752, the movable spacer 740 can allow the projections 752 to pass through the through holes 760 to move and engage in the receiving cavities 750 (in response to pressure from the first and second O-rings 730 and 732). The misalignment condition can be referred to as a holding condition (or locked condition) in which the first and second engagement bodies 720 and 722 are separated from each other by a first distance, which is defined by the width of the movable spacer 740 and the amount of extension of the projections 752. The alignment condition can be referred to as a release condition (or unlocked condition) in which the first and second engagement bodies 720 and 722 are separated from each other by a second distance defined only by the width of the movable spacer 740 (and therefore less than the first distance). When the movable spacer 740 is in the release condition, the first and second O-rings 730 and 732 can compress the first and second engagement bodies 720 and 722 (as shown in FIG.7E) such that the second O-ring 732 does not exert sufficient frictional pressure on the wall(s) of the receiving chamber 350 to retain the coupling assembly 330 in the receiving chamber 350. However, because the first distance is greater than the second, the second O-ring 732 can compress the first and second engagement bodies 720 and 722 (as shown in FIG. 7E). However, since the first distance is greater than the second distance, when the movable spacer 740 is in the retaining condition, the first and second engagement bodies 720 and 722 can cause at least the second O-ring 732 to exert sufficient frictional pressure on the wall(s) of the receiving chamber 350 to retain the coupling assembly 330 in the receiving chamber 350. The movement of the movable spacer 740 between the holding and release conditions can be achieved by applying current to a shape-memory member 770. The shape-memory member 770 may not normally contract, and the movable spacer 740 may be tilted to the holding condition. By applying energy to the shape-memory member 770, it can be caused to contract and lift the movable spacer 740 in the direction of arrow 780 to the release condition. In some cases, the movable spacer 740 can only be moved once in this manner (and partial disassembly may be required to readjust the configuration for subsequent operation).However, in other cases, a bias assembly may be included and configured such that when power is removed, the movable spacer 740 can return to the retained condition. Power may be supplied by a load source and / or under the control of the processing circuitry on circuit board 712, as previously described. Meanwhile, the shape memory member 770 or another component connected to it (e.g., wires connecting the locking assembly 320 to the coupling assembly 330) may be breakable to separate the locking assembly 320 from the coupling assembly 330 in response to the application of force to remove device 700 from the tube 350 of the aerosol delivery device 202 while the locking assembly 320 is in the locked state.As previously described, this would leave the coupling assembly 330 permanently in the tube 350 to prevent the use of the aerosol delivery device 202 with the consumable 204. Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a method for preventing the unauthorized use of an aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment. The method may include applying a safety device having a coupling assembly and a locking assembly to a portion of the aerosol generating device to which a consumable cartridge can be attached in operation 800. The method may further include transitioning the safety device to a locked state in which the locking assembly is locked. The method may further include transitioning the locking assembly to a locked state in which the coupling assembly is secured to the portion of the aerosol generating device in operation 810.The method may further include, in response to receiving a key or code, transitioning the locking assembly to an unlocked state where the coupling assembly is released from being attached to the aerosol generating device in operation 820. The method may also include a means of implementing a denial-of-profit function in response to the removal of the safety device from the aerosol generating device when the locking assembly is in the locked state in operation 830. Therefore, the denial-of-profit function only occurs when the corresponding triggering conditions are met (i.e., removing the safety device when the locking assembly is not unlocked). Some example embodiments can provide security against the unauthorized use of an aerosol generating / delivery device without requiring any other structural or software changes to the device. Accordingly, as can be seen from the preceding examples, a security device can be provided for an aerosol generating device. The security device may include a coupling assembly configured to releasably engage a part of the aerosol generating device and a locking assembly operably coupled to the coupling assembly. The locking assembly may be configured to have a locked state where the coupling assembly is secured to the part of the aerosol generating device, and an unlocked state where the coupling assembly is released from being secured to the part of the aerosol generating device.The coupling assembly may also be configured to perform a denial-of-benefit function in response to the removal of the safety device from the aerosol generating device. The safety device may include a number of optional modifications, enhancements, or additions, some of which are described herein. The modifications, enhancements, or optional additions listed below may be added in any desired combination. In this context, the safety device described above may be considered a first embodiment, and other embodiments may be defined for each respective combination of modifications, enhancements, or optional additions. For example, a second embodiment may be defined in which the aerosol generating device includes a control unit to which a consumable cartridge can be attached.The aerosol generating device portion may include a docking interface on the control unit where the cartridge docks to the control unit, and the docking assembly may be configured to prevent operable docking of the cartridge to the control unit when the docking assembly is attached to the docking interface. Alternatively or additionally, a third embodiment may be defined in which the coupling interface includes an electrical interface between a power supply in the control unit and a heating element in the cartridge, and the benefit-denying function includes disabling the electrical interface. In an example embodiment, a fourth embodiment may be defined in which the coupling assembly includes a lifting element configured to engage opposite sides of a post of the electrical interface, and a shape-memory element is operably coupled to the lifting element.The shape-memory member can be configured to align the lifting member for removal from the post when the locking assembly is in the unlocked state. The shape-memory member can also be configured to cause the lifting member to electrically disconnect the post from the control unit's electronics, responding to the removal of the safety device when the locking assembly is in the locked state. The fourth embodiment can be combined with any or all of embodiments one through three. In some examples, a fifth embodiment can be defined where the mating interface includes a receiving chamber into which the cartridge can be inserted to operably couple the cartridge to the control unit, and the benefit-denying function includes damaging the receiving chamber.The fifth embodiment can be combined with any or all of embodiments one through four. In one example embodiment, a sixth embodiment can be defined in which the coupling assembly includes a latch assembly and a spring assembly. The spring assembly can be configured to tension itself to retain the latch assembly attached to the tube when the locking assembly is in the locked state, and the spring assembly can be configured to release itself to release the latch assembly from the tube when the locking assembly is in the unlocked state. The sixth embodiment can be combined with any or all of embodiments one through five.In some examples, a seventh embodiment may be defined in which the coupling interface includes a receiving chamber into which the cartridge can be inserted to operably couple the cartridge to the control unit, and the benefit-denying function includes allowing the locking assembly to be separated from the coupling assembly, thereby leaving the coupling assembly fixed to the tube to prevent operable coupling of the cartridge to the control unit. The seventh embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through six. In one example embodiment, an eighth embodiment may be defined in which the coupling assembly includes a first coupling body and a second coupling body arranged on opposite sides of a coupling shaft.The locking assembly may include a locking shaft translatable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the safety device when the locking assembly is in the unlocked state. The locking assembly may be translatable away from the tube and the first and second locking bodies when the locking assembly is in the unlocked state. In response to the translation of the locking assembly away from the receiving chamber and the first and second locking bodies, the locking assembly may be configured to rotate relative to the coupling assembly and the receiving chamber, thereby rotating the locking shaft from an aligned position to a rotated position. The eighth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through seven.In some examples, a ninth embodiment may be defined in which the locking shaft is configured to carry the coupling shaft during rotation of the locking shaft. The first and second coupling bodies may be pushed toward each other by a polarizing assembly, and the coupling shaft may separate the first and second coupling bodies by a first distance when the locking shaft and coupling shaft are in the aligned position, and by a second distance, less than the first distance, when the locking shaft and coupling shaft are in the rotated position. The ninth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through eight.In one example embodiment, a tenth embodiment may be defined in which the locking shaft and the coupling shaft are operably coupled to each other via a breakable mechanical fusible element, and the denial-of-benefit function is executed in response to the breakage of the mechanical fusible element. The tenth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through nine. In some examples, an eleventh embodiment may be defined in which the coupling assembly further includes a cap member, and when the mechanical fusible member breaks, the cap member restricts access to the mechanical fusible member and the coupling shaft. The eleventh embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through ten. In some examples, a twelfth embodiment may be defined in which the locking assembly may include a combination lock.The twelfth embodiment can be combined with any or all of embodiments one through eleven. In some examples, a thirteenth embodiment can be defined in which the locking set can be configured to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the receipt of a key or code. The thirteenth embodiment can be combined with any or all of embodiments one through twelve. In some examples, a fourteenth embodiment can be defined in which the key or code is received electronically, optically, or audibly. The fourteenth embodiment can be combined with one or all of embodiments one through thirteen.In some examples, a fifteenth embodiment may be defined in which a shape-memory member is configured to contract to reposition a movable spacer in the unlocked state. The movable spacer may define a distance between a first locking body and a second locking body of the coupling assembly. The fifteenth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through fourteen. In some examples, a sixteenth embodiment may be defined in which the shape-memory member is breakable to separate the locking assembly from the coupling assembly in response to the application of force to remove the safety device from the aerosol generating device while the locking assembly is in the locked state. The sixteenth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through fifteen.In some examples, a seventeenth embodiment may be defined in which the first coupling body and the second coupling body are arranged on opposite sides of the movable spacer. One of the first coupling body or the second coupling body may include a receiving cavity, and the other of the first coupling body or the second coupling body may include a projection having a shape corresponding to the receiving cavity and being substantially aligned with it. The movable spacer may include a through hole. The seventeenth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through sixteen.In some examples, an eighteenth embodiment can be defined in which the through-hole is not aligned with the receiving cavity when the movable spacer is in a retained condition to prevent the projection from passing through the through-hole into the receiving cavity, thereby separating the first and second engagement bodies by a first distance. The through-hole may be aligned with the receiving cavity when the movable spacer is in a released condition to allow the projection to pass through the through-hole into the receiving cavity, thereby separating the first and second engagement bodies by a second distance. The first distance may be greater than the second. The eighteenth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one through seventeen.In some examples, a nineteenth embodiment can be defined where the shape memory member is in the hold condition when no current is applied to it, and the shape memory member can be in the release condition when current is applied. The nineteenth embodiment can be combined with any or all of embodiments one through eighteen. A person skilled in the art to which these inventions belong, who benefits from the teachings presented in the preceding descriptions and associated drawings, will be able to imagine many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein. It should therefore be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments should be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although the preceding descriptions and associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.In this respect, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions are also contemplated, beyond those explicitly described above, as can be established in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be noted that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the example. Therefore, the advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, necessary, or essential to all embodiments or to the claims made herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are employed only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A safety device for an aerosol generating device, wherein the safety device comprises: a coupling assembly configured to securely couple to a part of the aerosol generating device; and a mode-operated locking assembly coupled to the coupling assembly, the locking assembly being configured to have a locked state in which the coupling assembly is fixed to the part of the aerosol generating device, and an unlocked state in which the coupling assembly is released from being fixed to the part of the aerosol generating device, wherein the coupling assembly is further configured to perform a denial-of-performance function in response to the removal of the safety device from the aerosol generating device.

2. The safety device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a control unit to which a consumable cartridge can be attached, wherein the aerosol generating device portion comprises a coupling interface in the control unit where the cartridge is coupled to the control unit, and wherein the coupling assembly prevents the operable coupling of the cartridge to the control unit when the coupling assembly is fixed to the coupling interface.

3. The safety device according to claim 2, wherein the coupling interface comprises an electrical interface between a power supply of the control unit and a heating element of the cartridge, and wherein the denial-of-performance function comprises disabling the electrical interface.

4. The safety device according to claim 3, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a lifting member configured to engage opposite sides of an electrical interface post, and wherein a shape-memory member is operably coupled to the lifting member, the shape-memory member being configured to align the lifting member for removal from the post when the locking assembly is in the unlocked state, and the shape-memory member being configured to cause the lifting member to electrically disconnect the post from the control unit electronics in response to removal of the safety device when the locking assembly is in the locked state.

5. The safety device according to claim 2, wherein the coupling interface comprises a receiving chamber into which the cartridge can be inserted to operably couple the cartridge to the control unit, and wherein the denial-of-benefit function comprises damaging the receiving chamber.

6. The safety device according to claim 5, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a latch assembly and a spring assembly, wherein the spring assembly is configured to be tensioned to retain the latch assembly fixed within the receiving chamber in response to the locking assembly being in the locked state, and wherein the spring assembly is configured to be released to release the latch assembly from the receiving chamber when the locking assembly is in the unlocked state.

7. The safety device according to claim 2, wherein the coupling interface comprises a receiving chamber into which the cartridge can be inserted to operably couple the cartridge to the control unit, and wherein the deny-benefit function comprises permitting the separation of the locking assembly from the coupling assembly, thereby leaving the coupling assembly fixed within the receiving chamber to prevent operable coupling of the cartridge to the control unit.

8. The safety device according to claim 7, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a first locking body and a second locking body arranged on opposite sides of a locking shaft, wherein the locking assembly comprises a locking shaft movable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the safety device when the locking assembly is in the unlocked state, wherein the locking assembly can be displaced out of the receiving chamber and the first and second locking bodies when the locking assembly is in the unlocked state, and wherein, in response to the displacement of the locking assembly out of the receiving chamber and the first and second locking bodies, the locking assembly is configured to rotate with respect to the coupling assembly and the receiving chamber, thereby rotating the locking shaft from an aligned position to a rotated position.

9. The safety device according to claim 8, wherein the locking shaft is configured to carry the engagement shaft during rotation of the locking shaft, wherein the first and second coupling bodies are pushed towards each other by a polarizing assembly, and wherein the engagement shaft separates the first and second engagement bodies by a first distance when the locking shaft and the engagement shaft are in the aligned position, and by a second distance, less than the first distance, when the locking shaft and the engagement shaft are in the rotated position.

10. The safety device according to claim 9, wherein the locking shaft and the coupling shaft are operably coupled to each other via a breakable mechanical fusible member, and wherein the denial-of-performance function is executed in response to the breakage of the mechanical fusible member.

11. The safety device according to claim 10, wherein the coupling assembly further comprises a cover member, and wherein, when the mechanical fusible member breaks, access to the mechanical fusible member and the coupling shaft is restricted by the cover member.

12. The safety device according to claim 2, wherein the locking assembly comprises a combination lock.

13. The security device according to claim 2, wherein the locking assembly is configured to transition between the locked state and the unlocked state in response to the receipt of a key or code.

14. The security device according to claim 13, wherein the key or code is received electronically, optically, or audibly. 100 15. The safety device according to claim 13, wherein a shape memory member is configured to contract in order to reposition a movable spacer in the unlocked state, the movable spacer defining a distance between a first engagement body and a second engagement body of the coupling assembly.

16. The safety device according to claim 15, wherein the shape memory member is breakable to separate the locking assembly from the coupling assembly in response to the application of force to remove the safety device from the aerosol generating device while the locking assembly is in the locked state.

17. The safety device according to claim 15, wherein the first locking body and the second locking body are arranged on opposite sides of the movable spacer, wherein one of the first locking bodies or the second locking body includes a receiving cavity, and the other of the first locking bodies or the second locking body includes a projection having a shape corresponding 101 to the receiving cavity and substantially aligned therewith, and wherein the movable spacer comprises a through hole.

18. The safety device according to claim 17, wherein the through-hole is not aligned with the receiving cavity when the movable spacer is in a retained condition to prevent the projection from passing through the through-hole into the receiving cavity, thereby separating the first and second locking bodies by a first distance, wherein the through-hole is aligned with the receiving cavity when the movable spacer is in a released condition to allow the projection to pass through the through-hole into the receiving cavity, thereby separating the first and second locking bodies by a second distance, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second.

19. The safety device according to claim 18, wherein the shape memory member is in the holding condition when no current is applied to the shape memory member 102, wherein the shape memory member is in the release condition when current is applied to the shape memory member.

20. A method for preventing the unauthorized use of an aerosol generating device, comprising: applying a security device having a coupling assembly and a locking assembly to a portion of the aerosol generating device to which a consumable cartridge may otherwise be coupled; the transition of the locking assembly to a locked state in which the coupling assembly is attached to the portion of the aerosol generating device; in response to the receipt of a key or code, changing the locking assembly to an unlocked state in which the coupling assembly is released from being attached to the portion of the aerosol generating device; and performing a denial-of-benefit function in response to the removal of the security device from the aerosol generating device when the locking assembly is in the locked state.

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