Pass through functionality enabled aerosol generating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart aerosol generating device equipped with an interlocking mechanism that ensures user safety by preventing simultaneous operation of charging and inhalation modes. The device comprises an atomizer, a mouthpiece, a battery component, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to detect the presence of an external power supply and automatically disable inhalation functionality during charging. This prevents users from being exposed to electrical hazards associated with power failures or fluctuations. The device operates in two modes: Charging Mode and Inhalation Mode, determined by the presence of input power supply. The invention eliminates the need for mechanical interlocks or user intervention, providing a seamless and safe user experience. The device also features a processor that monitors the input supply and ensures that inhalation is only possible when the charging cable is removed, thereby enhancing safety margins.

Description

[0001]PASS THROUGH FUNCTIONALITY ENABLED AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to aerosol generating devices, more particularly it relates to an interlock system for battery chargers of such devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic aerosol generating devices comprise a reservoir for a source of aerosol generating liquid, which is aerosolized by heat or other means. Said liquid may be a formulation containing actives. Typically, said devices include a heating element coupled to a portion of the source liquid from the reservoir, a control unit and a power source (for example, a battery). When the user inhales the device, the heating element is activated and a small amount of the source liquid is aerosolized and converted into an aerosol for the user to inhale. In general, any aerosol generating device operation can be classified based on working into two modes: First Mode (Charging Mode) and Second Mode (Inhalation Mode). In both modes, the battery and control unit are vital. Logically, both modes can be operated simultaneously, but it is not a good practice, and there are significant risks. For example, during inhalation, users keep the device very close. When a device is being charged via the adaptor, the battery and control unit PCB are connected to the AC adaptor with some isolation. However, if the isolation breaks due to external environmental factors, the device is exposed to high voltage, and may result in hazards like electrical shock. In the past, most aerosol generating devices support limited charging current for the battery and allow charging and inhalation simultaneously. However, with the advancement in technology and battery sizes becoming smaller, the battery supports a high charge current. There are possibilities of a rise in temperature while the device is being charged which poses a safety concern. If a user uses the device while the device is being charged, power delivery may happen directly from the adaptor instead of the battery. During that time, if environmental factor affects the adaptor, the consumer is directly exposed to power failures which may cause severe injury thus having serious safety concerns. Considering the same, it is challenging and concerning to allow the operation of the first and second modes simultaneously. It might cause a series of impacts based on the environmental severity level. During charging time, there must be a significant physical distance between the user and the power supply point. The device should have a mechanism to prevent this type of scenario. Reference has been made to “CN202020384094U” which relates to a utility model for electronic cigarettes. The electronic cigarette comprises an outer tube structure and an electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is inserted into the outer tube structure in the first direction, an atomization unit is arranged at one end of the electronic cigarette body, a charging port is formed in the end, away from the atomization unit, of the electronic cigarette body, a charging through hole is formed in the end face of the end, away from the atomization unit, of the outer tube structure, and the charging through hole corresponds to the charging port in the first direction. When the electronic cigarette is used, the atomization unit can extend out of the outer tube structure under the action of external force to be smoked by a user; when the electronic cigarette does not need to be used, the atomization unit can retract into the outer pipe structure under the action of external force, and the outer pipe structure can protect the atomization unit so as to prevent the atomization unit from making contact with the external environment and being polluted. Moreover, in the use process of the electronic cigarette, the charging port retracts into the outer tube structure and cannot be plugged with an external power plug, so that the user is prevented from charging the electronic cigarette in the use process of the electronic cigarette. However, CN’094 describes a vaping device which prevents the use of device while the device is on charging using a mechanical interlock. The device has some empty portions in its body and the consumers operating the device need to put additional effort in the form of mechanical force to switch the device into charging mode or inhalation mode every time. This mechanical feature of CN’094 due to continuous use is subjected to wear and tear, which may cause product defects during its lifetime. Reference has been made to “JP2021126518A” which at best describes an aerosol generating system for generating an inhalable aerosol, said system comprising: an electric heater for vaporizing the aerosol-forming substance; a battery for powering the electric heater; a control unit; a device portion comprising the battery and the control unit; a replaceable cartridge for receiving an aerosol- forming substance; with the control unit configured to detect whether the replaceable cartridge is connected to the device portion; The aerosol generating system, wherein the control unit is further configured to prevent charging of the battery when the control unit detects that the replaceable cartridge is connected to the device portion. However, JP’518 is configured to prevent charging of the battery when the control unit detects that the replaceable cartridge is connected to the device portion. Although, JP’518 prevents the charging of battery when cartridge is attached to the device, the invention is not consumer friendly as the user needs to remove the cartridge every time he wishes to charge the device. Reference is now made to “ES18710481T” which relates to an aerosol generating system for generating an inhalable aerosol, wherein the system comprises: - an electric heater to vaporize an aerosol-forming substance, - a battery to power the electric heater, and - a control unit, where the control unit is configured to detect if the electric heater is operated and if the battery is charging, and where the control unit is configured to avoid charging of the battery when the electric heater is operated, and is set to prevent the electric heater from operating when the battery is charging. ES’481 describes a control unit which is configured to detect if the electric heater is operated and if the battery is charging, and where the control unit is configured to avoid charging of the battery when the electric heater is operated, and is set to prevent the electric heater from operating when the battery is charging. The above features prevent vaping operation when the battery is being charged to avoid users getting effected by battery explosion hazards. However, as per the invention disclosed in ES’481, in two scenarios the user is still exposed to risk of battery explosion hazards. Scenario one: As the control unit for controlling the vaping functionality is not based on the input power supply presence, the control unit will allow vaping once the battery is fully charged. The case is similar to playing games or speaking on mobile while the mobile is fully charged but connected to the charging plug or adapter. Scenario two: The control unit does not stop vaping as soon as charger cable is inserted, hence there is a possibility of hazards when user inserts the charging cable at the time of vaping. The device may not allow charging of battery but it will definitely put the user at risk as the external power will be present in the device. The device as per ES’481 is not configured to check whether the input power supply is removed or not, this gap in the device will allow the use of device when (a) the batter is fully charged and (b) when the device is plugged to charging, this exposes the user to electrical hazards as many times users forget to unplug the device from charging port. Hence, this does not fully solve the problem that the current invention tries to solve. The device as per the current invention addresses this technology gap by preventing the use of the device (a) until the input charging supply is completely removed from the USB connector, and (b) as soon as the input supply presence is detected in the device. This ensures complete safety to the user against any battery related hazard. Reference is further made to “US2020 / 0323273A1” which provides an automatically controlled heat-not-burn electronic cigarette device and a control method thereof. The electronic cigarette device comprises a housing, a housing lid and a heating tube arranged in the housing, a heat-insulating tube, an automatic lid opening and / or closing mechanism, a cigarette detecting mechanism, an intelligent control circuit board, a button, and a battery. The intelligent control circuit board is arranged with a main control chip, a heating control module, an automatic lid opening and / or closing control module, a button control module, a detector control module, and a charging management module. The main control chip is configured to control the electronic cigarette device to enter a smoking operation mode, or a sleep state, or an off state, on the basis of the determination of whether a cigarette is received in the heating tube within a certain time. US’273 describes a control chip configured to control the electronic cigarette device to enter a smoking operation mode, or a sleep state, or an off state, on the basis of the determination of whether a cigarette is received in the heating tube within a certain time. In other words, the mode of operation of the device is based on the cigarette presence in the device, which helps automate the device operation to give additional user benefits and power saving. US’273 is silent with respect to providing safety to user. Reference is further made to “US7542091” that relates to a power management method and associated apparatus which allows a device to make maximum use of its battery before replacement or recharging. After a battery failure, the device may be shut down properly and disabled until the battery is replaced or recharged. US’091 describes issues related to replaceable battery-powered devices. The problem statement of US’091 is different from that of current invention and it does not address the issue related to safety of user while using the device. Still further, a reference is made to “US3898547” which relates to an electric vehicle battery charger interlock system which prevents the vehicle from being driven while the batteries are being charged, and which prevents activation of the charger until the direct current connection of the battery charger to the electric vehicle is completed. US’547 describes a device which has battery charger and battery in different locations. US’547 further prevents physical damage to charging port connectors and electrical hazards exposure to human hands by providing an interlock between the charger and battery. Various evices as per prior arts are not addressing the issue of providing complete safety to the user against the hazard associated with battery. The prior art devices describe use of various means of safety in an aerosol generating device by using mechanical means which are not user friendly. Also, use of control unit for automatic switching from charging to inhalation mode available in the prior art has various technological drawbacks. Such as, in ES’481, the control unit is not configured to check whether the input power supply is removed or not, this gap in the device will allow the use of device when (a) the battery is fully charged and (b) when the device is plugged to charging, this exposes the user to electrical hazards as many times user forgets to unplug the device from charging port. Thus, there remains a need for a smart aerosol generating device which ensures that consumers are not directly exposed to electrical hazards during charging time, which increases the safety margins. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The following presents a simplified summary of the invention to provide basic understanding of some aspects of the invention, neither to identify the critical elements nor to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form, as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later. The instant invention addresses the above problem by providing an automatic way of switching from charging mode or inhalation mode every time without the need of any additional empty portion in device body or mechanical force. The present invention describes an in-built intelligence system which automatically switches from charging mode to inhalation mode or vice-versa every time. In the first aspect, the present invention provides an electronic aerosol generating system, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an activation mechanism coupled to the atomizer; - a battery component as a power source; and - a processor configured so as to determine whether the device is being charged through an external power supply and, disabling the system from further use. In the second aspect, the present invention provides a smart aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging. In the third aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device, comprising: - a cartridge comprising a heating element and a wicking assembly; - a body comprising a control unit and an energy source; - wherein the control unit detects the presence of the cartridge and enables the device for use; - the device can be activated by a user activation switch or inhalation, which activates an inhalation sensor; - the control unit further activates the energy source; - the device remains operational until the user stops inhaling or stops device operation using the user activation switch. In the fourth aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating system, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit charges the energy source during charging, with a charge current set in the range of 1C to 2C; - the control unit stops charging the energy source when the charge current reaches 0.5C; - the control unit maintains a maximum of 4.1V across the energy source. In the fifth aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit charges the energy source during charging, using constant current mode and constant voltage mode; - the control unit records the charge current to control the charge time and estimate the amount of charge; - power delivery to the heater is controlled by the control unit, a PWM controller, a MOSFET load switch, and pogo pins. In sixth aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit enables a timer interrupt routine to check the input supply presence at the charging port; - the control unit stops other functionality and allows charging of the energy source if it is not fully charged; - once the energy source is fully charged, the control unit stops charging and puts the aerosol generating device in an unusable condition until the charging cable is removed. In seventh aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit charges the battery until it is fully charged; - in the First Mode, the control unit only charges the device if the battery is not fully charged; - in the Second Mode, the device can be used for inhalation and other functionalities other than charging; - the input power supply is not exposed directly to the consumer during the charging time. In eighth aspect, the present invention provides an interlock system for aerosol generating devices, comprising: - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the interlock system prevents the use of the device while it is charging and the input supply presence is detected; - the interlock system ensures safety and prevents external power supply hazards. The primary object of the present invention is to overcome the practical limitations of using a conventional aerosol generating device. An object of the present invention is to provide a smart aerosol generating device having an interlocking mechanism that disables the device for inhalation during the charge time, ensuring that the consumer is not exposed directly to Power failure or fluctuation. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic aerosol generating system, comprising: an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; an activation mechanism coupled to the atomizer; a battery component as a power source; wherein said system is characterized by, a processor configured to determine whether device is being charged through an external power supply, and, disabling the system from further use. According to one aspect, the present invention provides a smart aerosol generating device which can operate in dual mode: First Mode (Charging Mode) and Second Mode (Inhalation Mode). The operating mode will be determined based on the input power supply, which is usually in the USB connector. The device is configured to change its operating mode based on the user action and available external inputs automatically. The device will function only in the first mode if input supply is available. The device remains in the first mode until the input supply is removed. Moreover, the device will function in Second Mode if there is no input supply in the charging Port. The present invention disables the device for inhalation during the charge time, ensuring that the consumer is not exposed directly to power failure or fluctuation. Further, the instant invention has no operational constraints on whether the cartridge is present or not in the device, making the device consumer friendly. The present invention accommodates charger and battery in a single unit, and it cannot be separated. The present invention aims to give an interlock between the usage of the device and charging. Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings. Figure 1a illustrates an isometric view of the device in accordance with the present invention. Figure 1b illustrates an exploded view of the device in accordance with the present invention. Figure 1c illustrates Functional block diagram of the aerosol generating device according to present invention. Figure 2 illustrates interlocking mechanism - control unit working flow chart according to present invention. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may not have been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known structure and method are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Features that are described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and / or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments. It should be emphasized that the term “comprises / comprising” if used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or component but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Described herein is a smart aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device is a handheld battery-powered aerosolizer. Such device primarily comprises of components like a power source (usually a rechargeable battery and / or super capacitor), an atomizer / heating element, a cartridge / tank and a control / processing unit. According to an embodiment, the device consists of the control unit, battery, and Atomizer. Control units monitor and control the device's functionality and access all the inputs and outputs interface. The mechanism is made in the hardware and software to prevent both modes from operating at the same time. The control unit monitors the charging input port as soon as the device is powered on, whether the input power supply is present in the charging input port or not. Control units detect the input power supply availability by monitoring the voltage level at the input power supply pins. These power supply pins are accessible in the charging input connectors. The charging input port may be Type C - USB, Type B -Micro USB, or a customized connector. The control unit has critical components, such as but not limited to (a) a 16-bit microcontroller, which controls overall device functionalities, (b) a low-dropout regulator, which regulates the input voltage and maintains a constant voltage across all the components present in the control units, and (c) user Indication LEDs, by which the controller intimates all system failures and alarms. The presence of an external power supply is detected using the input pins of the microcontroller. No dedicated circuit or sensor is needed. The Control unit is empowered with an algorithm / logic and suitable hardware components for seamless transition of the device from charging to inhalation modes, ensuring a hassle-free user experience throughout the lifespan of the device. The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system, comprising: an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; an energy source (204) component; wherein said system is characterized by, a control unit (300) configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector (304), in case input supply presence is detected, all functionalities other than charging is disabled. The device is configured to immediately turn off the heating functionality, and the aerosol generation is stopped. Eventually, the user will be notified about the aerosol generating restriction in the LEDs provided in the device, which provides appropriate indication to the user. Figure 1a illustrates a detailed view of the aerosolizer device, highlighting its key components. The device comprises a Cartridge (100) positioned at the top, which is designed to hold the aerosolizing substance. Below the cartridge (100), the Aerosolizer Body (200) forms the main structure of the device, housing the internal mechanisms and circuitry. On the surface of the aerosolizer body, a series of light guides (201) are arranged in a vertical line. These light guides provide visual feedback to the user regarding the device's status, such as power levels, or, operational modes, alarm events and fault events. Adjacent to the light guides, a switch plunger (202) is located, allowing the user to turn the device on or off and control its functions. At the bottom end of the aerosolizer body, a charging port (203) is integrated. This port facilitates the recharging of the device's internal battery, ensuring that the aerosolizer remains operational. The overall design is sleek and ergonomic, aimed at providing a user-friendly experience. Figure 1b illustrates an exploded view of the device, showcasing its various components and their arrangement. The primary components include: Cartridge (100): This is the main component that holds the substance to be inhaled. It is designed to be easily replaceable and fits securely into the device. Light Guides (201): These components are responsible for directing light within the device, possibly for indicating the device's status or for other functional purposes. Switch Plunger (202): This component is likely involved in the activation mechanism of the device, allowing the user to switch between different modes or to activate the inhalation process. Charging Port (203): This port is used for charging the device's battery. In one embodiment, Type C port charging port may be used which ensures compatibility with modern charging standards, providing faster and more efficient charging. Energy source (Battery) (204): The power source for the device, providing the necessary energy for its operation. It is designed to be rechargeable via the charging port. Chassis (205): The structural framework of the device, housing the internal components and providing support and protection. Outer Shell (206): The external casing of the device, which encases the chassis and other internal components. It is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic for user comfort. Magnets (207): These magnets are in the chassis to hold the cartridge upon its insertion into the aerosolizer body, ensuring reliable pairing and easy removal of the cartridge from the aerosolizer body. Control Unit (300): The central processing unit of the device, equipped with an algorithm / logic and suitable hardware components to manage the device's operations, including transitioning between charging and inhalation modes. Overall, Figure 1b provides a detailed view of the device's internal structure, highlighting the arrangement and interaction of its various components to ensure seamless operation and user experience. Referring Figure 1c, the aerosol generating device consists of two parts: cartridge (100) and aerosolizer body (200). The cartridge (100) has a heating element and wicking assembly (101) and aerosol generating liquid (102). The aerosolizer body (200) has a control unit (300) that controls the overall function of the device and energy source (204). The control unit (300) has PWM controller (301), battery charge controller (302), fuel gauge (303), input supply connector (304), pogo pins (305), heat cycle counter / memory (306), inhalation sensor (307), user activation switch (308), indication LEDs (309), and MOSFET load switch (310). As soon as the cartridge (100) is inserted into the aerosolizer body (200), the control unit (300) detects the presence of the cartridge (100) and makes the device usable. The device can also be activated by using user activation switch (308) or inhalation which activates the inhalation sensor (307). Upon activation, the control unit (300) further activates the energy source (204). The device keeps running until the user stops inhaling or stops device operation using user activation switch (308). The activation switch (308) is a multifunctional control that activates the device from sleep mode to power-saving mode and is designed to change the operating power level and initiate the aerosol generating process. Similarly, the user receives acknowledgment from the control units when the user changes the operating mode and display all the device's alarms and other functionalities, such as device charging, charge full, and aerosol generation. The user gets the charge status, heater on indication, and alarm events such as the low battery, charge full, and heater faulty in the indication LEDs (309). The user can charge the device using a power adaptor and Type C Cable. The device shows a charging indication in the indication LEDs (309). Once the device is fully charged, the control unit (300) stops charging. The device energy source (204) is lithium-ion battery, super capacitor, sodium ion battery & etc, which is rechargeable energy storage unit. Energy source (204) supports 4 W to 25 W power delivery. Charging happens using control unit (300), battery charge controller (302), heat cycle counter / memory (306), input supply connector (304) and energy source (204). The control unit does not allow other than charging functionality until the input power supply is removed from input supply connector (304). Input supply (5V DC, 2A) for charging energy source (204) is given via input supply connector (304) (Type C) to the control unit. Control unit charges the energy source (204), during charging, the charge current will be set in the range of 1C to 2C. Battery is charged using constant current mode and constant voltage mode. The changeover of operating mode will happen based on the internal resistance, charge current, and charge voltage of energy source (204). Control unit maintains maximum of 4.1V to 4.2 V across the energy source (204), and battery charge controller (302) stops charging the energy source (204) when the charge current reaches from 0.5C. During charging, charge current which is coulomb per second, will be recorded by fuel gauge (303), to control the charge time and estimation amount of charge. Power delivery happens to the heater by control unit, PWM controller (301), MOSFET load switch (310) and pogo pins (305). Aerosol generating device comprises a control unit (300) which is printed circuit board assembly, an energy source (204) which is a rechargeable battery, an input supply connector (304) which is user interface connector for charging, along with device chassis which holds all the parts. The control unit (300) is the control processing unit which decides all the device functionality of user input and outputs. The control unit collects all the inputs from all sensors and sets default conditions of all outputs, finally makes device in usable conditions. Control unit enables timer interrupt routine to check the input supply presence on every 1 to 100 milli seconds at the charging port. As soon as control unit detects the input supply presence in the input supply connector (304) when the charger is inserted into the input supply connector (304), it stops other functionality whatever may be the condition. After stopping all other functionalities, it allows charging of the energy source (204) if it is not fully charged. Once the energy source (204) is fully charged, it stops charging and puts the aerosol generating device in unusable condition which means that inhalation is not possible until and unless the charging cable is removed from input supply connector (304). If the control unit detects the input power supply, it charges the battery until it is fully charged. Once the battery is fully charged, it will only be in the First Mode until input power is removed. In the First Mode, the control unit only charges the device if the battery is not fully charged. Otherwise, it keeps checking the availability of the input power supply. Non limitedly, battery used in the present embodiment is Lithium Ion - Polymer Battery having capacity preferably 450mAH, Range: 200mAh to 1500mAH and having charging capacity ranging from 1C to 5C, which can be preferably 2C and discharge capacity ranging from 5C to 20C, preferably 10C having nominal voltage of 3.7V. If the input supply availability is absent in the connectors, it goes to the Second Mode. In the Second Mode, the device can be used for inhalation & other device functionalities other than charging. This way, the input power supply is not exposed directly to the consumer during the charging time. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides an interlock system for battery chargers as well as external power supply hazards. It is a safety system or locking system that prevents the user from starting the machine as long as it is charging and the input supply presence is detected. In the present embodiment, the safety of the user is ensured in case of power fluctuations or failures while charging the device. The assumption is that if the user is using or handling the device during charging, there is a higher risk of electrical hazards. Therefore, by adding control mechanism to the control unit to monitor the power supply in the charging pins and control the device's functionality, the user's safety margin is increased. This further helps prevent electrical hazards and protects the user from exposure to external power supply fluctuations or failures. The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The aspect herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those having skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electronic aerosol generating system, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an activation mechanism coupled to the atomizer; - a battery component as a power source; and - a processor configured to determine whether the device is being charged through an external power supply, and disabling the system from further use.

2. The electronic aerosol generating system of claim 1, further comprising a fuel gauge configured to record the charge current during charging to control the charge time and estimate the amount of charge.

3. A smart aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging.4.An aerosol generating device, comprising: - a cartridge comprising a heating element and a wicking assembly; - a body comprising a control unit and an energy source; - wherein the control unit detects the presence of the cartridge and enables the device for use; - the device can be activated by a user activation switch or inhalation, which activates an inhalation sensor; - the control unit further activates the energy source; - the device remains operational until the user stops inhaling or stops device operation using the user activation switch.

5. An aerosol generating system, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit charges the energy source during charging, with a charge current set in the range of 1C to 2C;- the control unit stops charging the energy source when the charge current reaches 0.5C; - the control unit maintains a maximum of 4.1V to 4.2 V across the energy source.

6. An aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit charges the energy source during charging, using constant current mode and constant voltage mode; - the control unit records the charge current to control the charge time and estimate the amount of charge; - power delivery to the heater is controlled by the control unit, a PWM controller, a MOSFET load switch, and pogo pins.

7. An aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component;- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit enables a timer interrupt routine to check the input supply presence at the charging port; - the control unit stops other functionality and allows charging of the energy source if it is not fully charged; - once the energy source is fully charged, the control unit stops charging and puts the aerosol generating device in an unusable condition until the charging cable is removed.

8. An aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit charges the battery until full charge; - in the First Mode, the control unit only charges the device if the battery is not fully charged;- in the Second Mode, the device can be used for inhalation and other functionalities other than charging; - the input power supply is not exposed directly to the consumer during the charging time.

9. An interlock system for aerosol generating devices, comprising: - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the interlock system prevents the use of the device while it is charging and the input supply presence is detected; - the interlock system ensures safety and prevents external power supply hazards.

10. The smart aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the control unit further comprises a PWM controller, a MOSFET load switch, and pogo pins for power delivery to the heater.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the control unit further comprises indication LEDs to provide charge status, heater on indication, and alarm events such as low battery, charge full, and heater faulty.

12. The aerosol generating system of claim 4, wherein the control unit charges the energy source using a constant current mode and a constant voltage mode.

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the energy source is a lithium- ion battery, super capacitor, or sodium-ion battery.

14. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the control unit enables a timer interrupt routine to check the input supply presence at the charging port at regular intervals.

15. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the control unit charges the battery using a charge current set in the range of 1C to 2C.

16. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system comprises a safety system or locking system that prevents the use of the device while it is charging and the input supply presence is detected.

17. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system ensures that the device is not started as long as it is charging and the input supply presence is detected.

18. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system prevents the use of the device until the charging cable is removed from the input supply connector.

19. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system provides safety and prevents the device from being used during charging to avoid external power supply hazards.

20. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system ensures that the device is in an unusable condition until the charging cable is removed, thereby preventing inhalation during the charging time.

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