Aerosol provision system pull-out force test device

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the device comprises: a test platform installed with a fixed device, wherein the fixed device is configured to secure the aerosol provision system; a fixing member configured to be securely installed on the system with its central axis coaxially aligned with the central axis of the system; and a pulling mechanism with a mechanical sensor, the pulling mechanism being capable of moving relative to the test platform to adjust the relative position of the mechanical sensor with respect to the system, the pulling mechanism being configured to perform a pull force test on the system by pulling the fixture when the mechanical sensor is aligned with the central axis of the system. Through the embodiment of the present application, the technical problem of how to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the pull-out force test of the aerosol provision system is solved.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM PULL-OUT FORCE TEST DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, and particularly relates to an aerosol provision system pull-out force test device.

[0004] Technical Background

[0005] In the e - cigarette industry, an aerosol provision system is configured to generate aerosol from an aerosol - forming substrate (such as tobacco - containing or tobacco leaf - based substrate) for users to inhale. With the rapid development of e - cigarettes, the market demand for e - cigarettes is increasing, and people have higher and higher requirements for the puffing taste and product quality of the aerosol provision system. Therefore, among numerous tests, the pull - out force test of the aerosol provision system is an essential requirement.

[0006] Currently, there is no reasonable and effective test method for the pull-out force test of e-cigarettes. During the test, only hot - melt adhesive can be used to fix a thin iron wire or soft wire at the glue outlet of the aerosol provision system, and then the other end of the iron wire or soft wire is fixed to the sensor of the tensile testing machine for the pull - out force test. This requires more time for pre - test preparation work, and the test lacks consistent repeatability and reproducibility. Such a test scheme will introduce many uncertainties to the test results: failure to align the test product with the sensor during the test will lead to position deviation and an increase in the test result force value; the inconsistent fixation positions when using hot - melt adhesive will result in different test results each time; using iron wires or soft wires as the pull - force connection, the iron wires or soft wires will rebound, bringing uncertainties to the test results, and so on. Ultimately, this leads to low test efficiency and inaccurate results.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system pull-out force test device to solve the technical problem of how to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the pull-out force test of the aerosol provision system.

[0009] There is provided an aerosol provision system pull-out force test device. The device comprises: a test platform which is installed with a fixed device, wherein the fixed device is configured to secure the aerosol provision system; a fixing member configured to be securely installed on the system, with its central axis coaxially aligned with the central axis of the system; and a pulling mechanism with a mechanical sensor, wherein the pulling mechanism can move relative to the test platform to adjust the relative position of the mechanical sensor with respect to the system, and the pulling mechanism is configured to perform a pull force test on the system by pulling the fixture when the mechanical sensor is aligned with the central axis of the system.

[0010] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the fixing member comprises an elastic locking portion and a pulling portion. The elastic locking portion is configured to be partially locked into an airway or a mouthpiece of the system, and the remaining part extends from the system to be in communication with the pulling portion. The pulling portion is configured to be pulled by the pulling mechanism towards the direction of the mechanical sensor.

[0011] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the elastic locking portion comprises an axle portion and a stopper arranged on the axle portion. The pulling portion is configured to push the axle portion into the airway or the mouthpiece of the system and to lock the axle portion inside the system by the friction force generated between the stopper and the inner wall of the airway or the mouthpiece of the system.

[0012] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the stopper is configured with an external thread set on the axle portion. The pulling portion is configured to drive the axle portion to rotate by rotating to cause the axle portion to advance toward the airway of the system and lock inside the airway or the mouthpiece of the system through the external thread.

[0013] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the stopper is configured with a tooth and / or an stopper protrusion arranged on the axle portion.

[0014] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the fixture member is provided with a central positioning marker. The pulling mechanism adjusts the relative position to the central positioning marker to align the mechanical sensor with the central axis of the system.

[0015] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the pulling mechanism is provided with a positioning device. The positioning device is configured to position the center positioning marker to align the mechanical sensor with the central axis of the system.

[0016] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the positioning device is configured as a laser locator. The laser locator aligns the mechanical sensor with the central axis of the system by aligning the light emitted by the laser locator with the central positioning marker.

[0017] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the pulling mechanism comprises a connecting sleeve. One end of the connecting sleeve is securely connected to the mechanical sensor, and the other end is connected to a clamping device. The clamping device is configured to clamp the fixture member and pull the fixture member towards the direction of the mechanical sensor.

[0018] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the clamping device comprises a jaw. The jaw comprises a slotted plate with a gap. A portion of the fixture member is capable of passing through the gap and abutting against the slotted plate.

[0019] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the clamping device comprises a movable jaw. The movable jaw is configured to be driven by a control device through an electrical signal to clamp the fixture member.

[0020] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the testing platform comprises an X-axis moving platform and a Y-axis moving platform. The Y-axis moving platform is installed on the X-axis moving platform. The X-axis moving platform is configured to drive the fixed device to move along the X-axis. The Y-axis moving platform is configured to drive the fixed device to move along the Y-axis direction.

[0021] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the pulling mechanism is relatively arranged with the testing platform and is capable of moving along the Z-axis direction.

[0022] In embodiments of the or any of the above aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, the device further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the pulling mechanism to perform a pull force test on the system according to a preset pulling test instruction.

[0023] One or more of the above technical solutions of the application have at least one or more of the following beneficial effects:

[0024] In the implementation of the technical solution of the application, based on the relative mobility between the test platform and the pulling mechanism, by configuring a fixing member that can be installed on the aerosol provision system and is coaxial with its central axis, it is convenient for the sensor to quickly align with the central position of the aerosol provision system for testing, thereby effectively improving the test efficiency and accuracy; at the same time, the connection standard of the fixing member is unified, and the positioning method is consistent. The same connection state and connection position can be repeated efficiently for testing, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the pull-out force test.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the application will be partially described in the following description, some will become apparent from the following description, and others will be learned through the practice of the application. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure of the present application will become more understandable. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Moreover, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components, wherein:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol provision system and a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fixing member according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fixing member according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fixing member with a matching protrusion according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a pulling mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a jaw according to an embodiment of the present application; and

[0034] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a test platform according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Detailed Description

[0036] The following describes some embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0037] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0038] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0039] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0040] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0042] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0049] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosolmodifying agent.

[0050] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0051] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosolformer materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0052] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0053] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0054] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0055] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals 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, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0056] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0057] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0058] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0059] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, 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, cognacjasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0060] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0061] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0062] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a“monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0063] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0064] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso- Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0065] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0066] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0067] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0068] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0069] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosolmodifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0070] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0071] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0072] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol-generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartomizer”) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol-generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol-generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0073] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0074] As described in the background art, the existing connection method for the pull-out force test is unstable, it is difficult to position and align the sensor with the aerosol provision system, the test efficiency is low, and the accuracy is lacking. Based on this, the present application proposes a pull-out force test device that can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the pull-out force test of the aerosol provision system.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol provision system pull-out force test device. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device comprises a test platform 100, a fixing member, and a pulling mechanism 300 with a mechanical sensor 301. A fixed device 101 is installed on the test platform 100, and the fixed device 101 is used to fix the aerosol provision system 400; the fixing member is locked and installed on the aerosol provision system 400, and its central axis is coaxially arranged with the central axis of the aerosol provision system 400; the pulling mechanism 300 and the test platform 100 can move relative to each other to adjust the relative position of the mechanical sensor 301 and the aerosol provision system 400. During the test, when the mechanical sensor 301 is aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision system 400, that is, also aligned with the central axis of the fixing member, the pull-out force test is performed on the aerosol provision system 400 by pulling the fixing member. The present application aims to facilitate the quick alignment of the mechanical sensor 301 with the central position of the aerosol provision system 400 for testing by configuring a fixing member that can be installed on the aerosol provision system 400 and is coaxial with its central axis, thereby effectively improving the test efficiency and accuracy; at the same time, the connection standard of the fixing member is unified, and the positioning method is consistent, so that the same connection state and connection position can be efficiently repeated for testing, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the pull-out force test.

[0076] It should be noted that, in order to illustrate the technical solution of the present application, FIG. 1 only shows a partial structural sketch of the aerosol provision system pullout force test device, and it is not intended to convey the specific positions and fixed structural patterns of various components. For example, the style and fixing method of the fixed device 101 are not unique, and it only needs to be able to fix the aerosol provision system 400 on the test platform 100. The test platform 100 itself is movable relative to the pulling mechanism 300. For another example, the connection method between the mechanical sensor 301 and the fixing member is not unique, and it only needs to be connected to both the mechanical sensor 301 and the fixing member, and at the same time, the mechanical sensor 301 should be able to pull the fixing member. For another example, the structure and installation method of the fixing member are not unique, and it only needs to be installed on the aerosol provision system 400 and aligned with its central axis. It should also be understood that the aerosol provision system pull-out force test device system may include other components not shown in FIG. 1. For example, a control system may be disposed inside the test platform 100 or may be used in a separate connection. The control system may include one or more processors and associated memories, serving as a controller for controlling the test platform 100 and the pulling mechanism 300 to adjust positions and perform a pull-out force test on the system 400 according to a preset pull-out test instruction. The test platform 100 may also include a communication interface and other human-machine interaction operation mechanisms, which are convenient for the tester to operate and upgrade the test platform 100 and the pulling mechanism 300. It should be understood that the present invention does not specifically limit the control system, and it only needs to meet the test execution requirements.

[0077] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the fixing member 200 is installed on the aerosol provision system 400, specifically installed in the airway or mouthpiece of the system 400, which can make the center of the fixing member 200 just aligned with the central axis of the system 400, facilitating the alignment and pulling of the mechanical sensor 301. As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing member 200 includes an elastic locking portion 201 and a pulling portion 202; the elastic locking portion 201 is at least partially locked and installed in the airway or mouthpiece of the system 400, and the remaining part extends out of the system 400 to be connected to the pulling portion 202. The pulling portion 202 is used to be pulled by the pulling mechanism 300 in the direction towards the mechanical sensor 301. Compared with the traditional method of fixing with a thin iron wire at the airway opening, the structure of the fixing member 200 is stable, and the installation position and the central position are unique, which can effectively improve the test consistency and accuracy. It should be understood that the shape and size of the elastic locking portion 201 are not unique, and they are adjusted and set according to the specific structure of the aerosol provision system 400, and it only needs to be stably fixed in the airway or mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system 400. The structure and shape of the pulling portion 202 are not unique, and it only needs to be convenient for the pulling mechanism 300 to pull, and the structure is set in cooperation with the specific pulling mechanism 300.

[0078] In one embodiment, the elastic locking portion 201 comprises an axle portion and a stopper arranged on the axle portion. The pulling portion 202 can push the axle portion to make the elastic locking portion 201 enter the airway or mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system 400, and the axle portion is locked in the airway or mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system 400 by the frictional force generated between the stopper and the inner wall of the airway or mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system 400. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the stopper is an external thread 2012a arranged on the axle portion 2011. The pulling portion 202 can drive the axle portion 2011 to rotate in a rotational manner so as to push the axle portion 2011 towards the airway of the aerosol provision system 400 and lock it in the airway or mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system 400 through the external thread 2012a. As shown in FIG. 5, the stopper can also be a stopper protrusion 2012b. When the axle portion 2011 enters the airway or mouthpiece, the stopper protrusion 2012b opposite to the entry direction increases the frictional force for the fixing member 200 to exit, which can make the fixing member 200 relatively fixed to the aerosol provision system 400. Similarly, the stopper can also be a tooth arranged on the axle portion 2011 , etc.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the fixing member 200 has a central positioning marker, and this central positioning marker is the center of the fixing member 200. The pulling mechanism 300 adjusts the relative position with the central positioning marker to align the mechanical sensor 301 with the central axis of the aerosol provision system 400, unifying the pulling position and positioning standard, making the test standardized and highly consistent, thereby improving the test accuracy. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the fixing member 200 is configured as a cross-head screw, and its nut serves as the pulling portion 202. The cross center 2021 of the nut is the central positioning marker. Using the cross-head screw as the fixing member 200 and installing it in the aerosol provision system 400 to be tested is convenient for installation and use, and the positioning marker is accurate, further improving the test efficiency and accuracy.

[0080] In the above embodiment, a positioning device 302 is provided on the pulling mechanism 300, and the positioning device 302 is used to position the central positioning marker to align the mechanical sensor 301 with the central axis of the aerosol provision system 400. Further, the positioning device 302 is a laser locator. The laser locator aligns the mechanical sensor 301 with the central axis of the aerosol provision system 400 by aligning the light cursor emitted by it with the central positioning marker. The laser locator includes an infrared cross laser, which can be arranged at the central position of the mechanical sensor 301, and can quickly align with the central position of the aerosol provision system 400 for detection, improving the detection efficiency and test accuracy. Compared with the situation without an infrared laser, it can more accurately position the center of the aerosol provision system 400. Moreover, since the infrared cross laser is arranged at the central position of the mechanical sensor 301 , during the pull test, the pulling force of the mechanical sensor 301 is uniform, the test is more accurate, and the repeatability and reproducibility of the pull test are improved.

[0081] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the pulling mechanism 300 comprises a connecting sleeve 303. One end of the connecting sleeve 303 is fixedly connected to the mechanical sensor 301 , and the other end is connected to a clamping device 304. The clamping device 304 is used to clamp the fixing member 200 and pull it in the direction towards the mechanical sensor 301. In this example, the connecting sleeve 303 is fixed at the center of the positioning device 302, that is, it is arranged to coincide with the central axis of the mechanical sensor 301, which is convenient for the positioning device 302 to identify the central positioning marker of the fixing member 200 and the central position of the aerosol provision system 400. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the clamping device 304 uses a jaw. The jaw includes a slotted plate 3042 with a gap 3041. A part of the fixing member 200 can pass through the gap 3041 and abut against the slotted plate 3042. During pulling, it can be directly clamped and pulled in the direction of the mechanical sensor 301. The side of the jaw opposite to the gap 3041 can be in threaded connection with the connecting sleeve 303 and can be tightened. It should be understood that the fixing method between the jaw and the connecting sleeve 303 is not unique, and it only needs to be stable and evenly stressed. Further, the clamping device 304 can be a movable jaw, and the movable jaw can be driven by a control device through an electrical signal to clamp the fixing member 200, such as a small manipulator.

[0082] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the test platform 100 includes an X-axis moving platform 102 and a Y-axis moving platform 103, and the Y-axis moving platform 103 is installed on the X-axis moving platform 102; the X-axis moving platform 102 can drive the fixed device 101 to move along the X-axis, and the Y-axis moving platform 103 can drive the fixed device 101 to move along the Y-axis direction. As a whole, it can make the aerosol provision system 400 move relatively and adjust in the two-axis direction relative to the mechanical sensor 301, which is convenient for positioning. Specifically, the Y-axis moving platform 103 includes a Y-axis moving plate 1031 and a Y-axis driving component. The X-axis moving platform 102 is provided with a first sliding rail 1021 in the Y-axis direction, and the Y- axis driving component can drive the Y-axis moving plate 1031 to move along the first sliding rail 1021. In this example, the Y-axis driving component includes a Y-axis screw rod 1032. The Y-axis moving plate 1031 is in threaded connection with the Y-axis screw rod 1032, and the Y-axis screw rod 1032 drives the Y-axis moving plate 1031 to move along the first sliding rail 1021 through rotation (one end of the Y-axis screw rod 1032 has a threaded hole matching the thread of the Y-axis screw rod 1032, and the Y-axis moving plate 1031 is movably connected to the Y-axis screw rod 1032 through this threaded hole. At the same time, the Y- axis screw rod 1032 is stabilized by the support block of the X-axis moving platform 102, and the Y-axis screw rod 1032 can rotate and move within the support block, so as to drive the Y- axis moving plate 1031 to move by rotating the Y-axis screw rod 1032). The rotation can be realized by setting a first rotating handle 1033 on the Y-axis screw rod 1032; the test platform 100 also includes a base 104. The X-axis moving platform 102 includes an X-axis moving plate 1022 and an X-axis driving component. The base 104 is provided with a second sliding rail 1041 in the X-axis direction. The X-axis driving component drives the X-axis moving plate 1022 to move along the second sliding rail 1041. The X-axis driving component includes an X-axis screw rod 1023. The X-axis moving plate 1022 is in threaded connection with the X- axis screw rod 1023, and the X-axis screw rod 1023 drives the X-axis moving plate 1022 to move along the second sliding rail 1041 through rotation (the moving principle is the same as that of the Y-axis moving plate 1031), and the rotation can be realized by setting a second rotating handle 1024 on the X-axis screw rod 1023. In the present invention, the position of the system 400 can be adjusted through the X and Y-axis moving platforms, so as to obtain a more effective test. Further, the Y-axis moving plate 1031 is provided with a number of fixing holes 1034, which can facilitate the fixing of the fixed device 101. It should be understood that the fixing method and the fixing position of the fixed device 101 are not unique, and there is no specific limitation in the present application. It only needs to fix the aerosol provision system 400 to maintain balance, stability and firmness.

[0083] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the pulling mechanism 300 is arranged opposite to the test platform 100 and can move along the Z-axis direction. Specifically, a Z- axis moving module 305 can be set, and the mechanical sensor 301 can be movably arranged on the Z-axis moving module 305 through a sensor fixing device 306, so that the mechanical sensor 301 can move relatively to the test platform 100, thereby realizing the adjustment of the height position during the positioning process.

[0084] Based on the above embodiments, during the use process, before the test, the test platform 100 is set as a movable platform that can move along the X and Y axes. Then, the fixed device 101 of the aerosol provision system 400 to be tested is prepared and installed on the test platform 100, and the cross-head screw is locked into the airway or mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system 400; the connecting sleeve 303 with the infrared cross laser already installed is connected to the mechanical sensor 301 , the infrared cross laser locator is turned on, and the second rotating handle 1024 and the first rotating handle 1033 are adjusted until the infrared cross cursor is aligned with the center of the fixed nut. At this time, the jaw as shown in FIG. 7 is passed through the bottom of the nut clamping and locked into the screw hole at the lower end of the connecting sleeve 303, and then the pulling force test program can be edited to start the pull-out force test.

[0085] Those skilled in the art can understand that each component in the device can be adaptively split or combined. Such splitting or combining of specific components will not cause the technical solution to deviate from the principle of the present application. Therefore, the technical solutions after splitting or combining will all fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0086] In the description of this specification, the referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0087] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description of the present application, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0088] In the present application, unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the application based on the circumstances.

[0089] Although the embodiments of the application have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the application. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the application can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the abovedescribed embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol provision system pull-out force test device, characterized in that, the device comprises: a test platform, the test platform being installed with a fixed device, wherein the fixed device is configured to secure the aerosol provision system; a fixing member, configured to be securely installed on the system, with its central axis coaxially aligned with the central axis of the system; a pulling mechanism with a mechanical sensor, the pulling mechanism being capable of moving relative to the test platform to adjust the relative position of the mechanical sensor with respect to the system, the pulling mechanism being configured to perform a pull force test on the system by pulling the fixture when the mechanical sensor is aligned with the central axis of the system.

2. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the fixing member comprises an elastic locking portion and a pulling portion; the elastic locking portion is configured to be partially locked into an airway or a mouthpiece of the system, and the remaining part extends from the system to be in communication with the pulling portion; the pulling portion is configured to be pulled by the pulling mechanism towards the direction of the mechanical sensor.

3. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the elastic locking portion comprises an axle portion and a stopper arranged on the axle portion, the pulling portion being configured to push the axle portion into the airway or the mouthpiece of the system and to lock the axle portion inside the system by the friction force generated between the stopper and the inner wall of the airway or the mouthpiece of the system.

4. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the stopper is configured with an external thread set on the axle portion, the pulling portion being configured to drive the axle portion to rotate by rotating to cause the axle portion to advance toward the airway of the system and lock inside the airway or the mouthpiece of the system through the external thread.

5. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the stopper is configured with a tooth and / or a stopper protrusion arranged on the axle portion.

6. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, the fixture member is provided with a central positioning marker, wherein the pulling mechanism adjusts the relative position to the central positioning marker to align the mechanical sensor with the central axis of the system.

7. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 6, characterized in that, the pulling mechanism is provided with a positioning device, wherein the positioning device is configured to position the center positioning marker to align the mechanical sensor with the central axis of the system.

8. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 7, characterized in that, the positioning device is configured as a laser locator, wherein the laser locator aligns the mechanical sensor with the central axis of the system by aligning the light emitted by the laser locator with the central positioning marker.

9. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the pulling mechanism comprises a connecting sleeve, wherein one end of the connecting sleeve is securely connected to the mechanical sensor, and the other end is connected to a clamping device; the clamping device is configured to clamp the fixture member and pull the fixture member towards the direction of the mechanical sensor.

10. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 9, characterized in that, the clamping device comprises a jaw, the jaw comprising a slotted plate with a gap, a portion of the fixture member being capable of passing through the gap and abutting against the slotted plate.

11. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 9, characterized in that, the clamping device comprises a movable jaw, wherein the movable jaw is configured to be driven by a control device through an electrical signal to clamp the fixture member.

12. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 1 , characterized in that, the testing platform comprises an X-axis moving platform and a Y-axis moving platform, the Y-axis moving platform being installed on the X-axis moving platform; the X-axis moving platform is configured to drive the fixed device to move along the X-axis; the Y-axis moving platform is configured to drive the fixed device to move along the Y-axis direction.

13. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 12, characterized in that, the pulling mechanism is relatively arranged with the testing platform and is capable of moving along the Z-axis direction.

14. The aerosol provision system pull-out force test device according to claim 1 , characterized in that, the device further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the pulling mechanism to perform a pull force test on the system according to a preset pulling test instruction.

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