An improved aerosol generating device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an improved aerosol generating device (100) comprising a body (102), a cartridge (104), and a mouthpiece (106). The body (102) includes a control unit (110) and a power source (112). The cartridge (104) is coupled to the body (102), and configured to hold an aerosol generating substrate. The mouthpiece (106) includes at least one sensor (124) operatively coupled to the control unit (110). The body (102) having a channel (126B) in fluid communication with the least one sensor (124) secured in a seating member (202) of the mouthpiece (106). The at least one sensor (124) is positioned in proximity to a source of actuation to detect airflow indicative of inhalation from a user.

Description

AN IMPROVED AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of aerosol generating devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an improved aerosol generating device with an integrated mouthpiece incorporating sensors for quick actuation of the aerosol generating device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced as prior art.

[0003] Existing aerosol generating devices have a mouthpiece being an integral part of the cartridge. Having the mouthpiece integrated into the cartridge of an aerosol device can pose challenges when it comes to placement of sensors. This integration creates limited space within the mouthpiece for additional components such as sensors. Most importantly, an aerosol generating substrate (liquid) present in the cartridge may intervene in placing the sensors in the mouthpiece integrated with the cartridge. In addition, placing the sensors directly in the mouthpiece integrated with the cartridge becomes problematic due to the risk of damage or interference with the sensor's functionality.

[0004] Further, in the existing devices, the sensors are placed in the main body of the aerosol generating device. In the said aerosol generating devices, distance between the sensors and the mouthpiece is large, which results in delay in activation of the device. Further, positioning of the sensor in the common airflow channel can result the condensed aerosol to leak the liquid towards the sensor, resulting in inactivation of the sensor. In order to address the said issue, various designs of the existing aerosol generating device have been developed with varying placement of the sensors.

[0005] A patent document WO2022243270A1 entitled, “Mouthpiece with capillary channel for an aerosol generating device” describes a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a biomarker sensor operably coupled to a capillary channel of the aerosol generating device. The biomarker sensor may be provided at a distal end of the capillary channel. Further, the biomarker sensor may be a sensor that is responsive to any biomarker present in a user’s saliva. Further, the aerosol-generating device mayinclude a puff sensor which activates the aerosol generating device upon detection of a puff being made by a user. However, the referred document lacks disclosure of placement of the puff sensor in the said aerosol generating device.

[0006] Another patent document EA039609B1 entitled, “Puff sensing and power circuitry for vaporizer devices” describes a spacer used near an aerosolizing chamber which is a ‘silicon sleeve’. An actuating piece can drive an aerosolizing core to move or rotate to a first position, so that a substrate inlet hole on the aerosolizing core is sealed by a separating piece. An aerosolized substrate in a substrate storage cavity cannot enter the aerosolization cavity through the substrate inlet hole to realize substrate core separation, and long-term dipping of the aerosolized substrate is avoided to pollute a heating device in the aerosolizing cavity. However, the referred document talks about a pressure sensor, which is a part of the device body and not of a mouthpiece.

[0007] Yet another patent document CN116019268A entitled, “Controllable electron cigarette system of flue gas” describes a smoke-controllable electronic cigarette system with a smoke control system in order to avoid addiction of users experiencing the electronic cigarettes to smoking. The electronic cigarette system comprises a mouth sensor which sends an authentication instruction to a wireless access point of the electronic cigarette system to request opening of a mouth encryption system. The electronic cigarette system displays whether to confirm an index at a display interface of the electronic cigarette body, and a user confirms whether to start the mouth encryption system. Further, the referred patent document describes placing additional electronic setup to achieve controllable smoke using a lip mark.

[0008] Thus, the above referred documents are insufficient in placing the sensors in a manner to minimise distance between the sensors and the mouthpiece, which leads to delay in actuation of the device to deliver the aerosol generating substrate to be inhaled by the user. Further, the existing devices include only one airflow channel for both activating the inhalation sensor and to carry the aerosol to the user from the heating portion. Thus, there arises a need for modification in design of the device and / or the mouthpiece to address the above said issues.

[0009] There is therefore a need in the art to develop a cost effective and portable aerosol generating device with an integrated mouthpiece incorporating sensors for quick actuation of the aerosol generating device.OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0010] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as listed herein below.

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved aerosol generating device with an integrated mouthpiece incorporating sensors.

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device, with an integrated mouthpiece, which is lightweight, portable and reliable.

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that helps in quick actuation of an inhalation, thereby enhancing efficiency of the aerosol generating device.

[0014] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to separately configure the mouthpiece from the cartridge to facilitate placement of the sensors in the mouthpiece without any interventions raising due to the aerosol generating substrate (liquid).

[0015] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device with a placement of an inhalation sensor in a mouthpiece, which ensures reduced distance between the mouthpiece and the inhalation sensor, thus helping in quick actuation of an inhalation and thereby making the device more efficient.SUMMARY

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of aerosol generating devices. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to an improved aerosol generating device with an integrated mouthpiece incorporating sensors for quick actuation of the aerosol generating device.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the disclosed aerosol generating device (also referred to simply as device) includes a main body, a cartridge, and a mouthpiece. The body includes a control unit and a power source. Further, the cartridge is coupled to the body, and configured to hold an aerosol generating substrate. The mouthpiece includes at least one sensor (simply referred as “sensor” hereinafter) operatively coupled to the control unit. In addition, the body having a channel in fluid communication with the sensor secured in a seating member of the mouthpiece. The sensor is positioned in proximity to a source of actuation to detect airflow indicative of inhalation from a user.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece may be integrally connected to the body and may include: a first end; and a second end. The seating member may be positioned at the second end of the mouthpiece to act as a barrier.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the barrier may prevent air from entering into the channel through the second end, when the at least one sensor is secured in the seating member, ensuring that negative pressure created during inhalation from the user may be detected by the sensor.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the inhalation from the user through the first end of the mouthpiece may be the source of the actuation.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, upon detection of the airflow by the sensor, the control unit may activate the aerosol generating device for aerosolizing the aerosol generating substrate and thereby generate an aerosol to be inhaled by the user.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the channel may be extending from the first end to the second end of the mouthpiece.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a heating device connected to the power source. Upon activation of the aerosol generating device, the power source may transmit an electric current through one or more heating elements of the heating device, which may result in heating-up of the one or more heating elements to aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a plurality of airflow channels. The plurality of airflow channels may include the channel, and a main channel configured for carrying the aerosol from the heating device.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the channel and the main channel may be independent channels without any fluid communication with each other.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the channel and the main channel may be coupled to form a fluid communication.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the seating member may include a hollow portion and a locking portion. The sensor may be secured in the hollow portion.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the locking portion may include a pair of locking paws configured to engage with a pair of slots provided at the second end of the mouthpiece.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the sensor may be an inhalation sensor.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the inhalation sensor may include one or more of: a pressure sensor, a mic sensor, a magnetic sensor, and an airflow sensor.

[0031] In another aspect, the present disclosure pertains to a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device. The mouthpiece includes a channel extending from a first end and a second end of the mouthpiece. Further, the mouthpiece includes a seating member configured at the second end of the mouthpiece to act as a barrier. The seating member accommodates atleast one sensor (simply referred as “sensor” hereinafter) which is in fluid communication with the channel. The sensor is positioned in proximity to a source of actuation and configured to detect airflow indicative of inhalation from a user.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece may be an integral part of a body of the aerosol generating device.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the barrier may prevent air from entering into the channel through the second end of the mouthpiece, when the at least one sensor is secured in the seating member, ensuring that negative pressure created during inhalation from the user is detected by the sensor.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the inhalation from the user through the first end of the mouthpiece may be the source of the actuation.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, upon detection of the airflow by the sensor, a control unit of the aerosol generating device, operatively coupled to the sensor, may be configured to activate the aerosol generating device for aerosolizing the aerosol generating substrate and thereby generate aerosol to be inhaled by the user.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the seating member may include a hollow portion and a locking portion. The sensor may be secured in the hollow portion. Further, the locking portion may include a pair of locking paws configured to engage with a pair of slots provided at the second end of the mouthpiece.

[0037] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIGs. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary block diagram and architecture representing the proposed aerosol generating device with an integrated mouthpiece, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary cross section architecture of the aerosol generating device along with magnified view of a mouthpiece representing the proposed aerosol generating device with at least one sensor incorporated in a mouthpiece, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the aerosol generating device before assembling a seating member, and the at least one sensor, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0043] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0044] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0045] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0046] The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein does not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0047] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimedindividually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skilled in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0049] The present disclosure relates to the field of aerosol generating devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an improved aerosol generating device by providing placement of at least one sensor in a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device for quick actuation.

[0050] Existing aerosol generating devices having a mouthpiece integrated into a cartridge, pose challenges for placement of sensors due to limited space and presence of a liquid aerosol generating substrate. Placing the sensors directly in the mouthpiece risks damage or interference. In current devices, the sensors are located in a main body of the aerosol generating devices, resulting in a greater distance between the sensors and the mouthpiece, leading to activation delays. To address the aforesaid issue, the proposed aerosol generating devices have been developed with an integrated mouthpiece, which is incorporated with at least one sensor, aiming to reduce activation delays and improve functionality of the at least one sensor.

[0051] FIGs. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary block diagram and architecture representing the proposed aerosol generating device 100 with an integrated mouthpiece 106, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] As illustrated, in an embodiment, referring to FIG. 1A, the proposed aerosol generating device 100 includes a body 102 (also referred as “main body 102” hereinafter), a cartridge 104, and a mouthpiece 106. The main body 102 further includes a cavity 108, acontrol unit 110, and a power source 112. The cavity 108 can be configured at a top portion of the main body 102 to receive a housing 116 of the cartridge 104. The cartridge 104 is configured to hold an aerosol generating substrate to be aerosolized. The aerosol generating substrate can include a base mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) along with the suitable active compounds. The aerosol generating substrate can include, but not limited to: a flavor, an active compound which is derived from natural (e.g. plant alkaloids) and / or synthetic sources, and the like in varying concentrations. The cartridge 104 can be designed for a single use or multiple use.

[0053] Further, the mouthpiece 106 is integrally connected to the main body 102. In a preferred embodiment, the main body 102 includes the mouthpiece 106 or the mouthpiece 106 is an integral part of the main body 102. Further, the mouthpiece 106 can include a first end 106-1 and a second end 106-2, the first end 106-1 being close to the mouth of the user. Furthermore, the mouthpiece 106 includes at least one sensor 124 (simply referred as “sensor 124” hereinafter) being configured at the second end 106-2 of the mouthpiece 106. In some embodiments, the sensor 124 can be placed at any position between the first end 106-1 and the second end 106-2 without obstructing the airflow. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor 124 is positioned in proximity to a source of actuation to detect airflow indicative of inhalation from a user. The inhalation from the user through the first end 106-1 of the mouthpiece 106 can be the source of the actuation.

[0054] The sensor 124 can include an inhalation sensor. In an embodiment, the inhalation sensor may be selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of: a pressure sensor Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS), a microphone sensor (mic sensor), a magnetic sensor, and an airflow sensor. Further, the inhalation sensor 124 can be operatively connected to the control unit 110 within the main body 102. The control unit 110 is configured to actuate the aerosol generating device 100, upon detection of airflow by the inhalation sensor 124, thereby generating the aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0055] In an embodiment, the body 102 has a channel 126B in fluid communication with the sensor 124. The channel 126B can extend from the first end 106-1 to the second end 106-2 of the mouthpiece 106. The shape of the channel 126B can be selected from the group consisting of but not limited to: oval, circular, square, rectangle, pentagon, triangle, and the like.

[0056] In an embodiment, the sensor 124 is secured in a seating member 202 configured at the second end 106-2 of the mouthpiece 106 to act as a barrier. The barrier can prevent air from entering into the channel 126B through the second end 106-2, ensuring that negativepressure created during inhalation from the user can be detected by the sensor 124. In an embodiment, the seating member 202 can include a hollow portion and a locking portion. The sensor 124 can be secured in the hollow portion. Further, the locking portion can include a pair of locking paws configured to engage with a pair of slots 204 provided at the second end 106-2 of the mouthpiece 106. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 106 can also include filters or screens to trap particles or contaminations coming with the airflow.

[0057] In general, the design of the mouthpiece 106 can vary depending on the style and design of the aerosol generating device 100. The design of the mouthpiece 106 can include, but not limited to: a narrow and tube-like structure, a wider structure, a flat structure, and the like. In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece 106 can be made of materials which include, but are not limited to a plastic, a metal, a silicone, medical-grade materials, and the like, which are safe for oral contact with the mouth of the user and easy to clean.

[0058] In an embodiment, the cartridge 104 (also referred as an aerosol generating substrate reservoir, a reservoir, container and the like) can include a heating device 122 to heat-up and aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate. Further, the cartridge 104 can further include a storage portion 118. The storage portion 118 can be configured to store or hold the aerosol generating substrate to be aerosolized.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cartridge 104 can be a refillable tank in the aerosol generating device 100, while in some embodiments, the cartridge 104 can be a disposable cartridge. The cartridge 104 holds the aerosol generating substrate, which can include, but are not limited to: a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), a vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and active compounds.

[0060] In an embodiment, the heating device 122 can include one or more heating elements, and a wick. The wick absorbs the aerosol generating substrate to be aerosolized and thereafter the one or more heating elements aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate to generate the aerosol. The one or more heating elements can be selected from but not limited to a ceramic heating element, a stainless-steel coil, a mesh heating element, a convection heating element, an induction heating element, a Nichrome wire, an Aluminum Block, and the like. Further, material used for the wick may depend upon the aerosol generating substrate to be aerosolized. The material for the wick can be selected from but not limited to Silica, Cotton, Ceramic, Stainless Steel mesh, Ekowool, Bamboo Fiber, and the like.

[0061] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 can include the sensor 124 which automatically actuates the heating device 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 when the user inhales. In some aerosol generating devices 100, the sensor 124, can bereplaced by a manual buton which is pressed by the user to actuate the aerosol generating device 100. In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a plurality of airflow channels 126, which can include a main channel 126 A for carrying the aerosol from the heating device 122 to the user and the channel 126B in fluid communication with the sensor 124. The channel 126B and the main channel 126A can be independent channels without any fluid communication with each other.

[0062] In another embodiment, the channel 126B can be coupled to the main channel 126A. The channel 126B and the main channel 126A can be coupled to form a fluid communication.

[0063] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 can include the Light Emiting Diode (LED) positioned on the main body 102. The LED can display a light indicating one or more state of the aerosol generating device 100. The one or more state can include, but are not limited to: a usage state, a charging state, a low batery state, and the like.

[0064] In an embodiment, the main body 102 can include the control unit 110. The control unit 110 may include one or more processors (interchangeably referred to as processor, hereinafter). The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, edge or fog microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that process data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory of the control unit 110. The memory may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, which may be fetched and executed to actuate the heating device 122, upon detection of airflow by the inhalation sensor 124, thereby generating the aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0065] In an embodiment, the memory may comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM), or nonvolatile memory such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.

[0066] In an embodiment, the user can adjust the airflow through the aerosol generating device 100. Thus, the user can customize the aerosolizing experience by controlling the amount of air that mixes with the aerosol as they inhale. By adjusting the airflow, users can achieve an easier draw, which can affect the temperature, density, and the like parameters.

[0067] In another embodiment, the main body 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 can include the power source 112 of the aerosol generating device 100. The power source 112 can be a batery, including, without limitation, a rechargeable lithium-ion batery, a lithiumpolymer batery, Nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH) batery, and the like. The batery provides an electric current required to heat-up the heating device 122 and aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate. The heating device 122 can be connected to the power source 112. Upon actuation of the aerosol generating device 100, the power source 112 can transmit the electric current through the one or more heating elements, which results in heating-up of the one or more heating elements.

[0068] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a feedback unit to provide users with information about their usage state. The feedback unit can include a display configured on an outer surface of the main body 102 to display the usage state of the user.

[0069] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. IB illustrates the architecture of the proposed aerosol generating device 100. The top portion of the aerosol generating device 100 discloses the cartridge 104, separately configured from the mouthpiece 106. The cartridge 104 can be made of transparent material to facilitate easy viewing of the amount of the aerosol generating substrate stored in the cartridge 104.

[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary cross section architecture 200 of the aerosol generating device 100 along with magnified view of a mouthpiece 106 representing the proposed aerosol generating device 100 with at least one sensor 124 incorporated in a mouthpiece 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the aerosol generating device 100 before assembling a seating member 202, and the at least one sensor 124, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] According to another aspect of the present disclosure and cross-section representing the proposed aerosol generating device 100, the mouthpiece 106 for an aerosol generating device 100 includes a channel 126B extending from a first end 106-1 to a second end 106-2 of the mouthpiece 106. The mouthpiece 106 includes at least one sensor 124 (also referred simply as “sensor 124” hereinafter) being configured at the second end 106-2 to enable quick actuation of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2, the mouthpiece 106 can include a seating member 202 positioned at the second end 106-2 of the mouthpiece 106. The seating member 202 can be configured to secure the sensor 124, and both the seating member 202 and the sensor 124 together form a barrier. The barrier can prevent air from entering into the channel 126B through the second end 106-2 of the mouthpiece 106, when the at least one sensor 124 is secured in the in theseating member 202, ensuring that negative pressure created during inhalation from the user can be detected by the sensor 124.

[0073] . The sensor 124 is in fluid communication with the channel 126B. The sensor 124 is positioned in proximity to a source of actuation and configured to detect airflow indicative of inhalation from a user. The inhalation from the user through the first end 106-1 of the mouthpiece 106 can be the source of the actuation. As shown in FIG. 3, the seating member 202 can include a hollow portion and a locking portion, where the sensor 124 can be secured in the hollow portion. The locking portion can include a pair of locking paws configured to engage with a pair of slots 204 provided at the second end 106-2.

[0074] In another embodiment, the placement of the sensor 124 in the seating member 202 facilitates detection of negative pressure created during inhalation from the user and thereby quick actuation of the heating device 122 to aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate to generate the aerosol is possible.

[0075] In an embodiment, the sensor 124 can be placed radially in the seating member 202 near the mouthpiece 106, i.e. the sensor 124 can be positioned around an inner perimeter of the mouthpiece 106. This radial positioning can allow the sensor 124 to detect changes in the airflow as the user inhales from any direction around the mouthpiece 106, ensuring a consistent and reliable response. In some embodiments, the sensor 124 can be positioned longitudinally near the mouthpiece 106 .i.e. aligned along a length of the mouthpiece 106. In this positioning, the sensor 124 can detect airflow or pressure changes directly as the user inhales through the mouthpiece 106. The sensor 124 can be in line with the path for airflow to detect air movement when the user inhales.

[0076] As can be appreciated, the placement of the sensor 124 in the mouthpiece 106 can minimize the distance between the sensor 124 and the mouthpiece 106 (which is close to the mouth of the user), thereby ensuring quick actuation of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0077] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0078] The present invention provides an improved aerosol generating device with an integrated mouthpiece incorporated with sensors.

[0079] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device with an integrated mouthpiece, which is lightweight, portable and reliable.

[0080] The present invention provides the sensors being placed in the mouthpiece, which helps in quick actuation of an inhalation, thereby enhancing efficiency of the aerosol generating device.

[0081] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device in which the mouthpiece is separately configured from the cartridge to facilitate placement of the sensors in the mouthpiece without any interventions raising due to the aerosol generating substrate.

[0082] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device with placement of an inhalation sensor in a mouthpiece, which ensures reduced distance between the mouthpiece and the inhalation sensor, thus helping in quick actuation of an inhalation and thereby making the device more efficient.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An aerosol generating device (100) comprising: a body (102) comprises a control unit (110) and a power source (112); a cartridge (104) coupled to the body (102) and configured to hold an aerosol generating substrate; and a mouthpiece (106) comprises at least one sensor (124) operatively coupled to the control unit (110), wherein the body (102) having a channel (126B) in fluid communication with the at least one sensor (124) secured in a seating member (202) of the mouthpiece (106), and the at least one sensor (124) is positioned in proximity to a source of actuation to detect airflow indicative of inhalation from a user.

2. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece (106) is integrally connected to the body (102) and comprises: a first end (106-1); and a second end (106-2), wherein the seating member (202) is positioned at the second end (106-2) of the mouthpiece (106) to act as a barrier.

3. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the barrier prevents air from entering into the channel (126B) through the second end (106-2), when the at least one sensor (124) is secured in the seating member (202), ensuring that negative pressure created during inhalation from the user is detected by the at least one sensor (124).

4. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inhalation from the user through the first end (106-1) of the mouthpiece (106) is the source of the actuation.

5. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon detection of the airflow by the at least one sensor (124), the control unit (110) activates the aerosol generating device (100) for aerosolizing the aerosol generating substrate and thereby generate an aerosol to be inhaled by the user.

6. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the channel (126B) is extending from the first end (106-1) to the second end (106-2) of the mouthpiece (106).

7. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a heating device (122) connected to the power source (112), wherein upon activation of the aerosol generating device (100), the power source (112) transmits an electric current throughone or more heating elements of the heating device (122), which results in heating -up of the one or more heating elements to aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate.

8. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) comprises a plurality of airflow channels (126), the plurality of airflow channels (126) comprises the channel (126B), and a main channel (126A) configured for carrying the aerosol from the heating device (122).

9. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 8, wherein the channel (126B) and the main channel (126A) are independent channels without any fluid communication with each other.

10. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 8, wherein the channel (126B) and the main channel (126A) are coupled to form a fluid communication.

11. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seating member (202) comprises a hollow portion and a locking portion, wherein the at least one sensor (124) is secured in the hollow portion.

12. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the locking portion comprises a pair of locking paws configured to engage with a pair of slots (204) provided at the second end (106-2) of the mouthpiece (106).

13. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (124) is an inhalation sensor.

14. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the inhalation sensor comprises one or more of: a pressure sensor, a mic sensor, a magnetic sensor, and an airflow sensor.

15. A mouthpiece (106) for an aerosol generating device (100), wherein the mouthpiece (106) comprising: a channel (126B) extending from a first end (106-1) and a second end (106-2) of the mouthpiece (106); and a seating member (202) configured at the second end (106-2) of the mouthpiece (106) to act as a barrier, and the seating member (202) accommodates at least one sensor (124) which is in fluid communication with the channel (126B), wherein the at least one sensor (124) is positioned in proximity to a source of actuation and configured to detect airflow indicative of inhalation from a user.

16. The mouthpiece as claimed in claim 15, wherein the mouthpiece is an integral part of a body (102) of the aerosol generating device (100).

17. The mouthpiece (106) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the barrier prevents air from entering into the channel (126B) through the second end (106-2) of the mouthpiece (106), when the at least one sensor (124) is secured in the seating member (202), ensuring that negative pressure created during inhalation from the user is detected by the at least one sensor (124).

18. The mouthpiece (106) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the inhalation from the user through the first end (106-1) of the mouthpiece (106) is the source of the actuation.

19. The mouthpiece (106) as claimed in claim 15, wherein upon detection of the airflow by the at least one sensor (124), a control unit (110) of the aerosol generating device (100), operatively coupled to the at least one sensor (124), is configured to activate the aerosol generating device (100) for aerosolizing the aerosol generating substrate and thereby generate aerosol to be inhaled by the user.

20. The mouthpiece (106) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the seating member (202) comprises a hollow portion and a locking portion, wherein the at least one sensor (124) is secured in the hollow portion, and wherein the locking portion comprises a pair of locking paws configured to engage with a pair of slots (204) provided at the second end (106-2) of the mouthpiece (106).

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