An aerosol generating device with performance control features

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100) comprises a cartridge (104) having an atomizer (126), and a main body (102) having a control unit (108). A proximal end of the main body (102) is configured to receive the cartridge (104) either in a first orientation or in a second orientation relative to the main body (102). When the cartridge (104) is present in the first orientation, airflow enters through a first airflow path within the aerosol generating device having a first inlet area (A1), and the control unit (108) is configured to supply a first power level to the atomizer (126). When the cartridge (104) is present in the second orientation, the airflow enters through a second airflow path within the aerosol generating device having a second inlet area (A2), and the control unit (108) is configured to supply a second power level to the atomizer (126).

Description

AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE WITH PERFORMANCECONTROL FEATURESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of aerosol generating devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cost effective, user-friendly, safe and portable aerosol generating device with performance control features that allows users to easily adjust operating power level as well as airflow for 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 is prior art.

[0003] In some of the existing aerosol generating devices, there are features for adjustable airflow and adjustable operating power. However, these features / capabilities are achieved through integration of additional adjustment sliders and provisions for changing the power level using mechanical switches, capacitive sensors, or mobile applications. This prevailing trend highlights the growing importance of these features as users increasingly seek to personalize their device’s power level or airflow to match their preferences. However, it is crucial to recognize that these adjustments of airflow, operating power often leads to increased device size and price due to introduction of additional elements. The introduction of additional elements makes the aerosol generating device bulkier, heavier, more complex and less useful to users who desire a discrete, compact and portable aerosol generating device.

[0004] Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift towards compact devices. However, the future market poses a complex challenge in meeting consumers / user’s needs. The majority of consumers now prefer to have extremely compact devices at more affordable price, incorporated with additional features such as adjustable airflow and adjustable operating power. Thus, there arises a multifaceted challenge of how to balance compact size, affordability, and demand for adjustable airflow and adjustable operating power level.

[0005] A patent document US11372153B2 titled, “Cartridge orientation for selection of a control function in a vaporization system” describes an aerosol generating device thatincludes a power unit, and a cartridge configured for engagement with the power unit. The cartridge can be configured for rotation about a longitudinal axis to be insertable into a chamber of the power unit in a plurality of different orientations. Further, the aerosol device can include a processing circuitry that can be configured for detection of the cartridge orientation and execution of a control function assigned to the respective orientation.

[0006] However, the referred document describes a mechanism to identify the orientation of the cartridge and body, and adjust the operating profile accordingly. This is typically done using a dedicated Hall Effect sensor, electromagnetic sensor, or light sensor in conjunction with a magnetic plate, metal plate, or color label.

[0007] Another patent document WO2018086999A1 titled, “Aerosol-generating system having variable airflow” describes an aerosol-generating system including a cartridge. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing defining a cartridge air inlet and cartridge air outlet. The cartridge air inlet extending through a wall portion of the cartridge housing, and a solid aerosol-forming substrate positioned within the cartridge housing. The cartridge includes a vaporiser section. The vaporiser section includes a vaporiser housing defining a vaporiser air inlet and a vaporiser air outlet, the vaporiser air outlet extending through a wall portion of the vaporiser housing, the vaporiser housing configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge. Further, the aerosol generating system includes an electric heater and a liquid aerosol-forming substrate each positioned within the vaporiser housing. The cartridge and the vaporiser section are configured so that the cartridge housing wall portion abuts the vaporiser housing wall portion when the vaporiser section receives the cartridge. Further, a rotational orientation of the cartridge with respect to the vaporiser section is variable, the amount of overlap between the cartridge air inlet and the vaporiser air outlet being variable between different rotational orientations; and a power supply section comprising a power supply for supplying electrical power to the electric heater.

[0008] However, the referred document describes a hybrid device comprising cartridge, vaporizer, and body. It further describes airflow adjustment between the cartridge and vaporizer using a wall. The control unit is used to predict the cartridge's orientation and adjust the power output accordingly. Furthermore, the device configuration do not regulate the inlet airflow.

[0009] Thus, there arises a need for modification in design of the aerosol generating device that facilitates managing both the airflow and the operating power levels when transiting between different levels.

[0010] There is therefore, a need in the art to develop a cost effective, user-friendly, safe and portable aerosol generating system with performance control features that allows users to easily adjust operating power level as well as airflow for the aerosol generating device without need of any additional components.OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0011] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as listed herein below.

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device with performance control features, which allows users to easily adjust power as well as airflow for the aerosol generating device, thereby effectively enhancing the user experience.

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device which is lightweight, portable, secure, and reliable.

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that is compact in size.

[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can eliminate need of any extra components to facilitate mode changes associated with power levels and airflow, for operating the aerosol generating device in a simpler and in a user-friendly manner.

[0016] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can be cost-effective.SUMMARY

[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of aerosol generating devices. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a cost effective, user- friendly, safe, compact and portable aerosol generating device with performance control features that allows users to easily adjust operating power level as well as airflow for operating the aerosol generating device.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device (also referred to simply as device) includes a cartridge having an atomizer. The aerosol generating device includes a main body including a control unit. A proximal end of the main body is configured to receive the cartridge either in a first orientation or in a second orientation relative to the main body. When the cartridge is present in the first orientation relative to the main body, airflow enters through a first airflow path within the aerosolgenerating device having a first inlet area, and the control unit is configured to supply a first power level to the atomizer.

[0019] In addition, when the cartridge is present in the second orientation relative to the main body, the airflow enters through a second airflow path is established within the aerosol generating device having a second inlet area, and the control unit is configured to supply a second power level to the atomizer. The second power level is greater than the first power level and the second inlet area is larger than the first inlet area.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the cartridge may include two or more heater contact pins that are configured on a cartridge base of the cartridge. When the cartridge is received by the main body, three or more pogo pins configured at the proximal end of the main body, may interface with the two or more heater contact pins to facilitate electrical connections.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the control unit may be configured to detect an orientation of the cartridge with respect to the main body, based on alignment of the three or more pogo pins (collectively referred as “pogo pins” hereinafter) with the two or more heater contact pins (collectively referred as “heater contact pins” hereinafter) either at a first position or a second position to adjust an operating power level of the aerosol generating device.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the main body may include one or more air inlet ports (collectively referred as “air inlet ports” hereinafter) configured at an outer surface of the main body. The air inlet ports may be configured to facilitate entry of airflow into the cartridge forming the first airflow path and the second airflow path.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, divergence between the first and second orientation may be 180 degrees.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the operating power level of the aerosol generating device may be adjusted by switching between two or more power levels (collectively referred as “power levels” hereinafter). The power levels may include the first power level and the second power level.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, during the first power level, a low power may be delivered to the atomizer, and during the second power level, a high power may be delivered to the atomizer.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the entry of the airflow may be adjusted by adjusting the air inlet ports provided at the outer surface of the main body.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the airflow may be adjusted by switching between the inlet areas. The inlet areas may include the first inlet area and the second inlet area. The first inlet area may facilitate low airflow, forming the first airflow path in the aerosol generating device. The second inlet area may facilitate high airflow, forming the second airflow path in the aerosol generating device.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, when the cartridge is present in the first orientation with respect to the main body, the control unit may adjust the operating power level to the first power level to allow low power to be delivered to the atomizer. Further, the airflow may be adjusted to the first inlet area to facilitate low airflow in the aerosol generating device by allowing airstreams to enter through the air inlet ports.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, when the cartridge is present at the second orientation relative to the main body, the control unit may adjust the operating power level to the second power level to allow high power to be delivered to the atomizer. Further, the airflow may be adjusted to the second inlet area to facilitate high airflow in the aerosol generating device by allowing the airstreams to enter through the air inlet ports.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the main body may include at least one display unit configured to display the orientation of the cartridge.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the main body may include a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) configured to indicate the operating power level and the inlet areas to the user during insertion of the cartridge and during operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the LEDs may include a green LED. The green LED may glow, when the first power level is selected. The first power level may be the low power level.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the LEDs may include a white LED, which white LED may glows, when the second power level is selected. The second power level may be the high power level.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the main body may include a power source configured to transfer power to the atomizer via engagement of the heater contact pins with the pogo pins of the main body.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a mouthpiece connected to the cartridge.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, wherein a distal end of the main body may be a charging end of the aerosol generating device.

[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] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representing the proposed aerosol generating system with performance control features, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of the proposed aerosol generating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the proposed aerosol generating device showing high air flow by switching to a second inlet area, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the proposed aerosol generating device showing low air flow by switching to a first inlet area, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIGs. 2D-2E illustrate exploded view and block diagram of the proposed aerosol generating device showing activation of three or more pogo pins for high power mode activation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIGs. 2F-2G illustrate exploded view and block diagram of the proposed aerosol generating device showing activation of at least two pogo pins for low power mode activation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] 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 limitthe 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.

[0046] In the following description, numerous specific details are pair 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 “a” 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 do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0050] 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 claimed individually 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.

[0051] 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 pair 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 skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural andfunctional 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).

[0052] The present disclosure relates to the field of aerosol generating devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cost effective, user-friendly, safe, compact and portable aerosol generating device with performance control features that allows users to easily adjust operating power level as well as airflow for the aerosol generating device.

[0053] Some existing aerosol generating devices disclose features for adjusting airflow and operating power. However, these features are designed through integration of additional adjustment sliders and provisions for changing the power level using mechanical switches, capacitive sensors, or mobile applications. Users increasingly seek to personalize aerosol generating device power level or airflow to match their preferences. However, it is crucial to recognize that these adjustments of airflow, operating power often leads to increased device size and price due to introduction of additional elements. The introduction of additional elements makes an aerosol generating device bulkier, heavier, more complex and less useful to users who desires a discrete, compact and portable aerosol generating device.

[0054] To address the aforesaid issue, the proposed aerosol generating device that adjusts power operating level and control airflow, on the basis of positioning of a cartridge to simplify process of transitioning between two or more power modes (also referred as “two or more power levels” herein) and two or more airflow modes (also referred as “two or more inlet areas” herein), thereby effectively offering a seamless experience when switching between low and high power settings. The proposed aerosol generating device greatly improves the user experience as there is no need of extra components or elements to facilitate mode changes within the device and provides simplest and quickest method to toggle the different performance levels.

[0055] As illustrated, in an embodiment, referring to FIGs. 1 & 2A, the proposed aerosol generating device 100 (also referred to simply as “device 100”) includes a main body 102, a cartridge 104 securely engaged to the main body 102, and a mouthpiece 106 connected to the cartridge 104. The cartridge 104 includes an atomizer 126 to aerosolize an aerosol generating substrate stored in a storage portion 128. The main body 102 includes a control unit 108 which can be configured to detect positioning or orientation of the cartridge 104 with respect to the main body 102.

[0056] In an embodiment, the proximal end of the main body 102 is configured to receive the cartridge 104 either in a first orientation or in a second orientation relative to the main body 102. When the cartridge 104 is present in the first orientation relative to the main body 102, airflow enters through a first airflow path within the aerosol generating device 100 having a first inlet area Al and the control unit 108 is configured to supply a first power level to the atomizer 126. Further, when the cartridge 104 is present in the second orientation relative to the main body 102, the airflow enters through a second airflow path within the aerosol generating device 100 having a second inlet area A2 and the control unit 108 is configured to supply a second power level to the atomizer 126. The second power level is greater than the first power level and the second inlet area A2 is larger than the first inlet area Al.

[0057] Further, the cartridge 104 can include two or more heater contact pins 130-1, 130-2 (collectively referred as “heater contact pins 130” hereinafter) that are configured on a cartridge base. Further, three or more electrical contacts / pogo pins 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 (individually and collectively referred as 110 hereinafter) can be configured at a proximal end of the main body 102. When the cartridge 104 is inserted into the main body 102, the pogo pins 110 interface with the heater contact pins 130 to facilitate electrical connections.

[0058] In addition, positioning / orientation of the cartridge 104 is detected by the control unit 108, based on alignment of the pogo pins 110 with the heater contact pins 130 either at a first position or a second position, to adjust an operating power level of the device 100.

[0059] In an embodiment, the main body 102 can include one or more air inlet ports 124-1, 124-2 (individually and collectively referred as “air inlet port” and “air inlet ports 124” hereinafter) configured at an outer surface of the main body 102. The air inlet ports 124 can be configured to facilitate entry of airstreams (also referred as airflow hereinafter) into the cartridge 104, forming the first airflow path and the second airflow path.

[0060] In an embodiment, the cartridge 104 is placed on the main body 102 either in the first orientation or in the second orientation. The first orientation can be different than the second orientation. The first orientation can also be referred as a left alignment position and the second orientation can also be referred as a right alignment position. Referring to FIGs. 1 to 2G, when the cartridge 104 is placed in the first orientation, the airflow and the operating power level can be adjusted to a first airflow mode or a first inlet area, Al and the first power mode or a first power level respectively. On the other hand, when the cartridge 104 is placed in the second orientation, the airflow and the operating power can be adjusted to a secondairflow mode or a second inlet area, A2 (as shown in the figures) and the second power mode or a second power level respectively. Further, the divergence between the first and second orientations can be 180 degrees, as can be clearly seen in FIGs. 2D & 2F, 2E & 2G. Further, the airflow can be adjusted by adjusting the inlet ports 124-1, 124-2 (air inlet ports 124) or inlet areas Al, A2 provided at the main body 102.

[0061] In an embodiment, the operating power level can be adjusted by switching between two or more power modes (collectively referred as “power modes or power levels” hereinafter). Further, the power modes can include the first power mode (the first power level) and the second power mode (the second power level). The first power mode can facilitate low power to be delivered to the atomizer 126 and the second power mode can facilitate high power to be delivered to the atomizer 126.

[0062] Further, the airflow can be adjusted by switching between the two or more inlet areas Al and A2. The inlet areas Al, A2 can include the first inlet area Al and the second inlet area A2, where the first inlet area Al facilitates low airflow, forming the first airflow path in the aerosol generating device 100, and the second inlet area A2 facilitates high airflow, forming the second airflow path in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0063] Furthermore, the airflow can be adjusted between two or more airflow modes (collectively referred as “airflow modes” hereinafter), for example, by switching between the two or more inlet areas Al, A2. The airflow modes can include the first airflow mode and the second airflow mode. The first airflow mode can facilitate low airflow in the device 100, and the second airflow mode can facilitate high airflow in the device 100.

[0064] Referring to FIGs. 2D-2E, when the control unit 108 can detect the orientation of the cartridge 104 at the second orientation, the control unit 108 can adjust the operating power level to the second power mode or the second power level to allow high power to be delivered to the atomizer 126. At the second orientation, the pogo pins 110 engage with the heater contact pins 130 as shown in FIG. 2D-2E. The pogo pin 110-1 and 110-2 are potentially shorted through the cartridge 104. The control unit 108 can read logic value “0” on orientation pin, thereafter the control unit 108 can generate a control signal to regulate the power through the MOSFET switch 120 to operate the heating element with High power. In a preferred embodiment, the switch 120 can be a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) switch 120. The MOSFET switch 120 can regulate how much current flows from a power source 112 to the atomizer 126 by controlling voltage applied to a gate terminal of the MOSFET switch 120. The gate terminal can receive the control signal fromthe control unit 108. The control signal can control the power flow. When the MOSFET is in the “on” state, the MOSFET switch 120 can allow the current to flow from the power source 112 to the atomizer 126.

[0065] Referring to FIGs. 2F- 2G, when the control unit 108 can detect the positioning of the cartridge 104 at the first orientation, the control unit 108 can adjust the power level to the first power mode or first power level to allow low power to be delivered to the heating element. The pogo pins 110-1 and 110-2 are not potentially shorted through the cartridge 104. The pogo pin 110-1 can be connected to power supply through a pull-up network 122. The control unit 108 can read logic value “1” on orientation pin, thereafter the control unit 108 can generate a control signal to regulate the power through a heater switch 120 (simply referred as “switch 120” hereinafter) to operate the atomizer 126 with low power.

[0066] In an embodiment, the main body 102 can include one or more air inlet ports 124 (collectively referred as “inlet ports 124” hereinafter) configured at the outer surface of the main body 102. The air inlet ports 124 can be configured to facilitate entry of airflow into the cartridge 104 forming the first airflow path and the second airflow path.

[0067] Further, referring to FIG. 2C, at the first orientation, in one embodiment, the airflow can be adjusted to the first inlet area Al to facilitate low airflow in the aerosol generating device 100 by allowing the airstreams / airflow to enter through an air inlet port 124-1 following / forming the airflow path (AFP) in the aerosol generating device 100. As shown in FIG. 2C, the air inlet port 124-2 can be blocked by the cartridge 104 covering the air inlet port 124-2, thereby blocking the airflow path (AFP) through the air inlet port 124-2.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2B, at the second orientation, in one embodiment, the airflow can be adjusted to the second inlet area A2 to facilitate high airflow in the aerosol generating device 100 by allowing the airstreams / airflow to enter through both the air inlet ports 124-1, 124-2 following airflow paths AFP (forming the airflow path (AFP) in the aerosol generating device 100. In another embodiment, there can be an air inlet port 124 which can provide the inlet area A2, where the inlet area A2 is larger than the inlet area Al, to facilitate high airflow during the second orientation; forming the second airflow path in the aerosol generating device 100. In yet another embodiment, there can be one or more air inlet ports 124 which can provide the inlet area Al to facilitate low airflow during the first orientation and there can be one or more air inlet ports 124 which can provide the inlet area A2 to facilitate high airflow during the second orientation.

[0069] In another embodiment of the present invention, the main body 102 can be oriented either in the first orientation or in the second orientation, relative to the cartridge 104 (w.r.t to the cartridge 104) to switch between the two or more power levels and the two or more inlet areas (Al or A2).

[0070] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 can include the mouthpiece 106 coupled to the cartridge 104. 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 some embodiments, the mouthpiece 106 can be detachably attached to the main body 102 through an attachment mechanism, thus facilitate easy detachment for cleaning or replacement. The attachment mechanism can be any one of but not limited to threaded connection, snap-fit connection, bayonet connection, magnetic connection, press-fit connection, 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.

[0071] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 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 108. 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 regulate the power from the power source 112 to the atomizer 126, based on the detected position of the cartridge 104.

[0072] In an embodiment, the memory may comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.

[0073] In an embodiment, the main body 102 can include at least one display unit 114 (collectively referred as “display unit 114” hereinafter). The display unit 114 can be configured to display the orientation / positioning of the cartridge 104 with respect to the main body 102. The display unit 114 can be configured over an outer surface of the main body102. The display unit 114 can be selected from but not limited to Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Light Emitting Diode (LED) Display, Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) Display, Electroluminescent (EL) Display, Touchscreen Display, and the like.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the main body 102 can include a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 configured to indicate the power mode or the operating power level and the air flow rate mode or the inlet areas (Al or A2) to the user during insertion of the cartridge 104 and during operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The LEDs 116 can include a green LED, which can glow, when the low power mode / low power level is selected. The LEDs 116 can include a white LED, which can glow, when the high power mode / high power level is selected.

[0075] In an embodiment, the atomizer 126 can include one or more heating elements, and a wick (referred as capillary material herein). 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, when powered using the power source 112. 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 can 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.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the main body 102 can include the power source 112 configured to transfer power to the atomizer 126 of the cartridge 104 via engagement of the pogo pins 110 with the heater contact pins 130. The power source 112 can be a battery, including, without limitations, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, Nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH) battery, and the like. The power source (battery) 112 provides an electric current required to heat-up the atomizer 126 and aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate. In another embodiment, the atomizer 126 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. The power source (battery) 112 provides an electric current required to heat-up the atomizer 126 and aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate. Further, the cartridge 104 can further include the storage portion 128 configured to store or hold the aerosol generating substrate to be aerosolized.

[0077] In an embodiment, three or more electrical contacts are configured at one side of the main body 102, which can include, but are not limited to pogo pins 110.

[0078] In some embodiments, the power source (battery) 112 can be charged through a charging unit being inserted into a charging end 132 of the device 100.

[0079] 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 104. In some embodiments, the cartridge 104 can be a replaceable 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.

[0080] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 can include at least one inhalation sensor 118 configured to detect when the user inhales or draws air through the device 100. Upon detecting an inhalation, the inhalation sensor 118 can send a signal to the control unit 108 to power on the atomizer 126. In some embodiments, the inhalation sensor 118 can be configured near or into the mouthpiece 106, where the user draws air. This position can allow the inhalation sensor 118 to directly detect the airflow or pressure changes caused by inhalation. In some embodiments, the inhalation sensor 118 can be configured in an airflow channel of the device 100. In some embodiments, the inhalation sensor 118 can be placed near the heating element. This placement can help in monitoring interaction between the airflow and heating, ensuring that the heating element can activate only when there is the inhalation.

[0081] As can be appreciated, the proposed aerosol generating device 100 is designed with perspective of users’ comfort and ease to allow the user to easily switch between two or more power modes / levels and two or more inlet areas Al, A2 by simply changing the position of the cartridge 104 in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0082] 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 scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. 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

[0083] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device with performance control features, which allows users to easily adjust operating power as well as airflow for the aerosol generating device, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0084] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device which is lightweight, portable, secure, and reliable.

[0085] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that is compact in size.

[0086] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that eliminates need of any extra components or elements to facilitate mode changes associated with power levels and airflow, within the aerosol generating device.

[0087] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that is cost- effective.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An aerosol generating device (100) comprising: a cartridge (104) comprising an atomizer (126); and a main body (102) comprises a control unit (108), wherein a proximal end of the main body (102) is configured to receive the cartridge (104) either in a first orientation or in a second orientation relative to the main body (102), wherein when the cartridge (104) is present in the first orientation, airflow enters through a first airflow path within the aerosol generating device (100) having a first inlet area (Al) and the control unit (108) is configured to supply a first power level to the atomizer (126), wherein when the cartridge (104) is present in the second orientation the airflow enters through a second airflow path within the aerosol generating device (100) having a second inlet area (A2) and the control unit (108) is configured to supply a second power level to the atomizer (126), wherein the second power level is greater than the first power level and the second inlet area (A2) is larger than the first inlet area (Al).

2. The aerosol generating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge (104) comprises two or more heater contact pins (130) that are configured on a cartridge base of the cartridge (104), wherein, when the cartridge (104) is received by the main body (102), three or more pogo pins (110) configured at the proximal end of the main body (102), interface with the two or more heater contact pins (130) to facilitate electrical connections.

3. The aerosol generating device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to detect an orientation of the cartridge (104) with respect to the main body (102), based on alignment of the three or more pogo pins (110) with the two or more heater contact pins (130) either at a first position or a second position to adjust an operating power level of the aerosol generating device (100).

4. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (102) comprises one or more air inlet ports (124) configured at an outer surface of the main body (102), wherein the one or more air inlet ports (124) are configured to facilitate entry of airflow into the cartridge (104) forming the first airflow path and the second airflow path.

5. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein divergence between the first and second orientation is 180 degrees.

6. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the operating power level of the aerosol generating device (100) is adjusted by switching between two or more power levels, wherein the two or more power levels comprise the first power level and the second power level.

7. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein during the first power level, a low power is delivered to the atomizer (126), and during the second power level, a high power is delivered to the atomizer (126).

8. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the entry of the airflow is adjusted by adjusting the one or more air inlet ports (124) provided at the outer surface of the main body (102).

9. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the airflow is adjusted by switching between two or more inlet areas (Al, A2), wherein the two or more inlet areas (Al, A2) comprise the first inlet area (Al) and the second inlet area (A2), wherein the first inlet area (Al) facilitates low airflow; forming the first airflow path in the aerosol generating device (100), and the second inlet area (A2) facilitates high airflow; forming the second airflow path in the aerosol generating device (100).

10. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claims 6 and 9, wherein when the cartridge (104) is present in the first orientation the control unit (108) adjusts the operating power level to the first power level to allow low power to be delivered to the atomizer (126), and the airflow is adjusted to the first inlet area (Al) to facilitate low airflow in the aerosol generating device (100) by allowing airstreams to enter through the one or more air inlet ports (124).

11. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claims 6 and 9, wherein when the cartridge (104) is present at the second orientation the control unit (108) adjusts the operating power level to the second power level to allow high power to be delivered to the atomizer (126), and the airflow is adjusted to the second inlet area (A2) to facilitate high airflow in the aerosol generating device (100) by allowing the airstreams to enter through one or more air inlet ports (124).

12. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (102) comprises at least one display unit (114) configured to display the orientation of the cartridge (104).

13. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the main body (102) comprises a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (116) configured to indicate the operating power level and the inlet areas (Al or A2) to the user during insertion of the cartridge (104) and during operation of the aerosol generating device (100).

14. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the main body (102) comprises a power source (112) configured to transfer power to the atomizer (126) via engagement of the two or more heater contact pins (130) with the three or more pogo pins (110) of the main body (102).

15. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mouthpiece(106) connected to the cartridge (104).

16. The aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a distal end of the main body (102) is a charging end (132) of the aerosol generating device (100).

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