EP4652876A1

EP4652876A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4652876A1
Application number: EP24177716.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrew Thornton; James Sheridan
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-23
Filing date: 2024-05-23
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Also published as: WO2025242480A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (100), for use with an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device (100) comprising: a power source receiving portion (112) comprising an opening (113); a removable power source (114), arranged within the power source receiving portion (112), for supplying power for consumption by a component of the device (100); a cover (120) arranged to move between a closed position in which the opening (113) is closed and an open position in which the opening (113) is open; and a controller (122) configured to: determine whether the cover (120) is in an open position or a closed position; and when it is determined the cover (120) is in an open position, to perform a control action.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system, and a method of controlling operation of an aerosol provision device.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol provision device, for use with an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising:

a power source receiving portion comprising an opening;
a removable power source, arranged within the power source receiving portion, for supplying power for consumption by a component of the device;
a cover arranged to move between a closed position in which the opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is open; and
a controller configured to:
- determine whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position; and
- when it is determined the cover is in an open position, to perform a control action.

The control action may comprise limiting operation of the device.
Limiting operation of the device may comprise preventing the generation of an aerosol (from an aerosol generating material received by/within the device).
The device may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and limiting operation of the device may comprise preventing the heating arrangement from operating.
An article may comprise the aerosol generating material and a heating arrangement, and the control action may comprise stopping the supply of power to the article (e.g. so as to prevent the supply of power to the heating arrangement) when the cover is in the open position.
The aerosol provision device may further comprise a user interface and the control action may comprise outputting information using the user interface.
The information may comprise an indication that the cover is in an open position and/or that operation of the device is limited.
The user interface may comprise a display, and the information may be output via (e.g. on) the display.
The display may display information in the form of a code (e.g. a quick-response code i.e. a QR code) which when scanned with a suitable device (e.g. user's smart phone) may direct the user to the information, e.g. on an online website. In some examples, the code may be manually input by a user into a suitable device. The code may comprise a web-address.
The display may comprise any one or combination of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin film transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, or a Polymer Light Emitting Diode (PLED) display.
The display may be curved or may be flat.
In addition, or alternatively, the user interface may comprise a speaker, buzzer, and/or haptic device, which outputs the information.
The user interface may comprise one or more LEDs.
Information, e.g. relating to how to replace the removable power source, may be applied (e.g. via printing or any other suitable means) to an outside surface of the device. The information may be provided on a sticker which is stuck to the outside of the device. The information may comprise a code (e.g. a QR code) as described above. The code may be a web-address. The information may comprise a pictorial representation of how to replace the removable power source.
The aerosol provision device may further comprise a sensor configured to detect a position of the cover, and the controller may be configured to determine whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position based on a state (or output) of the sensor.
The sensor may comprise one or more of: a contact switch, a proximity sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, a strain gauge, an induction coil based sensor, a resistive sensor, an LDR (light dependent resistor) sensor, and a pressure sensor. The sensor may comprise an electrical circuit which is opened and closed in dependence on the position of the cover.
The aerosol provision device may further comprise a housing to which the cover is movably attached, and the cover may be arranged to move between the open and closed positions whilst remaining attached to the housing.
The aerosol provision device may further comprise a housing. The cover may be removably attached to the housing, and in the open position, the cover may be separated from the housing.
The power source receiving portion may comprise a cavity defined within the device.
The cavity may be defined by a housing of the device.
The power source receiving portion may be dimensioned to receive the entire removable power source such that no part of the removable power source extends out of the power source receiving portion when the removable power source is entirely contained therein.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.
The aerosol generating material may be part of an article.
The aerosol provision device may comprise an article receiving portion configured to receive the article.
The article may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material
The removable power source may provide power to the heating arrangement, and/or any other suitable electrical component of the device and/or article receive therein.
The control action may comprise limiting operation of the aerosol provision device and/or outputting information to a user (e.g. using a user interface).
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol generating material; and
the aerosol provision device of any embodiment of the first aspect set out above.

Any of the features of the various embodiments set out above may equally be applied to this second aspect.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling operation of an aerosol provision device which comprises a cover which provides access to a power source receiving portion which houses a removable power source, the method comprising:

determining whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position; and
when it is determined that the cover is in the open position, performing a control action.

Any of the features of the various embodiments set out above may equally be applied to this third aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side-on view of an aerosol provision device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional front-on view through the aerosol provision device shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision device, shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2, with the power source received in the device and with the cover in a closed position;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 3 with the cover in an open position;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 3 with the cover in an open position and with the power source partially removed from the power source receiving portion; and
Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol provision device.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "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. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as "smokable material".
The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". 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.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.
According to the present disclosure, the aerosol provision system may comprise a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system which is a system 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.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
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.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
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 non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
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.
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.
In some embodiments, the consumable (or article) 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 aerosol-modifying agent.
An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.
Figure 1 shows a side-on view of an embodiment of an aerosol provision device 100 (hereinafter "device 100") for use with, e.g. for generating an aerosol from, an aerosol generating material. The device 100 may be a non-combustible aerosol provision device 100. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional front-on view through the device 100 of Figure 1. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, in broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat an article 110 which may comprise an aerosol generating material. Heating of the article 110 may generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100. The article 110 may be a replaceable article. The article 110 and the device 100 together form an aerosol provision system 101. Whilst in the embodiment shown the aerosol generating material is provided as part of the article 110, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating material may not be part of an article. Instead, for example, the aerosol generating material may be inserted directly into the device 100, e.g. in the form of a liquid inserted into the device 100.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the device 100 may define a proximal end 116, and a distal end 118. In some embodiments, the article 110 may be inserted into the device 100 at the proximal end 116, and a user may place their mouth around an exposed end of the article 110. As such, the proximal end 116 may also be referred to as the mouth end.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device 100 comprises a body 102. The body 102, sometimes referred to as a housing 102, houses the various components of the device 100. An article aperture 104 may be formed at one end of the body 102, through which the article 110 may be inserted. The article 110 may be heated, so as to generate an aerosol therefrom, by a heating arrangement 108. The heating arrangement 108 may comprise an inductive heating arrangement and/or a resistive heating arrangement, or indeed any other suitable form of heating arrangement. An inductive heating arrangement may, for example, comprise a susceptor (e.g. in the form of a cylindrical tube) surrounded by at least one inductor coil. A resistive heating arrangement may, for example, comprise one or more resistive tracks. Whilst in the embodiment depicted the heating arrangement 108 forms part of the device 100, in other embodiments the article 110 itself may comprise part or all of the heating arrangement. For example, the article 110 may comprise a susceptor which is heated by an inductive coil in the device 100. In addition or alternatively, the article 110 may comprise one or more resistive heater tracks, which may be electrically connected to the device 110 when the article 110 is received by the device 100.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the article aperture 104 may be formed at the proximal end 116. In other embodiments, the article aperture 104 may be located elsewhere on the device 100. In some embodiments, as depicted in Figure 2, the device 100 may comprise an article receiving portion 107 configured to receive the article 110. The article receiving portion 107 may be in the form of a cavity within the device 100 suitably dimensioned to receive the article 110. The article receiving portion 107 may be at least partially defined by the body 102, or indeed any other suitable part of the device 100.
As depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the article 110 may define a mouthpiece 111 which is arranged at the proximal end 116 when the article 110 is inserted into the device 100. The mouthpiece 111 may be an end of the article 110 which a user places their mouth around during use of the system. In other embodiments, the device 100 may define the mouthpiece and the article 110 may be entirely contained within the device 100. As will be appreciated, a user may place their mouth over the mouthpiece 111 during use and inhale an aerosol which is generated by heating of the article 110.
The device 100 may comprise an air inlet (not shown), arranged at any suitable position on the device 100, e.g. in the body 102 thereof, configured to allow air to pass into the device 100, e.g. into the device 100 and through to the article 110 contained therein. The air inlet may have any suitable form that allows air to flow into the device 100. An airflow path may be defined between the air inlet and the article 110 when inserted into the device 100. In some embodiments, an airflow path may be defined between the air inlet and the article aperture 104. The air inlet may allow air to pass into the article receiving portion 107.
In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 100 where it may be heated by the heating arrangement 108.
As depicted in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the device 100 may include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, which controls operation the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn the device 100 ON and/or OFF (e.g. so as to cause the generation of an aerosol or to stop the generation of an aerosol) by operating the user-operable control element 150. The control element 150 may also be used to control any other functionality of the device 100, e.g. to switch between different operational modes.
As shown in Figure 2, the device 100 also comprises a power source receiving portion 112 comprising an opening 113 through which a removable power source 114 may be inserted into, and removed from, the power source receiving portion 112. The removable power source 114 may comprise a battery or any other suitable power source. Where the removable power source 114 comprises a battery, the battery may comprise a single cell, or a plurality of cells. In some embodiments, the removable power source 114 comprises at least one of: a battery, a super capacitor, a lithium ion capacitor or a power generator. As discussed above, the power generator may convert one type of energy into another type of energy for consumption by the device 100 and/or article. For example, the power generator may convert kinetic power into electrical power. In such embodiments, the power generator may comprise an actuation member, e.g. a rotatable handle, which can be moved by a user so as to input kinetic energy into the power generator.
The power source receiving portion 112 may comprise a cavity defined within the device 100. The power source receiving portion 112 may be sized and shaped to receive the removable power source 114. The cavity may be defined by the body 102 of the device 100. The power source receiving portion 112 may be dimensioned to receive the entire removable power source 114 such that no part of the removable power source 114 extends out of the power source receiving portion 112 when it is entirely contained therein.
The removable power source 114 supplies power for consumption by a component of the device 100 or article 110 received therein. In this regard, when the article 110 is received within the device, for the purposes of power supply, the article 110 may be considered to be a part of the device 100 which the removable power source 114 can provide power to. In some embodiments, the removable power source may provide power to the heating arrangement 108, a user interface (e.g. an electronic display) and/or any other suitable electrical component of the device 100 or article 110 received therein.
As shown in Figure 2, the device 100 further comprises a cover 120 arranged to move between a closed position in which the opening 113 is closed (as depicted in Figure 2) and an open position in which the opening 113 is open. The cover 120 may thus selectively provide access to the opening 113, and hence the removable power source 114 contained within the power source receiving portion 120.
As depicted in Figure 2, the cover 120 may be movably attached to the housing 102 of the device 100 and the cover 120 may be arranged to move between the open and closed positions whilst remaining attached to the housing 102. The cover may be movably attached via a hinge 130. In some embodiments, the cover 120 may be movably attached by other means. In embodiments, the cover 120 may be slidably attached to the housing 102. In embodiments, the cover 120 may be rotatably attached to the housing 102. Embodiments where the cover 120 is movably attached to the housing 102 may have the advantage that the cover 120 is less likely to be lost (e.g. because the cover 120 has been removed from the device 100 and then misplaced). In other embodiments, however, the cover 120 may be separated from the body 102 of the device 100 completely.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the cover 120 is arranged at the proximal end 116 of the device 100. However, it will be appreciated that the cover 120 may be arranged at any suitable position on the device 100 in dependence on the position of the power source receiving portion 112, e.g. the opening 113 thereof.
Whilst in the embodiments depicted the cover 120 partially defines the external structure of the device 102, in some embodiments the cover 120 may be an internally component arranged within the body 102. In such embodiments, it may be necessary to remove a part of the body 102 before the cover 120 can be accessed and moved between the open and closed positions.
Allowing access to the removable power source 114 may allow the removable power source 114 to be removed from the device 100. This may, for example, allow a user to swap out a discharged power source with a charged one. As such, the user may be able to operate the device 100 with a spare power source whilst the discharged power source is recharged. User convenience may therefore be increased. Further, rechargeable power sources, such as batteries, are known to deteriorate (e.g. a reduction in their storage capacity) over time. The ability to easily remove (and hence replace) the removable power source may increase the longevity of the device 100 by allowing a deteriorated removable power source to be replaced. As such, the device 100 may be made more sustainable as the device 100 may continue to be used.
The device 100 comprises a controller 122 configured to determine whether the cover 120 is in an open position or a closed position. When it is determined the cover 120 is in an open position, the controller 122 is configured to perform a control action. The control action may comprise any suitable action. Examples of such control actions are set out in detail more detail below. Exemplary control actions may include: limiting operation of the device, preventing the generation of an aerosol, preventing the heating arrangement 108 from operating, and/or outputting information (e.g. indicating that the cover is open and/or that device operation is limited) using the user interface 124.
In some embodiments, as depicted in Figure 2, the device 100 may comprise a sensor 128 configured to detect a position of the cover 120. The controller 122 may be configured to determine whether the cover 120 is in an open position or a closed position based on a state (e.g. an output) of the sensor 128. The sensor 128 may comprise any suitable known sensor capable of providing an indication as to whether the cover 120 is in an open or closed position. In some embodiments, the sensor 128 may comprise a contact switch, an electrical circuit which is opened and closed in dependence on the position of the cover 120, a proximity sensor, a Hall effect sensor or any other suitable sensor type, for example those discussed in the statements above. The state (e.g. an output) of the sensor 128 may indicate whether the cover 120 is in an open or closed position. A closed position may correspond to the cover 120 being fully closed. An open position may correspond to the cover 120 being at least partially opened, e.g. moved out of the closed position.
As depicted in Figure 2, the sensor 128 may be located proximal to the opening 113 of the power source receiving portion 112. Such an arrangement may enable the sensor to more readily detect the position of the cover 120 in relation to the opening 113.
As illustrated in Figure 2, in embodiments, the aerosol provision device 100 may further comprise a user interface 124. As will be described in more detail below, the user interface 124 may, for example, comprise a display.
Movement of the cover 120 between the closed and open positions, and removal of the removable power source 114 from the device 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision system 101, depicted schematically in Figures 1 and 2, comprising the aerosol provision device 100 and the article 110 comprising an aerosol generating material. Figure 3 shows the device 100 with the article 110 inserted within the body 102 of the device 100 to a point at which the mouthpiece 111 protrudes from the proximal end 116 of the device 100. The distal end 118 is at the bottom of the device 100 and may be the end furthest from a user's mouth during use of the device 100. The cover 120 is arranged at the proximal end 116 of the device 100.
As depicted in Figure 3, in some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a display 126 configured to display information relating to operation of the device 100 to the user. The display 126 may be part of, or define, the user interface 124 discussed previously. The display may comprise an LED or LCD display. The display may be configured to output text and/or symbols which can be viewed and understood by a user. The user interface 124 may in addition, or alternatively, comprise at least one, e.g. a plurality of, LEDs.
The display 126 may be powered by the removable power source 114. In embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a secondary power source, configured to supply power to at least the controller 122, when the removable power source 114 has been removed. The display 126 may be powered by the secondary power source. In embodiments, the user interface 124 may, additionally or alternatively, comprise a speaker, and/or haptic device, which outputs information.
When the cover 120 is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 3, the display 126 may output information relating to operation of the device 100. For example, it may output information relating to the current operational mode of the device, the charge remaining on the removable power source 114 received therein, the number of remaining uses of the device on the current charge of the removable power source 114. Any suitable information may be displayed. The display may form part of the user interface 124 described above.
In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the system 101 may be used to generate an aerosol. For example, the device 100, e.g. the heating arrangement 108 thereof, may be used to heat an aerosol generating material contained within the article 110. The aerosol may be inhaled by a user via the mouthpiece 111
Figure 4 shows the device 100 in a state where the cover 120 is in the open position, but the removable power source 114 is still fully received within the power source receiving portion 112. In this position, the sensor 128 can be seen. When the cover 120 has moved into this open position, e.g. through manual interaction therewith by a user, the sensor 128 may detect that the cover 120 is no longer in the closed position, and thus detect that that the cover 120 is in an open position. As a result, the controller 122 may perform a suitable control action. In the embodiment depicted, the controller 122 may cause the user interface 124, specifically the display 126 thereof, to output information relating to the state of the cover 120. For example, the controller 122 may cause the display 126 to output an "Open" message indicting that the cover 120 is in the open position. This may provide a clear indication to the user that the cover 120 is in the open position thereby informing them of the state of the device 100.
In addition, or alternatively, the control action performed when the cover 120 is determined to be in the open position may comprise preventing the supply of power to the heating arrangement 108. Operation of the device, e.g. of the heating arrangement 108, may be dangerous when the cover 120 is in the open position, as a user may be able to touch parts of the device 100 which may become hot. As such, by stopping operation of the heating arrangement 108 when the cover 120 is in the open position, the device may operate more safely.
In embodiments comprising a user interface 124, e.g. a display 126, performing a control action may comprise outputting information to the user indicating that operation of the device is limited. As such, the user can be reassured that the device 100 has not malfunctioned, and that the device 100 is deliberately not operating.
As shown in Figure 4, the cover 120 may move into the open position by pivoting about the pivot 130. When in the open position, the cover 120 may reveal the opening 113, thereby allowing access to the removable power source 114 received within the power source receiving portion 112.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the device 100 when the removable power source 114 has been partially removed from the device 100. As shown in this Figure, with the cover 120 moved into the open position, through pivotal movement about the pivot 130, the removable power source 114 may be moved out of the power source receiving portion 112, through the opening 113 at the proximal end 116 of the body 102. During the process, the sensor 128 continues to indicate that the cover 120 is in the open position, and thus the controller 122 may continue to perform the control action of outputting information, e.g. displaying "Open", on the display 126. Other control actions discussed above may also continue to be performed.
Whilst not depicted, in embodiments, the cover 120 may be removably attached to the housing 102 (e.g. using clips), and in the open position, the cover 120 may be separated from the housing 102. Embodiments where the cover 120 is removably attached to the housing 102 may have the advantage that the cover 120 and/or power source receiving portion 112 may be easier to access, e.g. to facilitate easier removal of the removable power source 114 and/or cleaning of the device 100.
Figure 6 is a flow chart which illustrates a method 200 of controlling operation of the aerosol provision device 100. At step 202, it is determined whether the cover 120 is in an open position (as illustrated by Figures 4 and 5), or in a closed position (as illustrated by Figure 3). In embodiments, the determination may be performed by the controller 122 based on an output of the sensor 128.
At decision step 204, if the cover is not in an open position, then the method may return to step 202 such that the method continuously determines whether the cover is in an open or closed position. If at decision step 204, the cover is in the open position, the method proceeds to step 206 and a control action is performed.
In embodiments, the control action may comprise limiting operation of the device 100 which may comprise preventing the generation of an aerosol. In embodiments, limiting operation of the device 100 may comprise the controller preventing the heating arrangement 108 from operating which may be achieved by cutting the power supply from the power source 114 to the heating arrangement 108.
In embodiments, an article may comprise the aerosol generating material and a heating arrangement, and the controller 122 may stop the supply of power to the article when the cover 120 is in the open position.
In embodiments, the control action may comprise outputting information (e.g. using the user interface 124). The information may comprise an indication that the cover is in an open position as illustrated by Figures 4 and 5. Additionally or alternatively, the information may comprise an indication that operation of the device 100 is limited. By providing an indication that operation of the device is limited, the user can be reassured that the device 100 has not malfunctioned, and that the device is deliberately not operating.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

An aerosol provision device, for use with an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising:
a power source receiving portion comprising an opening;

a removable power source, arranged within the power source receiving portion, for supplying power for consumption by a component of the device;

a cover arranged to move between a closed position in which the opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is open; and

a controller configured to:
determine whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position; and

when it is determined the cover is in an open position, to perform a control action.
The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the control action comprises limiting operation of the device.
The aerosol provision device of claim 2, wherein the limiting operation comprises preventing the generation of an aerosol.
The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the device comprises a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and wherein limiting operation of the device comprises preventing the heating arrangement from operating.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, further comprising a user interface and wherein the control action comprises outputting information using the user interface.
The aerosol provision device of claim 5, wherein the information comprises an indication that the cover is in an open position and/or that operation of the device is limited.
The aerosol provision device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the user interface comprises a display, and wherein the information is output via the display.
The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the user interface comprises one or more LEDs.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a position of the cover, and wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position based on a state of the sensor.
The aerosol provision device of claim 9, wherein the sensor comprises one or more of: a contact switch, a proximity sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, a strain gauge, an induction coil based sensor, a resistive sensor, an LDR sensor, and a pressure sensor.
The aerosol provision device of claim 9 or 10, wherein the sensor comprises an electrical circuit which is opened and closed in dependence on the position of the cover.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, further comprising a housing to which the cover is movably attached, and wherein the cover is arranged to move between the open and closed positions whilst remaining attached to the housing.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, further comprising a housing, wherein the cover is removably attached to the housing, and wherein in the open position, the cover is separated from the housing.
An aerosol provision system comprising:
an aerosol generating material; and

the aerosol provision device of any preceding claim.
A method of controlling operation of an aerosol provision device which comprises a cover which provides access to a power source receiving portion which houses a removable power source, the method comprising:
determining whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position; and

when it is determined that the cover is in the open position, performing a control action.