EP4652880A1

EP4652880A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4652880A1
Application number: EP24177752.3A
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: WO2025242822A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision device for use with an aerosol generating material comprises a removable power source for powering an electrically powered component of the device, a power source receiving portion configured to receive the removable power source, a power source identification system configured to determine whether the removable power source meets at least one identification criteria, and a controller configured to control operation of the device based on the determination performed by the power source identification system.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure 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 by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called "heat not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary

According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device, for use with an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising:

a removable power source for powering an electrically powered component of the device;
a power source receiving portion configured to receive the removable power source;
a power source identification system configured to determine whether the removable power source meets at least one identification criteria; and
a controller configured to control operation of the device based on the determination performed by the power source identification system.

Optionally, the power source identification system is an electronic system.
Optionally, the controller is configured to control the device in a first mode of operation when the power source identification system determines that the removable power source meets the at least one identification criteria, and the controller is configured to control the device in a second mode of operation when the power source identification system determines that the removable power source does not meet the at least one identification criteria.
Optionally, the first mode of operation is a normal mode of operation and the second mode of operation is a restricted mode of operation. Optionally, the restricted mode of operation comprises the prevention of supply of power to a heating arrangement of the device or a heating arrangement of an article received by the device.
Optionally, the removable power source comprises an identification feature, and wherein the power source identification system is configured to detect the identification feature and determine whether it meets the at least one identification criteria.
Optionally, the identification feature comprise an electrical identification circuit configured to provide a predetermined electrical signature; and wherein the power source identification system comprises a readout arrangement configured to measure the predetermined electrical signature of the electrical identification circuit; and wherein the power source identification system is configured to compare the predetermined electrical signature to the at least one identification criteria.
Optionally, the predetermined electrical signature comprises a (e.g. pre-defined) voltage.
Optionally, the removable power source comprises an identification code arranged thereon, and wherein the power source identification system comprises a user interface configured to allow a user to input the identification code, and wherein the power source identification system is configured to determine whether the identification code meets the at least one identification criteria.
Optionally, the power source identification system is integrally provided with the controller.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a user interface configured to output information to a user, and wherein when the power source identification system determines that removable power source does not meet the at least one identification criteria, the controller causes the user interface to provide an indication to a user that the removable power source is not compatible.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a user interface configured to output information to a user, and wherein when the power source identification system determines that removable power source meets the at least one identification criteria, the controller causes the user interface to provide an indication to a user that the removable power source is compatible.
Optionally, when the power source identification system determines that the removable power source meets the at least one identification criteria, the controller permits full operation of the device. Full operation may comprise permitting power to be supplied to a heating arrangement of the device or a heating arrangement of an article received by the device.
Optionally, the identification feature comprises an optically readable feature and wherein the power source identification system comprises a detector configured to read the optically readable feature.
Optionally, the identification feature comprises at least one of: an electrical property, an optically readable feature and a physical feature. The optically readable feature and/or the physical feature may comprise a plurality of sub-features.
Optionally, the physical feature may comprise a series of protrusions and/or recesses which may be read by corresponding arrangement on the device.
Optionally, the controller is configured to at least partially prevent operation of the aerosol provision device when the identification feature does not meet the at least one identification criteria.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a user interface configured to output information to a user, and wherein when the identification feature does not meet the at least one identification criteria, the controller is configured to draw electrical power from the removable power source to power the user interface and to cause the user interface to provide an indication that the removable power source is not compatible with the device.
Optionally, the removable power source comprises at least one of: a battery, a supercapacitor, a lithium-ion capacitor and a power generator. The power generator may convert any suitable form of energy into any other suitable form of energy (e.g. electrical power) for consumption by the device and/or article. The power generator may, for example, be configured to convert kinetic energy into electrical power.
Optionally, the power source receiving portion may comprise a cavity defined within the device.
Optionally, the cavity may be defined by a housing of the device.
Optionally, 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 it is entirely contained therein.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the aerosol generating material may be part of an article.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device may comprise an article receiving portion configured to receive the article.
Optionally, the article may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the removable power source may provide power to the heating arrangement, and/or any other suitable electrical component of the device or article received therein.
From a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol generating material;
the aerosol provision device according to any embodiment described herein.

Optionally, the aerosol generating material is part of an article.
From a third aspect, there is provided a method of controlling operation of an aerosol provision device configured to receive a removable power source, the method comprising:

determining whether the removable power source meets at least one identification criteria; and
controlling operation of the aerosol provision device based on whether the power source meets the at least one identification feature.

The method may comprise implementation of any of the features of the various embodiments discussed above.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

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

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 shows an expanded schematic representation of the power source receiving portion, of the device shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3 shows an expanded schematic representation focussing on the power source receiving portion of a device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 4 shows an expanded schematic representation focussing on the power source receiving portion in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 5 shows an expanded schematic representation focussing on the power source receiving portion in according with an additional embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 6 is a flowchart for a method of identifying a power source for the aerosol provision device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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 schematic representation of an aerosol provision system 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol provision system 101 comprises an aerosol provision device 100 (hereinafter "device 100"), according to any embodiment described herein, for use with, e.g. for generating an aerosol from, an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision system further comprises an article 170. The device 100 may be a non-combustible aerosol provision device 100. The device 100 comprises a removable power source 160. The device 100 also comprises an article receiving portion 110 configured to receive the article 170.
As depicted in Figure 1, the device 100 further comprises a controller 130, a power source identification system 140, and a power source receiving portion 150. The device 100 may further comprise, as depicted, a heating arrangement 120. The heating arrangement 120 may comprise an inductive heating arrangement, comprising a susceptor and inductive coil, or a resistive heating arrangement. In some embodiments, the article 170 may comprise all, or part, of the heating arrangement 120. For example, the article 170 may comprise a susceptor, and the device 100 may comprise an inductive coil. In some embodiments, the article 170 may comprise an electrically resistive track configured to heat the article 170. The electrically resistive track may be electrically connected to the device 100 when the article 170 is suitably received by the device 100.
The article receiving portion 110 may be in the form of a cavity or a chamber within the aerosol provision device 100 for receiving the article 170 therein. The cavity or chamber may be defined by a body 102 (sometimes referred to as a housing) of the device 100. It will be appreciated, however, that the article receiving portion 110 may take any form that is suitable for receiving the article 110.
As depicted, the article 170 may be separate to (e.g. separable or removable from) the aerosol provision device 100. The article 170 may comprise an aerosol generating material 175, such that when the article 170 is received within the article receiving portion 110, the heating arrangement 120 can heat the aerosol generating material 175, thereby producing an aerosol. The aerosol may then be inhaled by a user. The heating arrangement 120 may be considered to be an aerosol generator. Whilst the embodiments depicted show the aerosol generating material 175 as part of an article 170 which is received by the device 100, in other embodiments the aerosol generating material 175 may be inserted directly, e.g. in liquid form, into the device 100. As such, the aerosol generating material may not necessarily form part of an article.
The power source receiving portion 150 may be in the form of a cavity or a chamber within the aerosol provision device 100, e.g. in the body 102 thereof, suitably shaped and/or dimensioned for receiving the removable power source 160 therein. In embodiments where the power source receiving portion 150 takes the form of a cavity, the power source receiving portion 150 may be defined by a body 102 of the device 100. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the power source receiving portion 150 is dimensioned such that the entirety of the removable power source 160 may be received within the power source receiving portion 150. In such an embodiment, no part of the removable power source 160 extends out of the power source receiving portion 150 when it is fully received therein. It will be appreciated, however, that the power source receiving portion 150 may take any suitable form that is capable of suitably receiving the removable power source 160. For example, the power source receiving portion 150 may be dimensioned such that when a removable power source 160 is received therein, a portion of the removable power source 160 extends from the power source receiving portion. The power source receiving portion 150 may have a door or cover, which aids in securing the removeable power source 160 when it is received therein. The door or cover may be latched in a closed (and/or open) position.
In addition or alternatively, the power source receiving portion 150 may be provided with mechanical retaining means configured to retain the removable power source 160 within the power source receiving portion 150. Such a mechanical retaining means may, for example, comprise a latch, or any other suitable arrangement for holding the removable power source 160 in position. Such a mechanical retaining means may prevent the removable power source 160 from inadvertently becoming separated from the device 100.
The power source receiving portion 150 may comprise electrical contacts (not shown) configured to make electrical contact with respective electrical contacts (not shown) on the removable power source 160 when the removable power source 160 is received within the power source receiving portion 150.
The removable power source 160 may comprise a battery. For example, the removable power source 160 may comprise at least one of: a battery (which may be single use or rechargeable), a rechargeable solid-state battery (SSB), a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB) or the like, a hermetically sealed battery, a pouch cell battery or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the removable power source 160 may provide power to the heating arrangement 120. In some embodiments, the removable power source 160 is configured to provide power to electrical components of the device 100 (e.g. the controller 130) or the article 170 received therein (e.g. in embodiments wherein the article 170 comprises a power consuming component such as a resistive heating element). In some embodiments, the removable power source 160 is configured to provide power to the heating arrangement 120 in addition to any other suitable electrical component of the device 100 or article 170 received therein. In some embodiments, the power source 160 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 identification system 140 is configured to determine whether the removable power source 160 meets at least one identification criteria. The power source identification system 140 may comprise an electronic system that comprises any suitable electronic circuitry capable of performing the above described determination. The at least one identification criteria may be stored in memory of the power source identification system 140. An identification criterion may be, for example, a correct voltage range supplied by the removable power source 160 when it is received within the power source receiving portion 150. Another identification criterion may be a predetermined electrical signal, which will be described in more detail below. Further identification criteria will also be described in more detail below, in particular with reference to Figures 2 and 3.
The controller 130 may be configured to control operation of the aerosol provision device 100, including but not limited to the activation of the heating arrangement 120. The controller 130 may be electrically connected to the power source identification system 140, and be configured to control operation of the aerosol provision device 100 based on the output from the power source identification system 140. The output from the power source identification system 140 may include information regarding whether the removable power source 160 meets at least one identification criteria. Whilst the controller 130 and power source identification system 140 are depicted as separate components in this embodiment, it will be appreciated that the controller 130 and power source identification system 140 may be integrally provided as a single component, e.g. the power source identification system 140 may be part of the controller 130.
More detail regarding the power source receiving portion will now be provided with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a view focussing on a portion of the aerosol provision device 100, comprising the controller 130, wherein the removable power source 160 is arranged within the power source receiving portion 150. The power source receiving portion 150 (e.g. electrical contacts therein) is electrically connected (not shown) to the power source identification system 140.
As depicted in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the removable power source 160 comprises an identification feature 165, which may be detected by the power source identification system 140. Upon detection of the identification feature 165, the power source identification system 140 may determine if the identification feature 165 meets at least one of the identification criteria.
In some embodiments, the identification feature 165 comprises an electrical identification circuit configured to provide a predetermined electrical signature. The power source identification system 140 may comprise a readout arrangement 163 configured to measure the predetermined electrical signature of the electrical identification circuit. As such, when the removable power source 160 is suitably received within the power source receiving portion 150, the readout arrangement 163 (of the power source identification system 140) may read the predetermined electrical signature of the identification circuit. The predetermined electrical signature may then be compared with at least one identification criteria. In such embodiments, this comparison may comprise checking if the received predetermined electrical signature matches an entry on a stored list of allowed electrical signatures. The comparison may involve passing the predetermined electrical signature through hardware logic circuitry to compare the signature with at least one identification criteria. The predetermined electrical signature may comprise a code.
Upon determination, by the power source identification system 140, that the at least one identification criteria has been met, the controller 130 may then suitably control operation of the device 100. The controller 130 may control operation of the device 100 according to a first (e.g. a normal or full) mode of operation. For example, the controller 130 may supply, or at least permit the supply, of power to the heating arrangement 120. In addition, or alternatively, the controller 130 may cause a notification to be provided to a user, e.g. on a user interface (e.g. a display), that the removable power source 160 is suitable for use with the device 100. When it is determined that the at least one identification criteria has not been met, the controller 130 may stop the supply, or prevent further supply, of power to the heating arrangement 120. As such, the controller 130 may control the device 100 to operate according to a second (e.g. a restricted) mode of operation. In addition or alternatively, the controller 120 may cause a notification to be made to a user, e.g. on a user interface, that the removable power source 160 is not suitable for use with the device 100.
As will therefore be appreciated, controlling operation of the device 100 based on determination as to whether the at least one identification criteria has been met, may ensure that the device 100 is only operated when an appropriate removable power source 160 has been received therein. This may avoid damage to the device 100 and/or a user thereof.
In embodiments where the identification feature 165 comprises an electrical identification circuit, the predetermined electrical signal may comprise a voltage. In some embodiments, the at least one identification criteria may require detection of a single voltage. In other embodiments, the at least one identification criteria may comprise a voltage range. Further examples of electrical identification circuits are discussed below.
In some embodiments, the predetermined electrical signal may comprise a data signal, which may be communicated from the removable power source 160 to the power source identification system 140 in either a wired or wireless manner. In other embodiments, the predetermined electrical signal may comprise a known (i.e. pre-set) capacitance of a component of the removeable power source 160, e.g. of the identification feature 165 which may comprise an electrical identification circuit. In other embodiments, the predetermined electrical signal may comprise a known (i.e. pre-set) current level of the removeable power source 160, e.g. of the identification feature 165 which may comprise an electrical identification circuit.
In some embodiments, the at least one identification criteria may comprise a proximity code, which may be integrated onto a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag arranged on the removeable power source 160. Such an RFID tag may provide the identification feature 165. The power source identification system 140 may comprise a corresponding RFID reader, and be arranged identify the removable power source 160 if the RFID tag matches one from a stored list of acceptable RFID tags.
In some embodiments, the at least one identification criteria may comprise a Bluetooth signal. For example, the removeable power source 160 may be equipped with a transmitter for transmitting a Bluetooth identification signal, which is received by a receiver which is connected to, or is integrally part of, the power source identification system 140. The power source identification system 140 may use the Bluetooth signal to identify the removable power source 160. Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing, the Bluetooth signal may link with an external device, such a mobile phone.
In other embodiments, the at least one identification criteria may comprise a signal indicative of a discharge rate test (e.g. a high discharge rate test), whereby the removable power source 160 has undergone a discharge rate test (e.g. in an environment external to the device 100), and provides a signal to the power source identification system 140 indicative of said test. The discharge rate test may be performed by the device 100 itself. For example, the discharge rate test signal may indicate how many cycles of charging the removable power source is rated for (i.e. as an indication of power source health), and the power source identification system 140 may check this signal against a predetermined value. In this embodiment, therefore, the power source identification system 140 only accepts removeable power sources 160 which have a threshold power source health, thereby preventing unhealthy power sources from discharging inside the power source receiving portion and potentially damaging the device 100.
In some embodiments, the removable power source may comprise an identification code (e.g. a visible/observable code) thereon. Further details on such an embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a section of an aerosol provision device 300, hereinafter "device 300". The device 300 corresponds to the device 100 shown above, except for the differences set out below. As with the embodiment described above, the device 300 comprises a controller 330, a power source identification system 340, a power source receiving portion 350, and a user interface 370. In this embodiment shown in Figure 3, the removable power source 160 comprises an identification code 365 arranged thereon. As with other embodiments described herein, the removable power source 160 may be received within the power source receiving portion 350.
The device 300 may further comprise a user interface 370. The user interface may be arranged on an outer housing of the aerosol provision device 300, such that it is easily accessible to the user. The user interface 370 may comprise a display 372, and at least one, e.g. a plurality of, buttons 374. The display 372 and buttons 374 may take any suitable form. In some embodiments, the plurality of buttons 374 may correspond to numerical characters, or alphabetical characters, or any combination thereof. The plurality of buttons 374 may be mechanical switches, capacitive switches, a touch screen interface, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the user interface 370 may be selectively hidden from the user by means of a door or cover (not shown).
A user may input the identification code 365 into the user interface 370. The code may be input into the user interface 370 before, during, or after, the removable power source 160 has been received by the power source receiving portion 350. In some embodiments, the user may input the identification code 365 into the user interface by means of the plurality of buttons 374. Upon entry of the identification code 365 to the user interface 370 by the user, the power source identification system 340 may determine if the identification code 365 meets one of the one or more identification criteria. In such embodiments, the determination of whether the one or more identification criteria are met may involve the power source identification system 340 checking if the input identification code 365 matches an entry in a database of approved identification codes stored in memory of the power source identification system 340. Alternatively, the database of approved identification codes may be stored in memory arranged within the housing of the aerosol provision device 300, but external to the power source identification system 340.
In some embodiments, the user interface 370 may be configured to output information to the user. Such information could be providing an indication that the power source identification system 340 has determined that the removable power source 160 meets the at least one identification criteria, and so the removable power source 160 is compatible with the device 300. Alternatively, or in addition, the user interface 370 may provide an indication to the user that the removable power source 160 is not compatible with the device 300 based on the controller 330 determining that the removable power source 160 does not meet the at least one identification criteria. An indication of either compatibility or non-compatibility may be provided to the user via the display 372. The indication may take the form of an alphanumerical indication, or it may be a coloured indication (either static or pulsed), or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, even if the identification feature 365 fails to meet at least one identification criteria, the controller 330 may draw electrical power from the removable power source 160 to power the user interface 370. In such embodiments, the controller 330 may only draw sufficient power to power the user interface 370. In addition or alternatively, the device 300 may comprise a secondary power source arranged to provide power to at least one of: the controller 330, the user interface 370, and the power source identification system 340. The secondary power source, in some examples, may be a rechargeable power source. The secondary power source may be internal to the device 300. In embodiments where a secondary power source powers the controller 330, the user interface 370 and the power source identification system 340, the secondary power source may ensure that the device 300 always has enough power to identify a removeable power source 360, and perform appropriate control action, when it is received in the power source receiving portion 350. Use of a secondary power source may avoid the need to draw power from a removable power source which is not suitable for use with the device 300. This may avoid potential damage to the device 300. When the identification feature 365 fails to meet at least one identification criteria, the controller 330 may prevent the supply of power to any heating arrangement. This may avoid potential damage to the device 300 and/or a user. The controller 330 may also cause the user interface 370 to provide an indication that the removable power source 160 is not compatible with the device 300, for example using the display 372 as described above. This may ensure that a user is notified of the incompatibility, thereby guiding them to replace the removable power source 160 with an appropriate power source.
In some embodiments, the identification feature may comprise an optically readable feature. Figure 4 shows a schematic of a portion of an aerosol provision device 400, hereinafter "device 400", configured to be compatible with optically readable features. The view shown in Figure 4 focusses on the power source receiving portion 450, and associated components. The device 400 may correspond to the device 100 described above, except for the differences set out below. The device 400 comprises a controller 430, a power source identification system 440, and a power source receiving portion 450 configured to receive the removeable power source 160. The removeable power source 160 comprises an identification feature in the form of an optically readable feature 465, arranged thereon. The power source identification system 440 comprises a detector 455 configured to read the optically readable feature 465. In the embodiment shown, the optically readable feature 465 is a barcode, though in some embodiments it may be a QR code, Aztec code, or another readable optical feature.
In some embodiments, the optically readable feature 465 may only detectable in ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths (e.g. it is applied to the removeable power source 160 using UV ink), or other non-visible wavelengths. The detector 465 may comprise a camera, positioned within the power source receiving portion 450 (i.e. within the cavity defined therein) such that it is able to view the optically readable feature 465. In some embodiments, the detector 465 may be arranged within a wall of the power source receiving portion 450.
The device 400 shown in Figure 4 may otherwise function in a similar manner to the devices described above. In summary, the power source identification system 440 may determine whether the optically readable feature 465, detected by the detector 455, meets at least one identification criteria. The controller 430 may then suitably control operation of the device 400 based on this determination.
Figure 5 shows an expanded view, focussing on the power source receiving portion, of an aerosol provision device 500 in accordance with another embodiment in which the identification feature comprises a physical feature. The device 500 comprises a controller 530, a power source identification system 540, and a power source receiving portion 550. The device 500 comprises the same features as the device 100 described above, except for the differences set out below.
The power source receiving portion 550 is designed to receive the removeable power source 160. In this embodiment, the identification feature 565 of the removeable power source 160 comprises series of physical features 565, in the form of recesses 565a-565c, arranged on a distal end of the removeable power source 160. The recesses 565a-c may be formed within a housing of the removable power source 160.
The power source receiving portion 550 comprises a series of contact switches, e.g. a first contact switch 555a, a second contact switch 555b and a third contact switch 555c. When the removeable power source 160 is received within the power source receiving portion 550, the contact switches 555a-555c are received in the recesses 565a-565c. As depicted, the depths of each the recesses 565a-565c may be different. When the removable power source 160 is fully received within the power source receiving portion 550, some or all of the contact switches 555a-555c may be operated. In the example depicted in Figure 5, the depths of the second and third recesses 565b, 565c are such that the second and third contact switches 555b, 555c will be operated. However, the depth of the first recess 565a is such that the first contact switch 555a will not be operated.
The power source identification system 540 may detect that only the second and third contact switches 555b, 555c have been operated. Based on this detection a determination may be made as to whether the removable power source 160 meets at least one identification criteria. The at least one identification criteria may, for example, comprise activation of the second and third contact switches 555b, 555c, in which case the controller 530 may permit operation of the device 500, e.g. of a heating arrangement thereof, and/or may provide an indication that the removable power source 160 is compatible.
Whilst a specific embodiment has been described in the context of contact switches and recesses, it will be appreciated that any other suitable physical feature and any suitable means for detecting presence of the physical feature may be provided. In some embodiments, the physical feature(s) may cause the making and/or breaking of electrical circuit(s) on the device which can be detected by a suitable power source identification system. The physical feature(s) may be considered to form a physically readable code on the removable power source 160.
In some embodiments, the controller 130, 330, 430, 530 is configured to at least partially prevent operation of the aerosol provision device 100, 300, 400, 500 when the identification feature does not meet the at least one identification criteria. For example, upon failure to meet the at least one identification criteria, the controller 130, 330, 430, 530 may control the device 100, 300, 400, 500 to operate in a low-power mode, wherein the heating arrangement 120 takes longer to heat the article 170. In other embodiments, if the identification feature does not meet at least one identification criteria, the controller 130, 330, 430, 530 may be configured to deny operation of the device 100, 300, 400, 500 to the user. This may, for example, comprise preventing the supply of power to a heating arrangement, or any other suitable electrical components of the device.
In some embodiments, the power source identification system 140, 340, 440, 540 is integrally provided with the controller 130, 330, 440, 540. This may advantageously allow for a device 100, 300, 400, 500 which is simpler to manufacture.
In some embodiments, the identification feature comprises at least one of: an electrical property (e.g. a predetermined electrical signature), an optically observable feature (i.e. the optically readable feature 465), and a physical feature (e.g. a specific arrangement of recesses 565a-565c). In some embodiments, the identification feature comprises a combination of some or all of the aforementioned features.
A method of controlling operation of the aerosol provision device configured to receive a removable power source, e.g. any of the devices 100, 300, 400, 500 described above, will now be described with reference to Figure 6. At step 601, a power source, e.g. power source 160, is suitably received, e.g. within the power source receiving portion 150, 350, 450, 550. The removable power source 160 may be inserted into the power source receiving portion 150, 350, 450, 550 by the user.
At step 602, a determination is made as to whether the removable power source 160 meets at least one identification criteria. This determination may be performed by the power source identification system 140, 340, 440, 540, wherein the identification criteria may comprise any one or a combination of those described above.
In step 603, control of operation of the device, e.g. the device 100, 300, 400, 500, based on the determination at step 602 is then performed. This may be effected by the controller 130, 330, 430, 530. As discussed above, this may comprise preventing operation of the device if the at least one identification criteria is not met. In some embodiments, it may comprise outputting an indication, e.g. via a user interface, that the removable power source is not suitable for use with the device.
The method may further comprise implementation of any of the features of the various embodiments discussed above.
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 removable power source for powering an electrically powered component of the device;

a power source receiving portion configured to receive the removable power source;

a power source identification system configured to determine whether the removable power source meets at least one identification criteria; and

a controller configured to control operation of the device based on the determination performed by the power source identification system.
The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the removable power source comprises an identification feature, and wherein the power source identification system is configured to detect the identification feature and determine whether it meets the at least one identification criteria.
The aerosol provision device of claim 2, wherein the identification feature comprise an electrical identification circuit configured to provide a predetermined electrical signature; and wherein the power source identification system comprises a readout arrangement configured to measure the predetermined electrical signature of the electrical identification circuit; and wherein the power source identification system is configured to compare the predetermined electrical signature to the at least one identification criteria.
The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the predetermined electrical signature comprises a voltage.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the removable power source comprises an identification code arranged thereon, and wherein the power source identification system comprises a user interface configured to allow a user to input the identification code, and wherein the power source identification system is configured to determine whether the identification code meets the at least one identification criteria.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the power source identification system is integrally provided with the controller.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, comprising a user interface configured to output information to a user, and wherein when the power source identification system determines that removable power source does not meet the at least one identification criteria, the controller causes the user interface to provide an indication to a user that the removable power source is not compatible.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, comprising a user interface configured to output information to a user, and wherein when the power source identification system determines that removable power source meets the at least one identification criteria, the controller causes the user interface to provide an indication to a user that the removable power source is compatible.
The aerosol provision device of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the identification feature comprises an optically readable feature and wherein the power source identification system comprises a detector configured to read the optically readable feature.
The aerosol provision device of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the identification feature comprises at least one of: an electrical property, an optically readable feature and a physical feature.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to at least partially prevent operation of the aerosol provision device when the identification feature does not meet the at least one identification criteria
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, further comprising a user interface configured to output information to a user, and wherein when the identification feature does not meet the at least one identification criteria, the controller is configured to draw electrical power from the removable power source to power the user interface and to cause the user interface to provide an indication that the removable power source is not compatible with the device.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the removable power source comprises at least one of: a battery, a supercapacitor, a lithium-ion capacitor, and a power generator.
An aerosol provision system comprising:
an aerosol generating material;

the aerosol provision device of any preceding claim.
A method of controlling operation of an aerosol provision device configured to receive a removable power source, the method comprising:
determining whether the removable power source meets at least one identification criteria; and

controlling operation of the aerosol provision device based on whether the power source meets the at least one identification feature.