RU2837635C1 - Heating module control circuit for controlling heater of electronic device for nicotine vaping and electronic device for vaping nicotine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to the tobacco industry, namely to the heating module control circuit for controlling the heater operation of the electronic nicotine vaping device and the electronic nicotine vaping device. Heating module control circuit for controlling the operation of the heater of the electronic device for vaping nicotine comprises a bus converter circuit configured to convert the voltage of the power supply unit into a power signal based on the vaping activation signal, wherein the hovering signal is a pulse-width modulated signal. Heating module control circuit includes a gate triggering device circuit containing a built-in gate actuator. Built-in gate actuator is configured to control power supply to the heater for heating the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition extracted from the nicotine reservoir in the electronic nicotine vaping device based on the power signal, the first switch-on signal and the second switch-on signal.

EFFECT: improvement of efficiency of heater of electronic device for vaping nicotine.

28 cl, 41 dwg

Description

One or more exemplary embodiments relate to electronic nicotine vaping devices (nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking devices).

WO 2019/205914 A1 discloses a spray circuit consisting of a step-up chip and a switching chip. The step-up chip includes a power supply end and a voltage output end. The power supply end of the step-up chip is supplied with a supply voltage from a power source. The switching chip includes an input end, a control input end and an output end. The input end of the step-down switching chip is connected to the voltage output end of the step-up chip. The control input end of the switching chip is connected to the output end of the first enable signal of the main control circuit. The output end of the switching chip outputs an operating voltage to the aerosol generation unit.

Electronic devices for vaping nicotine (or devices for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette) contain a heater that vaporizes a material containing nicotine of a ready-made vapor composition to produce nicotine vapor. A device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette may contain several elements for smoking an e-cigarette, including a power source, a cartridge or a container for smoking an e-cigarette, containing a heater and a nicotine reservoir configured to hold a material containing nicotine of a ready-made vapor composition.

At least one exemplary embodiment provides a heating module control circuit for controlling the operation of a heater of an electronic device for nicotine vaping, wherein the heating module control circuit comprises: a bus converter circuit configured to convert a power supply voltage into a power signal based on a vaping enable signal, wherein the vaping enable signal is a pulse-width modulated signal; and a gate driver circuit comprising an integrated gate driver, wherein the integrated gate driver is configured to control the power supply to the heater for heating the nicotine-containing final composition for the vapor extracted from the nicotine reservoir in the electronic device for nicotine vaping based on the power signal, the first enable signal and the second enable signal.

In at least one other exemplary embodiment, an electronic device for nicotine vaping is provided, comprising: a heater configured to heat a nicotine-containing final vapor composition extracted from a nicotine reservoir; a bus converter circuit configured to convert a power supply voltage into a power signal based on a vaping enable signal, wherein the vaping enable signal is a pulse-width modulated signal; and a gate driver circuit comprising an integrated gate driver, wherein the integrated gate driver is configured to control the power supply to the heater of the electronic device for nicotine vaping based on the power signal, the first enable signal and the second enable signal.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the bus converter circuit may be configured to turn off the power signal in response to the cessation of the hover enable signal.

The bus converter circuit may be configured to output a feedback signal, wherein the feedback signal is a scaled version of the power signal indicating the current voltage level of the power signal. The electronic device for vaping nicotine may comprise a controller configured to generate a vaping enable signal based on the feedback signal. The controller may be configured to control the duty cycle of the vaping enable signal based on the feedback signal.

The second enable signal may be a pulse-width modulated signal, wherein the built-in gate driver may be configured to receive the second enable signal at the input terminal, and the gate driver circuit may comprise a filter circuit connected to the input terminal, wherein the filter circuit is configured to filter the second enable signal before input to the built-in gate driver.

The gate driver circuit may comprise a pull-down resistor connected to an input terminal of the built-in gate driver, wherein the pull-down resistor is configured to maintain the input terminal at a low logic level when the second enable signal is in a high-impedance state.

The gate driver circuit may comprise a charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit connected between the input voltage terminal and the step-up terminal of the built-in gate driver. The charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit may be connected to the switching node terminal of the built-in gate driver.

The gate driver circuit may include a filter circuit connected between the power signal input terminal and the charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit.

The bus converter circuit may comprise: a first capacitor connected between the power supply unit and ground; an inductor having a first terminal connected to a first node between the power supply unit and the first capacitor, and a second terminal connected to a second node; a switching transistor connected between the second node and ground, wherein the switching transistor is configured to receive a hover enable signal; a second capacitor having a first terminal connected to the second node, and a second terminal connected to a third node; a first diode having an anode connected to ground, and a cathode connected to the third node; a second diode having an anode connected to the third node, and a cathode connected to the fourth node; a third capacitor connected between the fourth node and ground; and a voltage divider circuit connected to the fourth node, wherein the voltage divider circuit is configured to output a feedback signal based on the power signal.

The bus converter circuit may further comprise a pull-down resistor connected between the gate of the switching transistor and ground, wherein the pull-down resistor is configured to prevent the output of a power signal when the hover enable signal is in an undefined state.

The gate driver circuit may further comprise: a first filter circuit configured to filter a power signal for input to the built-in gate driver; and a second filter circuit configured to filter a second enable signal for input to the built-in gate driver.

The heating module control circuit and/or the electronic device for nicotine vaping may comprise a heating module synchronization (start) circuit configured to control the heater power supply, wherein the heating module synchronization circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply unit and ground. The gate starter circuit may be configured to output a control voltage to the gate of the first transistor to maintain the gate-source voltage of the first transistor at the power signal voltage level, independent of the power supply voltage level.

The heating module control circuit and/or the electronic device for nicotine vaping may comprise a heating module synchronization circuit configured to control the heater power supply, wherein the heating module synchronization circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply unit and ground. The gate trigger circuit may be configured to output a current switching signal to generate an output voltage on the heater, wherein the output voltage level on the heater does not depend on the voltage level of the power supply unit.

Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent when the detailed description is considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be construed as being drawn to scale unless expressly indicated. For clarity, various sizes of the images may have been exaggerated.

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the device for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a rear view of the device for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a view of the near end of the device for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows a view of the distal end of the device for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a device for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of the inlet opening of the containing element shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the device for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the main part of the device, which is a device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette according to Fig. 6.

Fig. 10 shows a front view of the main part of the device of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 shows an enlarged perspective view of the through hole of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 shows an enlarged perspective view of the electrical contacts of the device shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is a partial exploded view including the mouthpiece shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a partial exploded view including the inclined structure shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece, springs, holding structure and tilt structure shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a partial exploded view including the front cover, frame, and rear cover shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled nicotine containing element of the nicotine smoking device of the e-cigarette containing nicotine shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 18 shows another perspective view of the assembled nicotine containing member of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 shows another perspective view of the assembled nicotine containing member of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of the assembled nicotine containing element of Fig. 19 without the connecting module.

Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of the connecting module of Fig. 19.

Fig. 22 shows another perspective view of the connecting module of Fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is an exploded view showing the wick, heater, electrical wires, and contact core of Fig. 22.

Fig. 24 shows an exploded view including the first section of the housing of the nicotine containing element assembly of Fig. 17.

Fig. 25 is a partial exploded view including a second section of the housing of the nicotine containing element assembly of Fig. 17.

Fig. 26 shows an exploded view of the activation punch of Fig. 25.

Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of the connecting module of Fig. 22 without the wick, heater, electrical wires and contact core.

Fig. 28 shows an exploded view of the connecting module of Fig. 27.

Fig. 29 illustrates electrical systems of a main part of a device and a containing element assembly for a nicotine device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 30 is a simple block diagram illustrating a dry puff and automatic shut-off control system according to exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a method for detecting dryness according to exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 32 illustrates graphs of the dependence of resistance on time when dry puff conditions exist at the beginning of a puff (“dry puff”), when dry puff conditions occur during a puff (“drying puff”), and when dry puff conditions are absent (“standard puff”).

Fig. 33 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operating a device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette after disabling the vaping function in response to detecting a serious malfunction event of the containing element, such as a dry puff condition, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 34 illustrates a circuit for measuring the voltage of a heater according to exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 35 illustrates a heater current measurement circuit according to exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 36 illustrates a diagram of a temperature measurement circuit for a containing element according to some exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 37 illustrates a diagram of a temperature measurement circuit of a containing element according to some other exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control circuit for a heating module according to some exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control circuit for a heating module according to some other exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 40 illustrates a temperature-sensitive transducer according to some exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 41 illustrates a temperature-sensitive transducer according to some other exemplary embodiments.

Certain detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are presented solely for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to only the exemplary embodiments that are set forth herein.

Accordingly, since the exemplary embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the exemplary embodiments should cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives thereof. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is designated as being "on," "attached to," "connected to," "attached to," "adjacent to," or "overlying" another element or layer, it may be directly located on, attached to, connected to, attached to, adjacent to, or may overly the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is designated as being "directly on," "directly attached to," or "directly connected to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations or subcombinations of one or more related listed elements.

It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Accordingly, the first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as the second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

Relative spatial location terms (e.g., "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to simplify the description to disclose the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that relative spatial location terms are intended to cover various orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, then elements described as located "under" or "below" other elements or features will appear to be located "above" the other elements or features. Accordingly, the preposition "under" may imply location both above and below. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or located in other orientations), and the words used herein to define relative spatial location will be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is intended to describe various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the use of the singular forms does not exclude the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and/or "containing," when used in this description, indicate the presence of certain features, integers, steps, operations, and/or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or groups thereof.

When the words "approximately" and "substantially" are used in this description in conjunction with a numerical value, the corresponding numerical value is intended to include a margin of error of ±10 percent around the stated numerical value, unless otherwise expressly stated.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It should also be understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, are to be interpreted as having a meaning that corresponds to their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

The terms "electronic vaping device" or "nicotine e-cigarette smoking device" as used herein may sometimes be referred to and considered synonymous with the terms "nicotine vaping device" and/or "nicotine e-vaping device".

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows a back view of the device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1-3, a device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette comprises a main part 100 of the device, configured to receive a nicotine containing assembly 300. The nicotine containing assembly 300 is a modular product configured to hold a nicotine-containing vapor formulation. The "nicotine-containing vapor formulation" is a material or a combination of materials that can be converted into vapor. For example, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation that includes, but is not limited to, water, granules, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or nicotine vapor generating agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol. During smoking of the electronic cigarette, the nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking device 500 is configured to heat the nicotine-containing vapor formulation to generate vapor. As referred to herein, "nicotine vapor" is any substance generated or released from any nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking device according to any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

As shown in Fig. 1 and 3, the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine extends in the longitudinal direction and has a length greater than its width. In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, the length of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine is also greater than its thickness. In addition, the width of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine may be greater than its thickness. Based on the Cartesian coordinate system x-y-z, the length of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine may be measured in the y direction, the width may be measured in the x direction, and the thickness may be measured in the z direction. The device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine may have a substantially linear shape with tapering ends based on its front, side and back views, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

The main part 100 of the device comprises a front cover 104, a frame 106 and a back cover 108. The front cover 104, the frame 106 and the back cover 108 form a device casing that includes mechanical elements, electronic elements and/or a circuit arrangement associated with the operation of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine. For example, the device casing of the main part 100 of the device may include a power source configured to supply power to the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine, which may include supplying an electric current to the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine. The device casing of the main part 100 of the device may also include one or more electrical systems for controlling the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine. Electrical systems according to exemplary embodiments will be discussed in more detail below. In addition, when assembled, the front cover 104, frame 106 and rear cover 108 may comprise a large portion of the visible portion of the main body 100 of the device.

The front cover 104 (for example, the first cover) defines a primary opening configured to receive an inclined structure 112. The primary opening may have a rounded rectangular shape, although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the inclined structure 112. The inclined structure 112 defines a through hole 150 configured to receive a containing element assembly 300 for nicotine. The through hole 150 is discussed in more detail herein in combination with, for example, Fig. 9.

The front cover 104 also defines a secondary opening configured to accommodate a light guide assembly. The secondary opening may resemble a groove (for example, an elongated rectangle with rounded edges), although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the light guide assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the light guide assembly comprises a light guide housing 114 and a button housing 122. The light guide housing 114 is configured to open a light guide lens 116, while the button housing 122 is configured to open a first button lens 124 and a second button lens 126 (for example, Fig. 16). The first lens 124 of the button and the upstream portion of the button housing 122 may form the first button 118. Similarly, the second lens 126 of the button and the downstream portion of the button housing 122 may form the second button 120. The button housing 122 may be in the form of a single structure or two separate structures. In the case of the latter form, the first button 118 and the second button 120 may move with a freer feeling when pressed.

The operation of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette can be controlled by a first button 118 and a second button 120. For example, the first button 118 can be a power button, and the second button 120 can be an intensity control button. Although the graphics show two buttons in combination with a light guide arrangement, it should be understood that more (or fewer) buttons can be provided depending on the available elements and the desired user interface.

The frame 106 (for example, the main frame) is a central supporting structure for the main part 100 of the device (and the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette as a whole). The frame 106 may be referred to as a base. The frame 106 comprises a near end, a far end, and a pair of side sections between the near end and the far end. The near end and the far end may also be referred to as a downstream end and an upstream end, respectively. In the context of the present document, the term "near" (and conversely, "distant") is used in relation to an adult vaper during smoking of the electronic cigarette, and "downstream" (and conversely, "upstream") refers to the flow of vapor. Between opposite inner surfaces of the side sections (for example, approximately midway along the length of the frame 106), a connecting section may be provided for additional strength and stability. The frame 106 may be formed as a single unit to constitute a monolithic structure.

With regard to the material of construction, the frame 106 can be formed from an alloy or a plastic. The alloy (for example, die-cast, machined) can be an aluminum (Al) alloy or a zinc (Zn) alloy. The plastic can be polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a combination thereof (PC/ABS). For example, the polycarbonate can be LUPOY SC1004A. In addition, the frame 106 can be provided with a surface finish for functional and/or aesthetic reasons (for example, to ensure a high-quality appearance). In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 106 (for example, when it is formed from an aluminum alloy) can be anodized. In another embodiment, the frame 106 (for example, when it is formed from a zinc alloy) can be coated with hard enamel or painted. In another embodiment, the frame 106 (for example, when it is formed from polycarbonate) can be metallized. In another embodiment, the frame 106 (for example, when formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) may have an electrolytic coating. It should be understood that the materials of construction with respect to the frame 106 may also be applicable to the front cover 104, the back cover 108 and/or other corresponding parts of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette.

The rear cover 108 (for example, the second cover) also defines an opening configured to receive the inclined structure 112. The opening may have a rounded rectangular shape, although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the inclined structure 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening in the rear cover 108 is smaller than the primary opening in the front cover 104. In addition, although not shown, it should be understood that in the rear portion of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine, a light guide arrangement (for example, including buttons) may be provided in addition to (or instead of) the light guide arrangement in the front portion of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine.

The front cover 104 and the back cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 by means of a snap-fit arrangement. For example, the front cover 104 and/or the back cover 108 may comprise clips configured to interconnect with corresponding mating elements of the frame 106. In a non-limiting embodiment, the clips may be in the form of tabs with openings configured to receive corresponding mating elements (for example, projections with beveled edges) of the frame 106. Alternatively, the front cover 104 and/or the back cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106 by means of an interference fit (which may also be referred to as a press fit or a friction fit). However, it should be understood that the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the back cover 108 may be connected using other suitable arrangements and techniques.

The main part 100 of the device also comprises a mouthpiece 102. The mouthpiece 102 can be attached to the near end of the frame 106. In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, where the frame 106 is clamped between the front cover 104 and the back cover 108, the mouthpiece 102 can be adjacent to the front cover 104, the frame 106 and the back cover 108. In addition, in a non-limiting embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 can be connected to the casing of the device using a bayonet connection.

Fig. 4 shows a view of the near end of the device for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 defines a plurality of outlet openings for vapor. In a non-limiting embodiment, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 can have an elliptical shape. In addition, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 can comprise a first bridge corresponding to the major axis of the outlet surface of the elliptical shape, and a second bridge corresponding to the minor axis of the outlet surface of the elliptical shape. In addition, the first bridge and the second bridge can intersect perpendicularly and be formed as a single unit by parts of the mouthpiece 102. Although the outlet surface is shown as defining four outlet openings for vapor, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the outlet surface may define less than four (e.g., one, two) steam outlet openings or more than four (e.g., six, eight) steam outlet openings.

Fig. 5 shows a view of the distal end of the device for smoking a nicotine e-cigarette according to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the distal end of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine e-cigarette comprises a port 110. The port 110 is configured to receive electric current (for example, via a USB cable) from an external power source for charging an internal power source inside the device 500 for smoking a nicotine e-cigarette. In addition, the port 110 may also be configured to send data (for example, via a USB cable) to another device for smoking a nicotine e-cigarette or another electronic device (for example, a phone, a tablet, a computer) and/or receive data from them. In addition, the device 500 for smoking a nicotine e-cigarette may be configured to wirelessly communicate with another electronic device, such as a phone, using an application program (application) installed on this electronic device. In such a case, the adult vaper may control or otherwise interact with the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette (e.g., detect the exact location of the device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette, check usage information, change operating parameters) via the application.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking device of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the inlet opening of the containing member shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6-7 and as briefly indicated above, the nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking device 500 comprises a nicotine containing member assembly 300 configured to hold a nicotine-containing final vapor composition. The nicotine containing member assembly 300 has an upstream end (which faces the light guide assembly) and a downstream end (which faces the mouthpiece 102). In a non-limiting embodiment, the upstream end is an opposite surface of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 relative to the downstream end. The upstream end of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 defines an inlet opening 322 of the containing element. The main part 100 of the device defines a through opening (for example, the through opening 150 shown in Fig. 9) configured to receive the nicotine containing element assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, an inclined structure 112 of the main part 100 of the device defines the through opening and comprises an upstream rim. As shown in particular in Fig. 7, the upstream rim of the inclined structure 112 is angled (for example, with an inward dip) such that the inlet opening 322 of the containing element is visible when the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is seated inside the through opening of the main part 100 of the device.

For example, instead of following the contour of the front cover 104 (so as to be generally flush with the front surface of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 and, therefore, to hide the inlet opening 322 of the containing element), the upstream rim of the inclined structure 112 has the shape of a scoop configured to direct ambient air into the inlet opening 322 of the containing element. This angular/scoop-shaped configuration can help to reduce or prevent blocking of the air inlet opening (for example, the inlet opening 322 of the containing element) of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. The depth of the scoop can be such that less than half (for example, less than a quarter) of the upstream end surface of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is visible. In addition, in a non-limiting embodiment, the inlet opening 322 of the containing element has the shape of a groove. In addition, if the main portion 100 of the device is considered to extend in a first direction, then the groove may be considered to extend in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette according to Fig. 6. In Fig. 8, the section is made along the longitudinal axis of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. As shown, the main part 100 of the device and the nicotine containing element assembly 300 comprise mechanical elements, electronic elements and/or a circuit arrangement associated with the operation of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette, which are discussed in more detail herein and/or incorporated herein by reference. For example, the nicotine containing element assembly 300 may comprise mechanical elements configured to be activated to release a nicotine-containing final vapor composition from a sealed nicotine reservoir located inside. The nicotine containing element assembly 300 may also have mechanical components configured to engage with the main portion 100 of the device to facilitate insertion and seating of the nicotine containing element assembly 300.

In addition, the nicotine containing element assembly 300 may be a "smart containing element" that comprises electronic elements and/or a circuit arrangement configured to store, receive and/or transmit information to or from the main part 100 of the device. Such information may be used to authenticate the nicotine containing element assembly 300 for use with the main part 100 of the device (e.g., to prevent the use of an unapproved/counterfeit nicotine containing element assembly). In addition, the information may be used to identify the type of the nicotine containing element assembly 300, which is then associated with a smoking profile of the electronic cigarette based on the identified type. The smoking profile of the electronic cigarette may be designed to set general parameters for heating the nicotine-containing final composition for vapor and may be subject to adjustment, improvement or other adjustment by an adult vaper before and/or during smoking of the electronic cigarette.

The nicotine containing element assembly 300 may also exchange with the main part 100 of the device other information that may relate to the operation of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. Examples of relevant information may include the level of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition inside the nicotine containing element assembly 300 and/or the time elapsed since the nicotine containing element assembly 300 was inserted into the main part 100 of the device and activated. For example, if the nicotine containing element assembly 300 was inserted into the main part 100 of the device and activated much earlier than a certain period of time (e.g., more than 6 months ago), the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette may not provide smoking of the electronic cigarette, and the adult vaper may be advised to switch to a new nicotine containing element assembly, even if the nicotine containing element assembly 300 still contains sufficient levels of the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition.

The main part 100 of the device may comprise mechanical elements (for example, additional structures) configured to engage, retain and/or activate the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300. In addition, the main part 100 of the device may comprise electronic elements and/or a circuit arrangement configured to receive an electric current for charging an internal power source (for example, a battery), which, in turn, is configured to supply power to the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300 during smoking of the electronic cigarette. In addition, the main part 100 of the device may comprise electronic elements and/or a circuit arrangement configured to communicate with the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300, another device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette, other electronic devices (for example, a phone, a tablet, a computer) and/or an adult vaper. The transmitted information may include certain data regarding the containing element, current detailed information on smoking the e-cigarette and/or previous patterns/history of smoking the e-cigarette. The adult vaper may be notified of such data transmissions using feedback that is tactile (e.g. vibration), audible (e.g. beeps) and/or visual (e.g. colored/flashing lights). Charging and/or information transmission may be performed using port 110 (e.g. via a USB cable).

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the main part of the device, which is a device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette according to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 9, the inclined structure 112 of the main part 100 of the device defines a through hole 150. The through hole 150 is configured to accommodate the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine. In order to facilitate the insertion and seating of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine inside the through hole 150, the upstream rim of the inclined structure 112 comprises a first upstream projection 128a and a second upstream projection 128b. The through hole 150 can have a rectangular shape with rounded corners. In an exemplary embodiment, the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b are formed integrally with the inclined structure 112 and are located on two rounded corners of the upstream rim.

The downstream side wall of the inclined structure 112 may define a first downstream opening, a second downstream opening, and a third downstream opening. The retaining structure comprising a first downstream projection 130a and a second downstream projection 130b engages with the inclined structure 112 in such a way that the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b protrude through the first downstream opening and the second downstream opening, respectively, of the inclined structure 112 and into the through hole 150. In addition, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 extends through the third downstream opening of the inclined structure 112 and into the through hole 150 so as to be located between the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b.

Fig. 10 shows a front view of the main part of the device according to Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 10, the main part 100 of the device comprises an electrical connector 132 of the device, which is located on the upstream side of the through hole 150. The electrical connector 132 of the device of the main part 100 of the device is configured to electrically connect to the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine, which is seated inside the through hole 150. As a result, power can be supplied from the main part 100 of the device to the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine by means of the electrical connector 132 of the device during smoking of the electronic cigarette. In addition, data can be sent to the main part 100 of the device and the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine and/or received from them by means of the electrical connector 132 of the device.

Fig. 11 shows an enlarged perspective view of the through hole of Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 11, the first upstream projection 128a, the second upstream projection 128b, the first downstream projection 130a, the second downstream projection 130b and the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 protrude into the through hole 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b are stationary structures (e.g., stationary hinges), while the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b are easily movable structures (e.g., retractable elements). For example, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b may be configured (e.g., spring loaded) to be installed in an extended state by default, and may also be configured to be temporarily moved to a retracted state (and back to an extended state) to facilitate insertion of the nicotine containing member assembly 300.

In particular, when the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is inserted into the through hole 150 of the main portion 100 of the device, the recesses on the upstream end surface of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 may initially engage with the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b, after which the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is rotated (around the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b) until the recesses on the downstream end surface of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 engage with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b. In such a case, the rotation axis (during rotation) of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the main part 100 of the device. In addition, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b, which can be offset to ensure easy movement, may be retracted when the nicotine containing element assembly 300 rotates into the through hole 150, and elastically extended to engage with the recesses on the downstream end surface of the nicotine containing element assembly 300. In addition, the engagement of the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b with the recesses on the downstream end surface of the nicotine receiving element assembly 300 may cause tactile and/or audible feedback (e.g., an audible click) to notify an adult vaper that the nicotine receiving element assembly 300 is properly seated in the through-hole 150 of the main portion 100 of the device.

Fig. 12 shows an enlarged perspective view of the electrical contacts of the device shown in Fig. 10. The electrical contacts of the device of the main part 100 of the device are configured to engage with the electrical contacts of the containing member assembly 300 for nicotine, when the containing member assembly 300 for nicotine is seated inside the through hole 150 of the main part 100 of the device. As shown in Fig. 12, the electrical contacts of the device of the main part 100 of the device comprise an electrical connector 132 of the device. The electrical connector 132 of the device comprises power contacts and data contacts. The power contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device are configured to supply power from the main part 100 of the device to the containing member assembly 300 for nicotine. As illustrated, the power contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device comprise a first pair of power contacts and a second pair of power contacts (which are located so as to be closer to the front cover 104 than to the back cover 108). The first pair of power contacts (for example, the pair adjacent to the first upstream projection 128a) may be a single integral structure that is different from the second pair of power contacts and that, when assembled, comprises two projecting portions that extend into the through opening 150. Similarly, the second pair of power contacts (for example, the pair adjacent to the second upstream projection 128b) may be a single integral structure that is different from the first pair of power contacts and that, when assembled, comprises two projecting portions that extend into the through opening 150. The first pair of power contacts and the second pair of power contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device may be mounted with the possibility of easy movement and biased so as to enter the through opening 150 by default and to be withdrawn (for example, independently) from the through opening 150 when subjected to a force that exceeds the bias.

The data contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device are configured to transmit data between the nicotine containing assembly 300 and the main part 100 of the device. As illustrated, the data contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device comprise a series of five protruding parts (which are arranged so as to be closer to the back cover 108 than to the front cover 104). The data contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device can be separate structures that, when assembled, extend into the through opening 150. The data contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device can also be mounted with the possibility of easy movement and biased (for example, by springs) so as to enter the through opening 150 by default and to be removed (for example, independently) from the through opening 150 when subjected to a force that exceeds the bias. For example, when the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is inserted into the through hole 150 of the main part 100 of the device, the electrical contacts of the containing element of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 will be pressed against the corresponding electrical contacts of the device of the main part 100 of the device. As a result, the power contacts and the data contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device will be drawn (for example, at least partially drawn) into the main part 100 of the device, but will continue to press against the corresponding electrical contacts of the containing element due to their elastic arrangement, thereby helping to ensure a proper electrical connection between the main part 100 of the device and the nicotine containing element assembly 300. In addition, such a connection can also be mechanically reliable and have a minimum contact resistance in order to ensure the possibility of transmitting power and/or signals between the main part 100 of the device and the nicotine containing element assembly 300 and/or exchanging them in a reliable and accurate manner. Although various aspects have been discussed with respect to the electrical contacts of the device of the main part 100 of the device, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto and that other configurations may be used.

Fig. 13 shows a partial exploded view including the mouthpiece shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 13, the mouthpiece 102 is configured to engage with the casing of the device through the holding structure 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the holding structure 140 is positioned so as to be primarily located between the frame 106 and the inclined structure 112. As shown, the holding structure 140 is positioned within the casing of the device such that the near end of the holding structure 140 extends through the near end of the frame 106. The holding structure 140 may protrude slightly beyond the near end of the frame 106 or be substantially flush with it. The near end of the holding structure 140 is configured to receive the far end of the mouthpiece 102. The near end of the holding structure 140 may be a female end, while the far end of the mouthpiece may be a male end.

For example, the mouthpiece 102 can be connected (for example, removably connected) to the holding structure 140 using a bayonet connection. In such a case, the female end of the holding structure 140 can define a pair of opposite L-shaped slots, while the male end of the mouthpiece 102 can have opposite radial elements 134 (for example, radial pins) configured to engage with the L-shaped slots of the holding structure 140. Each of the L-shaped slots of the holding structure 140 has a longitudinal portion and a circumferential portion. Optionally, the edge of the circumferential portion can have a portion with notches to help reduce or prevent the likelihood that the radial element 134 of the mouthpiece 102 will unintentionally disengage. In a non-limiting embodiment, the longitudinal portions of the L-shaped grooves extend parallel to and along the longitudinal axis of the main part 100 of the device, while the circumferential portions of the L-shaped grooves extend around the longitudinal axis (for example, the central axis) of the main part 100 of the device. As a result, in order to connect the mouthpiece 102 to the casing of the device, the mouthpiece 102 shown in Fig. 13 is initially rotated by 90 degrees to align the radial elements 134 with the entrances to the longitudinal portions of the L-shaped grooves of the holding structure 140. Then, the mouthpiece 102 is pushed into the holding structure 140 in such a way that the radial elements 134 slide along the longitudinal portions of the L-shaped grooves until a connection with each of the circumferential portions is achieved. At this point, the mouthpiece 102 is then rotated so that the radial elements 134 move along the circumferential portions until the edge of each of them is reached. In the case where a notched portion is present on each edge, tactile and/or audible feedback (such as an audible click) can be created to notify the adult vaper that the mouthpiece 102 has been correctly attached to the housing of the device.

The mouthpiece 102 defines a passage 136 for vapor through which nicotine vapor flows during smoking of the electronic cigarette. The passage 136 for vapor is in fluid communication with the through hole 150 (namely, where the containing element in the assembly 300 for nicotine is seated inside the main part 100 of the device). The near end of the passage 136 for vapor can comprise a part that widens toward the bottom. In addition, the mouthpiece 102 can comprise an end cap 138. The end cap 138 can narrow from its far end to its near end. The outlet surface of the end cap 138 defines a plurality of outlet openings for vapor. Although four outlet openings for vapor are shown in the end cap 138, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

Fig. 14 is a partial exploded view including the inclined structure shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece, springs, holding structure and inclined structure shown in Fig. 14. As shown in Figs. 14-15, the inclined structure 112 includes an upstream side wall and a downstream side wall. The upstream side wall of the inclined structure 112 defines an opening 146 for a connector. The opening 146 for a connector is configured such that the electrical connector 132 of the device of the main part 100 of the device is visible or accommodated in it. The downstream side wall of the inclined structure 112 defines a first downstream opening 148a, a second downstream opening 148b and a third downstream opening 148c. The first downstream opening 148a and the second downstream opening 148b of the inclined structure 112 are configured to accommodate the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the retaining structure 140, respectively. The third downstream opening 148c of the inclined structure 112 is configured to accommodate the distal end of the mouthpiece 102.

As shown in Fig. 14, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b are on the concave side of the retaining structure 140. As shown in Fig. 15, the first rod 142a and the second rod 142b are on the opposite convex side of the retaining structure 140. The first spring 144a and the second spring 144b are arranged on the first rod 142a and the second rod 142b, respectively. The first spring 144a and the second spring 144b are configured to bias the retaining structure 140 relative to the inclined structure 112.

In the assembled form, the inclined structure 112 can be attached to the frame 106 by means of a pair of tabs adjacent to the opening 146 for the connector. In addition, the retaining structure 140 will be adjacent to the inclined structure 112 in such a way that the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b extend through the first downstream opening 148a and the second downstream opening 148b, respectively. The mouthpiece 102 will be connected to the retaining structure 140 in such a way that the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 will extend through the retaining structure 140, as well as the third downstream opening 148 of the inclined structure 112. The first spring 144a and the second spring 144b will be located between the frame 106 and the retaining structure 140.

When the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is inserted into the through hole 150 of the main part 100 of the device, the downstream end of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 will push the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the holding structure 140. As a result, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the holding structure 140 will elastically spring and be drawn out of the through hole 150 of the main part 100 of the device (due to the compression of the first spring 144a and the second spring 144b), thus ensuring the continuation of the insertion of the nicotine containing element assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, when the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b are completely retracted from the through-hole 150 of the main part 100 of the device, the displacement of the holding structure 140 may cause the ends of the first rod 142a and the second rod 142b to contact the inner end surface of the frame 106. In addition, since the mouthpiece 102 is connected to the holding structure 140, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 will be retracted from the through-hole 150, thereby also causing the near end of the mouthpiece 102 (for example, the visible portion including the end cap 138) to shift a corresponding distance from the casing of the device.

As soon as the nicotine containing member assembly 300 is inserted properly so that the first downstream recess and the second downstream recess of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 reach a position that allows engagement with the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b, respectively, the accumulated compression energy of the first spring 144a and the second spring 144b causes the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b to elastically extend and engage with the first downstream recess and the second downstream recess, respectively, of the nicotine containing member assembly 300. In addition, the engagement may cause tactile and/or audible feedback (e.g., an audible click) to notify an adult vaper that the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is properly seated within the through-hole 150 of the main portion 100 of the device.

Fig. 16 is a partial exploded view including the front cover, the frame, and the back cover shown in Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 16, various mechanical elements, electronic elements, and/or circuitry associated with the operation of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette may be attached to the frame 106. The front cover 104 and the back cover 108 may be configured to engage the frame 106 by means of a snap-fit arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, the front cover 104 and the back cover 108 comprise clips configured to interconnect with respective mating elements of the frame 106. The clips may be in the form of tabs with openings configured to receive respective mating elements (e.g., beveled edged protrusions) of the frame 106. In Fig. 16 the front cover 104 has two rows of four clips each (a total of eight clips for the front cover 104). Likewise, the rear cover 108 has two rows of four clips each (a total of eight clips for the rear cover 108). The corresponding mating elements of the frame 106 can be located on the inner side walls of the frame 106. As a result, the engaged clips and the mating elements can be hidden from view when the front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 are snapped together. Alternatively, the front cover 104 and/or the rear cover 108 can be configured to engage with the frame 106 by means of an interference fit. However, it should be understood that the front cover 104, the frame 106 and the rear cover 108 can be connected using other suitable arrangements and methods.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the nicotine containing element assembly of the nicotine smoking device of the e-cigarette shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 18 is another perspective view of the nicotine containing element assembly of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is another perspective view of the nicotine containing element assembly of Fig. 18. As shown in Figs. 17-19, the nicotine containing element assembly 300 of the nicotine smoking device 500 comprises a containing element main portion configured to retain a nicotine-containing final vapor composition. The containing element main portion has an upstream end and a downstream end. A cavity 310 is formed in the upstream end of the containing element main portion (Fig. 20). At the end of the main part of the containing element located further downstream, an outlet opening 304 of the containing element is formed, which is in fluid communication with the cavity 310 at the end located earlier downstream. The connecting module 320 is designed with the possibility of being seated inside the cavity 310 of the main part of the containing element. The connecting module 320 includes an outer surface and a side surface. The outer surface of the connecting module 320 forms the outer main part of the containing element.

The outer surface of the connecting module 320 forms an inlet opening 322 of the containing element. The inlet opening 322 of the containing element (through which air enters during smoking of the electronic cigarette) is in fluid communication with the outlet opening 304 of the containing element (through which nicotine vapor exits during smoking of the electronic cigarette). The inlet opening 322 of the containing element is shown in Fig. 19 in the form of a groove. However, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited to this and that other shapes are possible. When the connecting module 320 is seated inside the cavity 310 of the main part of the containing element, the outer surface of the connecting module 320 remains visible, while the side surface of the connecting module 320 becomes mainly darkened in order to be visible only partially through the inlet opening 322 of the containing element based on a given angle.

The outer surface of the connection module 320 comprises at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contact may comprise several power contacts. For example, the several power contacts may include a first power contact 324a and a second power contact 324b. The first power contact 324a of the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300 is configured to electrically connect to the first pair of power contacts (for example, to the pair adjacent to the first upstream projection 128a in Fig. 12) of the electrical connector 132 of the device of the main part 100 of the device. Similarly, the second power contact 324b of the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300 is configured to electrically connect to the second pair of power contacts (for example, to the pair adjacent to the second upstream projection 128b in Fig. 12) of the electrical connector 132 of the device of the main part 100 of the device. In addition, at least one electrical contact of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 comprises several data contacts 326. Several data contacts 326 of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 are configured to be electrically connected to the data contacts of the electrical connector 132 of the device (for example, a row of five protruding parts in Fig. 12). Although two power contacts and five data contacts are shown in combination with the nicotine containing element assembly 300, it should be understood that other options are possible depending on the design of the main part 100 of the device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the nicotine containing element assembly 300 comprises a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first side surface between the front surface and the rear surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, an upstream end surface, and a downstream end surface opposite the upstream end surface. The angles of the side and end surfaces (for example, the angle of the first side surface and the upstream end surface, the angle of the upstream end surface and the second side surface, the angle of the second side surface and the downstream end surface, the angle of the downstream end surface and the first side surface) can be rounded. However, in some cases, the angles can be pointed. In addition, the peripheral edge of the front surface can have a step shape. The outer surface of the connector module 320 can be considered as a part of the upstream end surface of the nicotine containing element assembly 300. The front surface of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 may be wider and longer than the rear surface. In such a case, the first side surface and the second side surface may be inclined at an angle inward to each other. The end surface located upstream and the end surface located downstream may also be inclined at an angle inward to each other. Due to the surfaces inclined at an angle, the insertion of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 will be carried out in one direction (for example, from the front side (the side connected to the front cover 104) of the main part 100 of the device). As a result, the possibility of incorrect insertion of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 into the main part 100 of the device can be reduced or prevented.

As illustrated, the main part of the containing element for the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine comprises a first section 302 of the housing and a second section 308 of the housing. The first section 302 of the housing has an end located downstream, defining an outlet opening 304 of the containing element. The rim of the outlet opening 304 of the containing element may not necessarily be a recessed or depressed region. In such a case, this region may resemble a dome, wherein the side of the rim adjacent to the rear surface of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine may be open, while the side of the rim adjacent to the front surface may be surrounded by a raised part of the end located downstream of the first section 302 of the housing. The raised portion may function as a stop for the distal end of the mouthpiece 102. As a result, such a configuration of the outlet opening 304 of the containing element may facilitate the placement and alignment of the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 (for example, Fig. 11) through the open side of the rim and its subsequent seating on the raised portion of the downstream end of the first section 302 of the housing. In a non-limiting embodiment, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 may also comprise (or be formed from) an elastic material that helps to create a seal around the outlet opening 304 of the containing element when the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine is properly inserted inside the through opening 150 of the main part 100 of the device.

The downstream end of the first section 302 of the housing further defines at least one downstream recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one downstream recess has the form of a first downstream recess 306a and a second downstream recess 306b. The outlet opening 304 of the containing element may be located between the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b are configured to engage with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b, respectively, of the main part 100 of the device. As shown in Fig. 11, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the main part 100 of the device may be arranged on adjacent corners of the downstream side wall of the through hole 150. Each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may have the shape of a V-shaped recess. In such a case, each of the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the main part 100 of the device may have the shape of a wedge-shaped structure configured to engage with a corresponding V-shaped recess of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a may be adjacent to the corner of the downstream end surface and the first side surface, while the second downstream recess 306b may be adjacent to the corner of the downstream end surface and the second side surface. As a result, the edges of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b adjacent to the first side surface and the second side surface, respectively, may be open. In such a case, as shown in Fig. 18, each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may be a 3-sided recess.

The second section 308 of the housing has an upstream end that forms a cavity 310 (Fig. 20). The cavity 310 is configured to accommodate a connecting module 320 (Fig. 21). In addition, at least one upstream recess is formed in the upstream end of the second section 308 of the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one upstream recess has the form of a first upstream recess 312a and a second upstream recess 312b. The inlet opening 322 of the containing element may be located between the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b are configured to engage with the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b, respectively, of the main part 100 of the device. As shown in Fig. 12, the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b of the main part 100 of the device can be arranged on adjacent corners of the upstream side wall of the through hole 150. The depth of each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b can be greater than the depth of each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The edge of each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may also be more rounded than the edge of each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. For example, the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may also have the shape of a U-shaped cutout. In such a case, each of the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the main part 100 of the device may have the shape of a rounded bulge configured to engage with the corresponding U-shaped cutout of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a may adjoin the corner of the upstream end surface and the first side surface, while the second upstream recess 312b may adjoin the corner of the upstream end surface and the second side surface. As a result, the edges of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b adjacent to the first side surface and the second side surface, respectively, may be open.

The first section 302 of the housing can form a nicotine reservoir inside, configured to retain a nicotine-containing final vapor composition. The nicotine reservoir can be configured to hermetically seal the nicotine-containing final vapor composition before activating the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300 to release the nicotine-containing final vapor composition from the nicotine reservoir. As a result of the hermetically sealing, the nicotine-containing final vapor composition can be isolated from the environment, as well as the internal elements of the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300, which can potentially react with the nicotine-containing final vapor composition, which thereby reduces or prevents the possibility of negative effects on the shelf life and/or organoleptic characteristics (for example, taste) of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition. The second section 308 of the casing may comprise structures configured to activate the nicotine containing element assembly 300 and to accommodate and heat the nicotine-containing final composition for the vapor released from the nicotine reservoir after activation.

The nicotine containing element assembly 300 may be manually activated by an adult vaper prior to insertion of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 into the main part 100 of the device. Alternatively, the nicotine containing element assembly 300 may be activated as part of the insertion of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 into the main part 100 of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the second section 308 of the housing of the main part of the containing element comprises a perforator configured to release a nicotine-containing final vapor composition from the nicotine reservoir during activation of the nicotine containing element assembly 300. The perforator may have the form of a first activation piercer 314a and a second activation piercer 314b, which will be discussed in more detail herein.

To manually activate the nicotine containing element assembly 300, an adult vaper may press inward the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b (e.g., simultaneously or sequentially) before inserting the nicotine containing element assembly 300 into the through opening 150 of the main part 100 of the device. For example, the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b may be pressed manually until their ends are substantially aligned with an upstream end surface of the nicotine containing element assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the inward movement of the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b causes a puncture or other breach of the seal of the nicotine reservoir to release the nicotine-containing ready-made vapor composition therefrom.

Alternatively, for activating the nicotine containing element assembly 300 as part of the insertion of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 into the main part 100 of the device, the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is initially positioned such that the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b are engaged with the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b, respectively (e.g., upstream engagement). Since each of the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b of the main part 100 of the device may have the shape of a rounded protrusion configured to engage with a corresponding U-shaped cutout of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b, the nicotine receiving element assembly 300 may subsequently be relatively easily rotated around the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b and into the through hole 150 of the main part 100 of the device.

With respect to the rotation of the nicotine containing element assembly 300, the axis of rotation can be considered as extending through the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b and oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the main portion 100 of the device. During the initial positioning and subsequent rotation of the nicotine containing member assembly 300, the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b will come into contact with the upstream sidewall of the through-hole 150 and will transition from the extended state to the retracted state as the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b are pushed (e.g., simultaneously) into the second section 308 of the housing as the nicotine containing member assembly 300 advances into the through-hole 150. When the downstream end of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 reaches the region near the downstream sidewall of the through-hole 150 and comes into contact with the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b, the first downstream projection 130b downstream projection 130a and second downstream projection 130b will be retracted and then elastically extended (e.g., spring back) when the position of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 allows the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the main body 100 of the device to engage with the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b, respectively, of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 (e.g., downstream engagement).

As noted above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 is attached to the holding structure 140 (of which the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b are part). In such a case, the retraction of the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b from the through hole 150 will cause the mouthpiece 102 to be simultaneously shifted by a corresponding distance in the same direction (e.g., in the downstream direction). On the other hand, the mouthpiece 102 will spring back simultaneously with the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b when the nicotine receiving element assembly 300 is sufficiently inserted to facilitate the downstream engagement. In addition to the elastic engagement by the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 is also configured to be movable relative to the nicotine containing member assembly 300 (and aligned with the outlet opening 304 of the containing member to form a relatively vapor-impermeable seal) when the nicotine containing member assembly 300 is properly seated within the through-hole 150 of the main portion 100 of the device.

In addition, the downstream engagement may create an audible click and/or tactile feedback to indicate that the nicotine containing member assembly 300 is properly seated within the through-hole 150 of the main portion 100 of the device. When properly seated, the nicotine containing member assembly 300 will be mechanically, electrically, and fluidically connected to the main portion 100 of the device. Although non-limiting embodiments herein describe an upstream engagement of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 as occurring before the downstream engagement, it should be understood that suitable mating, actuation, and/or electrical arrangements may be reversed, such that the downstream engagement occurs before the upstream engagement.

Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of the assembled nicotine containing element of Fig. 19 without the connecting module. As shown in Fig. 20, the upstream end of the second section 308 of the housing forms a cavity 310. As indicated above, the cavity 310 is configured to receive the connecting module 320 (e.g., by means of an interference fit). In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity 310 is located between the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b, and is also located between the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b. In the absence of the connector module 320, the insert 342 (Fig. 24) and the absorbent material 346 (Fig. 25) are visible through the recessed opening in the cavity 310. The insert 342 is configured to retain the absorbent material 346. The absorbent material 346 is configured to absorb and retain a certain amount of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition released from the nicotine reservoir when the nicotine containing assembly 300 is activated. The insert 342 and the absorbent material 346 will be discussed in more detail herein.

Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of the connection module of Fig. 19. Fig. 22 shows another perspective view of the connection module of Fig. 21. As shown in Figs. 21-22, the general frame of the connection module 320 includes a module housing 354 and a face plate 366. In addition, the connection module 320 has a plurality of surfaces, including an outer surface and a side surface, wherein the outer surface is adjacent to the side surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the connection module 320 consists of the upstream surfaces of the face plate 366, the first power contact 324a, the second power contact 324b and the data contacts 326. The side surface of the connection module 320 may be a part of the module housing 354. The side surface of the connection module 320 forms a first inlet 330 of the module and a second inlet 332 of the module. In addition, the two lateral surfaces adjacent to the side surfaces (which are also part of the module housing 354) may comprise ribbed structures (for example, compressed ribs) configured to facilitate a tight fit when the connecting module 320 is seated inside the cavity 310 of the main part of the containing element. For example, each of the two lateral surfaces may comprise a pair of ribbed structures that taper from the face plate 366. As a result, the module housing 354 will encounter increasing resistance due to the friction of the ribbed structures against the lateral walls of the cavity 310 as the connecting module 320 is pressed into the cavity 310 of the main part of the containing element. When the connecting module 320 is seated inside the cavity 310, the face plate 366 may be substantially flush with the upstream end of the second section 308 of the housing. Also, the side surface (which forms the first inlet opening 330 of the module and the second inlet opening 332 of the module) of the connecting module 320 will face the side wall of the cavity 310.

The face plate 366 of the connection module 320 may have an edge 328 with grooves, which in combination with the corresponding side surface of the cavity 310 forms an inlet opening 322 of the containing element. However, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the face plate 366 of the connection module 320 may alternatively be designed in such a way as to completely form the inlet opening 322 of the containing element. The side surface (which forms the first inlet opening 330 of the module and the second inlet opening 332 of the module) of the connection module 320 and the side wall of the cavity 310 (which faces the side surface) form an intermediate space between them. The intermediate space is located further downstream from the inlet opening 322 of the containing element and earlier downstream from the first inlet opening 330 of the module and the second inlet opening 332 of the module. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the inlet opening 322 of the containing element is in fluid communication with both the first inlet opening 330 of the module and the second inlet opening 332 of the module through an intermediate space. The first inlet opening 330 of the module may be larger than the second inlet opening 332 of the module. In such a case, when incoming air enters the inlet opening 322 of the containing element during smoking of the electronic cigarette, the first inlet opening 330 of the module may receive a primary flow (for example, a larger flow) of the incoming air, while the second inlet opening 332 of the module may receive a secondary flow (for example, a smaller flow) of the incoming air.

As shown in Fig. 22, the connection module 320 comprises a wick 338, which is configured to transfer the nicotine-containing final vapor composition to the heater 336. The heater 336 is configured to heat the nicotine-containing final vapor composition during smoking of the electronic cigarette to generate vapor. The heater 336 can be mounted in the connection module 320 using a contact core 334. The heater 336 is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of the connection module 320. For example, one end (for example, the first end) of the heater 336 can be connected to the first power contact 324a, while the other end (for example, the second end) of the heater 336 can be connected to the second power contact 324b. In an exemplary embodiment, the heater 336 comprises a folded heating element. In such a case, the wick 338 may have a flat shape adapted to be held by the folded heating element. When the connecting module 320 is seated inside the cavity 310 of the main part of the containing element, the wick 338 is adapted to be in fluid communication with the absorbent material 346 so that the nicotine-containing ready-made composition for the vapor located in the absorbent material 346 (when the containing element in the assembly 300 for nicotine is activated) will be transferred to the wick 338 by means of capillary action.

Fig. 23 shows an exploded view including the wick, the heater, the electrical wires and the contact core of Fig. 22. As shown in Fig. 23, the wick 338 can be a fibrous pad or other structure with pores/voids provided for capillary action. In addition, the wick 338 can have the shape of an irregular hexagon, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. The wick 338 can be given a hexagonal shape, or it can be cut into such a shape from a larger sheet of material. Since the lower section of the wick 338 tapers toward the winding section of the heater 336, the likelihood that the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition located in the portion of the wick 338 that constantly avoids evaporation (due to its distance from the heater 336) can be reduced or eliminated.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heater 336 is configured to undergo Joule heating (which is also known as ohmic/resistive heating) when an electric current is applied thereto. In more detail, the heater 336 can be formed from one or more conductors and is configured to generate heat when an electric current is passed therethrough. The electric current can be supplied from a power source (for example, a battery) inside the main part 100 of the device and is transferred to the heater 336 via the first power contact 324a and the first electric wire 340a (or via the second power contact 324b and the second electric wire 340b).

Suitable conductors for the heater 336 comprise an iron-based alloy (e.g., stainless steel) and/or a nickel-based alloy (e.g., nichrome). The heater 336 may be made from a conductive sheet (e.g., metal, alloy) that is stamped to cut a winding pattern from it. The winding pattern may have curved segments that are alternately arranged with horizontal segments to allow the horizontal segments to zigzag back and forth while extending parallel. In addition, the width of each of the horizontal segments of the winding pattern may be substantially equal to the distance between adjacent horizontal segments of the winding pattern, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. To obtain the shape of the heater 336 shown in the drawings, the winding pattern may be folded in such a way as to capture the wick 338.

The heater 336 can be attached to the contact core 334 by means of the first electric wire 340a and the second electric wire 340b. The contact core 334 is formed from an insulating material and is configured to electrically isolate the first electric wire 340a from the second electric wire 340b. In an exemplary embodiment, each first electric wire 340a and each second electric wire 340b form a female opening that is configured to engage with the corresponding male elements of the contact core 334. Once the engagement has occurred, the first end and the second end of the heater 336 can be attached (e.g., welded, soldered, brazed) to the first electric wire 340a and to the second electric wire 340b, respectively. Then, the contact core 334 can be placed in a corresponding socket in the module housing 354 (e.g., by means of an interference fit). Upon completion of the assembly of the connector module 320, the first electrical wire 340a will electrically connect the first end of the heater 336 to the first power contact 324a, while the second electrical wire 340b will electrically connect the second end of the heater 336 to the second power contact 324b. The heater and related structures are discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/729,909, entitled "Folded Heater For Nicotine Electronic Vaping Device" (Patent Registry Number 24000-000371-US), filed October 11, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 24 shows an exploded view including a first section of the housing of the containing element in the nicotine assembly of Fig. 17. As shown in Fig. 24, the first section 302 of the housing comprises a passageway 316 for steam. The passageway 316 for steam is configured to receive nicotine steam generated by the heater 336 and is in fluid communication with the outlet opening 304 of the containing element. In an exemplary embodiment, the passageway 316 for steam can gradually increase in size (e.g., in diameter) as it extends in the direction of the outlet opening 304 of the containing element. In addition, the passageway 316 for steam can be formed as a single unit with the first section 302 of the housing. The wrapper 318, the insert 342 and the seal 344 are arranged on the upstream end of the first section 302 of the housing for defining a nicotine reservoir of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine. For example, the wrapper 318 can be arranged on the rim of the first section 302 of the housing. The insert 342 can be seated inside the first section 302 of the housing in such a way that the peripheral surface of the insert 342 is engaged with the inner surface of the first section 302 of the housing along the rim (for example, by means of an interference fit), so that the joint of the peripheral surface of the insert 342 and the inner surface of the first section 302 of the housing is impermeable to a fluid medium (for example, impermeable to liquid and/or impermeable to air). In addition, the seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of the insert 342 for closing the outlet openings of the nicotine reservoir in the insert 342 to provide a fluid-impermeable (e.g., liquid-impermeable and/or air-impermeable) protective shell of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insert 342 comprises a portion in the form of a holder, which projects from the upstream side (as shown in Fig. 24), and a portion in the form of a connector, which projects from the downstream side (not shown in Fig. 24). The portion in the form of a holder of the insert 342 is configured to retain the absorbent material 346, while the portion in the form of a connector of the insert 342 is configured to engage with the channel for steam 316 of the first section 302 of the casing. The portion in the form of a connector of the insert 342 can be configured to fit inside the channel for steam 316 and, therefore, to engage with the interior of the channel for steam 316. Alternatively, the portion in the form of a connector of the insert 342 can be configured to receive the channel for steam 316 and, therefore, to engage with the exterior of the channel for steam 316. The insert 342 also defines outlet openings of the nicotine reservoir through which the finished vapor composition containing nicotine flows out when the seal 344 is pierced (as shown in Fig. 24) during activation of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine. The holder portion and the connector portion of the insert 342 can be located between the outlet openings of the nicotine reservoir (for example, the first and second outlet openings of the nicotine reservoir), although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In addition, the insert 342 defines a vapor line extending through the holder portion and the connector portion. As a result, when the insert 342 is seated within the first section 302 of the housing, the vapor conduit of the insert 342 will be aligned and will be in fluid communication with the vapor channel 316, forming a continuous path through the nicotine reservoir to the outlet opening 304 of the containing element for nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 during smoking of the electronic cigarette.

The seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of the insert 342 to close the outlet openings of the nicotine reservoir in the insert 342. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal 344 defines an opening (for example, a central opening) configured to provide a suitable gap for receiving a portion in the form of a holder (protruding from the upstream side of the insert 342) when the seal 344 is attached to the insert 342. In Fig. 24, it should be understood that the seal 344 is shown in a pierced state. In particular, when the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b pierce the nicotine containing member assembly 300, the two pierced sections of the seal 344 will be pushed into the nicotine reservoir in the form of valves (as shown in Fig. 24), thereby creating two pierced openings (for example, one on each side of the central opening) in the seal 344. The size and shape of the pierced openings in the seal 344 can correspond to the size and shape of the outlet openings of the nicotine reservoir in the insert 342. In contrast, in the unpierced state, the seal 344 will have a flat shape and only one opening (for example, the central opening). The seal 344 is made strong enough to remain intact during normal movement of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 and/or handling to avoid premature/unintentional breakage. For example, the 344 seal may be a coated foil (e.g., Tritan on an aluminum backing).

Fig. 25 shows a partial exploded view including a second section of the housing of the nicotine containing element assembly of Fig. 17. As shown in Fig. 25, the second section 308 of the housing is designed to contain various elements configured to release, accommodate and heat the nicotine-containing final vapor composition. For example, the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b are configured to pierce the nicotine reservoir in the first section 302 of the housing to release the nicotine-containing final vapor composition. Each of the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b has a distal end that extends through respective openings into the second section 308 of the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal ends of the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b are visible after assembly (for example, Fig. 17), while the rest of the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b is hidden from view inside the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300. In addition, each of the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b has a near end that is located so as to be adjacent to the seal 344 and located upstream of it before the activation of the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300. When the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b are pushed into the second section 308 of the housing to activate the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine, the near end of each of the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b will move forward through the insert 342 and as a result pierce the seal 344, which will release the nicotine-containing ready-made vapor composition from the nicotine reservoir. The movement of the first activation piercer 314a can be independent of the movement of the second activation piercer 314b (and vice versa). The first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b will be discussed in more detail in this document.

The absorbent material 346 is configured to engage with the holder portion of the insert 342 (which, as shown in Fig. 24, protrudes from the upstream side of the insert 342). The absorbent material 346 may have an annular shape, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 25, the absorbent material 346 may resemble a hollow cylinder. In such a case, the outer diameter of the absorbent material 346 may be substantially equal to the length of the wick 338 (or be slightly larger). The inner diameter of the absorbent material 346 may be smaller than the average outer diameter of the holder portion of the insert 342, which results in an interference fit. To facilitate engagement with the absorbent material 346, the tip of the holder portion of the insert 342 may be beveled. In addition, although hidden from view in Fig. 25, the downstream side of the second section 308 of the housing may form a concavity configured to receive and support the absorbent material 346. An example of such a concavity may be a circular chamber that is in fluid communication with the cavity 310 and is located downstream of it. The absorbent material 346 is configured to receive and retain a certain amount of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition released from the nicotine reservoir when the nicotine containing assembly 300 is activated.

The wick 338 is located inside the nicotine containing element assembly 300 in such a way that it is in fluid communication with the absorbent material 346, so that the nicotine-containing final vapor composition can be drawn from the absorbent material 346 onto the heater 336 by means of capillary action. The wick 338 can physically contact the upstream side of the absorbent material 346 (for example, the lower portion of the absorbent material 346, as shown in Fig. 25). In addition, the wick 338 can correspond to the diameter of the absorbent material 346, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

As illustrated in Fig. 25 (and also in the previous Fig. 23), the heater 336 can have a folded configuration for capturing and establishing thermal contact with the opposite surfaces of the wick 338. The heater 336 is configured to heat the wick 338 during smoking of the electronic cigarette to generate vapor. To facilitate such heating, the first end of the heater 336 can be electrically connected to the first power contact 324a via the first electrical wire 340a, while the second end of the heater 336 can be electrically connected to the second power contact 324b via the second electrical wire 340b. As a result, an electric current can be supplied from a power source (for example, a battery) inside the main part 100 of the device and transferred to the heater 336 via the first power contact 324a and the first electrical wire 340a (or via the second power contact 324b and the second electrical wire 340b). The first electrical wire 340a and the second electrical wire 340b (which are shown separately in Fig. 23) can be engaged with the contact core 334 (as shown in Fig. 25). The relevant details of other aspects of the connector module 320, which is configured to be seated in the cavities 310 of the second section 308 of the housing, which were discussed above (for example, in connection with Figs. 21-22) and will not be repeated in this section for the sake of brevity. During smoking of the electronic cigarette, nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 is drawn through the vapor line of the insert 342, through the channel 316 for vapor of the first section 302 of the housing, out of the outlet opening 304 of the containing element at the containing element in the nicotine assembly 300 and through the passage 136 for vapor of the mouthpiece 102 to one or more outlet openings for vapor.

Fig. 26 shows an exploded view of the activation piercer of Fig. 25. As shown in Fig. 26, the activation piercer may be in the form of a first activation piercer 314a and a second activation piercer 314b. Although two activation piercers are shown and discussed in conjunction with non-limiting embodiments herein, it should be understood that the nicotine receiving member assembly 300 may alternatively contain only one activation piercer. In Fig. 26, the first activation piercer 314a may comprise a first plate 348a, a first actuator 350a, and a first sealing ring 352a. Similarly, the second activation piercer 314b may comprise a second plate 348b, a second actuator 350b, and a second sealing ring 352b.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first plate 348a and the second plate 348b are configured to be mounted or attached to the tops (e.g., proximal parts) of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b, respectively. The mounting or attachment may be achieved by snap-fitting, by clamping (e.g., friction fit), by adhesive, or by another suitable joining technique. The top of each of the first plate 348a and the second plate 348b may have one or more curved or concave edges that taper upward toward a pointed tip. For example, each of the first plate 348a and the second plate 348b may have two pointed tips with a concave edge between them and a curved edge adjacent to each pointed tip. The radii of curvature of the concave edge and the curved edges may be the same, while their arc lengths may differ. The first plate 348a and the second plate 348b may be formed from sheet metal (for example, stainless steel), which is cut or otherwise shaped to obtain the desired profile and which is bent into its final shape. In another case, the first plate 348a and the second plate 348b may be formed from plastic.

In a top view, the size and shape of the first plate 348a, the second plate 348b and the portions of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b on which they are mounted may correspond to the size and shape of the outlet openings of the nicotine reservoir in the insert 342. In addition, as shown in Fig. 26, the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b may comprise protruding edges (for example, curved inner edges facing each other) configured to push two pierced sections of the seal 344 into the nicotine reservoir as the first plate 348a and the second plate 348b advance into the nicotine reservoir. In a non-limiting embodiment, when the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b are fully inserted into the nicotine containing element assembly 300, the two valves (from the two pierced sections of the seal 344, as shown in Fig. 24) can be located between the curved side walls of the outlet openings of the nicotine reservoir of the insert 342 and the corresponding curves of the protruding edges of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b. As a result, the likelihood that the two pierced openings in the seal 344 will be blocked (by the two valves from the two pierced sections) can be reduced or prevented. In addition, the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b can be configured to direct the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition from the nicotine reservoir to the absorbent material 346.

The lower part (for example, the distant part) of each of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b is configured to extend through the lower section (for example, the end located upstream of the flow) of the second section 308 of the casing. This rod-shaped part of each of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b can also be called a shaft. The first sealing ring 352a and the second sealing ring 352b can be seated in the annular grooves in the corresponding shafts of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b. The first sealing ring 352a and the second sealing ring 352b are configured to engage with the shafts of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b, as well as the inner surfaces of the corresponding openings in the second section 308 of the casing, to provide a fluid-tight seal. As a result, when the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b are pushed inward to activate the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine, the first sealing ring 352a and the second sealing ring 352b can move together with the corresponding shafts of the first actuator 350a and the second actuator 350b inside the corresponding openings in the second section 308 of the housing, while maintaining their corresponding seals, thereby helping to reduce or prevent leakage of the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition through the openings in the second section 308 of the housing for the first activation piercer 314a and the second activation piercer 314b. The first sealing ring 352a and the second sealing ring 352b can be formed of silicone.

Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of the connection module of Fig. 22 without a wick, a heater, electric wires and a contact core. Fig. 28 shows an exploded view of the connection module of Fig. 27. As shown in Fig. 27-28, the module casing 354 and the face plate 366 as a whole form an outer frame of the connection module 320. The module casing 354 forms a first inlet opening 330 of the module and a grooved edge 356. The grooved edge 356 of the module casing 354 opens a second inlet opening 332 of the module (which is formed by means of a bypass structure 358). However, it should be understood that the grooved edge 356 can also be considered as forming an inlet opening of the module (for example, in combination with the face plate 366). The face plate 366 has an edge 328 with grooves, which together with the corresponding side surface of the cavity 310 of the second section 308 of the casing forms an inlet opening 322 of the containing element. In addition, the face plate 366 forms a first contact opening, a second contact opening and a third contact opening. The first contact opening and the second contact opening can have a square shape and are configured to open the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b, respectively, while the third contact opening can have a rectangular shape and are configured to open a plurality of data contacts 326, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

The first power supply contact 324a, the second power supply contact 324b, the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 and the bypass structure 358 are located inside the outer frame formed by the module housing 354 and the face plate 366. The printed circuit board (PCB) 362 contains a plurality of data contacts 326 on its upstream side (which is hidden from view in Fig. 28) and a sensor 364 on its downstream side. The bypass structure 358 forms a second inlet opening 332 of the module and a bypass outlet opening 360.

During assembly, the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b are arranged so as to be visible through the first contact opening and the second contact opening, respectively, of the front plate 366. In addition, the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 is arranged so that a plurality of data contacts 326 on its upstream side are visible through the third contact opening of the front plate 366. The printed circuit board (PCB) 362 can also cover the rear surfaces of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b. The bypass structure 358 is located on the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 in such a way that the sensor 364 is located inside the air flow path defined by the second inlet 332 of the module and the bypass outlet 360. In the assembled form, the bypass structure 358 and the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 can be considered as surrounded on at least four sides by zigzag structures of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b. In an exemplary embodiment, the bifurcated ends of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b are configured to be electrically connected to the first electrical wire 340a and the second electrical wire 340b.

When incoming air enters the inlet 322 of the containing element during smoking of the electronic cigarette, the first inlet 330 of the module can receive a primary flow (for example, a larger flow) of incoming air, while the second inlet 332 of the module can receive a secondary flow (for example, a smaller flow) of incoming air. A secondary flow of incoming air can increase the sensitivity of the sensor 364. After exiting the bypass structure 358 through the bypass outlet 360, the secondary flow reconnects with the primary flow, forming a combined flow that is drawn into the contact core 334 and passes through it to meet the heater 336 and the wick 338. In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary flow can make up 60-95 percent (e.g., 80-90 percent) of the incoming air, while the secondary flow can make up 5-40 percent (e.g., 10-20 percent) of the incoming air.

The first inlet 330 of the module may be a resistance to draw (RTD) port, while the second inlet 332 of the module may be a bypass port. In such a configuration, the resistance to draw of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette may be adjusted by changing the size of the first inlet 330 of the module (instead of changing the size of the inlet 322 of the containing element). In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the first inlet 330 of the module may be selected so that the resistance to draw is 25-100 millimeters of water column (for example, 30-50 millimeters of water column). For example, a diameter of 1.0 millimeter for the first inlet 330 of the module may lead to a resistance to draw of 88.3 millimeters of water column. In another case, a diameter of 1.1 millimeters for the first inlet opening 330 of the module may result in a tightening resistance of 73.6 millimeters of water column. In another case, a diameter of 1.2 millimeters for the first inlet opening 330 of the module may result in a tightening resistance of 58.7 millimeters of water column. In yet another case, a diameter of 1.3 millimeters for the first inlet opening 330 of the module may result in a tightening resistance of 43.8 millimeters of water column. It is noteworthy that the size of the first inlet hole 330 of the module, due to its internal layout, can be adjusted without affecting the aesthetic appearance of the nicotine housing assembly 300, thereby providing a more standardized product design for housing assemblies with different resistance to draw (RTD), while reducing the possibility of unintentional blockage of incoming air.

Fig. 29 illustrates electrical systems of a main part of a device and a containing element assembly for nicotine of a device for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

As shown in Fig. 29, the electrical systems include an electrical system 2100 of the main part of the device and an electrical system 2200 of the nicotine containing element assembly. The electrical system 2100 of the main part of the device can be included in the main part 100 of the device, and the electrical system 2200 of the nicotine containing element assembly can be included in the nicotine containing element assembly 300 of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette, discussed above with respect to Figs. 1-28.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 29, the electrical system 2200 of the nicotine containing element assembly comprises a heater 336, one or more containing element sensors 2220, and a non-volatile memory (NVM) 2205. The NVM 2205 may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) of an integrated circuit (IC). The one or more containing element sensors 2220 may include a temperature-sensitive transducer.

The electrical system 2200 of the nicotine containing element assembly may further comprise an electrical interface/data interface of the main part (not shown) for transmitting power and/or data between the main part 100 of the device and the nicotine containing element assembly 300. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the electrical contacts 324a, 324b and 326 shown in Fig. 17, for example, may serve as the electrical interface/data interface of the main part.

The electrical system 2100 of the main part of the device comprises a controller 2105, a power supply unit 2110, device sensors or measuring circuits 2125, a heating module control circuit 2127 (also referred to as a heating module shutdown circuit), indicators 2135 for a vaper, controls 2150 built into the product (for example, buttons 118 and 120 shown in Fig. 1), a memory 2130 and a synchronization circuit 2128. The electrical system 2100 of the main part of the device may further include an electrical interface / data interface of the containing element (not shown) for transmitting power and / or data between the main part 100 of the device and the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 132 of the device shown in Fig. 12, for example, can serve as an electrical interface / data interface of the containing element.

The power supply unit 2110 may be an internal power source for supplying power to the main part 100 of the device and the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. Supply of power from the power supply unit 2110 may be controlled by the controller 2105 through an arrangement of power control circuits (not shown). The arrangement of power control circuits may include one or more switches or transistors for regulating the output power from the power supply unit 2110. The power supply unit 2110 may be a lithium-ion battery or one of its variants (for example, a lithium-ion polymer battery).

The controller 2105 may be configured to control the overall operation of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. According to at least some example embodiments, the controller 2105 may comprise a processing circuit, such as hardware providing logic circuits; a hardware/software combination, such as a processor executing software; or a combination thereof. More specifically, for example, the processing circuit may provide, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a single-chip system (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the like.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 29, the controller 2105 is illustrated as a microcontroller comprising: input/output (I/O) interfaces such as general-purpose input/output (GPIO), interconnected circuit ( ^I2C ) interfaces, serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus interfaces, or the like; a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC); and a clock input terminal. However, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. In at least one exemplary implementation, the controller 2105 may be a microprocessor.

The controller 2105 is connected to establish communication with the sensors 2125 of the device, the heating module control circuit 2127, the indicators 2135 for the vaper, the memory 2130, the control means 2150 built into the product, the synchronization circuit 2128 and the power supply unit 2110.

The 2127 heating module control circuit is connected to the 2105 controller via the GPIO pin. The 2130 memory is connected to the 2105 controller via the SPI pin. The 2128 synchronization circuit is connected to the 2105 controller synchronization input pin. The 2135 vaper indicators are connected to the 2105 controller via the I ² C interface pin and the GPIO pin. The 2125 device sensors are connected to the 2105 controller via the corresponding multi-channel ABS pins.

The timing circuit 2128 may be a timing mechanism, such as an oscillator circuit, to allow the controller 2105 to track the idle time, the vaping duration, the combination of the idle time and the vaping duration, or the like of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. The timing circuit 2128 may also comprise a special external clock crystal configured to generate system timing for the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette.

Memory 2130 may be a non-volatile memory configured to store one or more outage logs. In one example, memory 2130 may store one or more outage logs in one or more tables. Memory 2130 and the one or more outage logs stored therein will be discussed in more detail below. In one example, memory 2130 may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), such as flash memory or the like.

Still, as shown in Fig. 29, the sensors 2125 of the device may include a plurality of sensors or measurement circuits configured to provide signals indicative of sensor or measurement information to the controller 2105. In the example shown in Fig. 29, the sensors 2125 of the device comprise a heater current measurement circuit 21258, a heater voltage measurement circuit 21252, and a containing element temperature measurement circuit 21250.

The heater current measuring circuit 21258 may be configured to output signals (e.g., voltage) indicative of the current through the heater 336. An exemplary embodiment of the heater current measuring circuit 21258 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to Fig. 35.

The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 may be configured to output signals (e.g., voltage) indicative of the voltage across the heater 336. An exemplary embodiment of the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to Fig. 34.

The circuit 21250 for measuring the temperature of the containing element may be configured to output signals (e.g., voltage) indicative of the resistance and/or temperature of one or more elements of the containing element in the assembly 300 for nicotine. Exemplary embodiments of the circuit 21250 for measuring the temperature of the containing element will be discussed in more detail below with respect to Figs. 36 and 37.

As discussed above, the circuit 21250 for measuring the temperature of the containing element, the circuit 21258 for measuring the current of the heater and the circuit 21252 for measuring the voltage of the heater are connected to the controller 2105 through the terminals of the multi-channel ADC. In order to measure the characteristics and/or parameters of the device 500 for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette (for example, the voltage, current, resistance, temperature or the like of the heater 336), the multi-channel ADC in the controller 2105 can sample the output signals from the sensors 2125 of the device at a sampling frequency corresponding to a given characteristic and/or parameter measured by the corresponding sensor of the device.

Although not shown in Fig. 29, the sensors 2220 of the containing element may also include the sensor 364 shown in Fig. 28. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor 364 may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow or pressure sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure air flow, such as a hot-wire anemometer.

The heating module control circuit 2127 is connected to the controller 2105 via a GPIO output. The heating module control circuit 2127 is configured to control the heating module (its switching on and/or switching off) of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette by controlling the power supply of the heater 336. As discussed in more detail below, the heating module control circuit 2127 can switch off the heating module based on a control signal (sometimes referred to in this document as device power state signals) from the controller 2105.

When the nicotine containing element assembly 300 is inserted into the main part 100 of the device, the controller 2105 is also connected in communication with at least the NVM 2205 and the sensors 2220 of the containing element via the I ² C interface. In one example, the controller 2105 can receive operating parameters for the electrical system 2200 of the nicotine containing element assembly from the NVM 2205.

The controller 2105 may control the indicators 2135 for the vaper to indicate to the adult vaper the states and/or operations of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. The indicators 2135 for the vaper may be at least partially implemented using a light guide (for example, the light guide arrangement shown in Fig. 1) and may include a power indicator (for example, an LED), which may be activated when the controller 2105 detects a button press by the adult vaper. The indicators 2135 for the vaper may also include a vibrator, a speaker or other feedback mechanisms and may indicate the current state of a vaping parameter controlled by the adult vaper (for example, the volume of nicotine vapor).

Still, as shown in Fig. 29, the controller 2105 can control the power supply to the heater 336 for heating the nicotine-containing final vapor composition according to the heating profile (for example, heating based on volume, temperature, aroma, or the like). The heating profile can be determined based on empirical data and can be stored in the NVM 2205 of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine.

Fig. 30 shows a simple block diagram illustrating a dry puff and automatic shut-off control system 2300 according to exemplary embodiments. For brevity, the dry puff and automatic shut-off control system 2300 may be referred to herein as an automatic shut-off control system 2300.

The automatic shutdown control system 2300 shown in Fig. 30 may be implemented in the controller 2105. In one example, the automatic shutdown control system 2300 may be implemented as part of a finite state machine (FSM) software implementation executed in the controller 2105. In the example shown in Fig. 30, the automatic shutdown control system 2300 comprises a dryness detection module 2610. However, it should be understood that the automatic shutdown control system 2300 may comprise various other subsystem modules.

As shown in Fig. 30, the automatic shut-off control system 2300 and, more generally, the controller 2105 may identify a dry puff condition in the nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking device 500 and cause the controller 2105 to control one or more subsystems of the nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking device 500 to perform one or more subsequent actions in response to the identification of the dry puff condition. The dry puff condition may sometimes be referred to as a dry puff fault or a dry puff fault condition. The identification of the dry puff condition may be based on information and/or input data, such as threshold parameters for the containing member assembly 300 for nicotine, containing member sensor information from one or more containing member sensors 2220, sensor information from one or more sensors 2125 of the electrical system 2100 of the main part of the device, any combination thereof, or the like. Dry puff conditions are an example of a serious failure event of the containing element in the device 500 for smoking a nicotine e-cigarette. A serious failure event of the containing element is an event that may require corrective action (e.g., replacement of the containing element assembly for nicotine) to re-enable the vaping functions on the device 500 for smoking a nicotine e-cigarette.

The controller 2105 may control one or more subsystems by outputting one or more control signals (or acknowledging or de-acknowledging a corresponding signal), as will be discussed in more detail below. In some cases, the control signals output from the controller 2105 may be referred to as device power state signals, device power state commands, or device power control signals. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may output one or more control signals to the heating module control circuit 2127 to disable the vaping functions in the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine in response to detecting dry puff conditions in the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine.

According to one or more example embodiments, the type of subsequent actions in the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette may be based on dry puff conditions and/or the current operation of the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. Several subsequent actions may be performed sequentially in response to a fault event, such as dry puff conditions. In one example, the subsequent actions may include:

an automatic shutdown operation in which the device 500 for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette is switched to a low power consumption state (e.g. equivalent to turning off the device for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette using the power button);

a heater shut-off operation in which power to the heater 336 is interrupted or turned off, ending the current puff but otherwise remaining ready for vaping; or

a vaping disable operation in which the vaping subsystem is turned off (e.g., by turning off all power to the heater 336), thereby preventing vaping until corrective action is taken (e.g., replacing the nicotine containing element assembly).

As mentioned above, the automatic shut-off control system 2300 comprises a dryness detection subsystem 2610 (also referred to as a module, circuit, or circuit arrangement of the dryness detection subsystem). Using the dryness detection subsystem 2610, the controller 2105 monitors the wetness (or dryness) of the wick 338 to detect the presence of dry draw conditions in the device 500 for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette. As mentioned above, when dry draw conditions are detected, the controller 2105 can turn off or disable one or more subsystems or elements of the device 500 for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 monitors the wetness of the wick 338 based on the percentage change in the resistance of the heater 336 over time during smoking of the electronic cigarette. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 can receive one or more signals indicating the resistance of the heater 336 from the temperature measuring circuit 21250 of the containing element.

In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may calculate the resistance of the heater 336 based on signals from the heater current measurement circuit 21258 and/or the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252.

According to one or more example embodiments, if the percentage change in the resistance of the heater 336 over a time period exceeds a threshold value of the percentage change in resistance, then the controller 2105 determines that a dry puff condition exists (e.g., the wick 338 is dry) in the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. The controller 2105 can receive the threshold value of the percentage change in resistance from the NVM 2205 in the electrical system 2200 of the nicotine containing element assembly. The threshold value of the percentage change in resistance can be set by the manufacturer of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 based on empirical data, the nicotine-containing final vapor composition, the design of the heater 336, a subcombination thereof, a combination thereof, or the like. According to at least some example embodiments, the threshold value of the percentage change in resistance can be from about 0.1 percent to 25.5 percent (in increments of about 0.1 percent). In one example, the percentage change in resistance may be approximately 2.0 percent for heaters constructed of 316L stainless steel.

In one example, a dry puff condition may exist because the nicotine-containing vapor formulation is not supplied to the wick 338 at a flow rate sufficient to maintain a standard temperature profile for the heater 336. Accordingly, the percentage change in resistance may indicate a flow rate of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation to the wick 338, and the dry detection subsystem 2610 may be characterized as configured to determine whether a dry puff condition exists based on the flow rate of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation to the wick 338. In addition, a dry puff condition may be a result of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation being depleted in the nicotine containing assembly 300. Accordingly, detecting a dry puff condition may also indicate a depleted and/or empty nicotine containing assembly.

The controller 2105 can use a sliding measurement window of N samples of the resistance of the heater 336, so that the determination is made for the most recent time interval during smoking of the electronic cigarette. This allows the controller 2105 to withstand relatively long applications of negative pressure by an adult vaper, while also providing faster detection of dry puff conditions when the resistance of the heater 336 begins to change relatively quickly when negative pressure is applied.

In response to detecting a dry puff condition, the controller 2105 may control the heating module control circuit 2127 to turn off power to the heater 336 (turning off the heater) and/or turning off vaping in the nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking device 500 (turning off vaping).

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory that stores approximately 100 samples (N=100) can be used to set a sliding measurement window of approximately 100 milliseconds (ms) in which the resistance of the heater 336 is periodically updated (e.g., recalculated) in 1 ms increments. The FIFO memory can be internal to the controller 2105 or can be included in the memory 2130 shown in Fig. 29.

According to at least some example embodiments, the sliding window may not begin until the measurement of the resistance of the heater 336 is relatively stable, or false values entered into the FIFO may cause false results later in the process. The resistance measurement is considered to be relatively stable when the resistance measurement reaches an operating state in which the expected measurement error is less than a threshold value of the percentage change in resistance. In one example, the resistance of the heater 336 may become relatively stable after the current flowing through the heater 336 exceeds a threshold value of the "wetting" current (for example, approximately 100 milliamperes (mA)). The controller 2105 may determine that the threshold value of the "wetting" current has been reached by monitoring the current through the heater 336 based on signals from the heater current measurement circuit 21258.

Fig. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a method for detecting dryness according to exemplary embodiments. For purposes of example, the circuit shown in Fig. 31 will be discussed with respect to the electrical systems shown in Fig. 29. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, the exemplary embodiments may be applicable to other devices for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine and their electrical systems. Moreover, the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 31 will be described with respect to the operations performed by the controller 2105. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment may be described in a similar manner with respect to the automatic shut-off control system 2300 and/or the dryness detection subsystem 2 610 performing one or more of the functions/operations shown in Fig. 31.

Referring to Fig. 31, when the nicotine housing assembly 300 is inserted into the device main body 100 and the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette is turned on, in step S2702, the controller 2105 obtains a threshold value Δ%R_THRESHOLD of a percentage change in resistance (also called a percentage change parameter of resistance), which is stored in the NVM 2205 in the electrical system 2200 of the nicotine housing assembly.

In step S2704, the controller 2105 determines whether conditions for vaping exist in the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may determine whether conditions for vaping exist in the electronic device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine, based on the output data from the sensor 364. In one example, if the output data from the sensor 364 indicates the application of a negative pressure above a threshold value on the mouthpiece 102 of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine, then the controller 2105 may determine that conditions for vaping exist in the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine.

If the controller 2105 detects the conditions for vaping in step S2704, then in step S2705 the controller 2105 controls the heating module control circuit 2127 to supply power to the heater 336 for vaping. An exemplary control of the heating module control circuit 2127 to supply power to the heater 336 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to Figs. 38 and 39.

In step S2706, the controller 2105 determines whether the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized. As noted above, the controller 2105 can determine that the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized as soon as the current through the heater 336 reaches a threshold current value of "wetting" (for example, approximately 100 milliamperes (mA)). The controller 2105 can determine that the current through the heater 336 has reached the threshold current value of "wetting" based on the output signals from the heater current measuring circuit 21258.

If the controller 2105 determines that the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized, in step S2706, the controller 2105 begins storing the resistance measurements for the heater 336 in the FIFO memory at 1 ms intervals (in 1 ms increments).

In step S2710, the controller 2105 determines whether the FIFO memory is full (for example, whether a threshold number of samples has been collected). In one example, the FIFO memory may be full when approximately 100 samples of the resistance of the heater 336 have been stored (for example, approximately 100 ms after determining that the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized, in step S2706).

If the controller 2105 determines that the FIFO memory is full, then in step S2712 the controller 2105 calculates the percentage change Δ%R in resistance between the first resistance value R _{t_0} (at time t ₀ ) and the last (most recent) resistance value R _{t_N-1} (at time t _N-1 ), which are stored in the FIFO memory.

In step S2714, the controller 2105 compares the calculated percentage change Δ%R of resistance with the threshold value Δ%R_THRESHOLD of the percentage change in resistance received from the NVM 2205 in step S2702.

If the calculated percentage change Δ%R of the resistance is greater than the threshold value Δ%R_THRESHOLD of the percentage change in resistance, then in step S2716 the controller 2105 controls the heating module control circuit 2127 to turn off the heater 336 (for example, to turn off its power). In one example, the controller 2105 can control the heating module control circuit 2127 to perform a vaping disable operation. As noted above, the vaping disable operation can turn off all power to the heater 336, thereby preventing vaping until a corrective action is performed (for example, by an adult vaper). As discussed in more detail below, the controller 2105 can control the heating module control circuit 2127 to turn off all power to the heater 336 by outputting the COIL_SHDN vapor disable signal having a high logic level (FIG. 38) and/or by de-asserting (or stopping the output) the COIL_VGATE_PWM vapor enable signal (FIG. 39). In at least one example, at least the COIL_VGATE_PWM vapor enable signal can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. An example of a corrective action will also be discussed in more detail below.

Returning to step S2714, if the calculated percentage change Δ%R of resistance is less than or equal to the threshold value Δ%R_THRESHOLD of percentage change in resistance, the process returns to S2708 and continues as described above.

Returning to step S2710, if the controller 2105 determines that the FIFO memory is not yet full, the process returns to step S2708 and continues as discussed above.

Returning to step S2706, if the controller 2105 determines that the resistance of the heater 336 has not yet stabilized, the controller 2105 continues to monitor the resistance of the heater 336. Once the resistance of the heater 336 has stabilized, the process proceeds to step S2708 and continues as discussed above.

Returning to step S2704, if the controller 2105 determines that the hover conditions are not yet present, the controller 2105 continues to monitor the output of the sensor 364 for the hover conditions. Once the hover conditions are detected, the process continues as described above.

Fig. 32 illustrates graphs of the dependence of resistance on time when dry puff conditions exist at the beginning of a puff (“dry puff”), when dry puff conditions occur during a puff (“drying puff”), and when dry puff conditions are absent (“standard puff”).

As shown in Fig. 32, when dry puff conditions exist at the beginning of a puff, the resistance increases more sharply over time. In this example, the controller 2105 can disable the vaping function of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine at the end of an initial sampling interval (for example, approximately 100 ms), since the percentage change Δ%R of the resistance of the heater 336 at the end of the initial time interval is greater than the threshold value Δ%R_THRESHOLD of the percentage change in resistance.

When dry puff conditions begin to occur during a puff, the heater resistance begins to increase more sharply (the slope of the graph increases). In this case, the controller 2105 disables the vaping function at time t _SHUTOFF when the percentage change Δ%R in the heater resistance 336 between the oldest heater resistance and the most recent heater resistance in the FIFO exceeds the threshold value Δ%R_THRESHOLD of the percentage change in resistance.

When the dry puff conditions are not present (standard puff conditions exist), the puff ends and the power supply to the heater 336 is turned off in response to the cessation of the application of negative pressure or after a threshold period of time has elapsed. In this case, a heater off operation may be performed rather than a vaping off operation.

As noted above, dry draw conditions are an example of a serious failure event of the containing element in the nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoking device 500.

Fig. 33 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of operating a device for smoking a nicotine e-cigarette after turning off the vaping function (vaping turn-off operation) in response to detecting a serious malfunction event of the housing member, such as a dry puff condition, according to exemplary embodiments. For purposes of example, the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 33 will be discussed with respect to a dry puff condition. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example.

Also, for purposes of example, the block diagram shown in Fig. 33 will be discussed with respect to the electrical systems shown in Fig. 29. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, the exemplary embodiments may be applicable to other devices for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette and their electrical systems. Moreover, the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 33 will be described with respect to the operations performed by the controller 2105. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment may be described in a similar manner with respect to the automatic shut-off control system 2300 and/or the dryness detection subsystem 2610 performing one or more of the functions/operations shown in Fig. 33.

Referring to Fig. 33, in step S3804, the controller 2105 records the occurrence of dry puff conditions in the memory 2130. In one example, the controller 2105 may store an identifier of an event (dry puff conditions or dry puff event) in connection with a subsequent action (e.g., a vaping off operation) and a time when the event and the subsequent action occurred.

In step S3806, the controller 2105 controls the indicators 2135 for the vaper to output an indication that dry puff conditions have been detected. In one example, the indication may be in the form of a sound, a visual display and/or tactile feedback for an adult vaper. For example, the indication may be a flashing red LED, a software message containing an error code that is sent (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a connected "Application" on a remote electronic device, which may subsequently cause a notification in the Application providing information about a corrective action to the adult vaper, any combination thereof, or the like.

In step S3808, the controller 2105 determines whether the nicotine containing element assembly 300 has been removed (corrective action) from the main part 100 of the device within (before expiration of) the threshold interval of removal time after (e.g., in response to) the indication to the adult vaper of the dry puff conditions. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 can determine that the nicotine containing element assembly 300 has been removed from the main part 100 of the device in a digital manner by checking that the set of five contacts 326 of the nicotine containing element assembly has been removed. In another example, the controller 2105 may determine that the nicotine containing member assembly has been removed from the main portion 100 of the device by detecting that the electrical contacts 324a, 324b and/or 326 of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 have been disconnected from the electrical connector 132 of the device main portion 100. In at least one example, the controller 2105 may determine that the electrical contacts 324a, 324b and/or 326 of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 have been disconnected from the electrical connector 132 of the device main portion 100 by detecting infinite resistance between the electrical contacts 324a, 324b and/or 326 of the nicotine containing member assembly 300 and the electrical connector 132 of the device main portion 100.

If the controller 2105 determines that the nicotine containing element assembly 300 has been removed from the main part 100 of the device within a threshold interval of removal time after the indication (e.g. in response to it) to the adult vaper of the dry puff conditions, then in step S3814 the controller 2105 controls the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine to return to normal operation (to a state without a malfunction). In this case, although the power supply to the heater 336 is still turned off, since the nicotine containing element assembly 300 has been removed, the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine is otherwise ready for vaping in response to the application of negative pressure by the adult vaper, as soon as a new nicotine containing element assembly has been inserted.

In step S3812, the controller 2105 determines whether a new nicotine containing element assembly has been inserted into the main part 100 of the device within (before expiration of) a threshold insertion time interval after removing the nicotine containing element assembly 300 and returning the device 500 for smoking the nicotine-containing e-cigarette to normal operation in step S3814. In at least one example, the threshold insertion time interval may have a duration from about 5 minutes to about 120 minutes. An adult vaper may set the duration of the threshold insertion time interval within this range. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may determine that a new nicotine containing element assembly has been inserted into the main portion 100 of the device by detecting the resistance of the heater 336 (e.g., from about 0.5 ohms to about 5.0 ohms) between the electrical contacts 324a and 324b of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 and the electrical connector 132 of the device of the main portion 100 of the device. In a further exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may determine that a new nicotine containing element assembly has been inserted into the main portion 100 of the device by detecting the presence of a level-up resistor contained in the nicotine containing element assembly 300 between the electrical contacts 32 6 of the nicotine containing element assembly 300 and the electrical connector 132 of the device of the main portion 100 of the device.

If the controller 2105 determines that a new nicotine housing assembly has been inserted into the main portion 100 of the device within the threshold insertion time interval, then in step S3810 the controller 2105 controls the heating module control circuit 2127 to re-enable the vaping module (e.g., to allow power to be supplied to the heater 336). As discussed in more detail below, the controller 2105 can control the heating module control circuit 2127 to re-enable the vaping module by outputting the vaping disable signal COIL_SHDN having a low logic level (FIG. 38) and/or confirming the vaping enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM (FIG. 39).

Returning to step S3812, if the controller 2105 determines that a new nicotine housing assembly has been inserted into the main part 100 of the device within a threshold insertion time interval, then in step S3816 the controller 2105 outputs another one or more control signals for performing an automatic shutdown operation in which the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine is switched off or goes into a low power consumption mode. According to at least some example embodiments, in the context of automatically shutting down the normal software, the controller 2105 can output several or a plurality of GPIO control lines (signals) for shutting down all or substantially all peripheral devices of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine and causing the controller 2105 to go into a sleep state.

Returning now to step S3808, if the nicotine containing member assembly 300 is not removed within the threshold removal time interval, the process proceeds to step S3816 and continues as described above.

Fig. 34 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a heater voltage measurement circuit 21252.

As shown in Fig. 34, the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 includes a resistor 3702 and a resistor 3704 connected in a voltage divider configuration between a terminal configured to receive the COIL_OUT input voltage signal and ground. The COIL_OUT input voltage signal is the voltage at the input (voltage at the input terminal) of heater 336. Node N3716 between resistor 3702 and resistor 3704 is connected to the positive input of operational amplifier (Op-Amp) 3708. Capacitor 3706 is connected between node N3716 and ground to form a low-pass filter (R/C filter) circuit to stabilize the input voltage fed to the positive input of op-amp 3708. The filter circuit can also reduce switching noise inaccuracy caused by the PWM signals used to power heater 336 and have the same phase response/group delay for both current and voltage.

The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 further includes resistors 3710 and 3712 and a capacitor 3714. The resistor 3712 is connected between the node N3718 and a terminal configured to receive the output voltage signal COIL_RTN. The output voltage signal COIL_RTN is the output voltage (voltage at the output terminal) of the heater 336.

Resistor 3710 and capacitor 3714 are connected in parallel between node N3718 and the output of op amp 3708. The negative input of op amp 3708 is also connected to node N3718. Resistors 3710 and 3712 and capacitor 3714 are connected in a low pass filter circuit configuration.

The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 uses the Op-Amp 3708 to measure the voltage difference between the input voltage signal COIL_OUT and the output voltage signal COIL_RTN and output a scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL that represents the voltage across heater 336. The heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 outputs the scaled heater voltage measurement signal COIL_VOL to the ADC pin of the controller 2105 for digital sampling and measurement by the controller 2105.

The gain of the Op-Amp 3708 can be set based on the surrounding passive electrical elements (e.g., resistors and capacitors) to improve the dynamic range of the voltage measurement. In one example, the dynamic range of the Op-Amp 3708 can be achieved by scaling the voltage such that the maximum voltage output matches the maximum range of the ADC input signal (e.g., approximately 1.8 V). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the scaling can be approximately 267 mV per V, and therefore the heater voltage measurement circuit 21252 can measure up to approximately 1.8 V/0.267 V=6.74 V.

Fig. 35 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the heater current measuring circuit 21258 shown in Fig. 29.

As shown in Fig. 35, the output voltage signal COIL_RTN is applied to the input of a four-terminal (4T) sense resistor 3802 connected to ground. The differential voltage across the four-terminal sense resistor 3802 is scaled by an Op-Amp 3806, which outputs a heater current sense signal COIL_CUR indicative of the current through the heater 336. The heater current sense signal COIL_CUR is output to the ADC pin of the controller 2105 for digital sampling and measurement of the current through the heater 336 in the controller 2105.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 35, a four-terminal measuring resistor 3802 can be used to reduce the error in measuring the current using the "Kelvin Current Measurement" method. In this example, separating the current measuring path from the voltage measuring path can reduce interference in the voltage measuring path.

The gain of the Op-Amp 380 can be set to improve the dynamic range of the measurement. In this example, the scaling of the Op-Amp 3806 can be approximately 0.577 V/A, and therefore the heater current measurement circuit 21258 can measure up to approximately .

As shown in Fig. 35 in more detail, the first terminal of the four-terminal sense resistor 3802 is connected to the terminal of the heater 336 for receiving the COIL_RTN output voltage signal. The second terminal of the four-terminal sense resistor 3802 is connected to ground. The third terminal of the four-terminal sense resistor 3802 is connected to a low-pass filter circuit (R/C filter) including a resistor 3804, a capacitor 3808 and a resistor 3810. The output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the positive input of the Op-Amp 3806. The low-pass filter circuit can reduce the inaccuracy due to switching noise caused by the PWM signals supplied to power the heater 336, and can also have the same phase response/group delay for both current and voltage.

The heater current measuring circuit 21258 further includes resistors 3812 and 3814 and a capacitor 3816. The resistors 3812 and 3814 and the capacitor 3816 are connected to the fourth terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802, the negative input of the Op-Amp 3806 and the output of the Op-Amp 3806 in a low-pass filter circuit configuration, wherein the output of the low-pass filter circuit is connected to the negative input of the Op-Amp 3806.

The Op-Amp 3806 outputs the differential voltage as a heater current measurement signal COIL_CUR to the ADC pin of the 2105 controller for sampling and measuring the current through the heater 336 using the 2105 controller.

According to at least this exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the heater current measuring circuit 21258 is similar to the configuration of the heater voltage measuring circuit 21252, except that the low-pass filter circuit, including resistors 3804 and 3810 and capacitor 3808, is connected to a terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802, and the low-pass filter circuit, including resistors 3812 and 3814 and capacitor 3816, is connected to another terminal of the four-terminal measuring resistor 3802.

The controller 2105 can average a plurality of samples (for example, voltage) over a time period (for example, approximately 1 ms) corresponding to the "tick" time used in the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine, and convert the average value into a mathematical representation of the voltage and current on the heater 336 by applying a scaling value. The scaling value can be determined based on the gain settings implemented in the corresponding Op-Amp, which can be specific to the hardware of the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine.

The 2105 controller can filter the converted voltage and current measurements, using, for example, a three-tap moving average filter to attenuate measurement noise. The 2105 controller can then use the filtered measurements to calculate: the resistance R _HEATER of the heater 336 , power P _HEATER supplied to the heater 336 , power supply current , Where , or the like. Efficiency is the ratio of power P _in delivered to heater 336 under all operating conditions. In one example, Efficiency may be at least 85 percent.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the gain settings of the passive circuit elements shown in Fig. 34 and/or 35 may be adjusted so that the output signal range matches the input signal range of the controller 2105.

Fig. 36 and 37 illustrate diagrams of measuring the temperature of the containing element according to exemplary embodiments.

As shown in Fig. 36, the containing element temperature measurement circuit 21250A includes a driver stage 3902A and a measurement stage 3904A. The driver stage 3902A is configured to generate a containing element temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER for delivering power to the containing element temperature measurement sensor 2220 in response to a containing element temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB. The containing element temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER may be a PWM signal. The measurement stage 3904A is configured to generate an containing element temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL based on a comparison signal HW_DAC DAC from a DAC (not shown) in the controller 2105 and a containing element sensor signal SP_HW from the containing element sensor 2220. The output signal HW_SIGNAL of the temperature measurement of the containing element may be a differential voltage signal indicating the temperature of one or more elements of the containing element in the assembly 300 for nicotine. The input and output from the exemplary embodiment of the sensor 2220 of the containing element will be discussed in more detail below.

In more detail with respect to Fig. 36, the driver stage 3902A receives the control signal HW_ENB of measuring the temperature of the containing element from the controller 2105. In this example, the control signal HW_ENB of measuring the temperature of the containing element may be a PWM signal having a duty cycle adjusted by the controller 2105 to change the power based on the signal SP_HW of the sensor of the containing element from the sensor 2220 of the containing element. When the control signal HW_ENB of measuring the temperature of the containing element is confirmed (active), the driver stage 3902A may be turned on and may output the signal HW_POWER of measuring the power of the temperature of the containing element, otherwise the output of the driver stage 3902A may be turned off.

The control signal HW_ENB of the temperature measurement of the containing element is input to the enable terminal EN of the low-dropout (LDO) controller U10, which converts the control signal HW_ENB of the temperature measurement of the containing element, which is a processor signal with a low level of current drive power, into a signal HW_POWER of the power of the temperature measurement of the containing element, which is a PWM signal with a high level of current drive power.

Resistor R80 is connected as a pull-down resistor between the enable pin EN of LDO U10 and ground to ensure that the driver stage pin 3902A is off if the host element temperature measurement control signal HW_ENB is in an undefined state.

The driver stage 3902A additionally includes capacitors C43 and C44. Capacitor C44 is connected to the input terminal IN related to LDO U10 and the voltage source to provide a nicotine reservoir and a filter, which can increase the speed at which the HW_POWER signal of the temperature measurement power of the enclosing element reaches its ON voltage. Capacitor C43 is connected between the output terminal and ground to provide filtering and a nicotine reservoir for the HW_POWER signal of the temperature measurement power of the enclosing element.

Resistors R60 and R61 form a feedback network 39028 in the form of a voltage divider circuit. The feedback network 39028 outputs a feedback voltage to the adjustment terminal ADJ or to the feedback terminal ADJ of LDO U10. LDO U10 sets the precise voltage output of the enclosing element temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER based on the feedback voltage supplied to the feedback terminal ADJ. According to at least some example embodiments, the relationship between the precise voltage output for the enclosing element temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER and the feedback voltage output V _ADJ is defined as In this example, the resistances of resistors R60 and R61 have known resistances, and the voltage V _ADJ is also known based on the type of LDO U10.

At the measuring stage 3904A, the SP_HW signal of the enclosing element sensor from the 2220 enclosing element sensor is fed to the negative input of Op-Amp U11A via resistor R66 to enhance the scaling of the SP_HW voltage of the enclosing element sensor for measurement using the ADC on the 2105 controller. Op-Amp U11A is an inverting amplifier with a gain according to the resistance of resistor R66 and the resistance of resistor R67, which are connected between the negative input and the output of Op-Amp U11A. Capacitor C47 is connected in parallel with resistor R67 to form a low-pass filter circuit for filtering out high-frequency interference from the SP_HW signal of the enclosing element sensor.

The HW_DAC DAC comparison signal from the DAC on the 2105 controller is applied to the positive input of Op-Amp U11A through a 39042 voltage divider network including resistors R63 and R64. The HW_DAC DAC comparison signal sets the reference voltage level for Op-Amp U11A, which effectively selects the differential voltage applied to Op-Amp U11A and suppresses or prevents saturation of Op-Amp U11A. In other words, the HW_DAC DAC comparison signal sets the operating point for Op-Amp U11A to suppress saturation of the HW_SIGNAL enclosing element temperature measurement output signal output by Op-Amp U11A. The 39042 voltage divider reduces each DAC step in voltage to provide more precise range setting control. The ratio of resistors R63 and R64 can be approximately the same as that of the balancing resistor and the 2220 sensor of the containing element (for example, at its maximum temperature). Capacitor C46 is connected in parallel with resistor R64 to form a low-pass filter circuit to filter out noise from the HW_DAC signal of the DAC comparison. Resistor R69 is connected between the output of the voltage divider 39042 and the positive input of Op-Amp U11A.

The SP_HW signal of the enclosing element sensor from the enclosing element sensor 2220 may have a relatively small voltage level (for example, approximately 2 mV), and therefore the relatively high gain of Op-Amp U11A can be used so that the HW_SIGNAL signal of the enclosing element temperature measurement matches the dynamic range of the ADC signal on the controller 2105 (for example, approximately 1.8 V). Accordingly, Op-Amp U11A amplifies the SP_HW signal of the enclosing element sensor and outputs the amplified signal as the HW_SIGNAL output signal of the enclosing element temperature measurement to the ADC for sampling and measurement in the controller 2105.

As shown in Fig. 37, the circuit 21250B for measuring the temperature of the containing element includes a driver stage 3902B and a measuring stage 3904B. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 37, the driver stage 3902B and the measuring stage 3904B are similar to the driver stage 3902A and the measuring stage 3904A, respectively, shown in Fig. 36, except that the driver stage 3902B further includes a measuring balancing resistor R93, and the value of the capacitance of the capacitor C43 can be reduced to increase the rise/fall time of the signal SP_HW of the containing element sensor. In at least one example, the measuring balancing resistor R93 can have a resistance of approximately 3 ohms and can be moved from the electrical system 2200 of the nicotine containing element assembly to the electrical system 2100 of the main part of the device assembly to reduce the cost of the nicotine containing element assembly 300. In addition, in at least an exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 37, the passive elements can be arranged and adjusted to adjust the gain factors so that the output signal range matches the input signal range of the controller 2105.

Fig. 38 is a circuit diagram illustrating a heating module control circuit according to some exemplary embodiments. The heating module control circuit shown in Fig. 38 is an example of the heating module control circuit 2127 shown in Fig. 29.

As shown in Fig. 38, the heating module control circuit 2127A includes a CMOS charge pump U2 configured to supply a power bus (for example, a power bus of approximately 7 V (7V_CP)) to one or more integrated circuits (ICs) of a gate driver to control power FETs (an arrangement of heater power control circuits, also called a circuit or arrangement of heating module timing circuits, not shown in Fig. 38) that power the heater 336 in the housing element assembly 300 for nicotine.

In an exemplary operation, charge pump U2 is controlled (selectively enabled or disabled) based on a hover disable signal COIL_SHDN (a device power state signal, also referred to as a hover enable signal) from controller 2105. In the example shown in Fig. 38, charge pump U2 is enabled in response to the output of the hover disable signal COIL_SHDN having a low logic level, and is disabled in response to the output of the coil disable signal COIL-SHDN having a high logic level. Once the 7V_CP power supply bus has stabilized after the activation of charge pump U2 (e.g., after a settling time interval has elapsed), controller 2105 may turn on the heater enable signal GATE_ON to supply power to the heater power control circuit arrangement and heater 336.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may perform a steam shutdown operation by outputting (turning on) a steam shutdown signal COIL_SHDN having a high logic level to turn off all power to the heater 336 until the steam shutdown signal COIL_SHDN is turned off (switched to a low logic level) by the controller 2105.

The controller 2105 may output a GATE_ON signal of the heater activation (another signal of the power state of the device), having a high logic level, in response to detecting the presence of conditions for vaping in the device 500 for smoking an e-cigarette containing nicotine. In this exemplary embodiment, the transistors (for example, field-effect transistors (FET)) Q5 and Q7A' are activated when the controller 2105 turns on the GATE_ON signal of the heater activation to a high logic level. The controller 2105 may output a GATE_ON signal of the heater activation, having a low logic level, to turn off the power of the heater 336, thereby performing a heater shutdown operation.

If a power stage fault occurs where transistors Q5 and Q7A' do not respond to the heater enable signal GATE_ON, then controller 2105 may perform a hover disable operation by outputting hover disable signal COIL_SHDN at a logic high level to turn off power to the gate driver, which in turn also turns off power to heater 336.

In another example, if the controller 2105 fails to boot up properly, resulting in the COIL_SHDN vapor shutdown signal being in an undefined state, then the heating module control circuit 2127A automatically drives the COIL_SHDN vapor shutdown signal to a logic high level to automatically shut off power to the heater 336.

In more detail with respect to Fig. 38, the capacitor C9, the charge pump U2 and the capacitor C10 are connected in a positive voltage doubler configuration. The capacitor C9 is connected between the terminals C- and C+ of the charge pump U2 and serves as a nicotine reservoir for the charge pump U2. The VIN terminal of the input voltage of the charge pump U2 is connected to the BATT voltage source at node N3801, and the capacitor C10 is connected between ground and the VOUT terminal of the output voltage of the charge pump U2 at node N3802. The capacitor C10 provides a filter and a nicotine reservoir for the output data from the charge pump U2, which can provide a more stable output voltage from the charge pump U2.

Capacitor C11 is connected between node N3801 and ground to provide a filter and nicotine reservoir for the input voltage to charge pump U2.

Resistor R10 is connected between the positive voltage source and the SHDN shutdown pin. Resistor R10 serves as a pull-up resistor to ensure that the SHDN shutdown pin input is high, thereby turning off the output (VOUT) of charge pump U2 and turning off power to heater 336 when the COIL_SHDN vapor shutdown signal is in an undefined state.

Resistor R43 is connected between ground and the gate of transistor Q7A' at node N3804. Resistor R43 serves as a pull-down resistor to ensure that transistor Q7A' is in a high-impedance (OFF) state, thereby disconnecting the 7V_CP supply rail and turning off power to heater 336 if the heater enable GATE_ON signal is in an undefined state.

Resistor R41 is connected between node N3802 and node N3803 between the gate of transistor Q5 and the drain of transistor Q7A'. Resistor R41 serves as a pull-down resistor to ensure more reliable turn-off of transistor Q5.

Transistor Q5 is configured to selectively isolate the 7V_CP supply rail from the VOUT terminal of charge pump U2. The gate of transistor Q5 is connected to node N3803, the drain of transistor Q5 is connected to the VOUT terminal of the output voltage of charge pump U2 at node N3802, and the source of transistor Q5 serves as the output terminal for the 7V_CP supply rail. This configuration allows capacitor C10 to reach its operating voltage faster by isolating the load and creates a fail-safe feature since both the COIL_SHDN hover disable signal and the GATE_ON heater enable signal must be in the correct state to energize heater 336.

Transistor Q7A is configured to control the operation of transistor Q5 based on the GATE_ON signal of the heater activation. For example, when the GATE_ON signal of the heater activation has a high logic level (e.g., above ~2 V), transistor Q7A is in its low-impedance (ON) state, which leads to grounding of the gate of transistor Q5, thereby leading to the transition of transistor Q5 to a low-impedance (ON) state. In this case, the heating module control circuit 2127A outputs the 7V_CP power bus to the heating module timing circuit (not shown), thereby providing power to the heater 336.

If the GATE_ON signal for the heater activation is logic low, then transistor Q7A goes into a high-impedance (OFF) state, which causes the gate of transistor Q5 to discharge through resistor R41, thereby putting transistor Q5 into a high-impedance (OFF) state. In this case, the 7V_CP power bus is not brought out, and the power supply to the heating module timing circuit (and heater 336) is disconnected.

In the example shown in Fig. 38, since transistor Q5 requires a gate voltage as high as the source voltage (~7V) to be in the high-impedance (OFF) state, controller 2105 does not control transistor Q5 directly. Transistor Q7A provides a mechanism for controlling transistor Q5 based on the lower voltage from controller 2105.

Fig. 39 is a circuit diagram illustrating another heating module control circuit according to exemplary embodiments. The heating module control circuit shown in Fig. 39 is another example of the heating module control circuit 2127 shown in Fig. 29.

As shown in Fig. 39, the heating module control circuit 2127B includes a bus converter circuit 39020 (also called a boost converter circuit) and a gate driver circuit 39040. The bus converter circuit 39020 is configured to output a voltage signal 9V_GATE (also called a power signal or an input voltage signal) for powering the gate driver circuit 39040 based on a hover enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM (also called a hover disable signal). The bus converter circuit 39020 can be determined by software, and the hover enable signal COIL_VGATE_PWM is used to regulate the output signal 9V_GATE.

The gate driver circuit 39040 uses the 9V_GATE input voltage signal from the bus converter circuit 39020 to drive the heating module timing circuit 3906.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 39, the bus converter circuit 39020 generates the 9V_GATE input voltage signal only if the COIL_VGATE_PWM vaping enable signal is asserted (present). The controller 2105 can turn off the 9V bus to turn off the power supply to the gate driver circuit 39040 by de-asserting (terminating or completing) the COIL_VGATE_PWM vaping enable signal. Like the COIL_SHDN vaping disable signal in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 38, the COIL_VGATE_PWM vaping enable signal can serve as a device state power signal for performing a vaping disable operation in the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. In this example, the controller 2105 may perform a vaping disable operation by deasserting the COIL_VGATE_PWM vaping enable signal, thereby turning off all power to the gate driver circuit 39040, the heating module timing circuit 3906, and the heater 336. Then, the controller 2105 may enable vaping in the nicotine e-cigarette smoking device 500 by reasserting the COIL_VGATE_PWM vaping enable signal to the bus converter circuit 39020.

Similar to the GATE_ON signal of the heater activation in Fig. 38, the controller 2105 can output the first signal GATE_ENB of the heater activation, having a high logic level, to turn on the power supply of the synchronization circuit 3906 of the heating module and the heater 336 in response to detecting conditions for vaping in the device 500 for smoking a nicotine-containing e-cigarette. The controller 2105 can output the first signal GATE_ENB of the heater activation, having a low logic level, to turn off the power supply of the synchronization circuit 3906 of the heating module and the heater 336, thereby performing a heater shutdown operation.

Referring in more detail to the bus converter circuit 39020 in Fig. 39, capacitor C36 is connected between the BATT voltage source and ground. Capacitor C36 serves as a nicotine reservoir for the bus converter circuit 39020.

The first terminal of inductor L1006 is connected to node Nodel between the BATT voltage source and capacitor C36. Inductor L1006 serves as the main storage element of the 39020 bus converter circuit.

The second terminal of the inductor L1006, the drain of the transistor (e.g., a MOSFET in boost mode) Q1009, and the first terminal of the capacitor C1056 are connected at Node2. The source of the transistor Q1009 is connected to ground, and the gate of the transistor Q1009 is configured to receive the COIL_VGATE_PWM signal to enable hovering from the 2105 controller.

In the example shown in Fig. 39, transistor Q1009 serves as the main switching element of bus converter circuit 39020.

Resistor R29 is connected between the gate of transistor Q1009 and ground to act as a pull-down resistor to ensure that transistor Q1009 turns off more reliably and that operation of heater 336 is prevented when the COIL_VGATE_PWM hover enable signal is in an undefined state.

The second terminal of the capacitor C1056 is connected to the cathode of the Zener diode D1012 and the anode of the Zener diode D1013 in node Node3. The anode of the Zener diode D1012 is connected to ground.

The cathode of the Zener diode D1013 is connected to the terminal of capacitor C35 and the input of the voltage divider circuit comprising resistors R1087 and R1088 at Node4. The other terminal of capacitor C35 is connected to ground. The voltage at Node4 is also the output voltage 9V_GATE derived from the 39020 bus converter circuit.

Resistor R1089 is connected to the output of the voltage divider circuit at Node5.

In the example operation, when the COIL_VGATE_PWM hover enable signal is asserted and logic high, transistor Q1009 switches to a low impedance (ON) state, thereby allowing current to flow from the VATT voltage source and capacitor C36 to ground through inductor L1006 and transistor Q1009. This stores energy in inductor L1006, with the current increasing linearly over time.

When the COIL_VGATE_PWM hover enable signal is at a logic low level, transistor Q1009 switches to a high-impedance (OFF) state. In this case, inductor L1006 maintains the current flow (linearly decaying), and the voltage at node Node2 increases.

The duty cycle of the COIL_VGATE_PWM hover enable signal determines the amount of voltage boost for a given load. Accordingly, the COIL_VGATE_PWM hover enable signal is controlled by the 2105 controller in closed loop, using the COIL_VGATE_FB feedback signal output by the voltage divider circuit in Node5 as feedback. The switching described above occurs at a relatively high speed (e.g., approximately 2 MHz, but different frequencies may be used depending on the desired parameters and element values).

Still referring to the bus converter circuit 39020 of Fig. 39, capacitor C1056 is an AC coupling capacitor that provides DC blocking to remove a DC level. Capacitor C1056 blocks current from flowing from the BATT voltage source through inductor L1006 and diode D1013 to the gate driver circuit 39040 when the COIL_VGATE_PWM vaping enable signal is low to preserve battery life (e.g., when the nicotine e-cigarette vaping device 500 is in standby mode). The capacitance of capacitor C1056 can be selected to provide a relatively low path impedance at the switching frequency.

Zener diode D1012 sets the base level of the switching signal. Since capacitor C1056 removes the DC level, the voltage at Node3 can typically be bipolar. In one example, Zener diode D1012 can clamp the negative half-cycle of the signal to approximately 0.3 V below the base level.

Capacitor C35 serves as the output nicotine reservoir for the 39020 bus converter circuit. Zener diode D1013 blocks current flow from capacitor C35 through capacitor C1056 and transistor Q1009 when transistor Q1009 is ON.

As the decaying current from inductor L1006 creates a voltage rise at Node4 between Zener diode D1013 and capacitor C35, current flows into capacitor C35. Capacitor C35 maintains the voltage at 9V_GATE while energy is stored in inductor L1006.

A voltage divider circuit including resistors R1087 and R1088 reduces the voltage to an acceptable level for measurement by the ADC in the 2105 controller. This reduced voltage signal is output as the COIL_VGATE_FB feedback signal.

In the circuit shown in Fig. 39, the voltage of the COIL_VGATE_FB feedback signal is scaled by approximately 0.25 times, therefore the 9 V output voltage is reduced to approximately 2.25 V for input to the ADC in the 2105 controller.

Resistor R1089 provides current limiting in the event of an overvoltage fault at the output of the 39020 bus converter circuit (e.g. at Node4) to protect the ADC in the 2105 controller.

The 9V_GATE output voltage signal of 9V is output from the bus converter circuit 39020 to the gate driver circuit 39040 to power the gate driver circuit 39040.

Turning now to the gate driver circuit 39040 in more detail, the gate driver circuit 39040 includes, among other things, an integrated gate driver U2003 configured to convert one or more low-current signals from the controller 2105 into high-current signals for controlling the switching of transistors (e.g., MOSFETs) of the heating module timing circuit 3906. The integrated gate driver U2003 is also configured to convert voltage levels from the controller 2105 into voltage levels required by the transistors of the heating module timing circuit 3906. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 39, the integrated gate driver U2003 is a half-bridge driver. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example.

In more detail, the 9 V output voltage from the bus converter circuit 39020 is input to the gate driver circuit 39040 through a filter circuit including resistor R2012 and capacitor C2009. The filter circuit including resistor R2012 and capacitor C2009 is connected to the VCC terminal (pin 4) of the integrated gate driver U2003 and the anode of the Zener diode S2002 at Node6. The second terminal of capacitor C2009 is connected to ground. The anode of the Zener diode B2002 is connected to the first terminal of capacitor C2007 and the step-up terminal BST (pin 1) of the integrated gate driver U2003 at Node7. The second terminal of the capacitor C2007 is connected to the terminal SWN of the switching node (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U2003 and the heating module synchronization circuit 3906 (for example, between two MOSFETs) in the node Node8. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 39, the Zener diode D2002 and the capacitor C2007 form part of a charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit connected between the input voltage terminal VCC and the step-up terminal BST of the integrated gate driver U2003. Since the capacitor C2007 is connected to the 9V_GATE input voltage signal of 9 V from the bus converter circuit 39020, the capacitor C2007 is charged to a voltage almost equal to the 9V_GATE voltage signal through the diode D2002.

Still, as shown in Fig. 39, the DRVH terminal of the high-side voltage gate driver (pin 8), the BRVL terminal of the low-side voltage gate driver (pin 5), and the EP terminal (pin 9) of the built-in gate driver U2003 are also connected to the timing circuit 3906 of the heating module.

Resistor R2013 and capacitor C2010 form a filter circuit connected to the input terminal IN (terminal 2) of the integrated gate driver U2003. The filter circuit is designed to remove high-frequency interference from the second heater-on signal COIL_Z to the input terminal. The second heater-on signal COIL_Z may be a PWM signal from the 2105 controller.

Resistor R2014 is connected to the filter circuit and the IN input terminal at Node9. Resistor R2014 is used as a pull-down resistor so that if the second heater enable signal COIL_Z is floating (or undefined), then the IN input terminal of the integrated gate driver U2003 is held low to prevent the 3906 heater module and heater 336 synchronization circuit from activating.

The first heater enable signal GATE_ENB from the controller 2105 is input to the OD pin (pin 3) of the integrated gate driver U2003. Resistor R2016 is connected to the OD pin of the integrated gate driver U2003 as a pull-down resistor, so that if the first heater enable signal GATE_ENB from the controller 2105 is floating (or undefined), then the OD pin of the integrated gate driver U2003 is held at a logic low level to prevent activation of the 3906 synchronization circuit of the heating module and the heater 336.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 39, the heating module timing circuit 3906 includes a transistor (e.g., MOSFET) circuit including transistors (e.g., MOSFET) 39062 and 39064 connected in series between the voltage source BATT and ground. The gate of the transistor 39064 is connected to the DRVL terminal of the low-voltage side gate driver (pin 5) of the integrated gate driver U2003, the drain of the transistor 39064 is connected to the SWN terminal of the switching node (pin 7) of the integrated gate driver U2003 at node Node8, and the source of the transistor 39064 is connected to ground GND.

When the low-side gate drive signal output from the low-side gate driver DRVL pin is high, the 39064 transistor is in a low-impedance (ON) state, thereby connecting Node8 to ground.

As mentioned above, since capacitor C2007 is connected to the 9V_GATE input voltage signal from the 39020 bus converter circuit, capacitor C2007 is charged to a voltage equal to or substantially equal to the 9V_GATE input voltage signal through diode D2002.

When the low-side gate drive signal output from the DRVL pin of the low-side gate driver is low, the transistor 39064 switches to a high-impedance (OFF) state, and the DRVH pin of the high-side gate driver (pin 8) is internally connected to the pull-up pin BST inside the integrated gate driver U2003. As a result, the transistor 39062 is in a low-impedance (ON) state, thereby connecting the switching node SWN to the BATT voltage source to pull the switching node SWN (Node 8) up to the BATT voltage source voltage.

In this case, Node 7 is raised to a step-up voltage of V(BST) ≈ V(9V_GATE) + V(BATT), which allows the gate-to-source voltage of transistor 39062 to be the same or substantially the same as the voltage of the 9V_GATE input voltage signal (e.g., V(9V_GATE)) regardless of (or independent of) the voltage from the BATT voltage source. As a result, switching node SWN (Node 8) provides a high current switching signal that can be used to generate an output voltage to heater 336 that is substantially independent of the voltage coming out of the battery voltage source BATT.

Fig. 40 and 41 illustrate exemplary embodiments of temperature-sensitive transducers included in the sensors 2220 of the containing element shown in Fig. 29.

As shown in Fig. 40, the temperature-sensitive transducer 3600A comprises a resistor R3602 and a sensor transducer R3604. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the resistor R3602 may have a fixed resistance of approximately 3 ohms. The sensor transducer R3604 may be a resistor having a variable resistance that changes depending on the temperature. The resistor R3602 and the sensor transducer R3604 are arranged in a voltage divider circuit so that the voltage on the sensor transducer R3604 (the voltage on the measuring node N3606) can be output to the containing element temperature measuring circuit 21250 for scaling and then used in measuring the temperature of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine or one or more elements of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine.

In the exemplary operation, the driver stage 3902A of the containing element temperature measurement circuit 21250A (Fig. 36) supplies the containing element temperature measurement power signal HW_POWER to the temperature sensing transducer 3600A, and the measuring stage 3904A of the containing element temperature measurement circuit 21250A scales the detected voltage of the containing element sensor signal SP_HW at the measuring node N3606 and outputs the scaled voltage to the controller 2105 as the containing element temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL. The controller 2105 then determines the temperature of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine or one or more elements of the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine based on the containing element temperature measurement output signal HW_SIGNAL.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the voltage of the HW_POWER signal of the containing element temperature measurement power may be fixed, and therefore, the containing element temperature measurement circuit 21250A may also calculate the current through the resistors R3602 and R3604, since the resistance of the resistor R3602 is a known resistance.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 41, the temperature sensing transducer 3600B is similar to the temperature sensing transducer 3600A in Fig. 40, except that, as mentioned above with respect to Fig. 37, the resistor R3602 is eliminated from the temperature sensing transducer 3600B and moved to the driver stage 3902B of the containing element temperature measuring circuit 21250B in Fig. 37. By moving the resistor R3602 to the driver stage 3902B of the containing element temperature measuring circuit 21250B, the cost of the electrical system 2200 of the containing element assembly for nicotine and/or the number of terminals required for communication between the main part 100 of the device and the containing element assembly 300 for nicotine can be reduced. Moreover, the resistance of the sensor-transducer R3606 in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 41 may be greater than the resistance of the sensor-transducer R3604 in Fig. 40 in order to reduce the current consumed by the temperature-sensitive converter 3600B.

While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the scope of the present invention, and it is intended that all such modifications that are obvious to one skilled in the art be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (81)

1. A heating module control circuit for controlling the operation of a heater of an electronic device for vaping nicotine, wherein the heating module control circuit comprises: a bus converter circuit configured to convert a power supply voltage into a power signal based on a hover enable signal, wherein the hover enable signal is a pulse width modulated signal; and a shutter trigger circuit comprising a built-in shutter trigger, wherein the built-in shutter trigger is configured to control the supply of power to a heater for heating a nicotine-containing final vapor composition extracted from a nicotine reservoir in an electronic nicotine vaping device based on a power signal, a first enable signal and a second enable signal. 2. A control circuit for a heating module according to claim 1, characterized in that the bus converter circuit is designed with the ability to turn off the power signal in response to the termination of the hovering enable signal. 3. A control circuit for a heating module according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that The signal to turn on vaping is received from the controller of the electronic device for vaping nicotine; the bus converter circuit is configured to output a feedback signal to the controller, wherein the feedback signal is a scaled version of the power signal indicating the current voltage level of the power signal; and The duty cycle of the hover signal is based on the feedback signal. 4. A control circuit for a heating module according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the second enable signal is a pulse width modulated signal; the built-in shutter trigger device is configured to receive a second enable signal at the input terminal; and the gate driver circuit comprises a filter circuit connected to the input terminal, wherein the filter circuit is configured to filter the second enable signal before input to the built-in gate driver. 5. The heating module control circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that the gate driver circuit comprises a pull-down resistor connected to the input terminal of the built-in gate driver, wherein the pull-down resistor is configured to maintain the input terminal at a low logic level when the second enable signal is in a high-impedance state. 6. A control circuit for a heating module according to any preceding paragraph, characterized in that the circuit for the shutter trigger device comprises: a charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit connected between the input voltage terminal and the step-up terminal of the built-in gate driver. 7. A control circuit for the heating module according to item 6, characterized in that the charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit is connected to the terminal of the switching unit of the built-in shutter trigger device. 8. A control circuit for the heating module according to paragraph 6 or 7, characterized in that the circuit for the shutter trigger device contains: a filter circuit connected between the power signal input terminal and the charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit. 9. A control circuit for a heating module according to any preceding paragraph, characterized in that the bus converter circuit comprises: the first capacitor connected between the power supply and ground; an inductor having a first terminal connected to a first node between the power supply and the first capacitor, and a second terminal connected to a second node; a switching transistor connected between said second node and ground, wherein the switching transistor is configured to receive a hover enable signal; a second capacitor having a first terminal connected to said second node and a second terminal connected to said third node; a first diode having an anode connected to ground and a cathode connected to said third node; a second diode having an anode connected to said third node and a cathode connected to said fourth node; a third capacitor connected between said fourth node and ground; and a voltage divider circuit connected to said fourth node, wherein the voltage divider circuit is configured to output a feedback signal based on the power signal. 10. The control circuit for the heating module according to item 9, characterized in that the bus converter circuit additionally contains: a pull-down resistor connected between the gate of the switching transistor and ground, wherein the pull-down resistor is configured to prevent the output of a power signal when the hover enable signal is in an undefined state. 11. A control circuit for a heating module according to any preceding paragraph, characterized in that the circuit for starting the shutter additionally contains: a first filter circuit configured to filter a power signal for input to an embedded gate driver; and a second filter circuit configured to filter the second enable signal for input to the built-in gate driver. 12. A control circuit for a heating module according to any preceding paragraph, characterized in that it additionally contains: a heating module synchronization circuit configured to control the power supply of the heater, wherein the heating module synchronization circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground; and wherein the gate trigger circuit is configured to output a control voltage to the gate of the first transistor to maintain the gate-source voltage of the first transistor at a power signal voltage level independent of the power supply voltage level. 13. A control circuit for a heating module according to any preceding paragraph, characterized in that it additionally contains: a heating module synchronization circuit configured to control the power supply of the heater, wherein the heating module synchronization circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground; and wherein the gate driver circuit is configured to output a current switching signal to generate an output voltage on the heater, wherein the output voltage level on the heater does not depend on the voltage level of the power supply. 14. An electronic device for vaping nicotine, comprising: a heater configured to heat a nicotine-containing prepared vapor composition drawn from a nicotine reservoir; a bus converter circuit configured to convert a power supply voltage into a power signal based on a hover enable signal, wherein the hover enable signal is a pulse width modulated signal; and a shutter trigger circuit comprising a built-in shutter trigger, wherein the built-in shutter trigger is configured to control the supply of power to the heater of the electronic nicotine vaping device based on the power signal, the first enable signal and the second enable signal. 15. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to claim 14, characterized in that the bus converter circuit is designed with the ability to turn off the power signal in response to the termination of the vaping enable signal. 16. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to paragraph 14 or 15, characterized in that the bus converter circuit is configured to output a feedback signal, wherein the feedback signal is a scaled version of the power signal indicating the current voltage level of the power signal; and an electronic device for vaping nicotine comprises a controller configured to generate a vaping enable signal based on a feedback signal. 17. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to claim 16, characterized in that the controller is designed with the ability to control the working cycle of the vaping enable signal based on a feedback signal. 18. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of paragraphs 14-17, characterized in that the second enable signal is a pulse width modulated signal; the built-in shutter trigger device is configured to receive a second enable signal at the input terminal; and the gate driver circuit comprises a filter circuit connected to the input terminal, wherein the filter circuit is configured to filter the second enable signal before input to the built-in gate driver. 19. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to claim 18, characterized in that the gate driver circuit comprises a pull-down resistor connected to the input terminal of the built-in gate driver, wherein the pull-down resistor is configured to maintain the input terminal at a low logic level when the second enable signal is in a high-impedance state. 20. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of paragraphs 14-19, characterized in that the circuit of the shutter trigger device comprises: a charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit connected between the input voltage terminal and the step-up terminal of the built-in gate driver. 21. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to item 20, characterized in that the charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit is connected to the terminal of the switching unit of the built-in shutter trigger device. 22. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to paragraph 20 or 21, characterized in that the circuit of the shutter trigger device contains: a filter circuit connected between the power signal input terminal and the charge pump compensation and stabilization circuit. 23. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of paragraphs 14-22, characterized in that the bus converter circuit comprises: the first capacitor connected between the power supply and ground; an inductor having a first terminal connected to a first node between the power supply and said first capacitor, and a second terminal connected to a second node; a switching transistor connected between said second node and ground, wherein the switching transistor is configured to receive a hover enable signal; a second capacitor having a first terminal connected to said second node and a second terminal connected to said third node; a first diode having an anode connected to ground and a cathode connected to said third node; a second diode having an anode connected to said third node and a cathode connected to said fourth node; a third capacitor connected between said fourth node and ground; and a voltage divider circuit connected to said fourth node, wherein the voltage divider circuit is configured to output a feedback signal based on the power signal. 24. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to item 23, characterized in that the bus converter circuit additionally contains: a pull-down resistor connected between the gate of the switching transistor and ground, wherein the pull-down resistor is configured to prevent the output of a power signal when the hover enable signal is in an undefined state. 25. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of paragraphs 14-24, characterized in that the circuit of the shutter trigger device additionally contains: a first filter circuit configured to filter a power signal for input to an embedded gate driver; and a second filter circuit configured to filter the second enable signal for input to the built-in gate driver. 26. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of paragraphs 14-25, characterized in that it additionally contains: a heating module synchronization circuit configured to control the power supply of the heater, wherein the heating module synchronization circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground; and wherein the gate trigger circuit is configured to output a control voltage to the gate of the first transistor to maintain the gate-source voltage of the first transistor at a power signal voltage level independent of the power supply voltage level. 27. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of paragraphs 14-26, characterized in that it additionally contains: a heating module synchronization circuit configured to control the power supply of the heater, wherein the heating module synchronization circuit comprises a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series between the power supply and ground; and wherein the gate driver circuit is configured to output a current switching signal to generate an output voltage on the heater, wherein the output voltage level on the heater does not depend on the voltage level of the power supply. 28. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of paragraphs 14-27, characterized in that it additionally contains: a nicotine reservoir for storing the prepared nicotine-containing vapor composition; a wick configured to transfer the nicotine-containing prepared vapor composition from the nicotine reservoir to the heater; and the heater is designed with the possibility of heating a ready-made vapor composition containing nicotine, transferred from a nicotine reservoir via a wick.