WO2020099823A1

WO2020099823A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2020099823A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/052805
Authority: WO
Inventors: David LEADLEY
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-16
Filing date: 2019-10-04
Publication date: 2020-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2021-05-16
Also published as: GB201818721D0

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision (AP) system, comprising: a body; an aerosol generator, arranged within the body, operable to generate an aerosolised payload; a mouthpiece for engaging with a mouth of a user, the mouthpiece providing fluid communication between an interior of the body and an exterior of the body; an airflow generator arranged in operation to generate an airflow through at least a portion of the body, arranged such that the airflow generator operates at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece to expel some or all remaining aerosolised payload, generated during said inhalation by the user, from the AP system.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision system, a method for expelling aerosolised payload and an aerosol provision means.

Background

Aerosol provision systems are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often suitable media require significant levels of heating prior to generating an aerosol for inhalation. The aerosol generated in the system may condense inside the system and damage components.

The present invention is directed toward solving some of the above identified issues.

Summary

Aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision (AP) system in accordance with claim 1.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein there is provided a method for expelling aerosolised payload in accordance with claim 13.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision (AP) means in accordance with claim 14.

The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which like parts are depicted by like reference numerals: Figure l is a schematic sectional view of an aerosol provision system according to an example; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of an aerosol provision system according to an example; and,

Figure 3 illustrates a method for expelling aerosolised payload from an aerosol provision system.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an aerosol provision (AP) system 100. The system 100 as illustrated in this example is designed to simulate a cigarette and therefore may have a substantially cylindrical shape and may be approximately the same size as a cigarette. The system 100 has a body 102. The system 100 has an aerosol generator 110, arranged within the body 102, operable to generate an aerosolised payload. The system 100 has a mouthpiece 120 for engaging with a mouth of a user, the mouthpiece 120 providing fluid communication between an interior of the body 102 and an exterior of the body 102. The system 100 has an airflow generator 130 arranged in operation to generate an airflow through at least a portion of the body 102. The system 100 is arranged such that the airflow generator 130 operates at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece 120 to expel some or all remaining aerosolised payload, generated during said inhalation by the user, from the AP system 100.

The aerosol generator 110 may be any vapour provision system, which may include any of a heater, an atomizer, a wick, a reservoir and the like. The aerosol generator 110 may generate aerosol, prior to or on activation of the system 100, for inhalation by a user. The aerosol generator 110 may have a reservoir of aerosolisable substances, which may include nicotine and nicotine-containing substances. The mouthpiece 120 may have an outlet for allowing aerosol generated within the body 102 of the system 100 to be inhaled by the user. The mouthpiece 120 may be of a form that is comfortable for a user to place into their mouth and inhale on. The mouthpiece 120 may contain a filter. This may enable particulates to be removed from the aerosol prior to inhalation by a user.

The airflow generator 130 is shown in the example of Figure 1 to be located at a distal end of the system 100. The airflow generator 130 may be located elsewhere in the system 100. The airflow generator 130 enables forced expulsion of aerosol produced, but which is not then inhaled by a user. The airflow generator 130 enables reduction of aerosol produced, but not inhaled (remaining aerosolised payload), subsequently condensing within the system 100. Aerosol condensing within the system 100 may condense on components within the system 100 which can reduce the lifetime of said components. As such, the airflow generator 130 increases the lifetime of the system 100. “Remaining aerosolised payload” as used herein is taken to mean aerosolised payload that was generated during normal use of the system 100 but which was not inhaled due to cessation of inhalation. Activation of the airflow generator 130 may occur prior to, during, or immediately after inhalation, as described herein.

In an example, the airflow generator 130 operates at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece 120 below a predetermined threshold level of reduction of inhalation. It will be understood that‘at least immediately’ means that a delay of 0s or threshold drop of 0% is the fastest or most sensitive possible response, but that a longer delay or threshold may be considered, and indeed may be preferable as described later herein. A threshold level of reduction of inhalation at which the airflow generator 130 operates may be set, which may range from 1% to 100%. The system 100 may comprise an airflow detector (e.g. a dynamic air pressure sensor, flow rate sensor or other sensor as described later herein) to identify when the threshold level of reduction of inhalation has been reached and, as such, when to activate the airflow generator 130. The airflow detector may be located, for example, at the mouthpiece, as this may most directly indicate a change in inhalation by the user prior to any airflow constrictions or other influences on airflow that may reduce or delay detection. However, in principle the airflow detector can be placed anywhere within a normal airflow path of the AP system during inhalation. Activation of the airflow generator 130 at a predetermined threshold level of reduction of inhalation may assist in preventing fluctuating activation of the airflow generator 130 during for example a prolonged use session involving a number of inhalations. The threshold level being set at a greater level of reduction ensures that the use session (or vape session or smoking session) has ceased prior to activation of the airflow generator 130.

In an example, the predetermined threshold level of reduction of inhalation is one selected from the list consisting of: 10% reduction of inhalation; 50% reduction of inhalation; and, 100% reduction of inhalation. There are different advantages associated with low reduction levels and high reduction levels. A reduction of 100% is equivalent to cessation of airflow through the system 100.

A lower reduction level (e.g. 10%) enables the airflow generator 130 to activate more promptly following generating of aerosol. As such, this reduces the amount of time the remaining aerosolised payload is present within the system 100 during which condensation may occur.

A higher reduction level (e.g. 100%) prevents the airflow generator 130 from incorrectly or intermittently activating during a short break in a use session or during pressure fluctuations during a singular inhalation. Incorrect (and early) activation of the airflow generator 130 may be uncomfortable or concerning for a user. A threshold of 100% reduction ensures that the airflow generator 130 only operates when inhalation has ceased entirely. As such, this may improve a user’s experience of the system 100. Meanwhile, a threshold of 50% represents a trade-off between these considerations, preventing over sensitivity but responding to a drop in inhalation activity rapidly and, potentially, whilst the user is in the act of ceasing inhalation. Clearly, thresholds of 75% and 25% (and other values) represent other trade-offs favouring one or the other consideration.

A consistent reduction level threshold over time increases the user familiarity with the system 100, which a number of users desire. The repeating nature of the system 100, in terms of activation of airflow generator in relation to the reduction of inhalation, results therefore in greater familiarity for the user and therefore an improvement in the user experience of the system 100 In an example, the user may be able to set the predetermined threshold level of reduction of inhalation at which operation of the airflow generator 130 occurs. The user may decide to vary the threshold until a preferred threshold is found. This improves the user experience of the system 100.

In an example, the operation of the airflow generator 130 is initiated by the inhalation of the user. The airflow generator 130 may be formed of one or more rotatable propellers or helical structures (e.g. similar to an Archimedean screw) located within a, or the, airflow path of the system 100, which can be moved as a result of the inhalation of the user drawing air past it. The propeller or equivalent may have sufficient inertia to continue rotation for a period after the user’s inhalation has ceased to drive it, thereby expelling aerosol from the system 100 after diminution and/or cessation of inhalation by the user. Such a propeller system would be cheap to manufacture and simple to install and maintain. A lack of complex components results in a system 100 that is less likely to break and also cheaper to repair.

Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of an AP system 100. Figure 2 shows an arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 1. Reference numerals indicating the same features as shown in Figure 1 are the same as those numerals used in Figure 1. These same features will not all be discussed in detail here. The example of the system 100 shown in Figure 2 differs to that of Figure 1 in the location of the aerosol generator 110 and airflow generator 130 within the body 102 of the system 100. The example shown in Figure 2 has an air aperture 104 in the body 102 of the system 100. The example shown in Figure 2 also has a power source 140 contained within the body 102. The power source 140 may supply electrical energy (or mechanical energy or the like) to other components in the system 100.

The AP system 100 of Figure 2 further comprises a power source 140 connected to the airflow generator 130. Operation of the airflow generator 130 may be initiated by the power source 140. In contrast to a user-inhalation-activated airflow generator 130, which is inherently limited in terms of energy by virtue of the pressure of inhalation of a user, the power source 140 may not be so limited and therefore may provide more airflow. Inclusion of a power source 140 may increase the cost of such a system 100.

In an example, the system 100 may have a hybrid power system. The user inhalation may initiate activation of the airflow generator 130, and subsequently activation may be maintained by the power source 140. This arrangement utilises the energy of the user inhalation, which must occur during use of the system 100, and saves energy from the power source 140 during the power-costly initiating period of the airflow generator 130. The continuation of activation of the airflow generator 130 by the power source 140 results in a longer period of activation of the airflow generator 130 than compared to when the airflow generator 130 is activated and maintained by user inhalation only.

Optionally the rotation of the airflow generator by the inhalation of the user may also be used as the airflow sensor, with a drop in rotation rate corresponding to a reduction in inhalation. As described previously the threshold for triggering powered airflow generation may vary according to a trade-off between sensitivity and responsiveness. Where the propeller or equivalent is coupled to a motor, a voltage may be generated by the rotation in a manner similar to a dynamo, and used as a proxy and hence sensor output for the airflow.

In an example, optionally the airflow generator 130 comprises a flavour-generating material arranged on an outer portion of the airflow generator 130 or provided from a secondary source within the aerosol provision system 100. The flavour-generating material may be entrained in airflow over the airflow generator 130, in this way the airflow generator 130 may contribute a different sensory effect to the aerosol to be inhaled by the user. Optionally in this case the airflow generator 130 is not located on a primary air flow path of the system 100 used during inhalation, so that during inhalation the flavour of the primary payload is experienced alone, before a secondary flavour is introduced by the airflow generator 130.

In an example, the first aerosol may be a nicotine based aerosol produced from e.g. tobacco, and the second aerosol may be produced from e.g. menthol. In this way, a user may be able to inhale a first nicotine-based aerosol and a second non-nicotine based aerosol.

In an example, the airflow generator 130 or more generally the AP system 100 comprises additional storage capability for absorbing at least some of the remaining aerosolised payload within the AP system 100. This may be in the form of an absorptive coating on at least part of the airflow generator 130 and/or the walls of a main airflow channel within the AP system 100. Indeed, the system 100 may have a small area of the main channel where airflow drives condensates that may have a small opening and narrow channel back to a reservoir, encouraging return by capillary action. When vapour is expelled through the air aperture 104, and the reservoir is located near the air aperture 104, the vapour may be condensed and collected and returned to the reservoir to save vaporisable material.

Alternatively or additionally, additional storage capacity may be provided by a consumable element introduced to the device 100 in the form of an internal sleeve or filter. This consumable element may be located near an outlet or inlet of the device 100.

In an example, the airflow generator 130 expels the some or all remaining aerosolised payload in a direction parallel to a direction of airflow from the interior of the body 102 to the mouthpiece 120. The direction of expulsion of remaining aerosolised payload may be substantially aligned with the direction of airflow from the interior of the body 102 to the mouthpiece 120. This may enable more payload to reach the user prior to cessation of the session.

It will be appreciated that in principle, an airflow generator 130 may expel aerosol in the direction of the mouthpiece 120 (as above) or in an alternative or opposite direction. Expulsion through the mouthpiece 120 has the benefit of exploiting the existing direction of airflow and not introducing vapours into parts of the AP system 100 normally upstream of the aerosol generator 130. However, some users may prefer that expelled vapours are not directed towards them in this manner.

Hence as in the example shown in Figure 2, the body 102 comprises an outlet 104 separate to the mouthpiece 120. In an example, optionally the airflow generator 130 expels some or all remaining aerosolised payload through the outlet 104. The outlet 104 may also act as an inlet for incoming air which entrains components of aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 110.

In an example, the AP system 100 may comprise a resilient member connected to the airflow generator 130 (which may be a rotatable propeller). The resilient member may store potential energy prior to cessation of inhalation by the user. This arrangement is simple and reliable and does not require motors or power sources which, therefore, reduces the cost over other solutions. During inhalation, the propeller may be turned as a result of the impact of passing air to be inhaled by the user. The turning of the propeller results in a twisted resilient member. This store of energy may be released once the inhalation of the user ceases to the point that the resilient member’s stored potential energy is greater than that energy supplied by the inhalation holding the propeller in place. At this point, the propeller will rotate under the force of the untwisting resilient member in a motion opposite to the motion that resulted in the twisted resilient member. As such, airflow may be generated, typically in a direction opposite to that during inhalation (due to the propeller unwinding in a direction opposite to that caused by the original inhalation airflow), causing some or all remaining aerosolised payload to be expelled through the inlet 104 (or a separate outlet other than the mouthpiece, not shown).

In an example, the AP system 100 has a payload sensor for detecting an amount of aerosolised payload (such as an optical sensor that is partially obscured by aerosolised payload). The system 100 also has an electronic power return system. The payload sensor may be arranged to detect when an amount of aerosolised payload has decreased below a predetermined threshold and to subsequently signal the electronic power return system which collects excess energy of the airflow generator 130. In this way, the system 100 only activates the airflow generator 130 to sufficiently expel aerosolised payload. Once the remaining aerosolised payload in the system 100 is below a predetermined threshold, the airflow generator 130 may be deactivated. This arrangement provides a sophisticated and efficient system for a powered, or hybrid, system 100 (as discussed above). This arrangement is efficient as a result of the energy retention provided by this arrangement. The predetermined threshold may be, for example, any of 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% etc.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for expelling aerosolised payload from an aerosol provision system. The method may be enacted, for example, with an aerosol provision system 100 of the like described above with any or all of the additional features also described above.

Figure 3 illustrates an example of the steps of the method 200 for expelling aerosolised payload from an aerosol provision system. The method 200 includes: the step 202 of generating an aerosolised payload within an AP system, in response to activation of the AP system by inhalation by a user; the step 204 of generating an airflow using an airflow generator at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece; and, the step 206 of expelling within the generated airflow some or all remaining aerosolised payload from the AP system.

The aerosol generating substance may comprise at least one of tobacco and glycol and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof.

Thus there has been described an aerosol provision (AP) system, comprising: a body; an aerosol generator, arranged within the body, operable to generate an aerosolised payload; a mouthpiece for engaging with a mouth of a user, the mouthpiece providing fluid communication between an interior of the body and an exterior of the body; an airflow generator arranged in operation to generate an airflow through at least a portion of the body, arranged such that the airflow generator operates at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece to expel some or all remaining aerosolised payload, generated during said inhalation by the user, from the AP system.

The aerosol (or vapour) provision system may be used in a tobacco industry product, for example a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non combustible aerosol provision system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device.

In one embodiment the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing and optionally a mouthpiece.

In one embodiment the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container. In one embodiment the substrate container is combined with or comprises the heater. In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product which releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material which may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.

In one embodiment the heating product is a non-el ectronic article.

In one embodiment the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source which is capable of supplying heat energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.

In one embodiment the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

In some embodiments the aerosolizable substrate material may comprise a vapour or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior electronic vapour provision system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision (AP) system, comprising:

a body;

an aerosol generator, arranged within the body, operable to generate an aerosolised payload;

a mouthpiece for engaging with a mouth of a user, the mouthpiece providing fluid communication between the aerosol generator and an exterior of the body;

an airflow generator arranged in operation to generate an airflow through at least a portion of the body,

arranged such that the airflow generator operates at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece to expel some or all remaining aerosolised payload, generated during said inhalation by the user, from the AP system.

2. An AP system according to claim 1, wherein the airflow generator operates at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece below a predetermined threshold level of reduction of inhalation.

3. An AP system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined threshold level of reduction of inhalation is one selected from the list consisting of:

i. 10% reduction of inhalation;

ii. 50% reduction of inhalation; and

iii. 100% reduction of inhalation.

4. An AP system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein operation of the airflow generator is initiated by the inhalation of the user.

5. An AP system according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a power source connected to the airflow generator,

wherein operation of the airflow generator is initiated by the power source.

6. An AP system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the airflow generator comprises a flavour-generating material arranged on an outer portion of the airflow generator.

7. An AP system according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the airflow generator comprises additional storage capability for absorbing at least some of the remaining aerosolised payload within the AP system.

8. An AP system according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the body comprises an outlet separate to the mouthpiece, and the airflow generator expels the some or all remaining aerosolised payload through the outlet.

9. An AP according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the airflow generator expels the some or all remaining aerosolised payload in a direction parallel to a direction of airflow from the interior of the body to the mouthpiece.

10. An AP system according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the airflow generator is a rotatable propeller for generating an airflow.

11. An AP system according to claim 10, further comprising a resilient member connected to the propeller for storing potential energy prior to cessation of inhalation by the user.

12. An AP system according to claims 1 to 11, further comprising a payload sensor for detecting an amount of aerosolised payload and an electronic power return system,

wherein the sensor is arranged to detect when an amount of aerosolised payload has decreased below a predetermined threshold and to subsequently signal the electronic power return system which collects excess energy of the airflow generator.

13. A method for expelling aerosolised payload, from an aerosol provision AP system, the method comprising:

generating an aerosolised payload within the AP system, in response to activation of the AP system by inhalation by a user;

generating an airflow using an airflow generator at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece; and,

expelling within the generated airflow some or all remaining aerosolised payload from the AP system.

14. Aerosol provision means comprising: a body;

aerosol generating means, arranged within the body, operable to generate an aerosolised payload;

a mouthpiece for engaging with a mouth of a user, the mouthpiece providing fluid communication between an interior of the body and an exterior of the body;

an airflow generating means arranged in operation to generate an airflow through at least a portion of the body,

arranged such that the airflow generating means operates at least immediately upon reduction of inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece to expel some or all remaining aerosolised payload, generated during said inhalation by the user, from the aerosol provision means.