WO2024180000A1

WO2024180000A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: WO2024180000A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/054834
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charanjit Nandra; David Rushforth; Connor BRUTON
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-27
Filing date: 2024-02-26
Publication date: 2024-09-06
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-27
Also published as: GB202302827D0

Abstract

Aerosol provision device (100) comprising: a housing (110) comprising an opening (111) for receiving a consumable (250), the housing arranged to, in use, house a consumable; a haptic communication element (120) arranged in the housing; a detector (130) arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening of the housing and provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detector related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol-generating system, a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and aerosol provision means.

Background

Aerosol-generating systems are known. Common systems use heaters which are activated by a user to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then provided for inhalation by the user. The device may be activated by a user at the push of a button or merely by the act of inhalation. Modem systems can use consumable elements containing the aerosol generating material. It can be desirable for the manufacturer to provide user control over the activation of the systems. This may avoid the activation of the system in undesirable circumstances.

Modern electronic aerosol-generating systems and aerosol provision devices and the like have been introduced as alternatives to other older or more traditional systems, such as systems relying on combustion of material to provide an aerosol.

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

Summary

Aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable, the housing arranged to, in use, house a consumable; a haptic communication element arranged in the housing; a detector arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening of the housing and provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detector related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

Such a system is able to provide users with indications in relation to relevant operational concerns related to the consumable used with the device. This may include indications that are visual, haptic and/or audio. While any indication may be possible, haptic indications are extremely user friendly for handheld devices and have been found to integrate well into such devices.

Consumables are used to provide aerosol generating material to aerosol provision devices. Consumables may be popular as they are a simple and easy way to insert aerosol generating material into the various aerosol provision devices and may already have a predetermined amount of aerosol generating material in the consumable. Consumables may be a neater and cleaner way to provide aerosol generating material into a device. The user need not touch the aerosol generating material directly, rather handling a consumable instead. This can be useful when inserting into a device via an opening that may not be particularly wide or easy to insert aerosol generating material directly into. The user may insert (or provide in any other way) a consumable to an aerosol provision device prior to use. This process can also be difficult as the user may not be able to fully see the consumable entering and moving into the device.

The haptic communication element may be arranged to provide a first haptic indication related to entry of the consumable through the opening to the housing. While different indications may be used to provide different information to a user, indicating that the consumable has moved through the opening of the housing may be useful when the user is operating the device in low lighting or poor visibility conditions. The manual feedback will be noted by the user holding the device as they insert the consumable into the device. As such, this is a reliable method for communicating this information to the user. Different indications from the haptic provision entity may provide different information.

Informing the user of the position of the consumable is particularly useful as the user is aware whether the device is prepared suitably for use. This is particularly useful if the user is unable to see the device whether due to impaired vision or due to, for example, use in cold weather where the user may prepare the device for use in a pocket or the like. Different indications relating to exit of the consumable through the opening of the housing also contribute to ease of reliable use for the user. Furthermore, the user may be informed when the consumable is in an error condition such as incorrect insertion into the device perhaps leading to snagging of the consumable. Different haptic indications can be provided so that a user is able to track the movement of the consumable into and out of the device and know when the consumable is in a condition that requires further assessment, such as in an error condition or during faulty insertion or the like.

Informing the user of the overall position (or location) of the consumable is particularly useful for users that are unable to see the position of the consumable in the device. This may be the case in examples wherein the device has a cavity for the consumable but has no window for tracking the consumable moving into the cavity. This may be the case when the user is using the device in low light conditions or when the user is partially sighted. Providing this allows the user to ensure the consumable is safely provided to the aerosol provision device ahead of use and therefore reduces the likelihood of damage to the consumable due to incorrect insertion. This also provides an update to the user as to why the device is potentially not providing an aerosol when expected. The user understands why the device is not providing an aerosol and how to rectify the matter thereby increasing the overall user experience of the device. Each of these may be different haptic messages from the haptic communication element.

Informing the user of the status of consumable is advantageous for improving the user’s experience of the device by reducing the likelihood of activation with an unexpected consumable and/or aerosol generating material.

The status of the consumable may comprise at least one of: lifetime; temperature; position; type; and, authenticity.

The lifetime of the consumable may be related to the number of sessions remaining in the consumable, and is related to the amount of aerosol generating material remaining in the consumable (i.e. aerosol generating material that is not deleted through use already). The temperature relates to the likelihood that the aerosol generating material will begin providing an aerosol. The position has been discussed above and can be used to inform the user as to whether insertion has been accurate and successful or not. The type may relate to the aerosol generating material within the consumable such as at least one of: age restricted, not age restricted; tobacco containing; menthol containing; cannabinoid containing; and, herbal.

The user may be informed as to the authenticity of the consumable. An authentic consumable is contrasted with a non authentic consumable. Non authentic consumables may be produced by non licenced third parties and may not be rigorously tested for compatibility with the aerosol provision device, as such it is advantageous for the user to be made aware of this prior to use. The manufacturer is able to control the quality of the aerosol provided by the device by increasing the likelihood that authentic consumables are used rather than non authentic consumables. This has an impact on the lifetime of the device and the safety of the user. As such, the user may wish to know the authenticity of the consumable. The device does not need to prevent activation in instances when non authentic consumables are used, however the device may do. The indication allows the user to make an informed decision when activating the device.

The user is therefore highly prepared for actions that may be required (moving the consumable to ensure accurate placement within the device, replacing the consumable, receiving an aerosol with a specific component, active or otherwise, and checking and/or replacing the heater (based on the actual temperature provided to the consumable against expected temperature).

The haptic communication element may be elongate or may be a series of elements arranged in an elongate manner. This may increase familiarity of the device for users of older or more traditional systems. In particular, the communication element may provide a haptic representation of bum down of a consumable during use (providing the lifetime of the consumable to the user). The remaining use time (which may be referred to as “lifetime” herein) for the consumable in the device may be represented by the distance between the proximal end of the device and the nearest vibrating element of the haptic communication element. As the signal gets closer to the proximal end, the user is aware that the lifetime of the consumable is nearly complete. This increases the familiarity of the newer aerosol provision device system for users of older or more traditional combustible systems, who may be used to such feedback in combustible devices, wherein an encroaching indicator shows when the device is likely to be finished. In other words, this advantageously emulates the existing habits or rituals the users have become accustomed to when using older or more traditional systems. As such, the confidence of these users is increased by the provision of this information.

In this way, the haptic indications may be used so as to clearly provide vast amounts of important consumable data to a user for processing accordingly. This can improve user confidence with the device and increase the lifetime of the device.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosolgenerating system for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: aerosol provision device comprising: a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable, the housing arranged to, in use, house aerosol generating material; a haptic communication element arranged in the housing; a detector arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening of the housing and provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detector related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: providing an aerosol provision device with a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable, detecting, by a detector, a passing of a consumable through the opening of the housing and providing, by the detector, a signal to a haptic communication element, providing, by the haptic communication element, at least one indication to a user in relation to the movement of a consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

The method described herein may be a method of providing at least one indication to a user in relation to the movement of a consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided aerosol provision means comprising: a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable, the housing arranged to, in use, house aerosol generating means; haptic communication means arranged in the housing; detecting means arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening of the housing and provide a signal to the haptic communication means, wherein the haptic communication means is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detecting means related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision means.

Description of Drawings

The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

Figure l is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are schematic views of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision system according to an example;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example; and, Figure 5 is a flow diagram according to an example.

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.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features. The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises an aerosol provision device housing 110. The aerosol provision device housing 110 has an opening 111 for receiving a consumable. The housing 110 is arranged in use to house a consumable. The opening I l l is shown towards one end in the example of Figure 1 however may be located anywhere on the device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 has a haptic communication element 120 arranged in the housing 110. The haptic communication element 120 is housed in the housing 110 and arranged to a haptic indication to the user. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a detector 130 arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening 111 of the housing 110 and provide a signal to the haptic communication element 120. The passing may be passing into the opening 111 or passing out of the opening 111. The haptic communication element 120 is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detector 130 related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening 111 of the aerosol provision device 100.

The haptic communication element 120 is therefore able to provide indications according to correct (and/or incorrect) insertion and/or removal of a consumable from the device 100. This may inform the user when a consumable is correctly inserted and the device 100 is ready for use or when the consumable is not inserted correctly and is ready for alteration so that the consumable is correctly located in the device 100. The haptic indications may take many forms. Series or sequences of long or short buzzes may be used to provide various functional data to the user regarding the consumable. As noted above, the use of haptic indications may be particularly useful in low light situations, where as user in not able to easily see a visual indication, where the user may be visually impaired or during particularly cold weather where the user may insert the consumable into the housing inside a pocket so that their hands are not outside in the cold. The user will be able to recognise the haptic indications and alter their performance accordingly to ensure the consumable is accurately and safely provided to and into the device 100.

Haptic indications are useful for users that are visually impaired and for whom the visual communications are not a viable data transmittal mechanism. The haptic indications may occur along the length of the device 100 from a distal end to proximal end (e.g.) in a sequence to provide the burn down effect in a haptic manner. This may also provide a clear indication to a user as to the number of use sessions remaining (e.g. remaining lifetime of the consumable) by virtue of the user knowing where the indication is occurring in relation to the proximal end. Other haptic indications may be possible, such as a single whole device buzz when the position of the consumable is suitable for device activation. A series of haptic indications, such as a series of five short buzzes, may be used to indicate that the device requires a check up as the heater is not providing a temperature to the consumable as expected. A similar warning buzz may be provided to a user in the instance that the consumable inserted into the device is not authentic.

One form of haptic indication may be used to indicate to the user that aerosol generating material or the consumable has been correctly/incorrectly inserted into the device, the consumable is or is not being heated as per expectations, and the consumable is ready to emit a vapour.

A second form of haptic indication may be used to indicate the type of the consumable or aerosol generating material that is present in the device, long buzzes for nicotine containing and short for non nicotine containing, for example. Other haptic choices are numerous and will not be listed here. Such choices may be made provided as indications for any of age restricted, not age restricted; tobacco containing; menthol containing; cannabinoids; and, herbal. Other haptic indications may indicate the lifetime of the consumable, for example a series of haptic elements where number of haptic elements operating increases the closer the lifetime of the consumable comes to expiry.

A third form of haptic indication may be used for authenticity of consumable. As noted, non authentic consumables may lead to poorer performance. As such, the user may wish to be informed that a consumable is a non authentic consumable so that they have the choice to continue with the non authentic consumable or swap out a non authentic consumable for an authentic consumable.

Each of these may be programmable for the user, so that the user has an arrangement with their preferred indication system.

The haptic communication element in an example is elongate. It may be matched somewhat to the portion of the housing 110 on which it is arranged. The elongate nature of the communication element enhances the likeness to older or more traditional combustible mechanisms that the communication element may, to some extent, mimic. The technical consideration for this is to improve confidence for newer users to these devices. Linear haptic communications enables this to provide high levels of familiarity and therefore high levels of confidence to new users of modem devices, for example by emulating the existing habits or rituals they have become accustomed to when using older or more traditional systems.

Referring now to Figure 2, there are shown a series of use examples of an aerosol provision device with a consumable. In Figure 2A, there is shown an aerosol provision device 200 with a housing 210 and an opening 211. The housing 210 holds two detectors 230a, 230b and haptic communication elements (not shown). The example has a consumable 250 being inserted into the opening (or cavity) 211 of the housing 210. In the example of Figure 2A, the consumable 250 has not yet been detected by either detector 230a, 230b. As such, the device 200 is in a non operating state. The default state may be non operating such that the heating elements, power source and the like are not operable for a user wishing to be provided with an aerosol. The device 200 may need to recognise positioning of a consumable within the housing 210 prior to be updated to an activation state that can provide an aerosol to the user. In Figure 2B, the user has inserted the consumable 250 further into the opening 211 of the housing 210 of the device 200. The consumable 250 is now in a position to be identified by detector 230a. The consumable 250 is detected moving into the opening 211 by detector 230a and the haptic communication element may provide an indication (having received a signal from the detector 230a) to the user that the consumable 250 is in a specific position within the device 200. The user may be provided with an aerosol from the consumable 250 if the heating arrangement allows this to occur at this stage of insertion. In an example, heaters may be located around the portion of the device 200 indicated broadly by the double ended arrow A. In this way, the device 200 may operate heaters only in a portion of the device 200 where the heat is to be used in generating aerosol, i.e. where the device 200 knows at least some portion of the consumable 250 is located. This increases the efficiency of the device 200 and reduces the likelihood of damaging the device 200 by activating heaters that are not near the consumable 250. The user may then inhale on the device 200 to receive an aerosol generated from the consumable 250 located in portion A as recognised by the detector 230a and reported to the user by a haptic communication element or elements.

The haptic communication elements located in portion A may vibrate as the detector 230a detects that the consumable 250 is in that portion of the device 200. In this way, the user may be informed as to the position of the consumable 250 and that the consumable has been correctly inserted up to this point in the device 200.

In Figure 2C, the user has further inserted the consumable 250 into the opening 211. The consumable 250 may now be detected by detector 230b located deeper into the opening 211 than detector 230a. Control circuitry (not shown) may receive the signals from the detector 230b and may activate haptic communication element (or elements) broadly located in the area shown by double ended arrow B. The user therefore knows that the consumable as been inserted deeper into the device 200 and the indications can inform the user as to whether this has been a successful insertion or a faulty insertion requiring of further attention. The signals from the detector 230b may go via control circuitry or go direct to the haptic communication elements.

In an example, the device 200 has a series of heating elements arranged in the portion B of the device 200. The device 200 may now provide a greater amount of aerosol from the consumable 250 due to a greater number of heating elements heating the consumable 250. In this way, the user may be provided with a greater amount of aerosol. The user is therefore informed that the consumable 250 is being inserted into the device 200. With more detectors or detector elements, the user can have a near continuous indication as to the location of the consumable 250 within the device 200.

On removal of the consumable 250 from the opening 211, the detector 230b may initially note the removal of the consumable 250. On detection of the consumable moving out of the cavity by the detector 230b, the haptic communication elements operating in portion B may cease to operate to indicate to the user that the consumable is being removed from the opening 211. The heaters or heating elements in the portion B may also stop operating.

As detector 230a notes the removal of the consumable 250 past portion A, the heaters or heating elements in portion A may stop operating, and the haptic communication elements in portion A may also stop operating. The detectors 230 are able to detect the direction of movement of the consumable 250 so as to detect whether the consumable 250 is being inserted or removed. Where activation states are discussed herein, a haptic communication indication may also be provided accordingly.

The opening 211 may lead to chamber with a spike or heater blade onto which the consumable 250 is inserted. A detector may detect a pressure from the consumable 250 being inserted into the opening 211 and onto the spike and the haptic communication element or elements may be activated accordingly to provide information to the user. The chamber linked to the opening 211 may have a series of spikes arranged to jut inwards from the cavity walls each of which may provide heating to the consumable 250. There may be a series of radial heaters that may be operated as a series of detectors 230 identify that an authentic consumable 250 is passing that portion of the chamber linked to the opening 211 within the housing 210. In this way, a level of aerosol may be provided to the user based on the distance into the housing 210 the consumable 250 is inserted. If a user desires a large aerosol, the consumable 250 may be inserted a long way into the chamber linked to the opening 211. If a user desires a small aerosol, the consumable 250 may be inserted a short way into the chamber linked to the opening 211. Each of these circumstances can be reported to the user via haptic indications arranged along a length of the device matching the length of the chamber.

If the consumable 250 is not authentic, the detectors 230 may provide a warning to the user accordingly. In this way the user can choose whether or not to proceed with use of the consumable 250.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown an example of an aerosol provision system 300. The aerosol provision system 300 shown in the example of Figure 3 is similar to the aerosol provision devices 100, 200 shown in the examples of Figures 1 and 2.

The aerosol provision system 300 of Figure 3 has a housing 310 with an opening 311. The system 300 has a haptic communication element 320 arranged within an aerosol provision device 310 of the aerosol provision system 300. The haptic communication element 320 is in communication with a detector 330. The detector 330 is arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening 311 of the housing 310 and provide a signal to the haptic communication element 320. The detector 330 is shown, in the example of Figure 3, as being not integral with the aerosol provision device 310. In the example, therefore, the detector 330 is separate to the aerosol provision device 310 while being part of the aerosol provision system 300. The detector 330 may be wirelessly connected to the aerosol provision device 310. The detector 330 may therefore be provided by a further component, such that if the aerosol provision device 310 is lost the detector 330 may still be retained. Furthermore, use of a detector 330 outside the aerosol provision device 310 renders the aerosol provision device 310 simpler and cheaper to manufacture. As such, the aerosol provision system 300 may be a preferential arrangement for provision of the advantages described herein.

The communication element may be one extended communication element or comprise a series of communicating elements. An example of this is shown in Figure 4. Device 400 has housing 410, with an opening 411 leading to a chamber for holding a consumable 450. The haptic communication element 430 is shown in portions 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d along a portion of the housing 410. This portion may match or be aligned with the chamber into which the consumable 450 is inserted. Each portion may provide a haptic indication when the consumable is e.g. full. When the consumable is 25% depleted, the last portion of the haptic communication element 430d may cease to vibrate. In this way, using haptic indications in this example, the user is informed of the lifetime of the consumable in a manner akin to bum down of a cigarette or the like. Again, this increases the similarity between the modem device and older or more traditional combustible devices.

The haptic communication elements arranged along the length of the device may activate in various different manners according to various technical considerations. For example, the length of the device may vibrate when the consumable is full and may cease to vibrate as the consumable depletes accordingly (as mentioned above, indicating the lifetime to the user). This provides a clear indication to the user how soon a replacement of the consumable will be needed. When 75% of the elements are vibrating, the user has a good amount of use time remaining in the consumable. When 10% of the elements are vibrating, the user may begin to look for a replacement consumable. The speed of vibrations may also vary such that the vibrations get regular or stronger as the consumable gets closer to depletion.

As for the example of Figure 2, the haptic communication elements 430a 430b, 430c, 430d may vibrate as the consumable is inserted into the opening 411 in the direction shown by arrow C. The consumable 450 may be inserted into a dedicated chamber or cavity or the like within the housing 410. A detector or detector array (not shown in Figure 4) may detect the insertion of the consumable 450 and report this to the haptic communication elements which vibrate as the consumable 450 pass their location. In this way, the user is informed of a successfully insertion process. As the consumable 450 reaches full proper insertion, the haptic elements may all vibrate synchronously to a predetermined number of times so that the user knows the insertion has been successful. The elements may vibrate faster as the consumable 450 is inserted into the opening 411 until all elements are operating on a near continuous vibrating setting. This is a clear signal to the user that a successful insertion has occurred.

Conversely, the elements may vibrate in pulsed manner if the consumable 450 has experienced a problem during insertion such as due to snagging in the chamber, As noted above, one type of indication may be reserved (e.g. 5 pulsed vibrations) for an emergency notice to the user. In this way, the user always associates one form of haptic indication as requiring some immediate action. This improves user interaction with the alarm function disclosed herein and the user is not likely to ignore the emergency notice in that form as may happen if the indication (or a similar indication, such as 4 pulsed buzzes) is used and a slightly different form of that indication (e.g. 5 pulsed buzzes) indicates a serious or severe problem.

The system may note the position of the consumable 450 being inserted into the device 400. The system may contain a detector or series of detectors to detect the data that is communicated to the user. The detectors may be any of a timer; a gyroscope; a magnetometer; a housing-located capacitor; a heat sensor; an accelerometer; an altimeter; a light gate; and, a pressure sensor. Each of these may help provide an assessment of the relevant aspects to be communicated to a user.

In an example, once the system provides a continuous buzz (for a predetermined period of time) the user is aware that the consumable 450 has been successfully inserted and that the deice 400 can be used. This may be particularly useful in low light situations, or particularly cold weather where the user may insert the consumable into the housing inside a pocket so that their hands are not outside in the cold.

The user may also gain satisfaction from the insertion mechanism providing a feedback of successful insertion of the consumable.

Each of the examples discussed herein provides important functional data regarding the consumable to the user and the user may act accordingly to ensure proper functioning of the device 400.

The device 400 may provide the user with information regarding the insertion status of the consumable 450 whether not inserted, improperly inserted and properly inserted. The device 400 may provide the user with information as to the authenticity of the consumable 450 as well as the type of consumable 450. In an example, the haptic communication elements 430 may be arranged in a full wrap-around arrangement on the housing 410. The device 400 may be broadly cylindrical in shape and the haptic communication elements 430 may be arranged somewhat or entirely around a portion of the housing 410. Such an arrangement improves the likelihood that a portion of the user’s fingers or hands will be contacting a haptic communication element 430. In this way, the user is more likely to receive the haptic communication indications.

Figure 5 shows a method 500 of use of an aerosol provision device. The method 500 is shown as a flow chart. In the method 500, the device may start in a default state 502, which may be with a consumable located within the device. Alternatively, the default operating state may be a consumable not located within the device. The lifetime of the consumable may be full or partially used.

When a user attempts to use, is using, or is not using, the device, the device detects the passing of the consumable through the opening of the device. This may be as described above. The device detects the passing (which may be into or out of the opening) using a detector (which may contain a number of individual sensors/detectors). The detector may detect 504 the movement of the consumable via any standard mechanism.

The detector sends a signal accordingly to control circuitry 506. The control circuitry may receive regular signals from the detector or detectors as to the movement of the consumable but may provide indications to the user as deemed relevant. A user would not require permanently informing that the consumable is located properly within the housing. Rather, a preferred method is that the user is informed when the consumable is initially located properly and then informed once this status changes to improper, or changes to moving. However, consumable lifetime and sessions remaining may be continually (or semi continually, i.e. at regular close intervals) informed to a user so that the user has an up to date understanding of the remaining use in the consumable in the device.

When such an indication is deemed suitable for communication to the user, the control circuitry may provide an indication to the user 508 via the haptic communication element. The method may be performed without a specific control circuitry as the detector may provide signals direct to a haptic communication element. This method provides a user-friendly, indication process for the user that does not overload the user with information but keeps the user regularly informed as to the relevant matters at any one time during the lifetime of a consumable in the device. The method offers a balance between overloading the user and providing the user with little to no warning ahead of relevant use events (e.g. running out of aerosol generating material or the breakdown of a heater due to providing too much or too little heat to the aerosol generating material in the consumable). With clear indications for users in a variety of situations, the user is well informed and prepared during usage of the device. The method also increases user familiarity for users of older or more traditional combustible-type products, for example by emulating the existing habits or rituals they have become accustomed to when using these products.

The detector as noted above may be a series of detectors. The detector may be one instrument or an array of instruments. The detector as disclosed herein may include a series of instruments that operate simultaneously or together to provide an accurate and informed assessment of the various consumable statuses within the device at any one moment. These are used to ensure correct and relevant indications are provided to the user. Specifically this may relate to the movement of the consumable into and out of the device.

The aerosol provision device may comprise heating arrangements or the like for providing an aerosol from a consumable - the consumable may contain an aerosol generating material or the like. The control circuitry may control the heating arrangement (or the like) according to use requests from a user. The movement, activation and lifetime of the consumable are detected by detectors in the device and provided to control circuitry that links to the communication element or elements on the device for informing a user.

The device and system herein are described as comprising several components that enable several advantages. The components may be disclosed as on-board the device or within the system. The components may be distributed and therefore not necessarily be located onboard the device. The functionality of the device can be provided by communicatively connected components, and such communication may be wireless, enabling such distribution. At which point it is reasonable to foresee that a distributed array of components will operate in the manner of the devices and systems disclosed herein. Components of the device or system may be contained in a further device such as a smartphone, computer, or remote server or the like.

The method and device disclosed herein enable the user to be informed as suitable as to position and condition of the consumable within the device. This improves the user experience of the device, the lifetime of the device and the safety of general use of the device.

The devices and systems disclosed herein may be used with consumables comprising aerosol generating material. Such consumables may be solid or liquid and may be cartridges or sticks or the like. The consumable may be refillable or may be replaceable.

In a particular example, the device disclosed herein may operate with a flavour pod which is replaceable in the device - this may be referred to as a consumable. The flavour may be any 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, j asmine, 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.

When combined with an aerosol generating medium, the aerosol provision device as disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol provision system.

Thus there has been described an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable, the housing arranged to, in use, house a consumable; a haptic communication element arranged in the housing; a detector arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening of the housing and provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detector related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

The aerosol provision system may be used in a tobacco industry product, for example a noncombustible 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-electronic 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 an aerosol 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 aerosol 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 device comprising: a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable, the housing arranged to, in use, house a consumable; a haptic communication element arranged in the housing; a detector arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening of the housing and provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detector related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

2. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the consumable comprises aerosol generating material.

3. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide a first haptic indication related to entry of the consumable through the opening to the housing.

4. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide a second haptic indication related to exit of the consumable through the opening from the housing.

5. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the haptic communication element is further arranged to provide haptic indications related to the position of the consumable in the housing.

6. An aerosol provision device according to claim 5, wherein the haptic communication element is further arranged to provide: a third haptic indication related to complete insertion of the consumable in the housing; a fourth haptic indication related to incomplete insertion of the consumable in the housing; and, a fifth haptic indication related to faulty insertion of the consumable in the housing.

7. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the haptic communication element is further arranged to provide haptic indications related to a status of the consumable.

8. An aerosol provision device according to claim 7, wherein the status of the consumable comprises at least one of lifetime; temperature; position; type; and, authenticity.

9. An aerosol provision device according to claim 8, wherein the lifetime comprises at least one of use by date; remaining sessions; and, elapsed sessions; and the type comprises at least one of age restricted, not age restricted; tobacco containing; menthol containing; cannabinoid containing; and, herbal.

10. An aerosol-generating system for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: aerosol provision device comprising: a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable, the housing arranged to, in use, house aerosol generating material; a haptic communication element arranged in the housing; a detector arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening of the housing and provide a signal to the haptic communication element, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detector related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

11. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10, wherein the consumable comprises aerosol generating material.

12. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the haptic communication element is arranged to provide at least one of: 1 a first haptic indication related to entry of the consumable through the opening to the housing; and, a second haptic indication related to exit of the consumable through the opening from the housing.

13. An aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the haptic communication element is further arranged to provide haptic indications related to the position of the consumable in the housing.

14. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the haptic communication element is further arranged to provide: a third haptic indication related to complete insertion of the consumable in the housing; a fourth haptic indication related to incomplete insertion of the consumable in the housing; and, a fifth haptic indication related to faulty insertion of the consumable in the housing.

15. An aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the haptic communication element is further arranged to provide haptic indications related to a status of the consumable, wherein the status of the consumable comprises at least one of lifetime; temperature; position; type; and, authenticity.

16. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 15, wherein the lifetime comprises at least one of use by date; remaining sessions; and, elapsed sessions; and the type comprises at least one of age restricted, not age restricted; tobacco containing; menthol containing; cannabinoid containing; and, herbal.

17. A method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: providing an aerosol provision device with a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable; detecting, by a detector, a passing of a consumable through the opening of the housing and providing, by the detector, a signal to a haptic communication element; and, providing, by the haptic communication element, at least one indication to a user in relation to the movement of a consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the consumable comprises aerosol generating material.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the haptic communication element provides: a first haptic indication related to entry of the consumable through the opening to the housing; and, a second haptic indication related to exit of the consumable through the opening from the housing.

20. The method of any of claims 17 to 19, further comprising the haptic communication element providing a third haptic indication in response to complete insertion of the consumable in the housing; a fourth haptic indication in response to incomplete insertion of the consumable in the housing; and, a fifth haptic indication in response to faulty insertion of the consumable in the housing.

21. The method of any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising the haptic communication element providing haptic indications related to a status of the consumable, wherein the status of the consumable comprises at least one of: lifetime; temperature; position; type; and, authenticity.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the lifetime comprises at least one of: use by date; remaining sessions; and, elapsed sessions; and the type comprises at least one of: age restricted, not age restricted; tobacco containing; menthol containing; cannabinoid containing; and, herbal.

23. Aerosol provision means comprising: a housing comprising an opening for receiving a consumable, the housing arranged to, in use, house aerosol generating means; haptic communication means arranged in the housing; detecting means arranged to detect a consumable passing the opening of the housing and provide a signal to the haptic communication means, wherein the haptic communication means is arranged to provide a haptic indication to the user in response to signals from the detecting means related to the movement of the consumable into and out of the opening of the aerosol provision means.