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WO2025027282A1 - Circuits électroniques et dispositifs de commande pour systèmes de distribution d'aérosol - Google Patents

Circuits électroniques et dispositifs de commande pour systèmes de distribution d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025027282A1
WO2025027282A1 PCT/GB2024/051940 GB2024051940W WO2025027282A1 WO 2025027282 A1 WO2025027282 A1 WO 2025027282A1 GB 2024051940 W GB2024051940 W GB 2024051940W WO 2025027282 A1 WO2025027282 A1 WO 2025027282A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cartridge
aerosol
circuitry
controller
power supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/GB2024/051940
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Zehua JIANG
Changpeng YIN
Renbin YANG
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CN202310946070.5A external-priority patent/CN119423411A/zh
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Publication of WO2025027282A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025027282A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
    • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
    • A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
    • A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to electronic circuitry and controllers for aerosol delivery systems such as, but not exclusively, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. e-cigarettes), as well as related methods.
  • nicotine delivery systems e.g. e-cigarettes
  • Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation.
  • an aerosol delivery system will typically comprise an aerosol generation area containing an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation area.
  • Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavour element in the air flow path through the device to impart additional flavours.
  • Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavour element may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the air flow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece such that aerosol I condensation aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation.
  • the present invention aims to improve the user experience by reducing power consumption, prolonging use time to provide an improved user experience and environmental benefits.
  • delivery system is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolgenerating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or
  • a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.
  • the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.
  • a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
  • Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material.
  • the solid aerosolgenerating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
  • the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source.
  • the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.
  • the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
  • the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
  • the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
  • the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
  • the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
  • the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
  • the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
  • botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
  • the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
  • the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
  • Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon
  • the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
  • the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
  • the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
  • flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers.
  • flavour materials may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot,
  • the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
  • the flavour comprises eugenol.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
  • the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect.
  • a suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
  • Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso- Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
  • the one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
  • the material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate.
  • the support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.
  • the support comprises a susceptor.
  • the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
  • a susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field.
  • the susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material.
  • the heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material.
  • the susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms.
  • the device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
  • An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosolmodifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material. Aerosol generator
  • An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
  • e- cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device.
  • aerosol delivery systems such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
  • vapour delivery systems such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
  • e- cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device.
  • aerosol and vapour and related terms such as “vaporise”, “volatilise” and “aerosolise” may generally be used interchangeably.
  • Aerosol delivery systems e-cigarettes
  • a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable/consumable) cartridge part.
  • the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a ‘cartomizer’) and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry.
  • the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics
  • the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature.
  • Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts.
  • the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place.
  • Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems/devices.
  • certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.
  • the present invention provides electronic circuitry for an aerosol delivery system configured to generate aerosol from an aerosol-generating material received from a removable cartridge in use, the circuitry comprising: power supply control circuitry for controlling a supply of power to an aerosol generator; cartridge detection circuitry connected in parallel with the power supply control circuitry for detecting a removable cartridge comprising aerosol-generating material; and an electrical contact configured to receive a corresponding electrical contact on a removable cartridge to electrically connect the cartridge in series with both the power supply control circuitry and the cartridge detection circuitry in use.
  • the present invention further provides a controller for an aerosol delivery system configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator in use, the system comprising power supply control circuitry for controlling a supply of power to an aerosol generator and cartridge detection circuitry connected in parallel with the power supply control circuitry for detecting a removable cartridge containing aerosol-generating material, wherein the controller is configured to: selectively actuate the power supply control circuitry and the cartridge detection circuitry.
  • the present invention further provides a method for controlling an aerosol delivery system configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator in use, the system comprising power supply control circuitry and cartridge detection circuitry connected in parallel with the power supply control circuitry, the method comprising selectively actuating the power supply control circuitry and the cartridge detection circuitry.
  • the claimed invention generally provides circuitry, a sub-assembly or sub-system suitable for use in an aerosol delivery system, or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system.
  • the sub-system may generally form part of an aerosol delivery system and in particular may form part of the reusable device and/or the consumable cartridge.
  • the claimed arrangement beneficially reduces power consumption, prolonging use time providing an improved user experience and environmental benefits.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section view of an aerosol delivery system in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure
  • Figure 2a is a schematic of electronic circuitry in accordance with prior art systems
  • Figure 2b is a schematic of electronic circuitry in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a control method in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic electronic circuit diagram in accordance with a particular embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, providing an introduction to two-part aerosol delivery systems, the components therein and their functionality.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts, namely a reusable part 2 and a replaceable I disposable consumable cartridge part 4.
  • the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at an interface 6.
  • the cartridge part 4 may be removed from the reusable part 2 and a replacement cartridge part 4 attached to the reusable part 2 in its place.
  • the interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and airflow path connection between the two parts 2, 4 and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and airflow path between the two parts 2, 4 as appropriate.
  • the cartridge part 4 mechanically mounts to the reusable part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling (not represented in figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface 6 in some implementations may not support an electrical and I or airflow path connection between the respective parts 2, 4.
  • an aerosol generator may be provided in the reusable part 2 rather than in the cartridge part 4, or the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge part 4 may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction), so that an electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed.
  • the airflow through the electronic cigarette might not go through the reusable part 2, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed.
  • a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between portions of the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 when these are coupled together for use.
  • the cartridge I consumable part 4 may, in certain embodiments, be broadly conventional.
  • the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastics material.
  • the cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge part 4 and provides the mechanical interface 6 with the reusable part 2.
  • the cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part 4 couples to the reusable part 2.
  • the cartridge part 4 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1 .5 cm.
  • the specific geometry and the overall shapes and materials used may vary.
  • the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines an airflow path 52 through the cartridge part 4.
  • the reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the aerosol generating material.
  • the reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.
  • the cartridge I consumable part 4 further comprises an aerosol generator 48 located towards an end of the reservoir 44 opposite to a mouthpiece outlet 50.
  • the aerosol generator 48 may be in either of the reusable part 2 or the cartridge part 4.
  • the aerosol generator 48 e.g. a heater, which may be in the form of a wick and coil arrangement as shown, a distiller, which may be formed from a sintered metal fibre material or other porous conducting material, or any suitable alternative aerosol generator
  • the aerosol generator 48 may be comprised in the reusable part 2, and is brought into proximity with a portion of aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4 when the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2.
  • the cartridge part 4 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generator 48 comprising a heater is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2.
  • a wick 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the cartridge airflow path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44.
  • the openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
  • the wick 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 52 around the wick 46 and heater 48 in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge part 4.
  • Aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 infiltrates the wick 46 through the ends of the wick extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension I capillary action (i.e. wicking).
  • the aerosol generator 48 in this example comprises an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick 46.
  • the heater 48 comprises a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick 46 comprises a glass fibre bundle, but the specific aerosol generator configuration is not significant to the principles described herein. Rather, the cartridge detection circuitry 180 (not shown in figure 1) is a core aspect of the invention and is described further with reference to the subsequent figures below.
  • electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 by the wick 46. Vaporised aerosol generating material may then become entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporisation region towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation.
  • aerosol generating material aerosol generating material
  • the rate at which aerosol generating material is vaporised by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48.
  • electrical power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example through pulse width and/or frequency modulation techniques.
  • the reusable part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the e-cigarette, a power source 26 (e.g. a battery) for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display 24.
  • the outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts 2, 4 at the interface 6.
  • the reusable part 2 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together is around 12 cm.
  • the air inlet 28 connects to an airflow path 51 through the reusable part 2.
  • the reusable part airflow path 51 in turn connects to the cartridge airflow path 52 across the interface 6 when the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 are connected together.
  • air is drawn in through the air inlet 28, along the reusable part airflow path 51 , across the interface 6, through the aerosol generation area in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 (where vaporised aerosol generating material becomes entrained in the air flow), along the cartridge airflow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation.
  • the power source 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods.
  • the power source 26 may be recharged through a charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector.
  • first and/or second user input buttons 14, 16 may be provided, which in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact.
  • the input buttons may be considered input devices for detecting user input and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not significant.
  • the buttons may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a power to be supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.
  • a display 24 may be provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, for example current power setting information, remaining power source power, and so forth.
  • the display may be implemented in various ways.
  • the display 24 comprises a conventional pixilated LCD screen that may be driven to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques.
  • the display may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display the desired information, for example through particular colours and I or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and information is displayed to a user using the display is not significant to the principles described herein.
  • some embodiments may not include a visual display and/or may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example using audio signalling, or may not include any means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.
  • a controller 22 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality as described herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 .
  • the controller (processor circuitry) 22 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 .
  • the controller 22 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, user programming circuitry 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry.
  • the functionality of the controller 22 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s).
  • the controller 22 may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller, for controlling the aerosol delivery device.
  • the microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or microprocessor.
  • the operations of a CPU and other electronic components are generally controlled at least in part by software programs running on the CPU (or other component).
  • software programs may be stored in non-volatile memory, such as ROM, which can be integrated into the microcontroller itself, or provided as a separate component.
  • the CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs as and when required.
  • the reusable part 2 comprises an airflow sensor 30 which is electrically connected to the controller 22.
  • the airflow sensor 30 comprises a so-called “puff sensor”, in that the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when a user is puffing on the device.
  • the airflow sensor 30 comprises a switch in an electrical path providing electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.
  • the airflow sensor 30 generally comprises a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a particular range of pressures, enabling current to flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure in the vicinity of the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold value.
  • the threshold value can be set to a value determined by experimentation to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the initiation of a user puff.
  • the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in dependence of a signal received from the airflow sensor 30 by the controller 22.
  • the specific manner in which the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may comprise a measure of capacitance, resistance or other characteristic of the airflow sensor, made by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be carried out in accordance with any approach known to the skilled person.
  • the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31 , but this is not essential.
  • the airflow sensor 30 may comprise any sensor which is configured to determine a characteristic of airflow in an airflow path 51 disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50, for example a pressure sensor or transducer (for example a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone (for example an electret-type microphone), which is sensitive to changes in air pressure, including acoustical signals.
  • the airflow sensor 30 is situated within a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which comprises the interior space defined by one or more chamber walls 34.
  • the sensor cavity 32 comprises a region internal to one or more chamber walls 34 in which an airflow sensor 30 can be fully or partially situated.
  • the PCB 31 comprises one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing comprising the sensor chamber I cavity 32.
  • a deformable membrane is disposed across an opening communicating between the sensor cavity 32 containing the sensor 30, and a portion of the airflow path disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50.
  • the deformable membrane covers the opening, and is attached to one or more of the chamber walls according to approaches described further herein.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises communication circuitry configured to enable a connection to be established with one or more further electronic devices (for example, a storage I charging case, and / or a refill I charging dock) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and further electronic device(s).
  • the communication circuitry is integrated into controller 22, and in others it is implemented separately.
  • the communication circuitry may comprise a separate module to the controller 22 which, while connected to controller 22, provides dedicated data transfer functionality for the aerosol delivery device.
  • the communication circuitry is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more further electronic devices over a wireless interface.
  • the communication circuitry may be configured to support wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices such as a case, a dock, a computing device such as a smartphone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communications, a relay node providing an onward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device which supports wireless communications.
  • other electronic devices such as a case, a dock, a computing device such as a smartphone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communications, a relay node providing an onward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device which supports wireless communications.
  • the controller 22, other components within the system 1 and other devices/systems may comprise one or more processors and data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, the data communicated by wire or wirelessly.
  • Wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and a further electronic device may be configured according to data transfer protocols such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee, WiFi®, Wifi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless, and/or wired, network protocol or interface.
  • the communication circuitry may comprise any suitable interface for wired data connection, such as USB-C, micro-USB or Thunderbolt interfaces, and may comprise pin or contact pad arrangements configured to engage cooperating pins or contact pads on a dock, case, cable, or other external device which can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1 .
  • Independent embodiments of the disclosure include electronic circuitry for an aerosol delivery system configured to generate aerosol received from a removable cartridge in use, the circuitry comprising power supply control circuitry for controlling a supplying of power to an aerosol generator; cartridge detection circuitry connected in parallel with the power supply control circuitry for detecting a removable cartridge comprising aerosol-generating material; and an electrical contact configured to receive a corresponding electrical contact on a removable cartridge to electrically connect the cartridge in series with both the power supply control circuitry and the cartridge detection circuitry in use.
  • Such an arrangement reduces power consumption of the system because the cartridge detection circuitry may detect the cartridge with lower power consumption than the power supply control circuitry.
  • controllers for aerosol delivery systems comprising power supply control circuitry for controlling a supplying of power to an aerosol generator and cartridge detection circuitry connected in parallel with the power supply control circuitry for detecting a removable cartridge containing aerosol-generating material, wherein the controller is configured to selectively actuate the power supply control circuitry and the cartridge detection circuitry.
  • FIG 2a is a schematic of electronic circuitry in accordance with prior art aerosol delivery systems.
  • the circuitry comprises a power supply 26 supplying power to power supply control circuitry 120 that is controlled by the system using a control unit I controller 22 (which may be a microcontroller or MCU 22) to control the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48 (thus the power supply control circuitry 120 may also be considered as aerosol generator control circuitry).
  • a control unit I controller 22 which may be a microcontroller or MCU 22
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 may also be considered as aerosol generator control circuitry.
  • Figure 2b is a schematic of electronic circuitry for an aerosol delivery system 1 configured to generate aerosol from an aerosol-generating material received from a removable cartridge in use.
  • Figure 2b comprises the circuitry of figure 2a as well as additional cartridge detection circuitry 180 connected in parallel with the power supply control circuitry 120.
  • the power supply 26 and aerosol generator 48 may be broadly conventional in some embodiments.
  • the power supply control circuit 120 may also be broadly conventional in some embodiments and may comprise a switch in its simplest form, thus providing a switch circuit 120, which may control the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48 e.g. using PWM.
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 comprises a transistor, such as a MOSFET and/or may comprise a resistor e.g. in parallel with the transistor.
  • the cartridge detection circuitry 180 is for detecting a removable cartridge, the cartridge comprising aerosol-generating material and the cartridge optionally comprising an aerosol generator 48 for generating aerosol.
  • the cartridge detection circuitry 180 comprises a digital power supply 181 supplying power to one or more high-resistance resistor(s) 182, which are connected with the cartridge 4 in series in use, and a digital ground 183.
  • the high resistance resistor(s) 182 reduce the working current and minimise power consumption of the cartridge detection circuitry 180.
  • the controller 22 may, in addition to the connection to the power supply control circuit 120 shown in figure 2a, be connected to the digital power supply 181 , the digital ground 183 and the cartridge 4, where the connection to the cartridge 4 in figure 2b is via an analogue-to-digital convertor (ADC). Equally, a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) may be provided, as needed.
  • ADC analogue-to-digital convertor
  • the electronic circuity for the aerosol delivery system 1 further comprises an electrical contact (typically a pair of electrical contacts for DC power supply) configured to receive a corresponding electrical contacts) on the removable cartridge 4, to electrically connect the cartridge 4 in series with both the power supply control circuitry 120 and the cartridge detection circuitry 180 (which are in parallel with one another) in use, i.e. between the circuits 120, 180 and the ground 183 in the figure 2b embodiment. Accordingly, removal of the cartridge 4 may provide an open circuit in some embodiments.
  • an electrical contact typically a pair of electrical contacts for DC power supply
  • the electronic circuity for the aerosol delivery system 1 further comprises an electrical contact (typically a pair of electrical contacts for DC power supply) configured to receive a corresponding electrical contacts) on the removable cartridge 4, to electrically connect the cartridge 4 in series with both the power supply control circuitry 120 and the cartridge detection circuitry 180 (which are in parallel with one another) in use, i.e. between the circuits 120, 180 and the ground 183 in the figure 2b embodiment. Accordingly, removal of the
  • the system 1 e.g. the controller 22
  • the system 1 can check if the voltage across the cartridge is substantially zero (indicating that no cartridge is present) based on either/both of the circuits 120, 180.
  • the resistance of the cartridge detection circuitry 180 is one or more orders of magnitude higher than that of the power supply control circuit 120, providing a cartridge detection circuit 180 consuming lower power than the power supply control circuitry 120 at idle (when not supplying power to the aerosol generator 48).
  • the cartridge detection circuitry 180 comprises one or more resistors having a total resistance of substantially 1-10 kQ, preferably 4-6 kQ.
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 has a total resistance of substantially ⁇ 1 %, preferably substantially ⁇ 0.1% or further preferably substantially ⁇ 0.01% of the total resistance of the cartridge detection circuitry 180, preferably substantially 0.1 - 10 mfi, more preferably 0.3-0.6 mQ.
  • the cartridge detection circuitry 180 is independent of the power supply control circuitry 120 and both circuits 120, 180 are selectively actuatable (i.e. can be enabled or disabled independently), e.g. by means of one or more switches or transistors which may be controlled by the system 1 e.g. by the controller 22.
  • the cartridge detection circuitry 180 consumes less idle power for detecting the cartridge than the power supply control circuitry 120 similarly consumes at idle (when not supplying power to the aerosol generator 48) for detecting the cartridge.
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 and the cartridge detection circuitry 180 may be selectively actuated (enabled/disabled) independently to reduce power consumption.
  • figure 3 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a control method in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, illustrating how a controller 22 for an aerosol delivery system 1 may be configured to selectively actuate the power supply control circuitry 120 and the cartridge detection circuitry 180.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a cyclic process in which the system 1 (e.g. the controller 22) checks if a user is smoking/puffing on the system 1 (e.g. by detecting puffing automatically, such as by using a puff or air flow sensor 30, or e.g. receiving a manual user input indicating they are smoking).
  • the system 1 or controller 22 enables the power supply control circuit 120 to control the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48, and optionally disables the cartridge detection circuitry 180, depending on the configuration.
  • the system 1 or controller 22 disables the power supply control circuit 120 to reduce power consumption, since power supply to the aerosol generator 48 for generating aerosol is not required, and enables the cartridge detection circuitry 180.
  • the system 1 or controller 22 may be configured to determine when a user starts puffing, is puffing, finishes puffing and/or is not puffing on the aerosol delivery system 1 and optionally: enable the power supply control circuitry 120 when the user starts or is puffing; and/or disable the power supply control circuitry 120 when the user finishes or is not puffing; and/or enable the cartridge detection circuitry 180 when the user finishes or is not puffing; and/or disable the cartridge detection circuitry 180 when the user starts or is puffing.
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 when a user is puffing, the power supply control circuitry 120 is used to control power supply to the aerosol generator 48 for generating aerosol and either/both of the power supply control circuit 120 and the cartridge detection circuitry 180 is/are operable to detect the removable cartridge.
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 is disabled and separate cartridge detection circuitry 180 is used to provide the cartridge detection functionality, having lower power consumption than the (then disabled) power supply control circuitry 120.
  • the controller 22 or system 1 is configured to determine if a user is puffing on the system 1 ; and if the user is puffing, then: i. enable the power supply control circuitry 120; and ii. control a supply of power to the aerosol generator 48; and/or if the user is not puffing, then: i. disable the power supply control circuitry 120 and enable the cartridge detection circuitry 180; ii. determine or detect a change in voltage across the electrical contacts) for the cartridge; and
  • Hi. dependent on the determined voltage indicate to the user if a cartridge is installed.
  • the controller 22 or system 1 is configured to: a. determine or detect a change in voltage across the electrical contact for the cartridge periodically; and/or b. perform the above steps (of the particular embodiment) periodically.
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 and the cartridge detection circuitry 180 are configured to be selectively enabled exclusively, i.e. only one of the circuits 120, 180 is enabled at any given time, to minimise power consumption of the system 1 in use. Accordingly, in such embodiments:
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 is used to control power supply to the aerosol generator 48 and detect the removable cartridge when a user is puffing, so the separate cartridge detection circuitry 180 is disabled;
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 is disabled and separate cartridge detection circuitry 180 is used to provide the cartridge detection functionality, having a lower power consumption than the power supply control circuitry 120.
  • the system 1 or controller 22 is configured to determine a voltage (e.g. by detecting a relative change, comparing to a threshold, such as 0 V or measuring an absolute value) across the electrical contact(s) for the cartridge using either of the circuits 120, 180, since the circuits 120, 180 are connected in parallel with one another.
  • a voltage e.g. by detecting a relative change, comparing to a threshold, such as 0 V or measuring an absolute value
  • one or more thresholds are used to detect whether or not a cartridge is installed. For example, if the voltage is below a first threshold, then a cartridge is deemed not installed, and/or if the voltage exceeds the first or a second, different threshold, then a cartridge is deemed installed.
  • the threshold is substantially 0 V, wherein if the determined voltage is substantially zero, then no cartridge is installed, but if non-zero then a cartridge is deemed installed.
  • the first threshold may be substantially ⁇ 1 V, ⁇ 0.5 V or ⁇ 0.1 V, and/or (e.g. for a typical power supply providing 4.2 V) the second threshold may be > 3V or > 4 V. If the voltage is between the first and second thresholds, then this could indicate an error or fault, such as an incompatible cartridge or foreign object installed.
  • the loop resets and the smoking state is re-checked.
  • the controller 22 periodically rechecks the voltage across the cartridge contacts without first re-checking the smoking state, to minimise power consumption whilst no cartridge is present.
  • the loop may restart fully again, starting with a smoking state check.
  • the cartridge detection circuitry 180 might be turned off, optionally until a restart condition is met, such as a user interacting with the device e.g. by pressing a button 14, 16 or the system 1 /controller 22 detecting movement from a sensor, etc.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a communication module and/or a user interface for indicating a status to a user, such as when the cartridge is detected as installed and/or removed/not installed.
  • the cartridge status derived from the voltage across the cartridge contacts (which may comprise e.g. any combination of: cartridge installed I cartridge not installed I fault) may be indicated to a user e.g. via an LED, a display or a feedback (e.g. haptic) device, and/or sent to a remote device such as a user’s mobile telephone, via the communication module.
  • this functionality may also be provided by the system 1 , e.g. by the controller 22 switching off the power supply control circuitry 120 when the cartridge is removed.
  • the system 1 or the controller 22 may be further configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system 1 , dependent on the voltage across or resistance of cartridge, particularly when the cartridge contains the aerosol generator 48 (and therefore the measured voltage across the cartridge indicates the voltage across the aerosol generator 48).
  • the operating parameters may include any parameters for the aerosol generator 48, such as the power supply profile therefor (i.e. the voltage or current supply profile overtime, which may depend on the resistance of the aerosol generator 48, particularly if a particular operating temperature of the aerosol generator 48 is desired), and/or other operating parameters such as rate of supply or mixture of aerosol generating material (which might be adjustable e.g. via a valve) air flow into I aerosol flow out of the system (either of which might be adjustable by baffles), etc.
  • the power supply profile therefor i.e. the voltage or current supply profile overtime, which may depend on the resistance of the aerosol generator 48, particularly if a particular operating temperature of the aerosol generator 48 is desired
  • other operating parameters such as rate of supply or
  • Figure 4 is a schematic electronic circuit diagram in accordance with a particular embodiment of the disclosure, providing a working example.
  • the electronic circuit of figure 4 for the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a 4.2 V power supply 26 connected to the power supply control circuitry 120, the circuitry 120 comprising an NX2301 P P- channel Field-Effect T ransistor (FET) in parallel with a 10k Q resistor R1 .
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 is controlled by the system 1 using a microcontroller (MCU) 22 connected to the MOSFET.
  • MCU microcontroller
  • the power supply control circuitry 120 is connected in series with the aerosol generator 48 when the cartridge 4 is installed, the removable cartridge 4 comprising both the aerosol generator 48 and the aerosol-generating material.
  • the cartridge detection circuitry 180 (comprising a digital power supply 181 connected to a 5.1 k Q resistor 182, R2) is connected in parallel with the power supply control circuitry 120 and also connected in series with the aerosol generator 48, as shown.
  • the aerosol generator 48 has a resistance of substantially 1.4 £1 as shown.
  • the aerosol generator 48 is connected in series with a low resistance resistor, which is connected to ground.
  • the low resistance resistor has a resistance of substantially 0.0003 Q (0.3 mQ), providing a voltage divider for an output to the MCU 22 via an ADC as shown.
  • any specific directional flow pathways between components is not limiting: both specific one-way communication and two-way communication between any components and/or combinations thereof are explicitly contemplated.
  • Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein.
  • this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.
  • PCB printed circuit board

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un circuit électronique pour un système de distribution d'aérosol conçu pour générer un aérosol à partir d'un matériau de génération d'aérosol reçu à partir d'une cartouche amovible (4) lors de l'utilisation, le circuit comprenant : un circuit de commande d'alimentation électrique (120) pour commander une alimentation en énergie d'un générateur d'aérosol (48) ; un circuit de détection de cartouche (180) connecté en parallèle au circuit de commande d'alimentation électrique destiné à détecter une cartouche amovible comprenant un matériau de génération d'aérosol ; et un contact électrique configuré pour recevoir un contact électrique correspondant sur une cartouche amovible pour connecter électriquement la cartouche en série à la fois au circuit de commande d'alimentation électrique et au circuit de détection de cartouche lors de l'utilisation.
PCT/GB2024/051940 2023-07-28 2024-07-23 Circuits électroniques et dispositifs de commande pour systèmes de distribution d'aérosol Pending WO2025027282A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202310946070.5A CN119423411A (zh) 2023-07-28 2023-07-28 用于气溶胶输送系统的电子电路和控制器
CN202310946070.5 2023-07-28
GBGB2312883.8A GB202312883D0 (en) 2023-07-28 2023-08-23 Electronic circuitry and controllers for aerosol delivery systems
GB2312883.8 2023-08-23

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019186150A1 (fr) * 2018-03-29 2019-10-03 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de production de vapeur doté d'une détection de partie de transport de matériau de substrat aérosolisable
WO2021140112A1 (fr) * 2020-01-08 2021-07-15 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de fourniture d'aérosol électronique

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019186150A1 (fr) * 2018-03-29 2019-10-03 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de production de vapeur doté d'une détection de partie de transport de matériau de substrat aérosolisable
WO2021140112A1 (fr) * 2020-01-08 2021-07-15 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de fourniture d'aérosol électronique

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