WO2025036925A1

WO2025036925A1 - Rf energy harvesting for packaging enhancement

Info

Publication number: WO2025036925A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/072871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frederic Philippe Christophe NICOLAS
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-08-14
Filing date: 2024-08-14
Publication date: 2025-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-14

Abstract

A container configured to store consumables for consumption with an electronic device is provided. The container comprises at least one actuator configured to perform an action associated with the container, and a radio-frequency energy harvesting, RF-EH, system comprising an energy storage device, wherein the RF-EH system is configured to obtain energy from ambient radio frequency signals, to store the energy in the energy storage device and to power the at least one actuator.

Description

RF ENERGY HARVESTING FOR PACKAGING ENHANCEMENT

The present disclosure relates to containers configured for storing consumables, a device or an accessory.

Consumables or consumable articles are non-durable articles, which can be used for immediate consumption. These consumables can interact with an electronic device or can be used by an electronic device. These consumables may be provided in containers, such as packs or boxes, configured to store a plurality of consumables. An example of a consumable is a reduced risk product (RRP). The electronic device may be an aerosol-generating device that is configured to interact with a consumable being an aerosol-generating article.

However, a problem with such containers for storing consumables is the limited functionality of these containers. For example, conventional containers are limited to printed information on an outside of the container for signalling information to a user. However, these containers do not allow any kind of interaction with the user. Specifically, these containers do not allow to transmit or send signals to a user in response to a user interaction.

Another disadvantage of containers having only printed information on them is that this information may not be received by a user in certain situations, such as at night or in a dark room, and excludes people, such as blind people, from receiving the information.

Another problem with conventional containers for storing consumables is that the containers may be replicated by a third party, other than a manufacturer, since the outward appearance of the container can be easily copied, and counterfeit products may be sold in such containers without a user noticing. A manufacturer of containers including consumables has no control of these counterfeits of consumables and does not know how these consumables are generated or what the counterfeits of consumables are made of. Accordingly, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that that there will be no danger to users from these counterfeit consumables in containers with a copied outward appearance.

Often manufacturers are limited to a printed outer layer of the container, which may be made of cardboard or paper, to distinguish their product. Such a printed outer layer can be easily copied. A manufacturer may use other materials for containers to distinguish it from other products. However, often these other materials increase the production costs or have a higher environmental impact. In addition, conventional containers may not be regarded as sustainable by users, since their only purpose is storing consumables, and once the last consumable in the container is used, the container no longer serves a purpose and may be thrown away.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved container for storing consumables and providing enhanced functionalities without neglecting the impact on the environment.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container configured to store consumables for consumption with an electronic device. The container comprises at least one actuator configured to perform an action associated with the container, and a radio-frequency energy harvesting (RF-EH) system comprising an energy storage device. The RF-EH system is configured to obtain energy from ambient radio frequency signals. The RF-EH system is configured to store the obtained energy in the energy storage device and to power the at least one actuator. The at least one actuator may be powered by feeding the energy stored in the energy storage device to the at least one actuator or a subset of the at least one actuator.

By providing a container with an RF-EH system for powering an actuator, the functionality of the container can be increased without neglecting the impact on the environment. Actuators embedded or comprised in containers allow a user to quickly identify the container and provide for a distinction to similar products from other manufacturers.

According to aspects, the energy storage device is configured to feed energy stored in the energy storage device to the at least one actuator in response to at least one of (i) one or more actions exerted on the container, (ii) a specified time, (iii) a specific amount of energy stored in the energy storage device, and (iv) a random time after a last feeding of energy to the at least one actuator.

According to an aspect, the container comprises a sensor configured to detect a signal, wherein the energy stored in the energy storage device is fed to the at least one actuator in response to detecting the signal. The energy storage device may comprise a capacitor configured to control a transistor.

By feeding energy to an actuator, the actuator may be activated. By activating an actuator in response to a sensor signal or in response to an action exerted on the container, an improved container with enhanced user interaction is provided.

According to an aspect, the transistor may be configured to become conductive when the energy stored in the capacitor is equal to or reaches a gate-source threshold to discharge the capacitor into the at least one actuator. Alternatively, the energy storage device may comprise a main capacitor and a secondary capacitor. The secondary capacitor may be configured to control a transistor. The main capacitor may be charged faster compared to the secondary capacitor due to the secondary capacitor being charged up through a resistor. The transistor may be configured to become conductive when the energy stored in the secondary capacitor is equal to or reaches a gate-source threshold to discharge the main capacitor into the at least one actuator.

According to aspects, the container comprises a switch. The energy storage device may be configured to feed energy stored in the energy storage device to the at least one actuator in response to the switch being closed. The switch may be embedded in the container and configured to transition from an open state into a closed state when the container is opened. The container may comprise a lid configured to be opened in a rotary motion. The switch may comprise at least one leg configured to contact a conducting layer to close the switch only when the lid is opened. The at least one actuator may be a LED.

According to aspects, the energy storage device comprises a varying capacitor with at least one flexible electrode. The varying capacitor may be connected to a gate of a transistor. The transistor may become a conductor when a distance between the two electrodes of the varying capacitor decreases to feed the at least one actuator with energy. The varying capacitor may be arranged in the container, such that a distance between the two electrodes of the varying capacitor decreases when a user presses on at least one side of the container.

According to aspects, the RF-EH system is a foldable RF-EH system integrated in paper or cardboard. The at least one actuator may comprise at least one of a LED, an array of LEDs, a speaker, a vibrating means, and an array of vibrating means. The at least one actuator may comprise a low power light system actuator. The low power light system actuator may be configured to provide light toward the inside of the container for illuminating the container’s content.

According to aspects, the energy storage device is configured to feed energy to the at least one actuator in response to a user of the container exerting a force on at least one of the container and the energy storage device.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. An aerosol-generating device may interact with one or both of an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, and a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. In some examples, the aerosol-generating device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate release of volatile compounds from the substrate. An electrically operated aerosol-generating device may comprise an atomizer, such as an electric heater, to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate disposed in and/or engaged with the aerosol-generating device" refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate forms part of an aerosolgenerating article, the aerosol-forming substrate disposed in and/or engaged with the aerosolgenerating device refers to the combination of the aerosol-generating device with the aerosolgenerating article. The aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-generating device may cooperate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. As an alternative to heating, in some cases, volatile compounds may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or may comprise both solid and liquid components. An aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol may comprise nicotine. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco may be referred to herein as a tobacco stick. An aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. An aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, for example a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. In preferred embodiments an aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material, for example cast leaf tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds, which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosolforming substrate may further comprise an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

As used herein, the term “container”, refers to a storage, such as a pack or box for several consumables or for several consumable doses. The container may be made of cardboard, paper or renewable materials. The terms “container” and “pack” may be used interchangeably throughout the application.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example Ex1. A container configured to store consumables for consumption with an electronic device, the container comprising: at least one actuator configured to perform an action associated with the container; and a radio-frequency energy harvesting, RF-EH, system comprising an energy storage device, wherein the RF-EH system is configured to obtain energy from ambient radio frequency signals, to store the energy in the energy storage device and to power the at least one actuator.

Example Ex2. The container according to Ex 1, wherein the energy storage device is configured to feed energy stored in the energy storage device to the at least one actuator in response to at least one of (i) one or more actions exerted on the container, (ii) a specified time, (iii) a specific amount of energy stored in the energy storage device, and (iv) a random time after a last feeding of energy to the at least one actuator.

Example Ex3. The container according to one of Ex1 and Ex2, wherein the container comprises a sensor configured to detect a signal, wherein the energy stored in the energy storage device is fed to the at least one actuator in response to detecting the signal.

Example Ex4. The container according to Ex3, wherein the sensor comprises one of a gas sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a vibration sensor, a piezo sensor, a humidity sensor, and a photo optic sensor.

Example Ex5. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the container comprises at least one of an oscillator circuit, an amplifier circuit and various kinds of actuators.

Example Ex6. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the RF-EH system is embedded in the shell of the container. Example Ex7. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the container is a pack and the RF-EH system is embedded in the packaging of the pack.

Example Ex8. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the RF-EH system comprises at least one of a resistor, a capacitor and a diode.

Example Ex9. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the container comprises an inner liner configured to be the ground for electrical components of the container.

Example Ex10. The container according to Ex9, wherein the inner liner comprises an aluminium foil for enclosing the consumables.

Example Ex11. The container according to one of Ex 1 to Ex10, wherein the storage device comprises at least one capacitor.

Example Ex12. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex11 , wherein the energy storage device comprises a capacitor configured to control a transistor, wherein the transistor is configured to become conductive when the energy stored in the capacitor is equal to or reaches a gate-source threshold to discharge the capacitor into the at least one actuator.

Example Ex13. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex11 , wherein the energy storage device comprises a main capacitor and a secondary capacitor configured to control a transistor and, wherein the main capacitor is charged faster compared to the secondary capacitor due to the secondary capacitor being charged up through a resistor, wherein the transistor is configured to become conductive when the energy stored in the secondary capacitor is equal to or reaches a gate-source threshold to discharge the main capacitor into the at least one actuator.

Example Ex14. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex11 , comprising a switch, wherein the energy storage device is configured to feed energy stored in the energy storage device to the at least one actuator in response to the switch being closed.

Example Ex15. The container according to Ex14, wherein the switch is configured to prevent the energy storage device from discharging into the at least one actuator in an open state.

Example Ex16. The container according to one of Ex14 and Ex15, wherein the switch is embedded in the container and configured to transition from an open state into a closed state when the container is opened.

Example Ex17. The container according to one of Ex14 to Ex16, wherein the container comprises a lid configured to be opened in a rotary motion, wherein the switch comprises at least one leg configured to contact a conducting layer to close the switch only when the lid is opened.

Example Ex18. The container according to Ex17, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a LED configured to illuminate an inside of the container, when the lid is opened.

Example Ex19. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex11 , wherein the energy storage device comprises a varying capacitor with at least one flexible electrode, wherein the varying capacitor is connected to a gate of a transistor, and wherein the transistor becomes a conductor when a distance between the two electrodes of the varying capacitor decreases. Example Ex20. The container according to Ex19, wherein the at least one flexible electrode comprises a charged electret film coated with metal.

Example Ex21. The container according to one of Ex19 and Ex20, wherein the distance between the two electrodes of the varying capacitor decreases when a user presses on at least one side of the container.

Example Ex22. The container according to one of Ex19 and Ex21 , wherein the two electrodes of the varying capacitor are separated by a foam.

Example Ex23. The container according to one of Ex19 to Ex22, wherein the energy storage device comprises a main capacitor configured to feed energy to the at least one actuator when the distance between the two electrodes of the varying capacitor decreases.

Example Ex24. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex23, wherein the RF-EH system comprises an antenna.

Example Ex25. The container according to Ex24, wherein the antenna comprises a coplanar waveguide rectenna.

Example Ex26. The container according to one of Ex24 and Ex25, wherein the antenna is less than one of 20pm, 30pm, 40pm, 50pm and 60pm thick.

Example Ex27. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex26, wherein the RF-EH system is a foldable RF-EH system integrated in paper or cardboard.

Example Ex28. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex27, wherein the RF-EH system comprises a Rotman lens.

Example Ex29. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex28, wherein the consumables comprise reduced risk products, RRPs.

Example Ex30. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex29, wherein the at least one actuator is embedded in the container.

Example Ex31. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex29, wherein the at least one actuator is attached to the outside of the container.

Example Ex32. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex31 wherein the at least one actuator comprises at least one of a LED, an array of LEDs, a speaker, a vibrating means, and an array of vibrating means.

Example Ex33. The container according to Ex32, wherein the vibrating means comprise at least one of an eccentric rotating mass, a piezo, and a linear resonant actuator.

Example Ex34. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex33, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to transmit a signal to a user of the container.

Example Ex35. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex34, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a low power light system actuator.

Example Ex36. The container according to Ex35, wherein the low power light system actuator is configured to provide a light signal directed toward the outside of the container. Example Ex37. The container according to one of Ex35 and Ex36, wherein the low power light system actuator is configured to provide a light signal directed toward one of embossing and carvings on an outside surface of the container.

Example Ex38. The container according to one of Ex35 to Ex37, wherein the low power light system actuator is configured to provide a light toward the inside of the container for illuminating the containers content.

Example Ex39. The container according to Ex38, wherein the low power light system actuator is configured to provide the light toward the inside of the container when the container is at least one of opened and in an opened state.

Example Ex40. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex39, wherein the energy storage device is configured to feed energy to the at least one actuator in response to a user of the container exerting a force on at least one of the container and the energy storage device.

Example Ex41. The system according to one of Ex1 to Ex41, wherein the container comprises a tag, and wherein the RF-EH system is configured to power the tag.

Example Ex42. The container according to Ex41 , wherein the RF-EH system provides energy for the tag for backscattering a signal.

Example Ex43. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex42, wherein the RF-EH system comprises an antenna, an impedance matching circuit, and a rectifier configured to convert alternating current, AC, to direct current, DC.

Example Ex44. The container according to Ex43, wherein the antenna of the RF-EH system is configured to receive a range of radio frequencies that is broader compared to a radio frequency range for an antenna of the tag for backscattering an incoming signal.

Example Ex45. The container according to one of Ex41 to Ex44, wherein a range of an antenna of the tag powered by the RF-EH system is more than one of 10 meters, 12 meters, 15 meters, 20 meters, 30 meters and 50 meters.

Example Ex46. The container according to one of Ex41 to Ex45, wherein the range of the antenna of the tag powered by the RF-EH system is less than 100 meters.

Example Ex47. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex46, wherein the RF-EH system is charged at factory time.

Example Ex48. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex47, wherein the antenna of the RF-EH system is printed on at least one surface of the container.

Example Ex49. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex48, wherein the antenna of the RF-EH system is printed on at least one inner surface of the container.

Example Ex50. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex49, wherein the antenna of the RF-EH system is a layer of packaging material of the container.

Example Ex51. The container according to Ex50, wherein the packaging material is laminated.

Example Ex52. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex51 , wherein at least one of: the antenna of the RF-EH system is comprised in at least one of the walls of the container, the antenna of the RF-EH system is deposed in the cardboard of the container, and an inner liner of the container comprises the antenna of the RF-EH system, wherein the inner liner comprises metal.

Example Ex53. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex52, wherein the energy storage device comprises at least one of a capacitor and a battery.

Example Ex54. The container according to Ex41 , wherein the tag comprises a radio frequency identification, RFID, circuit.

Example Ex55. The container according to one of Ex1 to Ex54, wherein the container is one of a pack, a storage or a box.

Example Ex56. A system comprising: the container according to one of Ex1 to Ex55; and an electronic device configured to consume consumables.

Example Ex57. The system according to Ex56, wherein one of the electronic device and a mobile computing device comprised in the system is configured to read an identifier from the tag, wherein the one of the electronic device and the mobile computing device is configured to unlock, based on the identifier, at least one function of the electronic device.

Example Ex58. The system according to Ex57, wherein the electronic device comprises an aerosol-generating device, and the consumable comprises an aerosol-generating article, wherein the mobile computing device is configured to instruct the aerosol-generating device to unlock, based on the identifier, at least one function of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex59. The system according to one of Ex1 to Ex58, wherein the consumables comprise aerosol-generating articles, wherein the electronic device is configured to engage with an aerosol-generating article of the aerosol-generating articles.

Example Ex60. The system according to one of Ex1 to Ex59, wherein the electronic device is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article only when a container is authenticated based on the identifier.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 shows an example circuit of a container for triggering an action associated with the container according to an aspect;

Figure 2 shows an example circuit of a container for triggering an action associated with the container according to an aspect;

Figure 3 shows an example circuit of a container for triggering an action associated with the container according to an aspect;

Figure 4A shows a schematic illustration of a container according to an aspect;

Figure 4B shows a schematic illustration of a container for triggering an action according to an aspect; Figure 5A shows an example circuit of a container for triggering an action associated with the container according to an aspect;

Figure 5B shows a schematic illustration of a container for triggering an action according to an aspect;

Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a radio-frequency energy harvesting, RF-EH, system for powering an actuator according to an aspect;

Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of a tag according to an aspect;

Figure 8 shows an impedance matching circuit for an RF-EH system according to an aspect;

Figure 9 shows a circuit for an RF-EH system according to an aspect;

Figure 10 shows a circuit for an RF-EH system according to an aspect;

Figure 11 shows a schematic illustration of a consumable according to an aspect; and

Figure 12 shows a schematic illustration of a container according to an aspect.

Aspects relate to the packaging of RRPs (Reduced Risk Products), consumables as well as devices. RRPs’ packages, in particular for the stick-shaped consumables, may be similar to the packages of conventional products, except by their dimensions. The outer appearance as well as the shape of such packs or containers may allow consumers to identify Heat-not-Burn consumables. However, it could be desirable to have packs conveying more strongly how RRPs differ from the conventional products.

It would be desirable to produce an efficient and environmentally friendly container with increased functionality for signalling or assisting a user.

The hereunder text will detail mainly a container for consumables. However, according to aspects, the container could be used for the packaging or storing of electronic heating devices, or for the packaging of any kind of product.

Aspects will be described with respect to aerosol-generating (or providing) systems using an electronic device (“RRP device”) and consumables provided in containers, such as packs or boxes. A container may comprise a bottle of e-liquid, with a cylindrical shape, and parallelepiped cellulose-based packaging. An RRP system may comprise a Heat-not-Burn (“HnB”) system, which may be based on a resistive or inductive heating system, for external or internal heating of consumables, such as cylindrical consumables.

According to aspects, a container may comprise a pack. The container may be configured to store Reduced Risk Product(s), consumables, a device or an accessory. The container comprises a Radio-Frequency Energy Harvesting (“RF-EH”) system. The RF-EH system may be embedded in the container or pack. Additionally, the container may comprise at least one actuator. The at least one actuator may be embedded inside or outside the container or pack and may be connected to the RF-EH system. The at least one actuator can be a LED, a vibrating means etc. The RF-EH system may be configured to store electrical energy. The electrical energy may be stored in an energy storage device comprised in the RF-EH system. The stored energy may be fed to one or more actuators of the container based on at least one of an action exerted on the container or pack, an amount of energy stored or harvested and a signal obtained by a sensor of the container.

The RF-EH system may be configured to provide energy to the at least one actuator. The RF-EH system may be configured to activate the at least one actuator, which may be embedded in the container. The at least one actuator may be configured to provide at least one signal that can be perceived by a user. The user may be a consumer of the container or someone that passes by the container. The signal may create attention-drawing effects. An advantage of the RF-EH system is that the at least one actuator can be powered without the need of a battery inside the container. This may save manufacturing costs and is environmentally friendly compared to containers with batteries.

According to aspects, the container may comprise a sensor connected to the RF-EH system. The sensor may be configured to capture or detect a signal. The at least one actuator may be configured to perform an action in response to the captured signal. The captured signal may trigger the actuator. According to one aspect, the container may comprise an electronic circuit, such as an actuating circuit, which may be more complex than a simple actuator, and may be connected to the RF-EH system for using the RF-EH system as an energy provider. The electronic circuit may include at least one of an oscillator circuit, an amplifier circuit and various kinds of actuators.

Figure 1 illustrates an example circuit 100, which may be embedded in a container, comprising an RF-EH system 110 and an actuator 120. The circuit may be used to trigger the actuator 120 based on an amount of energy stored in an energy storage device of the RF-EH system 110. The circuit may be used to trigger the actuator, from time to time, on a random basis (determined by how much the RF-EH circuit harvests energy), for providing a signal to a user creating “attention” or providing for an unexpected event.

The RF-EH system 110 may comprise an energy storage device. For example, the energy storage device may comprise a capacitor 140. The capacitor 140 may be configured to control the Gate of a transistor 130. Transistor 130 may be a “normally off” MOSFET transistor, a “negative threshold” MOSFET or a pMOSFET in depletion-mode. When the energy stored in capacitor 140 is such that the voltage of the capacitor 140 is under the Gate-Source Threshold voltage of the transistor 130, the transistor 130 becomes conductor, and the capacitor 140 can discharge into the actuator 120.

In the figures, only the main components of the respective circuits are shown. The circuits may comprise further components. For instance, the circuit 100 may comprise a resistor (not shown) slowing down the discharge of the capacitor.

Figure 2 shows an example circuit 200 comprising an RF-EH system 110, an actuator 120 and transistor 130. Additionally, circuit 200 comprises a first capacitor 140 and a second capacitor 242. The first and the second capacitor may form the energy storage device for the RF-EH system. The first capacitor 242 may be a dedicated capacitor connected to the Gate of a transistor, such as a “normally off” MOSFET transistor, a “negative threshold” MOSFET or a pMOSFET in depletion-mode. The first capacitor 242, which may be a secondary capacitor, may be charged by the RF-EH system 110, when ambient RF signals are obtained by the RF-EH system 110. Similar, the second capacitor 140, which may be a main capacitor, may also be charged by the RF-EH system 110, when ambient RF signals are obtained by the RF-EH system 110. The first capacitor 242 may be charged slower compared to the second capacitor 140, due to the resistance of the resistor 250. When the first capacitor 242 reaches a voltage sufficient to put the transistor 130 out of its cut-off region, the transistor 130 becomes conductor and the second capacitor 140 can discharge into the actuator 120.

The respective values of the capacitances and the resistance may be determined so that the first capacitor is configured to reach the value for the transistor 130, e.g. a MOSFET transistor, to become conductor, when the second capacitor can provide enough energy to the actuator. A transistor becoming a conductor means that the transistor becomes conductive between the Drain and the Source of the transistor, when the capacitor or capacitors configured to control the gate of the transistor have stored enough energy to reach a voltage sufficient to put the transistor out of a cut-off region of the transistor. In figures 1 and 2, the transistor 130, such as a pMOSFET in depletion-mode, is shown with its Gate “G” and its Source “S”.

According to aspects, the container may be configured to activate an actuator in response to the container being opened or open. An actuator may be triggered when the user opens the container. An example circuit for triggering an actuator comprised in a container is shown in figure 3.

Figure 3 shows an example circuit 300 for a container. The circuit 300 comprises the RF- EH system 110, an actuator 120, a capacitor 140 and a switch 360. The purpose of this circuit may be to trigger the actuator when the user opens the lid of the pack or the container. The container may have a hinged lid. The actuator may be a LED pointing toward the interior area of the pack, when the lid is open.

In figure 3, the switch 360 is configured to prevent the storage capacitor 140 to discharge into the actuator 120 in an “open” state. The switch may be configured to transition from the “open” state to a “closed” state when the container is opened. For example, the switch may be closed when the lid of the container is open or opened. When the switch is closed, the storage capacitor 140 is configured to feed the actuator 120. When the capacitor 140 has been sufficiently charged by the RF-EH system, the actuator 120 can be activated.

Figure 4A shows a side cut of a container 401, such as a consumables pack, with a carton outer frame 402, a hinged lid 403, an Inner Liner 404 and consumables 405. The circuit 300 of figure 3 may be comprised in the container 401 . For example, the actuator 411 may correspond to actuator 120 of figure 3. The actuator 411 may be embedded in the container. The circuit 300 of figure 3 without the actuator 120 and half of the switch 360 may correspond to 410 in figure 4A. In figure 4A, the actuator 411 may be a LED configured to illuminate the inside of the container

410.

Figure 4B shows details of the opening of the lid 403 of figure 4A. On the right side of figure 4A, the lid is closed. In the middle of figure 4B, the lid 403 is open. By opening the lid 403, the switch may be closed. For example, two open legs of the switch of the circuit 410 may be configured to contact, due to the rotation of the lid 403, an electrical conducting layer 412, which results in closing the switch. In response to the switch being closed, the actuator 411 may be activated. The actuator 411 , in the form of a LED, may be configured to shed light rays 413 on the interior of the container.

Figure 5A shows an example circuit 500 for a container according to an aspect. The circuit comprises RF-EH system 110, actuator 120, capacitor 140, a varying capacitor 546 and transistor 130. The circuit 500 may be embedded in the container according to aspects, such that an action of a user, e.g. a touching or pressing of a user on the container or a surface of the container, triggers the actuator 120. The varying capacitor 546 may be configured to act as a sensor for detecting the action of the user. The varying capacitor 546 may comprise at least one flexible electrode. The varying capacitor 546 may be charged. For example, one electrode of the varying capacitor 546 may be a charged flexible membrane, such as a charged electret film coated with metal, with the metallized coating connected to the ground, and the second electrode may be a back metallized plate.

The varying capacitor 546 is connected to the Gate of transistor 130, with the Source of the transistor 130 grounded, so that a voltage threshold, which may be negative, of the transistor is greater, i.e. less negative, than the negative Gate-Source voltage associated with the varying capacitor 546 in an unpressed state. As a result, the transistor is not conductive and the capacitor 140 is prevented from discharging into the actuator 120. The transistor 130 may be a MOSFET or nMOSFET in depletion mode. The unpressed state may be a state where no force is exerted on the varying capacitor 546. When a force is exerted on the varying capacitor 546, the varying capacitor 546 may be in a pressed state. A user, e.g. by touching or pressing the container, may exert the force on the container or the varying capacitor 546, such that the distance between the two electrodes of the varying capacitor 546 decreases. For example, the distance between the charged flexible membrane and the back plate decreases, when the pack is pressed. The electrodes of the varying capacitor 546 may be separated by a foam between the carton outer frame and the inner liner.

Figure 5B shows a schematic illustration of a container being pressed by a user 520. As can be seen on the right side of figure 5B, a thickness between the carton outer frame of the container and the Inner Liner 504 decreases when the pack is pressed. When this distance decreases, the capacitance C of the varying capacitor 546 increases. The capacitance of a capacitor is inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes of the capacitor. Because the charges are fixed, and because of the capacitance equation Q = CV, the absolute value of the voltage of the varying capacitor 546 decreases and may pass the voltage threshold of the transistor 130, making the transistor 130 conductive. For example, the negative Gate- Source voltage associated with the varying capacitor 546 in a pressed state becomes less negative and may go above or reach the voltage threshold of the transistor, such that the transistor functions as a conductor. The varying capacitor 546 is configured such that the decrease of voltage, when the container or pack is touched, is sufficient to put the transistor out of the cut-off region of the transistor. The voltage associated with the varying capacitor 546 in a pressed state may go above the Gate-Source Threshold voltage and makes the transistor to become conductor. In response to the transistor being conductive, the electrical charges stored in the storage capacitor 140, where the RF-EH system stores the harvested energy, are fed to the actuator 120. If the quantity of charges is sufficient, the actuator 120 is activated.

Figure 5B shows a consumables pack 501 , with a carton outer frame 502, a hinged lid 503, an Inner Liner 504 and consumables 505. The circuit 500 of figure 5A, with the varying capacitor 546 and without the actuator 120 embedded in the container, is shown as 510. The actuator 120 of figure 5 may correspond to the actuator 511. In this example, the actuator may be a vibrating means. When the user’s hand holds or presses the pack, and so the varying capacitor of circuit 510, as shown on the right of figure 5B, the actuator is triggered and may provide perceptible vibrations 514.

According to aspects, a container may comprise a circuit, which may correspond or be at least one of the circuits 100, 200, 300, and 500. The container may be a pack and may be configured to store consumables, a device or accessory. The circuit or at least a part of the circuit may be embedded in the container. According to aspects, the circuit could be more complex than the circuits 100, 200, 300, and 500. For instance, the circuit may include an oscillator circuit. The oscillator circuit may comprise one or more transistors, one or more resistors, and one or more capacitors. The oscillator circuit may be configured to generate, when being fed with the energy of the energy storage device, periodic waves. The periodic waves may comprise sine, square or combination thereof. The oscillating circuit may be connected to an amplifier circuit used to drive a speaker for producing a sound when being triggered. For example, the circuit embedded in the container may be configured to generate a sound, such as a “humming” sound, when being triggered, e.g. by opening the container. The sound may be associated with a feeling of the user.

The energy storage unit of the RF-EH system detailed in figures 1 , 2, 3 and 5A, which is a capacitor 140, will be shown separate to the RF-EH system to better understand how the energy stored into capacitor 140 can be triggered and fed to the actuator. Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 5A show only the main components of the respective circuits to provide a schematic illustration of the working principle of the circuits. The circuits of figures 1 , 2, 3 and 5A may comprise additional components comprising at least one of a resistor, a capacitor, a diode etc. These additional components may be used to clean or filter signals. The ground for the circuits of figures 1 , 2, 3 and 5A may be provided by the Inner Liner of the pack, which may be an aluminium foil enclosing the consumables.

Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a radio-frequency energy harvesting, RF-EH, system 600 for powering an actuator 120 according to an aspect. The container may comprise the radio-frequency energy harvesting, RF-EH, system 600 to power the actuator 120. The RF- EH system comprises an antenna 610. The antenna 610 of the RF-EH system 600 may be printed on at least one surface of the container. The antenna 610 of the RF-EH system 600 may be a layer of packaging material of the container. The antenna 610 of the RF-EH system 600 may be comprised in at least one of the walls of the container. The antenna 610 of the RF-EH system 600 may be deposed in the cardboard of the container. The antenna 610 of the RF-EH system 600 may be comprised in an inner liner of the container. The inner liner comprises metal. The antenna 610 of the RF-EH system 200 may be configured to receive ambient RF signals, such as signals from wireless networks, mobile phones or TV stations. The RF-EH system 600 may be embedded in the container at factory time. Radio-Frequency Energy Harvesting (“RF-EH”) allows generating electrical energy from ambient or surrounding RF signals. This energy can be used to power at least one of an actuator and a tag.

An RF-EH system may be connected to an actuator of a very small size and low costs, which is battery and maintenance free. The RF-EH system 600 may be configured to harvest and store energy coming from ambient RF signals. The RF-EH system may include an antenna 610, an impedance matching circuit 620 allowing to maximize the power transfer from the antenna 610 to the load (this may be achieved when the load impedance is equal to the source impedance), a rectifier circuit 630 allowing to convert AC to DC for storage of the energy, and an energy storage device 640, which may be a capacitor that acts as an energy reserve. Alternatively, the energy may be stored in a battery.

The stored energy can be used for various applications, including powering an actuator or backscattering a signal, such as an incoming RF signal.

Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of a container comprising a tag 722 according to aspects. The tag 722 may be configured to “backscatter” a RF signal such as RF signal 730. Backscattering a signal may comprise sending back a radio frequency signal with added information, by modulating the frequency or the amplitude of the carrier wave of the incoming RF signal. This may be achieved by adjusting the impedance or the capacitance of the RF-EH system powering the tag. The tag may be an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag.

Passive communication technology may be used for backscattering incoming RF signals. However, these technologies are constrained in the amount of power they can radiate back. For a given radio source, the power at the receiving antenna falls off drastically with distance. The RF-Energy Harvesting system 600 may be coupled to the RFID tag, to use the extra amount of energy to improve the range of the backscattered RF by the RFID tag. The complete “RF-EH tag” in such kind of application includes the RF Energy Harvesting system combined with the RFID circuit or tag.

The frequency range of harvested signals may be wider than the RF range that is backscattered, allowing the RF-EH tag to harvest and store energy from multiple ambient sources, and use this stored energy to improve the backscattering of RF signals belonging only to a narrower RF range used by a dedicated device, such as the RF range used by the electronic device communicating with the tag. The antenna for the harvesting may be designed for accepting a broader frequency range than the antenna used to backscatter an incoming RF signal.

Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of a tag 722 according to an aspect. The tag 722 may be comprised in a container. The tag 722 may be powered by an RF-EH system, such as RF-EH system 600. The tag 722 may comprise a load modulator 710. The load modulator 710 may use a first load 712 and a second load 714 for modulating an input signal 730. The tag 722 may be configured to use amplitude modulation to backscatter the RF input signal 730, comprising a carrier wave. The tag 722 may be configured to modify the RF input signal such that the backscattered signal comprises data specific to the tag 722. The data specific to the tag 722 may comprise an identification value of the container. The tag may be in an absorption state, in which an incoming carrier data signal is completely absorbed such that a 0 is backscattered, or a reflection state, in which a 1 is backscattered. The tag 722 may go from the absorption state to the reflection state by adjusting an impedance that matches or mismatches respectively the input RF signal. Additionally or alternatively, frequency modulation may be used by the tag 722.

By using the harvested energy, the range of a backscattered RF signal can reach a range of tens of meters indoor, which allows the users to have or place the container and the electronic device separately from each other for such a distance and still be able to authenticate the container. For instance, a user in an office could take a consumable from a pack, put the pack back into a bag or coat, which could be a few meters away, move back to his/her desk, plug the consumable to the electronic device, and only then start the electronic device, triggering a RF signal that will still be backscattered by the pack for authentication of the pack.

The surface of a container may be used for the antenna 720 of the RF-EH system. The antenna 720 may assure a correct RF feeding and allow charging energy into the RF-EH system. The antenna may be “printed” inside the container or packaging, or may be on a layer of the packaging material if it is laminated.

The input RF signal 730 comprising a carrier wave may be provided by an electronic device. The electronic device may be a smartphone or an aerosol-generating device. The backscattered signal may be read by the electronic device. In response to the backscattered signal, the electronic device may prevent the electronic device or another electronic device from using a consumable.

The RF-EH system of a container may be “energy charged” at factory time by using a compliant RF emitter. Even if a container remains somewhat long time unused before being used, the RF-EH system is able to function and provide power to an actuator or tag, as long as there are ambient RF signals. If the RF-EH has however not enough energy to provide a signal, users could be invited to activate an electronic device, e.g. a RF emitting device or a smartphone, near the container, in order to charge the embedded RF-EH system, to allow the RF-EH system to power an actuator.

A Radio Frequency Energy Harvesting (“RF-EH”) system is configured for generating electrical energy from ambient or surrounding Radio Frequency (RF) signals. This energy could afterwards be stored to be used. RF-EH could be achieved by electronic tags of very small size and low cost which are battery and maintenance free. A RF - Energy Harvesting circuit may be configured to harvest and store energy coming from ambient RF signals. A RF-EH system may comprise four main components including an antenna, an impedance matching circuit allowing to maximize the power transfer from the antenna to the load (achieved when the load impedance is approximately equal to the source impedance), a rectifier circuit allowing to convert AC to DC for storage, and an energy storage, e.g. a capacitor that is configured to act as an energy reserve. The stored energy may be used for various applications. The RF-EH systems of multiple packs could be “energy charged” at factory time by using a compliant RF emitter. The surface of the container or pack may provide an area for the antenna of the RF-EH system. The antenna may be “printed” inside the packaging. The antenna may be on a layer of the packaging material, which may be laminated. The antenna may be generated by a profile cut in the metallic inner liner of the pack. For example, the antenna may be cut into the aluminium foil enclosing the consumables.

In order to reach maximum power transmission between a source and a load, the impedances of the load and source should match. To correct a mismatch between the load and the source impedance, a transformer may be used. The transformer is a passive device, which may comprise two coils joined by a magnetic core, configured to use electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from the source to the load, while equalizing their mutual impedance. This may be achieved by adjusting the turns of the primary coil and of the secondary coil so that the square of the ratio of the turns is equal to the ratio of impedances of the source and the load.

Figure 8 shows an example circuit comprising a transformer 810, used to match the impedance Zp of an AC source, which may be an antenna 820, and the impedance Zs of a load 830. In order to match the source and load impedance, the transformer may be configured based on ZsjZp = (tVs/tVp)², where Np is the number of turns of the transformer’s primary winding and Ns is the number of turns of the transformer’s secondary winding.

A rectifier circuit is configured to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage. The RF-EH system may comprise a rectifier circuit configured to convert the signals received by the antenna to DC for storing the energy.

Figure 9 shows a half wave rectifier 900 comprising a capacitor 920 and a diode 910. When the alternative source 930 is in a phase in which the diode 910 is on, it will provide energy to the load 940. In the opposite phase, the diode 910 prevents the current to flow toward the source. The capacitor 920 when discharging will carry on providing current to the load, even when the source does not.

Figure 10 shows an example of a full bridge rectifier. The bridge of diodes D1 to D4 is configured to make the current remain in the same direction independent of the phase of the alternative source 1030.

According to aspects, the at least one actuator comprises a low power light system actuator, such as a LED or an array of LEDs. A light system actuator may be configured to provide a light signal directed toward the outside of the pack. A human may receive the light signal. The light system actuator may be configured to provide a light signal directed toward embossing or carvings made on the pack’s outside surface to provide enhanced visual of the pack. The light system actuator may be configured to provide a light toward the inside of the pack to illuminate the pack’s content. For example, by opening the container or pack, the light system actuator may be configured to illuminate at least a part of the inside of the container or pack.

According to aspects, the at least one actuator comprises a vibrating means or an array of vibrating means. The vibrating means may comprise an eccentric rotating mass, a piezo, a linear resonant actuator or another vibration technology. The actuator may be configured to provide a vibration in response to a user touching the pack. For example, the action of a user touching the pack may trigger the actuator. The actuator may be configured to provide a lively or energetic feeling from the pack, or the feeling that the pack is somehow “purring” when opened, which allows to efficiently distinguish the pack from other packs.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one actuator may comprise a speaker. According to aspects the at least one actuator comprises a combination of two or more different types of actuators. For example, a single RF-EH system could be used to provide energy to a LED configured to illuminate the inside of the pack when the pack is opened, as well as to a vibrating means configured to provide a vibration when a force is exerted on the pack.

According to aspects, different kinds of triggering actions could be combined and for instance could use the same actuator. For instance, a single RF-EH system could be used to provide energy to a LED illuminating the inside of the pack when the pack is opened. The pack could furthermore have one or more “windows” (i.e., openings in the pack) that could be illuminated when the same LED is activated based on an amount of energy stored in the RF-EH system or randomly. This may create light effects that could catch the attention of clients passing by in a retail shop, night club etc.

Figure 11 shows a schematic illustration of an instance of a RRP consumable. A RRP consumable may comprise a combination of several plugs and may have a cylindrical shape. A first plug 1110 may include a substrate for generating an aerosol when heated. A front plug 1120 may be configured to protect the first plug from outside conditions and can be made of cellulose acetate. A MPF (“Mouth Piece Filter”) 1130 is configured to be put between a user’s lips and may have a filter function. One or more other plugs 1140 may include a Cardboard Tube Plug, which is a tubular plug with an empty core and cardboard, stiff paper or laminated stiff material walls, configured to cool down the hot air coming from the heated first plug before reaching the user. Other plugs may be a HAT (Hollow Acetate Tube) plug or a FHAT (Fine Hollow Acetate Tube) plug, which are cellulose acetate tubular plugs with an empty core, or a PLA plug (plug made of PolyLactic Acid film) used for cooling.

Figure 12 shows a schematic illustration for assembling a pack storing consumables according to aspects. Figure 12 shows on the top left a die cut 1215 of a cardboard consumables pack 1201 . The pack 1201 may have a carton outer frame and a hinged lid. The bottom illustration shows a metallic Inner Liner 1204, which may be used to wrap consumables 1205. Once the inner liner is wrapped around the consumables, a RF-EH circuit 1210 connected to an actuator 1211 , here a DC coin vibrating motor, may be attached to the inner liner before being inserted into the pack 1201.

By providing an actuator powered by a RF-EH system in a container, means of user interface are enabled. A container for storing consumables may provide for enhanced functionality, namely via illumination and/or sounds, and/or vibration, which may improve and enhance product differentiation without the use of physical or chemical power sources incorporated in the container, such as batteries, which allows for low manufacturing costs and may have a low environmental impact compared to systems with batteries, within the scope of sustainability.

According to aspects, a pack for RRP consumables, for a device, or for an accessory, is provided. The pack incorporates a Radio-Frequency Energy Harvesting (“RF-EH”) system embedded in the pack, at least one actuator attached to the inside or outside of the pack and connected to the RF-EH system. The at least one actuator can be a LED, a vibrating means, or a combination of thereof. The RF-EH system is configured to store electrical energy. In response to actions exerted on the pack or a specific amount of energy stored in the RF-EH system, the stored energy may be fed to the at least one actuator. The RF-EH system according to aspects provides energy to activate actuators that are embedded in the pack. The at least one actuator may be configured to provide signals that can be perceived by humans. The pack may comprise a sensor connected to the RF-EH system. The sensor may be configured to capture a signal. The actuator may be triggered in response to the captured signal.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard errorfor the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. A container configured to store consumables for consumption with an electronic device, the container comprising: at least one actuator configured to perform an action associated with the container; and a radio-frequency energy harvesting, RF-EH, system comprising an energy storage device, wherein the RF-EH system is configured to obtain energy from ambient radio frequency signals, to store the energy in the energy storage device and to power the at least one actuator.

2. The container according to claim 1 , wherein the energy storage device is configured to feed energy stored in the energy storage device to the at least one actuator in response to at least one of (i) one or more actions exerted on the container, (ii) a specified time, (iii) a specific amount of energy stored in the energy storage device, and (iv) a random time after a last feeding of energy to the at least one actuator.

3. The container according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the container comprises a sensor configured to detect a signal, wherein the energy stored in the energy storage device is fed to the at least one actuator in response to detecting the signal.

4. The container according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the energy storage device comprises a capacitor configured to control a transistor, wherein the transistor is configured to become conductive when the energy stored in the capacitor is equal to or reaches a gate-source threshold to discharge the capacitor into the at least one actuator.

5. The container according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the energy storage device comprises a main capacitor and a secondary capacitor configured to control a transistor and, wherein the main capacitor is charged faster compared to the secondary capacitor due to the secondary capacitor being charged up through a resistor, wherein the transistor is configured to become conductive when the energy stored in the secondary capacitor is equal to or reaches a gate-source threshold to discharge the main capacitor into the at least one actuator.

6. The container according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a switch, wherein the energy storage device is configured to feed energy stored in the energy storage device to the at least one actuator in response to the switch being closed.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein the switch is embedded in the container and configured to transition from an open state into a closed state when the container is opened.

8. The container according to one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the container comprises a lid configured to be opened in a rotary motion, wherein the switch comprises at least one leg configured to contact a conducting layer to close the switch only when the lid is opened.

9. The container according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the energy storage device comprises a varying capacitor with at least one flexible electrode, wherein the varying capacitor is connected to a gate of a transistor, and wherein the transistor becomes a conductor when a distance between the two electrodes of the varying capacitor decreases.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the distance between the two electrodes of the varying capacitor decreases when a user presses on at least one side of the container.

11. The container according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the RF-EH system is a foldable RF-EH system integrated in paper or cardboard.

12. The container according to one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one actuator comprises at least one of a LED, an array of LEDs, a speaker, a vibrating means, and an array of vibrating means.

13. The container according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a low power light system actuator.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein the low power light system actuator is configured to provide a light toward the inside of the container for illuminating the containers content.

15. The container according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the energy storage device is configured to feed energy to the at least one actuator in response to a user of the container exerting a force on at least one of the container and the energy storage device.