Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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AEROSOL DELIVERY SYSTEM
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system comprising a
device
for receiving an aerosol forming substrate.
Background
Aerosol delivery systems are used widely to deliver aerosols to users. In
particular, some aerosol delivery systems are used to deliver aerosols that
may contain
nicotine and/or other pharmacologically active substances.
Nicotine containing aerosols that are not derived from the combustion of
tobacco
may be delivered by aerosol delivery systems such as e-cigarettes and "heat
not burn"
devices (also referred to as electronic nicotine delivery systems, or "ENDS").
These
systems typically contain a device part, an aerosol forming substrate and a
component
to convert/convey the aerosol forming substrate to the user in the form of an
aerosol.
Typically, the aerosol is delivered in the form of a condensation aerosol
(when the
aerosol forming substrate is heated). However, it is also possible to form an
aerosol via
other means such as via vibrational, mechanical or electrostatic means etc.
It would be desirable to provide aerosol delivery systems that are more
responsive to aspects of the systems status, as well as to the desires of the
user.
Summary
Accordingly, in a first aspect there is provided an aerosol delivery system
comprising an aerosol delivery device, the device being configured to receive
an aerosol
forming substrate, the device comprising an outer housing, a mouthpiece, an
electrical
power source, an aerosol generating component and a controller, wherein a
portion of at
least one of the mouthpiece and the outer housing is configured to move
between
respective first and second positions in response to the controller detecting
a change in
one or more operational parameters of the device.
In a second aspect there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an
aerosol delivery device, the device comprising an outer housing enclosing an
electrical
power source, wherein a portion of the outer housing is configured to be
deformable
such that it can be repositioned from a first position to a second position
without
impacting the operation of the system.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 provides a schematic overview of a device described herein
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Figures 2a and 2b provide a perspective and end view respectively of an
illustrative device described herein
Figures 3a and 3b provide elevation views of an illustrative device described
herein in different states
Figures 4a and 4b provide perspective views of an illustrative device
described
herein in different states
Figures 5a and 5b provide perspective views of an illustrative device
described
herein in different states
Figures 6a and 6b provide elevation views of an illustrative device described
herein in different states
Figures 7a and 7b provide illustrative views of surfaces of deformable outer
housing surfaces of a device described herein
Figure 8 provides a schematic overview of an internal protective environment
shielding the internal components of a device as described herein
Detailed Description
Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed /
described
herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be
implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail
in the
interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of
apparatus and
methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented
in
accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and
features.
As used herein, the terms "aerosol delivery device/system", "vapour provision
device/system", "electronic vapour provision device/system", "aerosol
provision
device/system", "electronic aerosol provision device/system" and similar terms
are
intended to include non-combustible aerosol and vapour provision systems (non-
combustible smoking articles) such electronic smoking articles including:
electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes that create vapour or aerosol from
aerosol
forming substrates by heating or other techniques such as vibration,
heating devices that release compounds from aerosol forming substrates without
burning such as tobacco heating products, and
hybrid systems that provides aerosols via a combination of aerosol forming
substrates, for example hybrid systems containing liquid or gel or solid
substrates or
combinations thereof. The term "aerosol" is intended to refer to particulate
matter (solid
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or liquid) dispersed in gas. In the context of the term "vapour", it is
understood that an
aerosol is formed via the condensation of vapour. However, unless core to the
aspects
being described, the terms "vapour" and "aerosol" are used interchangeably.
As used herein, "mouthpiece" generally refers to the portion of the system at
which generated aerosol exits the system. It will be appreciated that in most
cases a
user's lips will engage with the mouthpiece during use; however, it is
envisaged that in
some embodiments aerosol can be ejected from the system such that inhalation
of the
aerosol is possible without such engagement.
In some embodiments, the aerosol or vapour delivery system is a non-
combustible smoking article such as an electronic cigarette, also known as a
vaping
device. The aerosol delivery system may comprise one or more components, such
as an
aerosol generating component (e.g. heater, piezo system) and an aerosol
forming
substrate. The aerosol delivery system generally comprises a device comprising
an
electrical power source, and in some embodiments the system comprises a heater
supplied with power from the electrical power source, an aerosol forming
substrate such
as a liquid or gel, an outer housing and a mouthpiece (which may be detachable
from
the system). The aerosol forming substrate may be contained in a substrate
container
comprising a mouthpiece. The substrate container may be combined with or
comprise
the heater (or other aerosol generating component as appropriate).
In some embodiments, the aerosol or vapour delivery system is a heating
product
which releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, an aerosol
forming
substrate. The aerosol forming substrate is an aerosolisable substrate
material which
may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may
not
contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the product is a tobacco heating
product. The
tobacco heating product generally comprises a device comprising an electrical
power
source and may comprise a heater supplied with power from the electrical power
source,
and an aerosol forming substrate such as a solid or gel material. The heating
product
may also comprise a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by
heating the
aerosolisable substrate.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol or vapour provision system
is a hybrid system for providing an aerosol by heating, but not burning, a
combination of
aerosol forming substrates. The aerosol forming substrate may comprise for
example
solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In some
embodiments, the
hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The
solid
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substrate may be, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products, which may or
may not
contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or
gel
substrate and tobacco.
The aerosol or vapour may be produced or released from a variety of substrates
in various ways depending on the nature of the device, system or product.
These include
heating to cause evaporation, heating to release compounds, and vibration of a
liquid or
gel to create droplets. The aerosol forming substrate, which may be one or
more
different materials within one system, may generally be referred to as an
aerosol forming
substrate material, an aerosolisable substrate, an aerosolisable substrate
material, or
similar term. The substrate material may be a solid, a liquid or a gel, and
may or may not
comprise or include tobacco, and may or may not produce an aerosol or vapour
containing nicotine. For example, the aerosol forming substrate may comprise a
vapour
or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene
glycol, triacetin
or diethylene glycol.
In particular, embodiments of the disclosure are concerned with aerosol
provision
systems comprising two separable parts that are connected together in use,
namely a
device part that may be reusable and a consumable component that may be
disposable
or single use and which may contain aerosol forming substrate.
Figure 1 provides an illustrative embodiment of an aerosol delivery system
according to the present disclosure. Aerosol delivery system 10 includes an
aerosol
delivery device 100, device 100 comprising an outer housing 110, a mouthpiece
150
(which may be detachable from the device 100), an electrical power source 102,
an
aerosol generating component 103 and a controller 101. Further, aerosol
delivery
device 100 generally comprises an airflow path generally proceeding from an
air inlet
104 to an air outlet. The air outlet may be formed as part of the outer
housing 110, or in
cases where a mouthpiece 150 is connected to the device 100, as part of the
mouthpiece 150. The airflow path generally interacts with the aerosol forming
substrate
such that aerosol generated from the substrate becomes entrained in air
flowing along
the airflow path. Depending on the system, the aerosol generating component
may also
reside within the airflow path.
The aerosol delivery device 100 may contain an area 105 for receipt of an
aerosol forming substrate. Where the aerosol forming substrate forms part of a
detachable mouthpiece 150, said area may simply be a cavity sized so as to
accommodate the mouthpiece 150 containing the aerosol forming substrate. The
area
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105 typically also accommodates part of the aerosol generating component 103
so as to
facilitate interaction with the aerosol forming substrate.
In use, aerosol forming substrate is received within the device 100. The user
then
activates the aerosol generating component substantially simultaneously with
drawing air
through the device via the mouthpiece (which forms part of the air outlet).
Upon sensing
activation by the controller 101, controller 101 directs power to be supplied
from the
power source 102 to the aerosol generating component. This results in aerosol
being
entrained in the air flowing through the airflow path and thus being available
for
inhalation by the user.
Whilst some aerosol delivery systems may be able to react to some aspects of
the system's status, e.g. when there is a "low' battery, one or more LEDs on a
device
may flash to alert the user, generally said systems are relatively fixed in
their structural
configuration. Thus, whilst notifications such as LEDs etc. may be able to
convey
information to the user, they do not contribute to the way in which the system
is used or
held by the user.
According to a first aspect, a portion of at least one of the mouthpiece 150
and
the outer housing 110 is configured to move between respective first and
second
positions in response to the controller 101 detecting a change in one or more
operational
parameters of the device 100. As a result, when an operational parameter of
the device
100 changes, the user is notified of the change via a physical movement of a
portion of
one (or both) of the mouthpiece and outer housing. This can be advantageous as
the
movement can result in a configuration of the device which is more related to
the new
operational status of the device. Although more specific embodiments will be
described
in more detail below, one illustrative example of this might be when the
aerosol
generating component 103 has reached a temperature which is outside its
operating
window, e.g. it is too hot, or too cool. In response to detecting such a
change, controller
101 can direct movement of (for example) the mouthpiece such that it is moved
to a
position whereby it is no longer accessible to the user, for example, it could
be retracted
to a position within the outer housing 110. This would mean that the user
would not only
be aware that an operational parameter of the device had changed such that the
device
100 was no longer suitable for use, but also that the user might be inhibited
from using
the device as a result of the movement of the mouthpiece. This is arguably an
improved
situation compared to currently practiced forms of notification, e.g. via LED
flashing,
since it could be that the user will not notice the flashing. By requiring
physical
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movement, the operational status change is more noticeable. In one embodiment,
the
controller can be configured to direct a particular movement in response to a
particular
change in operational parameter.
In one embodiment, the change in operational parameter relates to the
operational readiness state of the device 100. In this regard, "operational
readiness
state" refers to controller 101 being in a status such that upon receipt of an
input from
the user relating to activation of the aerosol generating component 103,
controller 101
directs power to the aerosol generating component 103. Thus, controller 101
can
assume states which are not representative of "operational readiness" and
states which
are representative of "operational readiness". Examples of states which are
not
representative of "operational readiness" comprise the controller 101 being
off (not being
supplied with power), in a lower power mode (such as asleep or standby), or in
a
"locked" state (whereby activation inputs are effectivly ignored by the
controller 101).
Examples of states which are representative of "operational readiness"
comprise the
controller 101 being on (being supplied with power), in a higher power mode
(such as
awake), or in an "unlocked" state (whereby activation inputs are acted upon by
the
controller 101). Further, the controller being configured to impart a
particular power
profile to the aerosol generating component can be considered to be an
operational
readiness state of the device, and thus transition between multiple power
profile
configurations can represent a change in the operational readiness state of
the device.
Thus, the transition from any one of these states to another one of these
states, or to a
state which is not representative of "operational readiness", represents a
change in the
operational readiness state of the device. In one embodiment, the transition
is from one
operational readiness state to another operational readiness state. In one
embodiment,
the transition is from one operational readiness state to a state which is not
an
operational readiness state.
In a further embodiment, where controller 101 detects a change in temperature
of
one or more components of the device 100, controller 101 directs the movement
of the
mouthpiece 150 and/or the outer housing 110 from a first position to a second
position.
The one or more components of the device 100 may be the aerosol generating
component 103 (e.g. heater), the power source 102 (e.g. battery), the
mouthpiece (such
as an inner surface of the airflow path through the mouthpiece), the outer
housing 110
(such as an outer surface of the outer housing 110) and/or one or more
electronic
components within the device (e.g. the controller 101). In ease case, a
defined
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temperature window may be deemed acceptable for operational purposes and
controller
101 is configured to detect a change from inside the accepted temperature
window to
outside the temperature window and to direct movement based on that change.
For
example, the temperature window of the aerosol generating component 103 will
be
dependent on the type of aerosol generating component 103 and the type of
aerosol
forming substrate. An exemplary window would be made up of a lower temperature
below vaporization of volatile components within the aerosol forming substrate
does not
efficiently occur, and a maximum temperature above which the aerosol forming
substrate
may degrade (e.g. via combustion). Exemplary windows in this regard may be 100
to
400 C, 150 to 350 C, or 200 to 350 C. With respect to the power source,
suitable
temperature windows can be defined based on the operational and safety
considerations
of the power source in question, which the skilled person is aware of. With
respect to an
inner surface of the airflow path, it is understood that aerosols formed via
condensation
can contain residual heat which some users may find uncomfortable for
inhalation.
Accordingly, measuring the temperature of the surfaces of the airflow path
serve as a
proxy for the temperature of the aerosol. Of course, the temperature of the
aerosol
could be directly measured and it is considered that the temperature of the
aerosol
would be an "operational parameter" of the device. Exemplary temperature
windows can
be selected based on the desires of the user, and could be programmed into the
controller 101. With respect to exemplary temperature windows for the outer
surface of
the outer housing 110 and/or one or more electronic components within the
device (e.g.
the controller 101), the skilled person is able to select these based on
considerations
such as safe operating temperatures of the electronics and temperatures above
which
holding the outer housing 110 in the hand of the user may become
uncomfortable.
Temperature can be monitored in a number of ways, depending on the component
to be
monitored. For example, electronic temperature sensors could be used to
monitor the
temperature of specific components. Additionally, or alternatively, where a
material's
resistance is dependent on its temperature, it may be possible to infer the
temperature of
the component based on its resistance when current is passed through it. The
person
skilled in the art is aware of suitable electronics and associated software to
monitor the
resistance of a component and infer its temperature based on changes in its
resistance.
Such an approach may be particularly useful in the context of measuring the
temperature of heaters used as the aerosol generating component.
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In a further embodiment, where controller 101 detects a change in the power
status of the electrical power source, controller 101 directs the movement of
the
mouthpiece 150 and/or the outer housing 110 from a first position to a second
position.
The power status of the electrical power source includes the voltage state of
the power
source, the age of the power source, and/or the number of charge cycles
experienced by
the power source. Thus, it will be appreciated that the power status of the
power source
(e.g. battery) may change from being within an acceptable operating window to
outside
of that window. For example, the voltage of the battery may drop below an
acceptable
level, the power source may have been in use for a longer than desired period
of time,
and/or the number of re-charge/discharge cycles may be such that performance
of the
power source is impaired. Thus, in the context of the power source status, the
window
can comprise an electronic parameter (voltage, current etc.), a time based
parameter
(hours, days etc.), or an integer based on recharge/discharge cycles.
Appropriate
windows can be selected by the skilled person depending on the power source in
question and other components of the device (such as the type of aerosol
generating
component).
In a further embodiment, where controller 101 detects a change in the state of
the aerosol forming substrate, controller 101 directs the movement of the
mouthpiece
150 and/or the outer housing 110 from a first position to a second position.
The change
in the state of the aerosol forming substrate includes the presence (or
absence) of an
aerosol forming substrate in the device, the amount of aerosol forming
substrate present
in the device, the age of the aerosol forming substrate present in the device,
and/or an
identifying characteristic of the aerosol forming substrate in the device.
With regard to
the state of the aerosol forming substrate, this may be related to a physical
parameter of
the aerosol forming substrate, such as its content of a certain constituent.
For example,
it may be that with repeated exposure of the aerosol forming substrate to the
energy
from the aerosol forming component (such as heat) the aerosol forming
substrate
discolors. This discoloration could be detection by an optical sensor and an
acceptable
operating window set for the color of the aerosol forming substrate. If the
detected color
of the aerosol forming substrate were to change to be outside of the
acceptable window,
this could act as the trigger for the controller to direct movement of the
mouthpiece/outer
housing (or portion thereof). Suitable optical sensors may be available from,
for
example, MICRO-EPSILON, UK & Ireland Ltd. With regard to the amount of aerosol
forming substrate present in the device, it may be that device 110 is equipped
with the
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means to detect the amount (including none) of aerosol forming substrate in
the device
110. This could be achieved via sensors (e.g. optical sensors which can detect
amount
of substrate via a degree of light absorption through the substrate), or by
inferring the
absence of the substrate due to a lack of cooling imparted to the aerosol
forming
component. In the latter case, the aerosol forming substrate acts as an energy
sink for
energy produced by the aerosol forming component 103. When no substrate is
available to act as such an energy sink, a parameter of the aerosol forming
component,
such as its temperature, may increase and that increase can be detected as
explained
above. Thus, an acceptable operating window can be set for either the
temperature of
the heater, or indeed the output of the optical sensor. When the controller
101 detects a
change from inside the acceptable operating window to outside the window (or
vice
versa), the controller 101 can direct movement of the mouthpiece 150/outer
housing 110
(or portions thereof) from the first position to the second position. With
respect to the
age of the aerosol forming substrate present in the device, and/or an
identifying
.. characteristic of the aerosol forming substrate in the device, the device
110 may be
configured to monitor an identifier of the aerosol forming substrate and log
how long the
aerosol forming component has been in the device/what type of aerosol forming
component is present. Clearly, an acceptable "age" window can be set for
various
aerosol forming components and the skilled person can ensure that for
particular
substrates the age window is correspondingly set. Thus, when a substrate
material is
identified as being present in the device 110 for a period which is outside
the acceptable
window for that substrate, the controller 101 can direct movement of the
mouthpiece
150/outer housing 110 (or portions thereof). Likewise, where the identifier
relates to a
type of aerosol forming substrate (such as flavor, manufacturer, brand, etc.)
the
controller 101 can detect a change in the identifier and direct movement of
mouthpiece
150/outer housing 110 (or portions thereof). The identifier could be present
in the
aerosol forming substrate by way of an RFID chip, or other identifier that can
be readily
detected by a sensor.
In a further embodiment, where controller 101 detects a change in the state of
the aerosol generating component, controller 101 directs the movement of the
mouthpiece 150 and/or the outer housing 110 from a first position to a second
position.
The change in the state of the aerosol generating component includes the
integrity of the
connection with the power source, the age of the aerosol generating component,
the
cumulative period of activation of the aerosol generating component, an
electrical
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characteristic of the aerosol generating component and/or the cumulative
number of
activations of the aerosol generating component. As explained above, each of
these
states may have an acceptable operating window which can be detected by the
controller 101. For example, for the integrity of the electrical connection of
the aerosol
generating component with the power source and an electrical characteristic of
the
aerosol generating component, the controller could check for an acceptable
voltage
window across the aerosol generating component. Where the detected voltage (or
similar parameter based on V=IR) was outside of the window (implying improper
connection, or too high resistance resulting from prolonged use), then the
controller 101
can direct movement of the mouthpiece 150 and/or the outer housing 110 from a
first
position to a second position. Similarly, for the age of the aerosol
generating component
and the cumulative period of activation of the aerosol generating component
(both of
which may need to be limited for optimizing performance of the aerosol
generating
component) the controller 101 can detect the time for which the aerosol
generating
component has been present in the device and/or the number of activations that
the
aerosol generating component has been subjected to. This could be monitored,
for
example, via a unique identifier on the aerosol forming component which is
readable by
sensor on insertion into the device 110 and subsequent activation, e.g. RFID
chip,
barcode etc.
Accordingly, it will be apparent that where controller 101 detects a change in
an
operational parameter of the device 110, controller 101 directs the movement
of the
mouthpiece 150 and/or the outer housing 110 from a first position to a second
position.
In the context of the present disclosure, movement from a first position to a
second position includes rotation and/or translation of a portion of either of
the
mouthpiece 150 or the outer housing 110. For example, the mouthpiece 150 (or
portion
thereof) may translate from a first position to a second position. In one
embodiment, the
mouthpiece 150 (or portion thereof) may rotate from a first position to a
second position.
In one embodiment, movement of the mouthpiece between the first and second
positions is effected both rotation and translations, e.g. via a screwing
action. In one
embodiment, in the first position the majority of the mouthpiece 150 extends
beyond the
outer housing 110, and in the second position the majority of the mouthpiece
150 is
contained within the outer housing 110. This may be desirable, for example,
where
access to the mouthpiece is to be restricted as a result of:
the change in the temperature of one of the components of device 100
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the absence of an aerosol forming substrate
the reduction in power of the power source
the insertion of certain types (including old, used, or not certified) aerosol
forming
substrates and aerosol generating components.
Further, and optionally in combination with the movement of the mouthpiece 150
(or a portion thereof), a portion of the outer housing 110 may translate from
a first
position to a second position. In one embodiment, a portion of the outer
housing 110
may rotate from a first position to a second position. In one embodiment, in
the first
position a portion of the outer housing 110 may partially or completely cover
an aperture
(such as the air inlet or air outlet) of the device and in the second position
the said
portion of the outer housing 110 may not cover an aperture (such as the air
inlet or air
outlet) of the device. This may be desirable, for example, where insertion of
the
mouthpiece (or aerosol forming substrate) is to be prevented as a result of:
a change in the operational readiness state of the device
a change in the temperature of one of the components of device 100
a absence of an aerosol forming substrate
a reduction in power of the power source
insertion of certain types (including old, used, or not certified) of aerosol
forming
substrates and aerosol generating components.
It will be appreciated that the controller may be configured to direct
movement of
a portion of at least one of the mouthpiece and the outer housing in response
to the
controller detecting a change in two, three, four, five or more of the
operational
parameters of the device. By combining the requirement for change across
multiple
operational parameters, it is possible to enable a high degree of
customization of a
particular device.
It will also be appreciated that movement of a portion of at least one of the
mouthpiece and the outer housing may be desired by the user for reasons other
than
restriction of use in certain circumstances. For example, where the aerosol
forming
substrate forms part of the mouthpiece, it may be desirable for the mouthpiece
to be
moved in response to a particular type of aerosol forming substrate. This may
be
required where certain components of that substrate require less heating than
other
substrates. An example may be where menthol is present in the substrate. It
may be
desirable for the controller to detect this (via the identifier) and move the
mouthpiece
further from the aerosol generating component so as to reduce the temperature
transfer
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to the substrate and prolong the residence time of the menthol within the
substrate.
Similarly, it may be that the device detects that the airflow through the
device is at a
temperature outside of the operating window. In such a circumstance, a portion
of the
outer housing 110 could be moved so as to reveal more of the air inlet, thus
allowing a
greater volume of airflow through the device thereby providing for a cooler
aerosol (since
for the same heat generated by the aerosol generating component there is a
greater
volume of air).
The movement of the mouthpiece/outer housing (or portions thereof) may be
effected in a number of ways. For example, via shape memory materials,
bimetallic
components (such as strips or laminates), or via an actuator (electronic
actuators or
mechanical actuators, e.g. spring biased coverings).
With regard to shape memory materials, suitable examples include shape
memory alloys, shape memory polymers, shape memory ceramics and shape memory
gels. Shape memory materials are able to undergo a shape change as a result in
the
change in the crystal structure of the material (from austentite to martensite
in the
context of shape memory alloys). Generally, the change in the crystal
structure is
induced as a result of temperature change, but other ways of inducing a change
in
structure are possible, such as via light or via passing an electrical current
through the
material. Shape memory materials may be classed as "one-way" meaning that the
shape change is irreversible, or "two-way" meaning that the shape change is
reversible.
Both types of material, as well as combinations thereof, are envisaged in the
systems
described herein.
As mentioned above, transition between the various shapes or forms of a shape
memory material is generally actuated by heat, which can be generated by
passing an
electrical current through the material. In the case of shape memory polymers
or
ceramics, electrically conductive particles can be incorporated into the
material so as to
facilitate Joule heating resulting from the flow of electrical current through
the material. It
is also envisaged that heat could be induced in the material via induction by
placing a
suitable shape memory material in an alternating magnetic field.
Alternatively, the shape
memory material may be located in proximity to a heat source within the device
such that
movement occurs when heat radiated from that source increases the temperature
of the
shape memory material to above its transition temperature. The heat source may
be a
conventional heater or could be an infrared light source. Following the
removal of the
heat source, the material will, if a "two-way" material, revert back to its
original position.
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Relaxation of the shape memory material back to its original position (the
first position) is
generally dependent on the rate at which the induced temperature is or can be
dissipated from the material. If desired, the material can be prevented or
inhibited from
reverting back to its original shape/form, such as via latches etc. This could
be useful a
means of locking the device if the temperature of a component is exceeded.
Alternatively, movement back to the first position could be prevented
indefinitely, for
example by utilizing a "one way" material. This might be important in
instances of
tampering (such as by inserting aerosol forming components that are non-
certified/old
etc.).
Different shape memory materials can have different shape transition
conditions,
such as temperature, i.e. the transition temperature is generally specific to
the material.
Thus, the skilled person will appreciate that suitable shape memory materials
can be
selected based on the specific application within the aerosol delivery system
required. A
thorough description of shape memory alloys is given in "Shape memory alloys:
a state
of art review", Naresh et al, 10P Conf. Series: Materials Science and
Engineering 149
(2016) 012054, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. A
thorough
description of shape memory polymers is given in "Shape memory polymers", Behl
et al,
Materials today, pages 20-28, volume 10, issue 4, April 2007, the contents of
which is
incorporated herein by reference.
In one embodiment, the shape memory material is selected from materials
having a transition temperature of greater than 40 C, greater than 50 C,
greater than
60 C, greater than 70 C, greater than 80 C, greater than 90 C, greater than
100 C. In
one embodiment, the shape memory material is selected from materials having a
transition temperature of less than 500 C, less than 450 C, less than 400 C,
less than
350 C, less than 300 C, less than 250 C, less than 200 C. An example of a
suitable
shape memory alloy is nitinol. The transition temperature of the shape memory
alloy can
be varied by varying the alloy constituents/ratio of constituents
appropriately. For
example, nitinol 5M495 has a transition temperature of from 50 to 80 C,
whereas nitinol
SM500 has a transition temperature of from 30 to 50 C. The skilled person is
able to
select shape memory materials based on the desired transitions temperatures.
With regard to actuation, this could be achieved via electric motors connected
to
the respective portions of the mouthpiece/outer housing so as to move that
portion from
the first position to the second position. Likewise, biased actuators (such as
latched
springs) could be used which would be released from their biased state
following the
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detection of change in operational parameter by the controller. In some
implementations,
the actuators themselves may be formed from shape memory materials.
Figures 2a and 2b provide an alternative illustrative embodiment of an aerosol
delivery system according to the present disclosure. Aerosol delivery system
20
includes an aerosol delivery device 200, device 200 comprising an outer
housing 210,
and a mouthpiece 250 (which may be detachable from the device 200) (the other
components of the system being substantially similar to that of system 10,
e.g. an
electrical power source, an aerosol generating component and a controller).
Further,
aerosol delivery device 200 generally comprises an airflow path generally
proceeding
from an air inlet 204 (not visible) to an air outlet 251 formed as part of
mouthpiece 250.
Figure 2b shows an end view of the system 20. Air inlet 204 is visible. The
outer
housing 210 comprises a moveable portion 211, which in this embodiment is
configured
as a moveable panel (the precise shape of which is not critical). Moveable
portion 211 is
configured to be moved from a first position A to a second position B in
response to a
change in an operational parameter of the device 200. Thus, as a result of the
movement of portion 211, air inlet 204 becomes covered. This may be
particularly useful
in systems which are activated via a change in pressure or airflow within the
airflow path,
since covering the air inlet will prevent (or at least reduce) the possible
airflow/pressure
change in the airflow path. As a result, the controller will not detect any
pressure/airflow
change and as a result aerosol generation will not be commenced (or will be
ceased/modulated).
Figures 3a and 3b provide an alternative illustrative embodiment of an aerosol
delivery system according to the present disclosure. Aerosol delivery system
30
includes an aerosol delivery device 300, device 300 comprising an outer
housing 310,
and a mouthpiece 350 (the other components of the system being substantially
similar to
that of system 10, e.g. an electrical power source, an aerosol generating
component and
a controller). Further, aerosol delivery device 300 generally comprises an
airflow path
generally proceeding from an air inlet 304 (not visible) to an air outlet 351
formed as part
of mouthpiece 350. According to this embodiment, mouthpiece 350 is moveable
between a first position and a second position. For example, the first
position can be a
position in which the mouthpiece 350 is in a relatively extended position with
respect to
the outer housing 310 (shown in Figure 3a) and the second position can be a
position in
which the mouthpiece 350 is in a relatively retracted position with respect to
the outer
housing 310 (shown in Figure 3b, since mouthpiece 350 is no longer visible, it
having
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being retracted into the outer housing 310). Thus, as a result of the movement
of
mouthpiece 350 in response to a change in an operational parameter of the
device 300,
it is possible to notify the user of the operational status of the device via
a physical
change in device shape/accessibility. Of course, it may be that the first
position is the
relatively retracted position and the second position is the relatively
extended position.
Figures 4a and 4b provide an alternative illustrative embodiment of an aerosol
delivery system according to the present disclosure, which operates in a
similar fashion
to the system of Figure 3. Aerosol delivery system 40 includes an aerosol
delivery
device 400, device 400 comprising an outer housing 410, and a mouthpiece 450
(the
other components of the system being substantially similar to that of system
10, e.g. an
electrical power source, an aerosol generating component and a controller).
The
mouthpiece 450 is detachable from the device 400 and may comprise an aerosol
forming substrate. According to this embodiment, mouthpiece 450 is moveable
between a first position and a second position. For example, the first
position can be a
position in which the mouthpiece 450 is in a relatively extended position with
respect to
the outer housing 410 (shown in Figure 4a) and the second position can be a
position in
which the mouthpiece 450 is in a relatively retracted position with respect to
the outer
housing 410 (mouthpiece 450 being shown in Figure 4b as a dotted line, since
mouthpiece 450 is no longer visible externally, it having being retracted into
the outer
housing 410). Thus, as a result of the movement of mouthpiece 450 in response
to a
change in an operational parameter of the device 400, it is possible to notify
the user of
the operational status of the device via a physical change in device
shape/accessibility.
Of course, it may be that the first position is the relatively retracted
position and the
second position is the relatively extended position.
Figures 5a and 5b provide an alternative illustrative embodiment of an aerosol
delivery system according to the present disclosure, which operates in a
similar fashion
to the system of Figure 2. Aerosol delivery system 50 includes an aerosol
delivery
device 500, device 500 comprising an outer housing 510, and a mouthpiece 550
(which
may be detachable from the device 500) (the other components of the system
being
substantially similar to that of system 10, e.g. an electrical power source,
an aerosol
generating component and a controller). Further, aerosol delivery device 500
generally
comprises an airflow path generally proceeding from an air inlet 504 (not
visible) to an air
outlet 551. The outer housing 510 comprises a moveable portion 511, which in
this
embodiment is configured as a moveable panel (the precise shape of which is
not
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critical). Moveable portion 511 is configured to be moved from a first
position (shown in
Figure 5a) to a second position (shown in Figure 5b) in response to a change
in an
operational parameter of the device 500. Thus, as a result of the movement of
portion
511, air outlet 504 becomes covered. Since in this embodiment the air outlet
may be
coupled with a detachable mouthpiece (not shown), this may be particularly
useful to
prevent coupling of the mouthpiece with the device in situations where the
operational
status of the device does not support use. Thus, by preventing the coupling of
a
mouthpiece with the device, use of the device is restricted. Of course, it may
be that in
the first position air outlet 504 is covered and in the second position air
outlet 504 is
exposed.
In a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol
delivery
system comprising an aerosol delivery device, the device comprising an outer
housing
enclosing an electrical power source, wherein a portion of the outer housing
is
configured to be deformable such that it can be repositioned from a first
position to a
second position without impacting the operation of the system.
In the context of the present disclosure, "deformable" is considered to mean
that
the profile of a portion of the outer housing can be modified such that a
distance and/or
surface angle between two points on a surface of the outer housing may be
varied. It
may be that the portion of the outer housing that is configured to be
deformable is
comprised of a single surface, or alternatively multiple surfaces separated by
one or
more flexible connections between the surfaces.
Where the portion of the outer housing that is configured to be deformable is
comprised of a single surface, deformation would include stretching,
compressing and/or
bending the surface. Examples of suitable surfaces include surfaces formed
from
thermoplastic materials, shape memory materials, pliable materials and/or one
or more
malleable materials. In the case of thermoplastic materials, the material may
be chosen
from a material which deforms at or around the skin temperature of a user. As
a result,
the user is able to grip the outer housing and deform the surface of the outer
housing as
so desired. Such an embodiment allows for a single shape outer housing to be
manufactured, but for the user to then be able to determine the shape of the
outer
housing based on ergonomics. A similar effect can be achieved where the
surface is
formed from a shape memory material (as described above), a malleable material
(such
as aluminum) and/or a pliable material (such as a silicone sheet). An
illustrative
example of such an embodiment is shown in Figures 6a and 6b. In Figure 6a,
points A
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and B are shown as located on a surface of the outer housing 610. The portion
of
housing 610 upon which point B lies is configured to be deformable with
respect to the
portion of housing upon which point A lies. As a result of user directed
pressure (such
as gripping) at point B, the outer housing can be deformed.
Where the portion of the outer housing that is configured to be deformable is
comprised of multiple surfaces, the two points on the surface are divided by
one or more
flexible connections. Typically, the flexible connection would be a joint,
such as a hinge,
ball and socket, pivot, gliding, saddle and or planar joint. However, other
flexible
connections are envisaged, such as a flexible membrane having the ability to
facilitate
movement of one surface relative to the other (akin to webbing). In this
embodiment, the
ability of the surfaces themselves to be deformed is less critical (although
not excluded)
since the flexible connection serves to facilitate movement of the surfaces
relative to
each other.
As will be appreciated, since the outer housing is configured to be deformed
it
may, as a surface or collection of surfaces, lack the structural integrity
associated with
rigid, non-deformable housings. As a result, in one embodiment the device
contains an
internal skeleton which supports the outer housing and facilitates its
deformation. Thus,
in some embodiments, supporting parts of the skeleton may be reconfigurable,
whereas
other parts of the supporting skeleton may not be reconfigurable. For example,
in one
embodiment where the portion of outer housing configured to be deformable is
formed
from a single surface (such as a silicone sheet) or multiple surfaces, the
surfaces to be
deformed (either alone or relative to each other) in that portion is/are
supported by one
or more supporting arms. Each arm may have the ability to extend, retract
and/or rotate
in response to a user directed force (such as gripping) and may be resiliently
biased
against the underside of the outer housing surface. For example, Figures 7a
and 7b
show indicative views of a support part (a supporting arm) supporting a
deformable
portion of the outer housing. In particular, Figure 7a shows a deformable
outer housing
surface 710 being supported by a supporting part 760. In this particular
example, the
supporting part 760 is rotatably attached to the device via a ball and joint
connection,
and also comprise4s an extendable section 761. Contact between the underside
of
outer housing surface 710 and the supporting part 760 may be via a
rounded/flattened
plate 762 which distributes pressure applied to the outer housing surface 710.
It will be
appreciated that movement of the one or more supporting arms can be
facilitated by
automation, e.g. by having a motor which automatically extends, retracts
and/or rotates
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the supporting arm. The one or more supporting arms could be operated
hydraulically
and/or mechanically (e.g. by screw threads/ rack and pinion etc.). In a
further example
shown in Figure 7b, a portion of a deformable outer housing is supported by
supporting
parts 760. In this particular example, the portion of the outer housing that
is deformable
is formed from multiple surfaces 710 joined by a flexible connection 780.
In one embodiment, the internal components of device that are essential for
the
operation of the aerosol delivery system (such as the power source, controller
etc.) are
located within a protected environment within the device. In other words, the
deformation of a portion of the outer housing of the device does not lead to
the
destruction or functional impairment of the internal components. This may be
achieved
by the protective environment defining a flexible space within which the
components are
located. Alternatively, the protective environment may be a fixed spatial
volume within
the outer housing, and the outer housing may not be deformed to the extent
that the
volume is decreased. Figure 8 shows an illustrative device 80, whereby the
internal
components C are located in protective environment 890 (which may or may not
be
flexible) and outer housing 810 is deformable, but not to the extent that when
deformed
the volume of the protective environment is decreased.
In the context of the present disclosure, "without impacting the operation of
the
system" means that neither the operational state (e.g. on/off, standby,
active) nor the
physical state (e.g. lid open closed, switch/button moved) is affected by the
deformation
of the outer housing (or portion thereof). This does not mean, however, that
the
deformation of the outer housing cannot be linked to a user defined state. For
example,
it may be that the outer housing is pre-configured to take a certain shape
following
manufacture. The controller may then contain a range of pre-programmed outer
housing
profile shapes that can be selected based on a user's preference. The user
preferences
may be associated with a particular flavor or type of aerosol forming
substrate inserted
into the aerosol delivery device.
Access to the controller and thus selection of the outer housing profile
shapes
can be via a smart device, such as a phone or tablet linked to the controller
via a
wireless or wired communication link. The user can then select the desired
outer
housing shape profile and the controller will direct the deformation by, for
example,
driving one or more supporting arms to retract/extend etc. so as to deform the
outer
housing surface(s), and/or directing current through a portion of the outer
housing
formed from shape memory material so as to drive a change in shape.
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The controller of the aerosol delivery system may also be able to detect a
particular outer housing shape and associate that with a particular user.
Thus, the
controller may be able to detect that a particular user is using (or will use)
the aerosol
delivery system and deform the outer housing to a stored outer housing profile
associated with that user. Identification of a particular user may be via
biometric
identification on the aerosol delivery device, or via a paired smart device
which has the
ability to identify a user.
In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows
by
way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may
be
practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a
representative sample
of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are
presented only
to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be
understood
that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures,
and/or other
aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the
disclosure as
defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that
other
embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing
from the
scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or
consist
essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components,
features,
parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and
it will thus
be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with
features of
the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in
the claims.
The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which
may be
claimed in future.
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