BALANCING SUBSTANCE DELIVERY IN VAPORIZERS

Abstract

This disclosure describes control of a personal vaporizer, such as an electronic cigarette, a vape pen, vape kits, e-cig, or e-hookah, electronic nicotine delivery system, that either can be coupled to one or more other personal vaporizers or that has two or more cartridges for vapor generation and delivery. Personal vaporizers can provide controlled substances (e.g., nicotine, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), etc.). In addition to the controlled substances, personal vaporizers allow for unique flavors as compared to traditional inhalation devices (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). Since cartridges for personal vaporizers often provide a fixed dosage of substance and limited range of flavors, it can be desirable to allow the user to mix and combine multiple cartridges.

Description

BACKGROUND

Personal vaporizers provide an alternative to smoking techniques, which involve combustion of organic matter and inhalation of the vapor. Instead vaporizers atomize a substance (e.g., a nicotine substance or cannabis substance) using a heating element to simulate the combustion found in traditional cigarettes. Personal vaporizers often use removable/replaceable cartridges containing a substance for atomization. The cartridges often have fixed concentrations of substances, and set flavors.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure involves systems, methods, and an apparatus for controlling a personal vaporizing system with multiple atomization chambers. The system includes a body that has a power supply, a first atomization chamber and first chimney configured to deliver atomized substance to a user, a second atomization chamber and second chimney configured to deliver atomized substance to a user, a first sensor that provides a signal associated with airflow through the first atomization chamber, and a controller that includes a communications module and applies current to an actuator in response to the signal from the first sensor and a second signal from a second sensor associated with the second atomization chamber.

Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features.

In some instances, the personal vaporizer includes a cartridge that provides a flow path to transport vaporized substance to the user, the cartridge including the first atomization chamber and the actuator.

In some instances, the first sensor and the second sensor are puff sensors.

In some instances, the actuator is a heating element.

In some instances, the applied current is determined based on a lowest input received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

In some instances the communications module uses an I2C protocol to communicate with the at least one second sensor.

The details of these and other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a coupling vaporizer with a removable cartridge and some internals shown.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematic of a control circuit for coupling vaporizers.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example process for determining applied power by a controller.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an example connector for communications between couplable vaporizers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes control of a personal vaporizer, such as an electronic cigarette, a vape pen, vape kits, e-cig, or e-hookah, electronic nicotine delivery system, that either can be coupled to one or more other personal vaporizers or that has two or more cartridges for vapor generation and delivery. Personal vaporizers can provide controlled substances (e.g., nicotine, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), etc.). In addition to the controlled substances, personal vaporizers allow for unique flavors as compared to traditional inhalation devices (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). Since cartridges for personal vaporizers often provide a fixed dosage of substance and limited range of flavors, it can be desirable to allow the user to mix and combine multiple cartridges.

Couplable personal vaporizers or vaporizers that utilize multiple cartridges can enable this combination of different cartridges. By providing a personal vaporizer system which can couple with additional personal vaporizer systems, a user can mix and combine different flavors or dosages by using two or more coupled vaporizers simultaneously. In order to ensure consistent results, the coupled vaporizers can communicate, and compare sensed signals (e.g., “puff” signals) to provide balanced or consistent mixtures of vapors.

Turning to the illustrated example, FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed schematic view of a personal vaporizer 100A which can be attached to a personal vaporizer 100B, with some internals shown. At least one, and in certain instances, both personal vaporizers 100A and 100B are each separately operable. Personal vaporizer 100A includes a body 202, cartridge 204, and mouthpiece 206. In some instances, each personal vaporizer can be identical; in some instances, they can be different. For example, one personal vaporizer 100 can be larger, and configured to attach to multiple other vaporizers, which can be smaller, and include fewer features (e.g., lights, smaller battery etc.). In some implementations, each personal vaporizer 100 can include a similar flow path, which results in a similar draw when a user applies suction. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 204 is removable from the body 202 via a coupler 222. The coupler 222 can have two parts, one that is part of the cartridge portion 204 or mouthpiece portion 206 and one that is part of the body portion 202, e.g., one part being female and configured to receive the other, male, part. The mechanical coupler can be, for example, threads, a lug/channel connector, a recessed magnetic connector, or other suitable manner for coupling the two portions of the personal vaporizer 100A. In addition, an electrical connection can also be facilitated in the connection between the mechanical coupler 222 parts. Similarly, in some instances, the mouthpiece 206 is removable from the cartridge 204 via a coupler 222.

Body 202, includes side couplers 208A-208C. The side couplers can be magnetic or have an interlocking mechanism, which allows the personal vaporizer 100A to be coupled with another personal vaporizer (e.g. personal vaporizer 100B). The side couplers 208A-C provide for connecting and disconnecting the two personal vaporizers 100A and 100B. In some implementations, the side couplers 208A-C include magnets that are aligned to attract and hold the personal vaporizers together. The magnets can be recessed into the body, which can further include mating male and female profiles (e.g., guide slots and ribs), or another manner for establishing and maintaining proper alignment when the vaporizers are attached. In some implementations, the side couplers 208 include latches, or a tongue and groove system, which allows for interlocking of the personal vaporizers. The body 202 can further include features that assist with alignment and traction between vaporizers. For example, body 202 can include a number of ridges and grooves, which are configured to slot into similar ridges and grooves on the body of another personal vaporizer. While three side couplers 208A-C are illustrated, more, or fewer side couplers are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, body 202 can include side couplers on both sides, or one side and the front, in order to facilitate coupling with multiple additional vaporizers (e.g., three or four coupled vaporizers).

The body 202 further includes a power source 210, which can provide electrical power to control circuits 212, and a heating element in the atomization chamber 214. Power source 210 can include a battery, such as a lithium ion (Li-ion), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), Alkaline or other battery. In some implementations, the battery is user replaceable. In some implementations, the battery is integrated with the body 202. Power source 210 can also include charging circuitry required for recharging the battery.

Control circuitry 212 can include necessary circuitry to operate the personal vaporizer 100A. Control circuitry 212 can include one or more microcontrollers, or analog circuits, as well as sensors for operation. A puff sensor can be provided in the control circuitry 212, which detects whether or not a user is drawing on the mouthpiece. The puff sensor can be a microphone, or a diaphragm based pressure sensor, or other pressure sensor. In some implementations, the control circuitry 212 can detect whether or not a cartridge is installed, or whether or not the personal vaporizer 100A is coupled to another vaporizer. In some instances, the control circuitry 212 can communicate with the control circuitry of another vaporizer coupled to the personal vaporizer 100A, for example, to average the outputs of both puff sensors and provide equal atomization across both vaporizers. The control circuitry 212 is discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

Cartridge 204 includes an atomization chamber 214, through which air flows past a heating element and a wick that is exposed to a substance to be atomized. The atomized vapor can leave the vaporization chamber with the flowing air up through a passage or chimney 216. Cartridge 204 further includes a reservoir that contains the substance to be atomized. In some implementations, a puff sensor is located in the cartridge 204, and communicates with control circuitry 212 when the cartridge 204 is coupled with the body 202. One or more air inlet vents 224 are provided on the cartridge 204 for allowing airflow into the cartridge 204 when the user draws air through the personal vaporizer 100A. In some implementations, the liquid reservoir includes a clear or translucent window 220 to the exterior of the cartridge 204 for visually determining the liquid level within the liquid reservoir.

Mouthpiece 206 includes a channel 218, which extends the chimney 216 and provides a flow path through the atomization chamber 214 into the user's mouth when the mouthpiece is coupled to the cartridge 204. In certain instances, the cartridge is integral with the body 202, and the mouthpiece 206 couples directly to the body 202. The mouthpiece 206 can have a rubberized or textured outer surface to increase comfort and aid in the user achieving a seal between the mouthpiece 206 and their lips. Additionally, at least one surface of the mouthpiece (e.g., the side) can be shaped to abut or nest with another mouthpiece of a different personal vaporizer. Together the combined mouthpieces can form a single, larger mouthpiece, with two channels to provide a mix of substances from two vaporizers. Other examples of couplable vaporizers that can be used with the concepts herein are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/243,048, entitled Attachable Vaporizers. The contents of this application are incorporated by reference herein.

Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematic of a control circuit 400 for attachable vaporizers or vaporizers with multiple cartridges. Control circuit 400 can be embedded with, or separate from control circuit 212 as illustrated with respect to FIG. 2. In some implementations, control circuit 400 is the same as control circuit 212. Control circuit 400 can include a controller 402, one or more sensors 416, and an actuator 418 (e.g., an atomizer, heating element, etc.).

A battery 412 provides electrical power to the controller 402, as well as other components in the system (e.g., actuator 418, and sensors 416). The battery can be a lithium ion (Li-ion), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), Alkaline, or other battery. In some implementations, the battery is user replaceable. In some implementations, the battery is integrated with the body 202. Charging circuitry that is required for recharging the battery can also be included (not shown) and can be part of the controller 402, or a separate component.

Actuator 418 is the component being controlled by the controller 402. Actuator 418 can be a heating element, which surrounds a wick in an atomization chamber of a cartridge, and is designed to vaporize or atomize liquid that is transported by the wick. The actuator 418 can convert current supplied by the controller 402 into heat, or vibrations, or other forms of energy in order to atomize substance. In some implementations, the actuator 418 atomizes liquid at a rate that is proportional to the electrical current supplied by the controller 402.

One or more sensors 416 can generate inputs to the controller 402. Sensors 416 can be active sensors (e.g., require a power supplied from battery 412 or controller 402) or passive sensors (e.g., provide an output signal without requiring supplied power). In some implementations, sensors 416 include a pressure sensor, which measures pressure inside or near an atomization chamber. In some implementations, multiple pressure sensors are used. For example, a first pressure sensor can be located inside the atomization chamber, or along the flow path through the atomization chamber, and a second pressure sensor can be located outside of the device and configured to sense ambient pressure. In this instance, a flow rate through the personal vaporizer can be determined, for example, by calculating a differential pressure between the two pressure sensors. In some implementations, a single pressure sensor is used, and flowrate can be assumed to have an inverse relationship (e.g., proportional and/or other relationship) to the sensed pressure of the single pressure sensor. For example, when a user sucks on a mouthpiece of the vaporizer, pressure will drop in the atomization chamber as flowrate increases. In some instances, a microphone is used which can sense acoustic energy associated with flow through the vaporizer. In some instances, a combination of pressure sensors and microphones, as well as other sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, accelerometers/G-force sensors, etc.) are used to detect whether or not the user is “puffing” on the personal vaporizer. The sensor(s) 416 herein can be referred to a puff sensor 416, which detects when and with how much force the user is puffing on the vaporizer.

Controller 402 reads inputs from the sensors 416, and drives an output to the actuator 418 based on inputs, including those from sensors 416. In addition to receiving inputs from the sensors 416, the controller 402 can receive inputs, and based on the inputs, output instructions to one or more additional personal devices 414. In certain instances, additional devices 414 include additional personal vaporizers that are coupled to the personal vaporizer. In certain instances, additional devices 414 also or alternatively include other devices, such as a user's cell phone, a docking station, or other device that communicates with the control circuit 400. Controller 402 includes a conditioning circuit 404, which can include circuitry and logic for conditioning signals from the sensors 416. For example, the conditioning circuit 404 can include filtering circuits such as low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass filters. In some implementations, where one or more of the sensors 416 is an active sensor, the conditioning circuit 404 provides power, or carrier signals to operate the active sensors. In general, conditioning circuit 404 includes circuitry and logic to provide sensed signals from the sensors 416 to the control logic 408. The conditioning circuit 404 can include analog circuitry, or digital circuitry (e.g., one or more microcontrollers).

The driver circuit 410 is configured to receive a control signal from the control logic 408, and convert it to a signal that is suitable to operate the actuator 418. For example, in certain instances control logic 408 provides a low current 0-3.3V digital signal (e.g., a PWM gating signal). Driver circuit 410 can include one or more transistors, which operate to provide electrical power directly from the battery 412 to the actuator 418 at a rate proportional to the digital control signal. In general, the driver circuit 410 permits the relatively low power control logic 408 to power the higher power actuator 418.

A communication circuit 406 provides for communications between the control circuitry 400 and one or more additional devices 414. The communications circuit 406 includes logic encoded in software and/or hardware in a suitable combination and operable to communicate with the additional devices 414 and other components such as the control logic 408, or sensors 416. More specifically, the communication circuit 406 operates software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with communications that enables the control circuitry 400 to communicate physical signals within and outside personal vaporizer. In some implementations, the communication circuit 406 uses an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) protocol to establish communications between the personal vaporizer and additional devices 414. The I2C protocol can be implemented using pin connecters. In some implementations the communication circuit 406 uses a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, etc.) to communicate with additional devices 414.

Control logic 408 describes what is to be accomplished by the control circuitry 400 in response to inputs from the sensors 416, and the additional devices 414. In general, the control logic 408 can operate in two modes, standalone mode, or multi-device mode. In general, the control logic 408 attempts to maintain a constant flavor or substance delivery to the user. The amount of substance being delivered to the user, or the “cloud density” can be described as the ratio between the mass flow rate of the substance being atomized, and the flow rate of air through the atomization chamber. For example, the cloud density may be described by the equation

$\rho =\frac{\stackrel{.}{m}}{Q}$

where ρ is the cloud density, {dot over (m)} is the mass flow rate of substance being atomized and Q is the flow rate of air through the atomization chamber. Q is proportional to the users puff strength, which can be detected based on the puff sensor, or sensors 416. It should be noted that Q will change based on puff strength, but also the geometry of the cartridge/vaporizer, atmospheric conditions (e.g., temperature) and other factors. In some implementations, Q can be assumed directly proportional to the output of the puff sensor. Mass flow rate, {dot over (m)}, can similarly be assumed to be proportional to the current or power applied to the heating element or actuator 418. If the power applied is D then the control logic can calculate D required for a desired cloud density using the equation D=ρQ. Cloud density ρ can be user selected (e.g., via a slider or knob, or using a mobile device in communications with communication circuit 406), or predetermined (e.g., by the manufacturer). In standalone mode, the control logic 408 can poll or read sensors 416 to determine Q, and then determine a D to apply to the actuator 418. When the vaporizer is coupled to another vaporizer or additional device 414, the communication circuit 406 can detect an additional device is present and provide that as an indication to control logic 408, which can switch to multi-device mode.

Multi-device mode operates similarly to standalone mode however, Q is determined differently. Because the user may not draw equal flow through each coupled vaporizer, the multi-device mode provides a technique for ensuring that both vaporizers provide similar cloud densities, and thus a consistent flavor or dosage. In multi-device mode, the control logic can communicate with the conditioning circuit 404 and therefore sensors 416 of multiple vaporizers, as well as broadcast and coordinate the applied power D to each actuator 418 in the group of coupled vaporizers. In one implementation, during multi-device mode, it can be assumed that the puff strength, or Q for each vaporizer will be similar, although not equal. In order to prevent overproduction of vapor in the vaporizer with the lowest Q, the control logic 408 for each device can provide a D based on the lowest Q for in the group. In another implementation, Q's from each vaporizer are averaged, to determine an average flow rate, which is then used to calculate D for each device. In certain instances, a weighted average is used (e.g., the lowest Q receives a higher weight than the highest Q). During multi-device mode, the control circuitry 400 can establish a master/slave relationship with other additional devices 414 that are connected. In this manner, a single device can read the sensors associated with each coupled vaporizer, determine, and broadcast a D to be supplied to each heating element of each personal vaporizer.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example process for determining applied power D by a controller. Process 500 can be executed by control circuitry 400, or a portion thereof.

At 502, it is determined whether the device is in standalone mode or multi-device mode. In some implementations, this is determined based on a connection. For example, where the devices use an I2C protocol, a monitor pin can be connected to a ground pin of another device, driving a value on the monitor pin to a digital low, and indicating that the device should operate in multi-device mode. If the monitor pin is at a digital high (e.g., 3V or 5V, etc.) then standalone mode is indicated.

At 504, a puff strength is determined in order to determine a Q or air flow rate for the vaporizer. In some implementations, a puff sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor, microphone, diaphragm, or other device) which provides a voltage or other signal that corresponds to the airflow in the personal vaporizer.

At 506, the desired cloud density ρ is determined. Cloud density ρ can be user selected (e.g., via a slider or knob, or using a mobile device in communications with the personal vaporizer), or predetermined (e.g., by the manufacturer).

At 508, a power to apply D is determined in order to achieve the desired cloud density ρ. In some implementations, D is simply the product of Q and ρ.

At 510, the calculated D is applied to an actuator (e.g., heating element) in order to produce vapor and create the desired cloud during inhalation. Process 500 can return to 502 where an assessment is done to determine whether the device should remain in standalone mode or switch to multi-device mode.

If the device is in multi-device mode, at 512, the puff strength for the local device is determined. For example, each device in multi-device mode can include an independent puff sensor. The local puff sensor can be used to determine puff strength for the local device.

At 514, puff strength for other devices (e.g., attached or coupled devices) with their own puff sensors is received (e.g., via a communications module). This can include puff strengths from attached devices, or secondary devices (e.g., second cartridges) within the primary device.

At 516, Q is determined. Because the user may not draw equal flow through each coupled vaporizer, the multi-device mode provides a technique for ensuring that all vaporizers provide similar cloud densities, and thus a consistent flavor or dosage. The control logic communicates sensors. In one implementation, in order to prevent overproduction of vapor in the vaporizer with the lowest airflow, Q is determined based on the device with the lowest puff strength. In some implementations, puff strengths from each device are averaged, to determine an average flow rate, which is then used to calculate D for each device. In certain instances, a weighted average is used (e.g., the lowest Q receives a higher weight than the highest Q).

518-522 proceed similarly to 506-508, and a D is determined based on the determined Q, then applied to the local actuator. At 524, the determined D can be broadcast, or otherwise transmitted to other devices, which can use the determined D to provide uniform cloud densities from multiple devices.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an example connector for communications between attachable vaporizers. FIG. 4A shows a personal vaporizer 600A with a connector 602 on the side. In some implementations the connector 602 can be integral to a side coupler (e.g., side coupler 110 as described with respect to FIG. 1A) and can include a magnet or guide slots to assist in coupling of personal vaporizer 600A with another personal vaporizer. The connector 602 additionally includes one or more pins that can contact, and make electrical connection with the pins of a connector on a different device. FIG. 4B illustrates an example pin layout for an I2C protocol which allows communication between two or more personal vaporizers in a master/slave format. FIG. 4C illustrates the electrical connections when two personal vaporizers 600A and 600B are connected.

Connecter 602 includes a ground pin (GND) 604, a monitor pin (D1) 606, a clock pin (SCL) 608 and a data pin (SDA) 610. The monitor pin 606 can indicate whether the device is connected to another personal vaporizer, as when connected, the D1 pins 606 of each vaporizer will be connected to the ground pins 604 of the attached vaporizer, driving a voltage on each respective D1 pin to ground, or a digital low value. When the control circuitry (e.g., control circuitry 402 as described with respect to FIG. 2) detects a digital low on its D1 pin 606, it can determine that it has been connected to another personal vaporizer, and establish a master/slave relationship.

In some implementations, the master/slave relationship is established by having each personal vaporizer (e.g., personal vaporizers 600A and 600B) wait a random or pseudo-random amount of time before checking for a clock signal on the clock pin 608. If, for example, a wait timer of personal vaporizer 600A expires before the wait timer of personal vaporizer 600B, then no clock signal will be detected by personal vaporizer 600A. Personal vaporizer 600A can begin transmitting a clock signal and become the master. Personal vaporizer 600B's clock signal will expire later (in this example) and therefore personal vaporizer 600B will detect a clock signal, and assume a slave role. Once the master/slave roles are established communication can begin on the data pin 610, including address assignment, polling for sensor data (e.g., personal vaporizer 600A requests puff sensor data from personal vaporizer 600B), and broadcasting command signals (e.g., personal vaporizer 600A transmits a control signal to supply current to the heating element of personal vaporizer 600B).

This protocol allows for rapid connection and communication between devices that do not have pre-assigned addresses, and can be connected or disconnected without establishing communication parameters.

Claims

1. A personal vaporizer comprising:

a body comprising: a power supply; a first atomization chamber and first chimney configured to deliver atomized substance to a user; a second atomization chamber and second chimney configured to deliver atomized substance to a user; a first sensor, configured to provide a signal associated with airflow through the first atomization chamber; and a controller comprising a communications module, the controller configured to apply current to an actuator in response to the signal from the first sensor and a second signal from a second sensor associated with the second atomization chamber.

2. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, comprising:

a cartridge providing a flow path to transport a vaporized substance to a user, the cartridge comprising the first atomization chamber and the actuator.

3. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are puff sensors.

4. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a heating element.

5. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the applied current is determined based on a lowest input received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

6. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the applied current is determined based on an average of the signals received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

7. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the communications module use an I2C protocol to communicate with the second sensor.

8. A method for generating atomized substance in a personal vaporizer comprising:

receiving, from a first sensor associated with a first atomization chamber and a first chimney configured to deliver atomized substance to a user, a first signal from a first sensor, the first signal associated with airflow through the first atomization chamber;

receiving, from a second sensor associated with a second atomization chamber and a second chimney configured to deliver atomized substance to a user, a second signal from a second sensor, the second signal associated with airflow through the second atomization chamber; and

applying, by a controller comprising a communications module, a current to an actuator associated with the first atomization chamber based on the first and second signals.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first atomization chamber and the actuator are included in a cartridge that provides a flow path to transport a vaporized substance to a user.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are puff sensors.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the actuator is a heating element.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the applied current is determined based on a lowest input received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the applied current is determined based on an average of the signals received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the communications module use an I2C protocol to communicate with the second sensor.

15. A system for generating atomized substance in a personal vaporizer configured perform operations comprising:

receive, from a first sensor associated with a first atomization chamber and a first chimney configured to deliver atomized substance to a user, a first signal from a first sensor, the first signal associated with airflow through the first atomization chamber;

receive, from a second sensor associated with a second atomization chamber and a second chimney configured to deliver atomized substance to a user, a second signal from a second sensor, the second signal associated with airflow through the second atomization chamber; and

apply, by a controller comprising a communications module, a current to an actuator associated with the first atomization chamber based on the first and second signals.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first atomization chamber and the actuator are included in a cartridge that provides a flow path to transport a vaporized substance to a user.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are puff sensors.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the actuator is a heating element.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the applied current is determined based on a lowest input received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the applied current is determined based on an average of the signals received from the first sensor and the second sensor.