AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Abstract

An aerosol provision system including an aerosol provision device; and an aerosol generating component, the aerosol provision device including a power source; and a controller, the aerosol provision device being configured for engagement with the aerosol generating component, the aerosol generating component including an aerosol generator for, in use, generating an aerosol; and, a pod downstream of the aerosol generator, wherein the controller of the aerosol provision device is configured to monitor a lifetime of the pod and to facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod over its lifetime.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2021/052389, filed Sep. 15, 2021, which claims priority from GB Application No. 2014919.1, filed Sep. 22, 2020, each of which hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision system, an aerosol provision device, a method of providing an aerosol, and aerosol provision means.

BACKGROUND

Aerosol provision systems are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from an aerosol generating material which is then inhaled by a user. The aerosol generating material from which the aerosol is generated is consumed during use of the aerosol provision system. When an aerosol generating material is heated, the aerosol generating material may change structurally. Over time such structural changes may reduce the user experience of the aerosol provision system, by virtue of changing flavors or increasing difficulty of use as the aerosol generating material is depleted. Modern systems often use a predetermined time period of active use of a system to indicate depletion of aerosol generating material within the system. At this point, the aerosol generating material may be removed or the device replaced. This can lead to increase cost of use of such a device.

SUMMARY

Examples of the present disclosure are directed toward solving some of the above problems.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device; and, an aerosol generating component, the aerosol provision device comprising: a power source; and, a controller, the aerosol provision device being configured for engagement with the aerosol generating component, the aerosol generating component comprising: an aerosol generator for, in use, generating an aerosol; and a pod downstream of the aerosol generator, wherein the controller of the aerosol provision device is configured to monitor a lifetime of the pod and to facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod over its lifetime.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a power source; a controller; and, an aerosol generating component receiving portion, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured for receiving an aerosol generating component in the aerosol generating component receiving portion, and wherein the controller is configured to monitor a lifetime of the aerosol generating component and to facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the aerosol generating component over its lifetime.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising a controller; providing an aerosol generating component comprising a pod; engaging the aerosol generating component with the aerosol provision device; providing an aerosol; and, monitoring, with the controller, a lifetime of the pod and to facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod over its lifetime.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided aerosol provision means comprising: an aerosol provision device; and, an aerosol generating component, the aerosol provision device comprising: power means; and, control means, the aerosol provision device being configured for engagement with the aerosol generating component, the aerosol generating component comprising: aerosol generating means for, in use, generating an aerosol; and, a pod downstream of the aerosol generating means, wherein the control means of the aerosol provision device is configured to monitor a lifetime of the pod and to facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod over its lifetime.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision system according to an example.

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision system according to an example.

FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision system according to an example.

FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision system according to an example.

FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision system according to an example.

FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision system according to an example.

While embodiments of the disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolizable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system/device and electronic aerosol provision system/device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolize”, may generally be used interchangeably.

In the example of FIG. 1, an aerosol provision system 100 is shown. The aerosol provision system 100 has an aerosol provision device 110 and an aerosol generating component 120. The aerosol provision device 110 has a power source 112 and a controller 114. The aerosol provision device 110 is configured for engagement with the aerosol generating component 120. The aerosol generating component 120 has an aerosol generator 122 for generating an aerosol in use. The aerosol generating component 120 also has a pod 124 downstream of the aerosol generator 122. The controller 114 of the aerosol provision device 110 is configured to monitor a lifetime of the pod 124 and to facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod 124 over its lifetime.

The controller 114 may monitor the lifetime of the pod 124 by detecting the number of uses (e.g. puffs including length of puff for example) of the aerosol provision system 100 while the pod 124 has been active. The controller 114 may also detect the temperature at which the pod 124 is heated during periods of use. Higher temperatures may lead to a more rapid depletion of aerosol generating material and therefore a shorter lifetime for the pod 124.

The controller 114 may facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod 124 of its lifetime in a passive and/or active manner. In an example, the controller 114 may be configured to determine a temperature at the pod 124. This may be as a result of a thermal detector or sensor or the like which provides a reading of the temperature (or an associated characteristic) at the pod 124 to the controller 114.

The controller 114 may inform a user of the temperature of the pod 124. The user may then decide to alter the temperature experienced by the pod 124. The user may be able to control the temperature at which the aerosol provision system 100 operates (herein referred to as “operating temperature”). This may be via a user interface on the aerosol provision system 100, which may be electrical, or via a more mechanical manner such as changing the position of elements within the aerosol provision system 100. In this way, the controller 114 may passively facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod 124 over its lifetime.

The controller 114 may actively facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod 124 by, in an example, detecting the temperature of the pod 124 and providing a signal which results in an alteration of the temperature of the pod 124. This may be predetermined via a lookup table of suitable temperatures or the like. The controller 114 may optionally or additionally provide a signal which results in an alteration of the position of the pod 124 within the aerosol provision system 100. The controller 114 may control the heat profile produced in the system 100. This heat profile may be provided by the aerosol generator 422 or heaters/heating elements in the system 100.

The aerosol provision system 100 shown in the example of FIG. 1 has an outlet for aerosol to exit the system 100. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 122 may flow past the pod 124 and through outlet 130 and then through outlet 140 to exit the aerosol provision system 100. A user may then inhale the aerosol provided. An outlet (or series of outlets) may enable fluid communication between the aerosol generator 122 of the aerosol provision system 100 and the environment external to the aerosol provision system 100.

In the example of FIG. 2, an aerosol provision system 200 is shown. The example of FIG. 2 is similar to the example of FIG. 1. Where similar components are shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2, the numerals on FIG. 2 used to refer to the similar component from FIG. 1 have been increased by 100 for simplicity. For efficiency, these components may not be discussed in detail again here.

The aerosol provision system 200 has a region A within the aerosol provision system 200. In the example shown, the pod 224 is contained within the region A. The temperature of the region A will be indicative of the temperature experienced by the pod 224 within region A. As such, controlling the temperature at the region A in which the pod 224 is located allows the controller 214 to control the temperature applied to the pod 224. The pod 224 may contain a flavor. The flavor may be aerosolizable such that heating the flavor produces an aerosol for inhalation.

The flavor may be distributed evenly within the pod 224. Flavor located closer to the external surface of the pod 224 will be affected by the thermal energy provided to the region A more early in the lifetime of the pod 224 than the flavor located deeper into the pod 224. Once the flavor closer to the external surface of the pod 224 has been depleted or in some other way used up, it is necessary to provide thermal energy to the flavor located more towards the center of the pod 224. This portion of the flavor of the pod 224 may be referred to herein as the “deeper flavor” or “more centrally located flavor”. A way to provide thermal energy to the more centrally located flavor is to increase the total thermal energy so that the thermal energy is able to penetrate further into the pod 224 to provide aerosolized particles from the flavor. This can be controlled by the controller 214 modulating the temperature experienced by the pod 224. This is likely, in use, to be increasing the temperature experienced by the pod 224.

In an example, the aerosol generator 222 provides an aerosol that entrains compounds from the flavor in the pod 224. The thermal energy provided to the pod 224 may be provided by the temperature of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generator 222. As such, the thermal energy of the aerosol in the region A is the thermal energy that may be transmitted to the pod 224. It is not likely that all the thermal energy in the region A will be transferred to the pod 224. Therefore, the controller 214 may modulate the temperature experienced by the pod 224 by controlling the temperature of the aerosol produced by the aerosol generator 222. This may involve operating a heater or the like at a higher temperature when generating the aerosol.

In the example of FIG. 3, an aerosol provision system 300 is shown. The example of FIG. 3 is similar to the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2. Where similar components are shown in both FIGS. 2 and 3, the numerals on FIG. 3 used to refer to the similar component from FIG. 2 have been increased by 100 for simplicity. For efficiency, these components may not be discussed in detail again here.

The controller 314 of the aerosol provision system 300 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to a sensing element 316. The sensing element 316 may be part of the controller 314 or separate. The sensing element 316 is connected to the controller 314 such that the sensing element 316 can send signals to the controller 314. The sensing element 316 may send signals in relation to temperature, resistance and/or position. The sensing element 316 may detect when the pod 324 is provided into the system 300 and provide a signal to the controller 314. The sensing element 316 may provide a signal to the controller 314 when the aerosol generating component 320 is engaged within the device 300. The controller 314 may detect an electrical connection between the aerosol provision device 310 and an aerosol generating component 320 within the system 300. The sensing element 316 may be in a wired or wireless connection to the controller 314.

The system 300 may be a modular system 300 with the sensing element 316 detecting when the aerosol generating component 320 is connected to the aerosol provision device 310. Alternatively, the system 300 may be integral and the pod 324 may be inserted into the aerosol generating component 320. This insertion may be detected by the sensing element 316. In this way, the controller 314 may be informed when the pod 324 is first introduced into the system 300 and therefore from when to document the lifetime of the pod 324. The lifetime, as discussed above, will depend on usage.

In an example, the sensing element 316 is a temperature sensor or detector. The temperature sensor 316 observes the temperature experienced by the pod 324 in the region A and sends this measurement to the controller 314. The controller 314 can facilitate modulation of this temperature over the lifetime of the pod 324. The temperature sensor 316 may detect the temperature for example via IR radiation, use of thermocouples or the like.

Different users may have different usage characteristics (number of puffs in a session, regularity of sessions in a day, amount of aerosol desired etc.) and so a controller 314 for one user system 300 may control temperature differently from a controller 314 for a second user system 300. This provides a bespoke performance on a user by user basis.

In an example, that the controller 314 may signal an increase in the temperature by around 10% when 30% into the expected lifetime of the pod 324 (based on user usage). Once 50% of the expected lifetime of the pod 324 has expired, the controller 314 may signal an increase in the temperature by around 30%. The controller 314 may be fed back information on the temperature experienced by the pod 324 by the temperature sensor 316 and so modulate the temperature signals accordingly. This may enable (on a predetermined basis) the deeper flavor to be accessed, and so released into the aerosol, later in the lifetime of the pod 324.

In an example, the temperature signal from the controller 314 is sent to the aerosol generator 322 and the aerosol generator 322 increases the temperature of the heater used to generate the aerosol. If this aerosol does not efficiently carry thermal energy to the pod 324, the temperature sensor 316 may detect this and signal to the controller 314 accordingly. The controller 314 may then provide a further instruction to increase the temperature of the heater used to generate the aerosol to the aerosol generator 322. This loop may continue until the desired temperature is achieved at the pod 324.

In an example, the sensing element 316 is a position sensor. The position sensor 316 may detect orientation and position (absolute and/or relative) data about the pod 324. This may be via an optical sensor (e.g. camera) or the like. The position sensor 316 may send signals to the controller 314 which in turn sends a signal to control a modulation in the relative positions of the pod 324 and the aerosol generator 322. By moving the aerosol generator 322 closer to the pod 324, the aerosol produced by the aerosol generator 322 will lose less thermal energy prior to reaching the pod 324. In this way, the pod 324 may be provided with greater thermal energy.

In the example of FIG. 4, an aerosol provision system 400 is shown. The example of FIG. 4 is similar to the examples of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Where similar components are shown in both FIGS. 3 and 4, the numerals on FIG. 4 used to refer to the similar component from FIG. 3 have been increased by 100 for simplicity. For efficiency, these components may not be discussed in detail again here.

The aerosol provision system 400 shown in FIG. 4 has a mechanical element 418. The mechanical element 418 may be arranged to provide relative movement between the pod 424 and the aerosol generator 422. The mechanical element 418 may be arranged to provide relative movement between the pod 424 and the direction of flow of aerosol generated in use by the aerosol generator 422. By moving the pod 424 towards the aerosol generator 422 or towards the flow of aerosol flowing towards the pod 424, the pod 424 will experience a hotter aerosol, as the aerosol will have had less time to lose energy while approaching the pod 424. This is as a direct result of reducing the distance over which the aerosol must travel to reach the pod 424.

The mechanical element 418 may provide relative movement such as any of linear movement, indexed movement or rotational movement. The mechanical element 418 may be or include any of a pusher system, a Geneva wheel or a spinning disk or the like. The mechanical element 418 may be mechanically linked to the aerosol generator 422 and/or the pod 424. The mechanical element 418 may therefore alter the relative positions of the aerosol generator 422 and the pod 424.

In an example, the controller 414 receives an indication that the pod 424 has been inserted into region A. The controller 414 can therefore detect the usage on the pod 424 through the lifetime of the pod 424. Using predetermined measurements of number of puffs and intensity of puffs, the controller 414 may control the temperature in the region A to provide flavor accordingly (as the pod ages, higher temperatures are needed to access deeper flavor). Later in the lifetime of the pod 424, the controller 414 may receive readings from the sensing element 416 that the temperature is not sufficient to access the deeper flavor. The controller 414 then provides a signal to the aerosol generator 422 to provide aerosol at a higher temperature. The controller 414 may receive a signal from the sensing element 416 that this temperature increase is sufficient. Later in the lifetime of the pod 424, this aerosol temperature may no longer be sufficient. The controller 414 may opt to send another signal to the aerosol generator 422 to increase the temperature but the controller 414 may also or alternatively send a signal to the mechanical element 418 to move the pod 424 relative to the aerosol generator 422. This may advantageously remove or decrease the need for the aerosol generator 422 from operating at an overly high temperature. As such, in combination the controller 414, aerosol generator 422 and the mechanical element 418 provide a flexible system for controlling the temperature at the pod 424 while protecting the lifetime of components within the system 400. This comes from not over-working e.g. the aerosol generator 422.

The mechanical element 418 may rotate the pod 424 so as to change the portion of the pod 424 that faces the aerosol generator 422. The portion of the pod 424 which is facing the aerosol generator 422 will receive a greater proportion of the heat of the aerosol from the aerosol generator 422 than the portion of the pod facing away from the aerosol generator 422. As such, the flavor in the pod 424 may be depleted more quickly on one side than another of the pod 424. To maintain an even level of depletion, the pod 424 may be rotated by the mechanical element 418. This prevents overheating of one side of the flavor; overheating of a flavor may lead to undesirable compounds or aromas being produced.

In the example of FIG. 5, an aerosol provision system 500 is shown. The example of FIG. 5 is similar to the examples of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Where similar components are shown in both FIGS. 4 and 5, the numerals on FIG. 5 used to refer to the similar component from FIG. 4 have been increased by 100 for simplicity. For efficiency, these components may not be discussed in detail again here.

The aerosol provision system 500 has a heating element or heater 519 for providing heat to the pod 524. The heater 519 may be any of a resistive heater, inductive heater, chemical heater or the like. The controller 514 controls the heat delivery of the heater 519 to the pod 524. The heater 519 may provide additional heat directly to the pod 524 and so reduce the requirement of the thermal energy of the aerosol from the aerosol generator 522. The sensing element 516 may signal to the controller 514 that further heat is required and the controller 514 may activate the heater 519. This will reduce the electrical strain on the aerosol generator 522. Use of the heater 519 also allows heat to be provided more specifically and accurately to the pod 524.

In the example of FIG. 6, an aerosol provision system 600 is shown. The example of FIG. 6 is similar to the examples of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Where similar components are shown in both FIGS. 5 and 6, the numerals on FIG. 6 used to refer to the similar component from FIG. 5 have been increased by 100 for simplicity. For efficiency, these components may not be discussed in detail again here.

The aerosol provision system 600 has a heater movement mechanism 6191 arranged to provide relative movement of the heater 619 to the pod 624. The controller 614 is arranged to control the heater movement mechanism 6191. In an example, the controller 614 detects the aerosol provision device 610 and an aerosol generating component 620 are engaged. The controller 614 notes the usage of the system 600 and therefore the age of the pod 624. The controller 614 is informed of a temperature in the region A and, based on the age of the pod 624, signals for an increase in temperature of the region A. This may occur by increasing the temperature of the aerosol produced by the aerosol generator 622. Alternatively or additionally, this may occur by moving the pod 624 (and therefore region A) towards the aerosol generator 622 or by activating (or increasing the temperature of) the heater 619. When the controller 614 wishes for a further increase of temperature the controller 614 may move the heater 619 and pod 624 closer to one another through activation of the heater movement mechanism 6191. The heater movement mechanism 6191 may move the heater 619, the pod 624 or both. In this way, the controller 614 can precisely control the temperature provided to the pod 624.

The provision of these components provides the controller 614 with a great level of control over the temperature experienced by the pod 624. This allows precise temperatures to be provided such that the precise amount of flavor may be accessed at a precise lifetime of the pod 624. This increases the user experience of the system 600 and prevents the pod 624 from providing an undesired amount of flavor to the aerosol during use.

In an example, the pod 624 may contain multiple flavors which are released at different temperatures. The great level of control over the temperature experienced by the pod 624 allows the controller 614 to accurately deliver one flavor and not another according to user preference.

The heater movement mechanism 6191 may be arranged to move the heater 619 relative to the pod 624 so that the heater 619 directs heat towards different portions of the pod 624 over the lifetime of the pod 624. This assists in a more even depletion of the flavor within the pod 624. As explained above, this helps prevent overheating of one side of the flavor over another side. In combination with the other heating and movement elements, the controller 614 of the system 600 can provide a bespoke heating profile over the lifetime of the pod 624 so as to controllably release the flavor at different depths in the pod 624. The sensing element 616 allows for checking of this heating profile and allows feedback on the profile allowing for amendment of the profile should it be needed.

In any of the above examples, the system may further have a puff detector to enable detection of system usage. This may be signaled to the controller which may retain usage statistics for use in calculating what temperature to provide to the pod.

In any of the above examples, the controller (which may be control circuitry) may be connected to a database for determining when certain predetermined values are exceeded or are outside of predetermined ranges (such as temperatures used in relation to the remaining lifetime of the pod). This may lead to an amendment of the temperature experienced by the pod by any of the above methods.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a tobacco heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. However, it is envisaged that articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source.

In some embodiments, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an aerosolizable material, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating area, a mouthpiece, and/or an area for receiving aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolizable material. Aerosolizable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosolizable material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine and/or flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may for example comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.

The aerosolizable material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more carrier constituents and optionally one or more other functional constituents.

The active constituent may comprise one or more physiologically and/or olfactory active constituents which are included in the aerosolizable material in order to achieve a physiological and/or olfactory response in the user. The active constituent may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active constituent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active constituent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, or any other suitable constituent. The active constituent may comprise a constituent, derivative or extract of tobacco or of another botanical. In some embodiments, the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine.

In some embodiments, the active constituent is an olfactory active constituent and may be selected from a “flavor” and/or “flavorant” which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. In some instances such constituents may be referred to as flavors, flavorants, cooling agents, heating agents, or sweetening agents. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gasone or more of extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.

The carrier constituent may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier constituent may comprise one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional constituents may comprise one or more of pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

In some embodiments, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosolizable material or an area for receiving aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece. The area for receiving aerosolizable material may be a storage area for storing aerosolizable material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir. In some embodiments, the area for receiving aerosolizable material may be separate from, or combined with, an aerosol generating area.

Thus there has been described an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device; and, an aerosol generating component, the aerosol provision device comprising: a power source; and, a controller, the aerosol provision device being configured for engagement with the aerosol generating component, the aerosol generating component comprising: an aerosol generator for, in use, generating an aerosol; and, a pod downstream of the aerosol generator, wherein the controller of the aerosol provision device is configured to monitor a lifetime of the pod and to facilitate modulation of the temperature experienced by the pod over its lifetime.

The aerosol provision system may be used in a tobacco industry product, for example a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device.

In one embodiment the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing and optionally a mouthpiece.

In one embodiment the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container. In one embodiment the substrate container is combined with or comprises the heater.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product which releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material which may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.

In one embodiment the heating product is a non-electronic article.

In one embodiment the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source which is capable of supplying heat energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.

In one embodiment the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

In some embodiments the aerosolizable substrate material may comprise an aerosol or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior electronic aerosol provision system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol provision device; and

an aerosol generating component,

the aerosol provision device comprising: a power source, and a controller,

the aerosol provision device being configured for engagement with the aerosol generating component, the aerosol generating component comprising: an aerosol generator for, in use, generating an aerosol, and a pod downstream of the aerosol generator,

wherein the controller of the aerosol provision device is configured to monitor a lifetime of the pod and to facilitate modulation of a temperature experienced by the pod over the lifetime.

2. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine a temperature at the pod.

3. The aerosol provision system according to claim 2, wherein the controller comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a position sensor, or a resistance sensor.

4. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanical element, wherein the controller is configured to control the mechanical element.

5. The aerosol provision system according to claim 4, wherein the mechanical element is arranged to provide relative movement between the pod and a direction of flow of the aerosol generated in use by the aerosol generator.

6. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to detect:

energy delivered to the pod by the aerosol generated in use by the aerosol generator; and,

engagement of the aerosol generating component with the aerosol provision device.

7. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1, wherein the pod comprises a flavor.

8. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1, further comprising a heater for providing heat to the pod, the controller controlling the heat delivery of the heater to the pod.

9. The aerosol provision system according to claim 8, further comprising a heater movement mechanism arranged to provide relative movement of the heater to the pod, the controller arranged to control the heater movement mechanism.

10. An aerosol provision device comprising:

a power source;

a controller; and

an aerosol generating component receiving portion,

wherein the aerosol provision device is configured for receiving an aerosol generating component in the aerosol generating component receiving portion, and

wherein the controller is configured to monitor a lifetime of the aerosol generating component and to facilitate modulation of a temperature experienced by the aerosol generating component over the lifetime.

11. The aerosol provision device according to claim 10, further comprising the aerosol generating component, the aerosol generating component comprising:

an aerosol generator for, in use, generating an aerosol; and,

a pod downstream of the aerosol generator,

the aerosol generating component in use positioned in the aerosol generating component receiving portion.

12. A method of providing an aerosol comprising:

providing an aerosol provision device comprising a controller;

providing an aerosol generating component comprising a pod;

engaging the aerosol generating component with the aerosol provision device;

providing an aerosol; and

monitoring, with the controller, a lifetime of the pod and to facilitate modulation of a temperature experienced by the pod over the lifetime.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

detecting a temperature at the pod; and,

moving the pod relative to a direction of flow of the aerosol.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

providing a heater;

providing a heater movement mechanism;

operating the heater movement mechanism to provide relative movement between the heater and the pod.

15. Aerosol provision means comprising:

an aerosol provision device; and,

an aerosol generating component,

the aerosol provision device comprising: power means, and control means,

the aerosol provision device being configured for engagement with the aerosol generating component,

the aerosol generating component comprising: aerosol generating means for, in use, generating an aerosol, and, a pod downstream of the aerosol generating means,

wherein the control means of the aerosol provision device is configured to monitor a lifetime of the pod and to facilitate modulation of a temperature experienced by the pod over the lifetime.