Heating engine control algorithm for nicotine e-vapor device

A method of controlling a heater of a nicotine e-vapor device includes detecting, from a removable pod included in the nicotine e-vapor device, power information indicating a first power level and a second power level; and supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information by determining a first amount of power based on the first power level, supplying the first amount of power to the heater during a first operation mode of the heater, determining a second amount of power based on the second power level, and supplying the second amount of power to the heater during a second operation mode of the heater, the second amount of power being higher than the first amount of power.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to nicotine electronic vapor devices including self-contained articles including nicotine pre-vapor formulations.

Description of Related Art

Nicotine electronic vaping devices are used to vaporize a nicotine pre-vapor formulation material into a nicotine vapor. These nicotine electronic vaping devices may be referred to as nicotine e-vapor devices. Nicotine e-vapor devices include a heater which vaporizes the nicotine pre-vapor formulation material to produce nicotine vapor. A nicotine e-vapor device may include several nicotine e-vaping elements including a power source, a cartridge or nicotine e-vaping tank including the heater and along with a reservoir capable of holding the nicotine pre-vapor formulation material.

SUMMARY

According to at least some example embodiments, a method of controlling a heater of a nicotine e-vapor device includes detecting, from a removable pod included in the nicotine e-vapor device, power information indicating a first operating point and a second operating point; and supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information by, determining a first amount of power based on the first operating point, supplying the first amount of power to the heater during a first operation mode of the heater, determining a second amount of power based on the second operating point, and supplying the second amount of power to the heater during a second operation mode of the heater, the second amount of power being higher than the first amount of power.

The first amount of power supplied during the first operation mode may be an amount that causes the heater to heat a nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the nicotine e-vapor device to a temperature below a boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation, and the second amount of power supplied during the second operation mode may be an amount that causes the heater to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the nicotine e-vapor device to a temperature equal to, or greater than, the boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

The nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be stored in the removable pod.

The removable pod may include the heater.

The power information may include a plurality of operating points that correspond, respectively, to a plurality of coarse preference levels, and the method may further include receiving, via one or more touch sensors located on the nicotine e-vapor device, a selection of a coarse preference level, from among the plurality of coarse preference levels; and selecting, as the second operating point, the operating point, from among the plurality of operating points, that corresponds to the selected coarse preference level.

The determining of the second amount of power may include receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device from an external device, a selection of a fine preference level, from among a plurality of fine preference levels; and determining the second amount of power based on the selected second operating point and the selected fine preference level.

The external device may be a wireless communication device, and the receiving of the selection of the fine preference level may include receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the selection of the fine preference level via a wireless communication link between the nicotine e-vapor device and the external device.

The power information may include a first plurality of operating points that correspond, respectively, to a plurality of coarse preference levels, and the method may further include receiving, via one or more touch sensors located on the nicotine e-vapor device, a selection of a coarse preference level, from among the plurality of coarse preference levels; and selecting, as the first operating point, the operating point, from among the first plurality of operating points, that corresponds to the selected coarse preference level.

The determining of the first amount of power may include receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device from an external device, a selection of a fine preference level, from among a plurality of fine preference levels; and determining the first amount of power based on the selected first operating point and the selected fine preference level.

The external device may be a wireless communication device, and the receiving of the selection of the fine preference level may include receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the selection of the fine preference level via a wireless communication link between the nicotine e-vapor device and the external device.

The power information may include a second plurality of operating points that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of coarse preference levels, and the method may include selecting, as the second operating point, the operating point, from among the second plurality of operating points, that corresponds to the selected coarse preference level.

The determining of the second amount of power may include determining the second amount of power based on the selected second operating point and the selected fine preference level.

The external device may be a wireless communication device, and the receiving of the selection of the fine preference level includes receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the selection of the fine preference level via a wireless communication link between the nicotine e-vapor device and the external device.

The detecting of the power information may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the power information from an image located on the removable pod.

The image may include a QR code, and the reading of the power information may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the power information from the QR code located on the removable pod.

The removable pod may include memory, the memory of the removable pod may store data that includes the power information, and the detecting of the power information may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the power information from the memory of the removable pod.

According to at least some example embodiments, a method of controlling a heater of a nicotine e-vapor device includes receiving, via one or more touch sensors located on the nicotine e-vapor device, a selection of a coarse preference level, from among a plurality of coarse preference levels; receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device from an external device, a selection of a fine preference level, from among a plurality of fine preference levels; determining a first amount of power based on the selected coarse preference level and the selected fine preference level; and supplying the determined first amount of power to the heater.

The external device may be a wireless communication device, and the receiving of the selection of the fine preference level may include receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the selection of the fine preference level via a wireless communication link between the nicotine e-vapor device and the external device.

The method may further include receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device, a first removable pod via insertion of the first removable pod into the nicotine e-vapor device, the first removable pod containing a nicotine pre-vapor formulation; detecting, by the nicotine e-vapor device, a first formulation type as a type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation of the first removable pod; and storing, in association with the detected first formulation type, the selected coarse preference level and the selected fine preference level in a memory of the nicotine e-vapor device, and the determined first amount of power may be an amount that causes the heater to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the first removable pod to a temperature equal to, or greater than, a boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the first removable pod.

The detecting may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, formulation type information from an image located on the first removable pod; and detecting the first formulation type as the type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation of the first removable pod based on the read formulation type information.

The image may include a QR code, and the reading of the formulation type information may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the formulation type information from the QR code located on the first removable pod.

The first removable pod may include memory, the memory of the first removable pod may store data that includes formulation type information, and the detecting may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the formulation type information from the memory of the first removable pod; and detecting the first formulation type as the type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation of the first removable pod based on the read formulation type information.

The method may further include receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device, a second removable pod via insertion of the second removable pod into the nicotine e-vapor device, the second removable pod containing a nicotine pre-vapor formulation; detecting, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the first formulation type as a type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation of the second removable pod; based on the detecting of the first formulation type as the type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation of the second removable pod, reading, from the memory of the nicotine e-vapor device, the coarse preference level and the fine preference level that were previously stored in the memory of the nicotine e-vapor device in association with the first formulation type; determining a second amount of power based on the read coarse preference level and the read fine preference level; and causing the heater to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the second removable pod to a temperature equal to, or greater than, a boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the second removable pod by supplying the determined second amount of power to the heater.

The detecting may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, formulation type information from an image located on the second removable pod; and detecting the first formulation type as the type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation of the second removable pod based on the read formulation type information.

The image may include a QR code, and the reading of the formulation type information may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the formulation type information from the QR code located on the second removable pod.

The second removable pod may include memory, the memory of the second removable pod may store data that includes formulation type information, and the detecting may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the formulation type information from the memory of the first removable pod; and detecting the first formulation type as the type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation of the second removable pod based on the read formulation type information.

According to at least some example embodiments, a method of controlling a heater of a nicotine e-vapor device includes receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device, a plurality of vaping preference levels; determining, by the nicotine e-vapor device, a current time; determining, by the nicotine e-vapor device, a predicted vaping preference level based on the determined current time; determining an amount of power to supply to the heater based on the predicted vaping preference level; and supplying the determined amount of power to the heater.

The plurality of vaping preference levels may include first received vaping preference levels received by the nicotine e-vapor device during a first time of day and second received vaping preference levels received by the nicotine e-vapor device during a second time of day, and the determining of the predicted vaping preference level may include determining, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the predicted vaping preference level based on the first received vaping preference levels, when the determined current time is within the first time of day; and determining, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the predicted vaping preference level based on the second received vaping preference levels, when the determined current time is within the second time of day.

The receiving of the plurality of vaping preference levels may include receiving one or more of the plurality of vaping preference levels via one or more touch sensors located on the nicotine e-vapor device.

The receiving of the plurality of vaping preference levels may include receiving one or more of the plurality of vaping preference levels from an external device.

The external device may be a wireless communication device, and the receiving of the one or more of the plurality of vaping preference levels may include receiving, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the one or more of the plurality of vaping preference levels via a wireless communication link between the nicotine e-vapor device and the external device.

According to at least some example embodiments, a method of controlling a heater of a nicotine e-vapor device includes receiving, via one or more touch sensors located on the nicotine e-vapor device, a selection of a coarse preference level, from among a plurality of coarse preference levels; detecting, from a removable pod included in the nicotine e-vapor device, power information indicating a plurality of operating points corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of coarse preference levels; selecting, as a first operating point, the operating point, from among the plurality of operating points, that corresponds to the selected coarse preference level; determining a first amount of power based on the first operating point; and supplying the determined first amount of power to the heater.

The first amount of power may be an amount that causes the heater to heat a nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the nicotine e-vapor device to a temperature below a boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

The first amount of power may be an amount that causes the heater to heat a nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the nicotine e-vapor device to a temperature equal to, or greater than, a boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

The detecting of the power information may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the power information from an image located on the removable pod.

The image may include a QR code, and the reading of the power information may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the power information from the QR code located on the removable pod.

The removable pod may include memory, the memory of the removable pod may store data that includes the power information, and the detecting of the power information may include reading, by the nicotine e-vapor device, the power information from the memory of the removable pod.

According to at least some example embodiments, a method of controlling a heater of a nicotine e-vapor device includes determining a heater temperature value; obtaining a target temperature value; and controlling, by a PID controller, a level of power provided to the heater, based on the heater temperature value and the target temperature value.

The determining of the heater temperature value may include obtaining one or more electrical attributes of the heater; determining a resistance of the heater based on the obtained one or more electrical attributes; and obtaining, from a look-up table (LUT), based on the determined resistance, a first temperature value.

The LUT may store a plurality of temperature values that correspond, respectively, to a plurality of heater resistances, the obtained first temperature value may be the temperature value, from among the plurality of temperature values stored in the LUT, that corresponds to the determined resistance, and the heater temperature value may be the obtained first temperature value.

The obtaining of the target temperature value may include detecting, from a removable pod included in the nicotine e-vapor device, power information indicating a plurality of temperature setpoints; determining a current operation mode of the nicotine e-vaping device; and selecting, as the target temperature value, a temperature setpoint, from among a plurality of temperature setpoints, that corresponds to the determined current operation mode of the nicotine e-vaping device.

The controlling of the level of power provided to the heater may include controlling, by a PID controller, a level of power provided to the heater such that a magnitude of a difference between the target temperature value and the heater temperature value is reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Example Nicotine E-Vapor Device Structure

A “nicotine e-vapor device” as used herein may be referred to on occasion using, and considered synonymous with, any of the terms: nicotine e-vaping device, nicotine e-vapor apparatus, and nicotine e-vaping apparatus. Pod assemblies (e.g., pod assembly300) may also be referred to, herein, as a “pods” or “removable pods.”

FIG.1is a front view of a nicotine e-vaping device according to an example embodiment.FIG.2is a side view of the nicotine e-vaping device ofFIG.1.FIG.3is a rear view of the nicotine e-vaping device ofFIG.1. Referring toFIGS.1-3, a nicotine e-vaping device500includes a device body100that is configured to receive a pod assembly300. The pod assembly300is a modular article configured to hold a nicotine pre-vapor formulation. A “nicotine pre-vapor formulation” is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a nicotine vapor. For example, the nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, oils and/or vapor formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol. During vaping, the nicotine e-vaping device500is configured to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation to generate a nicotine vapor. As referred to herein, a “vapor” is any matter generated or outputted from any nicotine e-vaping device according to any of the example embodiments disclosed herein.

The device body100includes a front cover104, a frame106, and a rear cover108. The front cover104, the frame106, and the rear cover108form a device housing that encloses mechanical components, electronic components, and/or circuitry associated with the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device500. For instance, the device housing of the device body100may enclose a power source configured to power the nicotine e-vaping device500, which may include supplying an electric current to the pod assembly300. In addition, when assembled, the front cover104, the frame106, and the rear cover108may constitute a majority of the visible portion of the device body100.

The front cover104(e.g., first cover) defines a primary opening configured to accommodate a bezel structure112. The bezel structure112defines a through hole150configured to receive the pod assembly300. The through hole150is discussed herein in more detail in connection with, for instance,FIG.9.

The front cover104also defines a secondary opening configured to accommodate a light guide arrangement. The secondary opening may resemble a slot (e.g., segmented slot), although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the light guide arrangement. In an example embodiment, the light guide arrangement includes a light guide lens116. Furthermore, the front cover104defines a tertiary opening and a quaternary opening configured to accommodate a first button118and a second button120. Each of the tertiary opening and the quaternary opening may resemble a rounded square, although other shapes are possible depending on the shapes of the buttons. A first button housing122is configured to expose a first button lens124, while a second button housing123is configured to expose a second button lens126.

The operation of the nicotine e-vaping device500may be controlled by the first button118and the second button120. For instance, the first button118may be a power button, and the second button120may be an intensity button. Although two buttons are shown in the drawings in connection with the light guide arrangement, it should be understood that more (or less) buttons may be provided depending on the available features and desired user interface. The frame106(e.g., base frame) is the central support structure for the device body100(and the nicotine e-vaping device500as a whole). The frame106may be referred to as a chassis. The frame106includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of side sections between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end and the distal end may also be referred to as the downstream end and the upstream end, respectively. As used herein, “proximal” (and, conversely, “distal”) is in relation to an adult vaper during vaping, and “downstream” (and, conversely, “upstream”) is in relation to a flow of the nicotine vapor. A bridging section may be provided between the opposing inner surfaces of the side sections (e.g., about midway along the length of the frame106) for additional strength and stability. The frame106may be integrally formed so as to be a monolithic structure.

With regard to material of construction, the frame106may be formed of an alloy or a plastic. The alloy (e.g., die cast grade, machinable grade) may be an aluminum (Al) alloy or a zinc (Zn) alloy. The plastic may be a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination thereof (PC/ABS). For instance, the polycarbonate may be LUPOY SC1004A. Furthermore, the frame106may be provided with a surface finish for functional and/or aesthetic reasons (e.g., to provide a premium appearance). In an example embodiment, the frame106(e.g., when formed of an aluminum alloy) may be anodized. In another embodiment, the frame106(e.g., when formed of a zinc alloy) may be coated with a hard enamel or painted. In another embodiment, the frame106(e.g., when formed of a polycarbonate) may be metallized. In yet another embodiment, the frame106(e.g., when formed of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) may be electroplated. It should be understood that the materials of construction with regard to the frame106may also be applicable to the front cover104, the rear cover108, and/or other appropriate parts of the nicotine e-vaping device500.

The rear cover108(e.g., second cover) also defines an opening configured to accommodate the bezel structure112. The front cover104and the rear cover108may be configured to engage with the frame106via a snap-fit arrangement.

The device body100also includes a mouthpiece102. The mouthpiece102may be secured to the proximal end of the frame106.

FIG.4is a proximal end view of the nicotine e-vaping device ofFIG.1. Referring toFIG.4, the outlet face of the mouthpiece102defines a plurality of vapor outlets. In a non-limiting embodiment, the outlet face of the mouthpiece102may be elliptically-shaped.

FIG.5is a distal end view of the nicotine e-vaping device ofFIG.1. Referring toFIG.5, the distal end of the nicotine e-vaping device500includes a port110. The port110is configured to receive an electric current (e.g., via a USB, mini-USB, micro-USB, and/or USB-C cable) from an external power source so as to charge an internal power source within the nicotine e-vaping device500. In addition, the port110may also be configured to send data to and/or receive data (e.g., via a USB, mini-USB, micro-USB, and/or USB-C cable) from another nicotine e-vaping device or other electronic device (e.g., phone, tablet, computer). Furthermore, the nicotine e-vaping device500may be configured for wireless communication with another electronic device, such as a phone, via an application software (app) installed on that electronic device. In such an instance, an adult vaper may control or otherwise interface with the nicotine e-vaping device500(e.g., locate the nicotine e-vaping device500, check usage information, change operating parameters) through the app.

FIG.6is a perspective view of the nicotine e-vaping device ofFIG.1.FIG.7is an enlarged view of the pod inlet inFIG.6. Referring toFIGS.6-7, and as briefly noted above, the nicotine e-vaping device500includes a pod assembly300configured to hold a nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The pod assembly300has an upstream end (which faces the light guide arrangement) and a downstream end (which faces the mouthpiece102). In a non-limiting embodiment, the upstream end is an opposing surface of the pod assembly300from the downstream end. The upstream end of the pod assembly300defines a pod inlet322. The device body100defines a through hole (e.g., through hole150inFIG.9) configured to receive the pod assembly300. In an example embodiment, the bezel structure112of the device body100defines the through hole and includes an upstream rim. As shown, particularly inFIG.7, the upstream rim of the bezel structure112is angled (e.g., dips inward) so as to expose the pod inlet322when the pod assembly300is seated within the through hole of the device body100.

For instance, rather than following the contour of the front cover104(so as to be relatively flush with the front face of the pod assembly300and, thus, obscure the pod inlet322), the upstream rim of the bezel structure112is in a form of a scoop configured to direct ambient air into the pod inlet322. This angled/scoop configuration may help reduce or prevent the blockage of the air inlet (e.g., pod inlet322) of the nicotine e-vaping device500. The depth of the scoop may be such that less than half (e.g., less than a quarter) of the upstream end face of the pod assembly300is exposed. Additionally, in a non-limiting embodiment, the pod inlet322is in a form of a slot. Furthermore, if the device body100is regarded as extending in a first direction, then the slot may be regarded as extending in a second direction, wherein the second direction is transverse to the first direction.

FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of the nicotine e-vaping device ofFIG.6. InFIG.8, the cross-section is taken along the longitudinal axis of the nicotine e-vaping device500. As shown, the device body100and the pod assembly300include mechanical components, electronic components, and/or circuitry associated with the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device500, which are discussed in more detail herein and/or are incorporated by reference herein. For instance, the pod assembly300may include mechanical components configured to actuate to release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation from a sealed reservoir within. The pod assembly300may also have mechanical aspects configured to engage with the device body100to facilitate the insertion and seating of the pod assembly300.

Additionally, the pod assembly300may be a “smart pod” that includes electronic components and/or circuitry configured to store, receive, and/or transmit information to/from the device body100. Such information may be used to authenticate the pod assembly300for use with the device body100(e.g., to prevent usage of an unapproved/counterfeit pod assembly). Furthermore, the information may be used to identify a type of the pod assembly300which is then correlated with a vaping profile based on the identified type. The vaping profile may be designed to set forth the general parameters for the heating of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation and may be subject to tuning, refining, or other adjustment by an adult vaper before and/or during vaping.

The pod assembly300may also communicate with the device body100other information that may be relevant to the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device500. Examples of relevant information may include a level of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation within the pod assembly300and/or a length of time that has passed since the pod assembly300was inserted into the device body100and activated.

The device body100may include mechanical components (e.g. complementary structures) configured to engage, hold, and/or activate the pod assembly300. In addition, the device body100may include electronic components and/or circuitry configured to receive an electric current to charge an internal power source (e.g., battery) which, in turn, is configured to supply power to the pod assembly300during vaping. Furthermore, the device body100may include electronic components and/or circuitry configured to communicate with the pod assembly300, a different nicotine e-vaping device, other electronic devices (e.g., phone, tablet, computer), and/or the adult vaper.

FIG.9is a perspective view of the device body of the nicotine e-vaping device ofFIG.6. Referring toFIG.9, the bezel structure112of the device body100defines a through hole150. The through hole150is configured to receive a pod assembly300. To facilitate the insertion and seating of the pod assembly300within the through hole150, the upstream rim of the bezel structure112includes a first upstream protrusion128aand a second upstream protrusion128b.

The downstream sidewall of the bezel structure112may define a first downstream opening, a second downstream opening, and a third downstream opening. A retention structure including a first downstream protrusion130aand a second downstream protrusion130bis engaged with the bezel structure112such that the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bprotrude through the first downstream opening and the second downstream opening, respectively, of the bezel structure112and into the through hole150.

FIG.10is a front view of the device body ofFIG.9. Referring toFIG.10, the device body100includes a device electrical connector132disposed at an upstream side of the through hole150. The device electrical connector132of the device body100is configured to electrically engage with a pod assembly300that is seated within the through hole150. As a result, power can be supplied from the device body100to the pod assembly300via the device electrical connector132during vaping. In addition, data can be sent to and/or received from the device body100and the pod assembly300via the device electrical connector132.

FIG.11is an enlarged perspective view of the through hole inFIG.10. Referring toFIG.11, the first upstream protrusion128a, the second upstream protrusion128b, the first downstream protrusion130a, the second downstream protrusion130b, and the distal end of the mouthpiece102protrude into the through hole150. In an example embodiment, the first upstream protrusion128aand the second upstream protrusion128bare stationary structures (e.g., stationary pivots), while the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bare tractable structures (e.g., retractable members). For instance, the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bmay be configured (e.g., spring-loaded) to default to a protracted state while also configured to transition temporarily to a retracted state (and reversibly back to the protracted state) to facilitate an insertion of a pod assembly300.

FIG.12is an enlarged perspective view of the device electrical contacts inFIG.10. The device electrical contacts of the device body100are configured to engage with the pod electrical contacts of the pod assembly300when the pod assembly300is seated within the through hole150of the device body100. Referring toFIG.12, the device electrical contacts of the device body100include the device electrical connector132. The device electrical connector132includes power contacts and data contacts. The power contacts of the device electrical connector132are configured to supply power from the device body100to the pod assembly300. As illustrated, the power contacts of the device electrical connector132include a first pair of power contacts and a second pair of power contacts (which are positioned so as to be closer to the front cover104than the rear cover108). The first pair of power contacts (e.g., the pair adjacent to the first upstream protrusion128a) may be a single integral structure that is distinct from the second pair of power contacts and that, when assembled, includes two projections that extend into the through hole150. Similarly, the second pair of power contacts (e.g., the pair adjacent to the second upstream protrusion128b) may be a single integral structure that is distinct from the first pair of power contacts and that, when assembled, includes two projections that extend into the through hole150. The first pair of power contacts and the second pair of power contacts of the device electrical connector132may be tractably-mounted and biased so as to protract into the through hole150as a default and to retract (e.g., independently) from the through hole150when subjected to a force that overcomes the bias.

FIG.13is a perspective view of the pod assembly of the nicotine e-vaping device inFIG.6.FIG.14is another perspective view of the pod assembly ofFIG.13.

FIG.13is a perspective view of the pod assembly of the nicotine e-vaping device inFIG.6.FIG.14is another perspective view of the pod assembly ofFIG.13. Referring toFIGS.13and14, the pod assembly300for the nicotine e-vaping device500includes a pod body configured to hold a nicotine pre-vapor formulation. Thus, the pod assembly300is an example of a nicotine pre-vapor formulation storage portion of the nicotine e-vaping device500. The pod body has an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end of the pod body defines a pod inlet322. The downstream end of the pod body defines a pod outlet304that is in fluidic communication with the pod inlet322at the upstream end. During vaping, air enters the pod assembly300via the pod inlet322, and vapor exits the pod assembly300via the pod outlet304. The pod inlet322is shown in the drawings as being in a form of a slot. However, it should be understood that example embodiments are not limited thereto and that other forms are possible.

The pod assembly300includes a connector module320(e.g.,FIG.16) that is disposed within the pod body and exposed by openings in the upstream end. The external face of the connector module320includes at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contact may include a plurality of power contacts. For instance, the plurality of power contacts may include a first power contact324aand a second power contact324b. The first power contact324aof the pod assembly300is configured to electrically connect with the first power contact (e.g., the power contact adjacent to the first upstream protrusion128ainFIG.12) of the device electrical connector132of the device body100. Similarly, the second power contact324bof the pod assembly300is configured to electrically connect with the second power contact (e.g., the power contact adjacent to the second upstream protrusion128binFIG.12) of the device electrical connector132of the device body100. In addition, the at least one electrical contact of the pod assembly300includes a plurality of data contacts326. The plurality of data contacts326of the pod assembly300are configured to electrically connect with the data contacts of the device electrical connector132(e.g., row of five projections inFIG.12). While two power contacts and five data contacts are shown in connection with the pod assembly300, it should be understood that other variations are possible depending on the design of the device body100.

In an example embodiment, the pod assembly300includes a front face, a rear face opposite the front face, a first side face between the front face and the rear face, a second side face opposite the first side face, an upstream end face, and a downstream end face opposite the upstream end face. The corners of the side and end faces (e.g., corner of the first side face and the upstream end face, corner of upstream end face and the second side face, corner of the second side face and the downstream end face, corner of the downstream end face and the first side face) may be rounded. However, in some instances, the corners may be angular. In addition, the peripheral edge of the front face may be in a form of a ledge. The external face of the connector module320(that is exposed by the pod body) may be regarded as being part of the upstream end face of the pod assembly300. The front face of the pod assembly300may be wider and longer than the rear face. In such an instance, the first side face and the second side face may be angled inwards towards each other. The upstream end face and the downstream end face may also be angled inwards towards each other. Because of the angled faces, the insertion of the pod assembly300will be unidirectional (e.g., from the front side (side associated with the front cover104) of the device body100). As a result, the possibility that the pod assembly300will be improperly inserted into the device body100can be reduced or prevented.

As illustrated, the pod body of the pod assembly300includes a first housing section302and a second housing section308. The first housing section302has a downstream end defining the pod outlet304. The rim of the pod outlet304may optionally be a sunken or indented region. In such an instance, this region may resemble a cove, wherein the side of the rim adjacent to the rear face of the pod assembly300may be open, while the side of the rim adjacent to the front face may be surrounded by a raised portion of the downstream end of the first housing section302. The raised portion may function as a stopper for the distal end of the mouthpiece102. As a result, this configuration for the pod outlet304may facilitate the receiving and aligning of the distal end of the mouthpiece102(e.g.,FIG.11) via the open side of the rim and its subsequent seating against the raised portion of the downstream end of the first housing section302. In a non-limiting embodiment, the distal end of the mouthpiece102may also include (or be formed of) a resilient material to help create a seal around the pod outlet304when the pod assembly300is properly inserted within the through hole150of the device body100.

The downstream end of the first housing section302additionally defines at least one downstream recess. In an example embodiment, the at least one downstream recess is in a form of a first downstream recess306aand a second downstream recess306b. The pod outlet304may be between the first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306b. The first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306bare configured to engage with the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130b, respectively, of the device body100. As shown inFIG.11, the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bof the device body100may be disposed on adjacent corners of the downstream sidewall of the through hole150. The first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306bmay each be in a form of a V-shaped notch. In such an instance, each of the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bof the device body100may be in a form of a wedge-shaped structure configured to engage with a corresponding V-shaped notch of the first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306b. The first downstream recess306amay abut the corner of the downstream end face and the first side face, while the second downstream recess306bmay abut the corner of the downstream end face and the second side face. As a result, the edges of the first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306badjacent to the first side face and the second side face, respectively, may be open. In such an instance, as shown inFIG.14, each of the first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306bmay be a 3-sided recess.

The second housing section308has an upstream end further defining (in addition to the pod inlet322) a plurality of openings (e.g., first power contact opening325a, second power contact opening325b, data contact opening327) configured to expose the connector module320(FIGS.15-16) within the pod assembly300. The upstream end of the second housing section308also defines at least one upstream recess. In an example embodiment, the at least one upstream recess is in a form of a first upstream recess312aand a second upstream recess312b. The pod inlet322may be between the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312b. The first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312bare configured to engage with the first upstream protrusion128aand the second upstream protrusion128b, respectively, of the device body100. As shown inFIG.12, the first upstream protrusion128aand the second upstream protrusion128bof the device body100may be disposed on adjacent corners of the upstream sidewall of the through hole150. A depth of each of the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312bmay be greater than a depth of each of the first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306b. A terminus of each of the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312bmay also be more rounded than a terminus of each of the first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306b. For instance, the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312bmay each be in a form of a U-shaped indentation. In such an instance, each of the first upstream protrusion128aand the second upstream protrusion128bof the device body100may be in a form of a rounded knob configured to engage with a corresponding U-shaped indentation of the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312b. The first upstream recess312amay abut the corner of the upstream end face and the first side face, while the second upstream recess312bmay abut the corner of the upstream end face and the second side face. As a result, the edges of the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312badjacent to the first side face and the second side face, respectively, may be open.

The first housing section302may define a reservoir within configured to hold the nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir may be configured to hermetically seal the nicotine pre-vapor formulation until an activation of the pod assembly300to release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir. As a result of the hermetic seal, the nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be isolated from the environment as well as the internal elements of the pod assembly300that may potentially react with the nicotine pre-vapor formulation, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of adverse effects to the shelf-life and/or sensorial characteristics (e.g., flavor) of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The second housing section308may contain structures configured to activate the pod assembly300and to receive and heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation released from the reservoir after the activation.

The pod assembly300may be activated manually by an adult vaper prior to the insertion of the pod assembly300into the device body100. Alternatively, the pod assembly300may be activated as part of the insertion of the pod assembly300into the device body100. In an example embodiment, the second housing section308of the pod body includes a perforator configured to release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir in the first housing section302during the activation of the pod assembly300. The perforator may be in a form of a first activation pin314aand a second activation pin314b, which will be discussed in more detail herein.

To activate the pod assembly300manually, an adult vaper may press the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314binward (e.g., simultaneously or sequentially) prior to inserting the pod assembly300into the through hole150of the device body100. For instance, the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bmay be manually pressed until the ends thereof are substantially even with the upstream end face of the pod assembly300. In an example embodiment, the inward movement of the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bcauses a seal of the reservoir to be punctured or otherwise compromised so as to release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation therefrom.

Alternatively, to activate the pod assembly300as part of the insertion of the pod assembly300into the device body100, the pod assembly300is initially positioned such that the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312bare engaged with the first upstream protrusion128aand the second upstream protrusion128b, respectively (e.g., upstream engagement). Because each of the first upstream protrusion128aand the second upstream protrusion128bof the device body100may be in a form of a rounded knob configured to engage with a corresponding U-shaped indentation of the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312b, the pod assembly300may be subsequently pivoted with relative ease about the first upstream protrusion128aand the second upstream protrusion128band into the through hole150of the device body100.

With regard to the pivoting of the pod assembly300, the axis of rotation may be regarded as extending through the first upstream protrusion128aand the second upstream protrusion128band oriented orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the device body100. During the initial positioning and subsequent pivoting of the pod assembly300, the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bwill come into contact with the upstream sidewall of the through hole150and transition from a protracted state to a retracted state as the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bare pushed (e.g., simultaneously) into the second housing section308as the pod assembly300progresses into the through hole150. When the downstream end of the pod assembly300reaches the vicinity of the downstream sidewall of the through hole150and comes into contact with the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130b, the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bwill retract and then resiliently protract (e.g., spring back) when the positioning of the pod assembly300allows the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bof the device body100to engage with the first downstream recess306aand the second downstream recess306b, respectively, of the pod assembly300(e.g., downstream engagement).

As noted supra, according to an example embodiment, the mouthpiece102is secured to the retention structure140(of which the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bare a part). In such an instance, the retraction of the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bfrom the through hole150will cause a simultaneous shift of the mouthpiece102by a corresponding distance in the same direction (e.g., downstream direction). Conversely, the mouthpiece102will spring back simultaneously with the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130bwhen the pod assembly300has been sufficiently inserted to facilitate downstream engagement. In addition to the resilient engagement by the first downstream protrusion130aand the second downstream protrusion130b, the distal end of the mouthpiece102is configured to also be biased against the pod assembly300(and aligned with the pod outlet304so as to form a relatively vapor-tight seal) when the pod assembly300is properly seated within the through hole150of the device body100.

Furthermore, the downstream engagement may produce an audible click and/or a haptic feedback to indicate that the pod assembly300is properly seated within the through hole150of the device body100. When properly seated, the pod assembly300will be connected to the device body100mechanically, electrically, and fluidically. Although the non-limiting embodiments herein describe the upstream engagement of the pod assembly300as occurring before the downstream engagement, it should be understood that the pertinent mating, activation, and/or electrical arrangements may be reversed such that the downstream engagement occurs before the upstream engagement.

FIG.15is a partially exploded view of the pod assembly ofFIG.13. Referring toFIG.15, the first housing section302includes a vapor channel316. The vapor channel316is configured to receive the nicotine vapor generated during vaping and is in fluidic communication with the pod outlet304. In an example embodiment, the vapor channel316may gradually increase in size (e.g., diameter) as it extends towards the pod outlet304. In addition, the vapor channel316may be integrally formed with the first housing section302. An insert342and a seal344are disposed at an upstream end of the first housing section302to define the reservoir of the pod assembly300. For instance, the insert342may be seated within the first housing section302such that the peripheral surface of the insert342engages with the inner surface of the first housing section302along the rim (e.g., via interference fit) such that the interface of the peripheral surface of the insert342and the inner surface of the first housing section302is fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and/or air-tight). Furthermore, the seal344is attached to the upstream side of the insert342to close off the reservoir outlets in the insert342so as to provide a fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and/or air-tight) containment of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir.

The upstream end of the second housing section308defines a pod inlet322, a first power contact opening325a, a second power contact opening325b, a data contact opening327, a first upstream recess312a, a second upstream recess312b, a first pin opening315a, and a second pin opening315b. As noted supra, the pod inlet322allows air to enter the pod assembly300during vaping, while the first power contact opening325a, the second power contact opening325b, and the data contact opening327are configured to expose the first power contact324a, the second power contact324b, and the data contacts326, respectively, of the connector module320. In an example embodiment, the first power contact324aand the second power contact324bare mounted on a module housing354of the connector module320. In addition, the data contacts326may be disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB)362. Furthermore, the pod inlet322may be situated between the first upstream recess312aand the second upstream recess312b, while the contact openings (e.g., first power contact opening325a, second power contact opening325b, data contact opening327) may be situated between the first pin opening315aand the second pin opening315b. The first pin opening315aand the second pin opening315bare configured to accommodate the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314b, respectively, which extend therethrough.

FIG.16is a perspective view of the connector module inFIG.15.FIG.17is another perspective view of the connector module ofFIG.16. Referring toFIGS.16-17, the general framework of the connector module320includes a module housing354. In addition, the connector module320has a plurality of faces, including an external face and side faces adjacent to the external face. In an example embodiment, the external face of the connector module320is composed of upstream surfaces of the module housing354, the first power contact324a, the second power contact324b, the data contacts326, and the printed circuit board (PCB)362. The side faces of the connector module320may be integral parts of the module housing354and generally orthogonal to the external face.

The pod assembly300defines a flow path within from the pod inlet322to the pod outlet304. The flow path through the pod assembly300includes, inter alia, a first diverged portion, a second diverged portion, and a converged portion. The pod inlet322is upstream from the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of the flow path. In particular, as shown inFIG.16, the side face (e.g., inlet side face) of the module housing354(and the connector module320) above the first power contact324aand the second power contact324bis recessed so as to define a divider329along with initial segments of the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of the flow path. In an example embodiment where the divider329is indented from the external face of the module housing354(e.g.,FIG.16), the side face of the module housing354above the first power contact324aand the second power contact324bmay also be regarded as defining an inlet portion of the flow path that is downstream from the pod inlet322and upstream from the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of the flow path.

The pair of longer side faces (e.g., vertical side faces) of the module housing354is also recessed so as to define subsequent segments of the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of the flow path. Herein, the pair of longer side faces of the module housing354may be referred to, in the alternative, as lateral faces. The sector of the module housing354covered by the printed circuit board (PCB)362inFIG.16(but shown inFIG.20) defines further segments of the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion along with the converged portion of the flow path. The further segments of the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion include a first curved segment (e.g., first curved path330a) and a second curved segment (e.g., second curved path330b), respectively. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion convene to form the converged portion of the flow path.

When the connector module320is seated within a receiving cavity in the downstream side of the second housing section308, the unrecessed side faces of the module housing354interface with the sidewalls of the receiving cavity of the second housing section308, while the recessed side faces of the module housing354together with the sidewalls of the receiving cavity define the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of the flow path. The seating of the connector module320within the receiving cavity of the second housing section308may be via a close-fit arrangement such that the connector module320remains essentially stationary within the pod assembly300.

As shown inFIG.17, the connector module320includes a wick338that is configured to transfer a nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a heater336. The heater336is configured to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation during vaping to generate a nicotine vapor. The heater336is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of the connector module320. For instance, one end (e.g., first end) of the heater336may be connected to the first power contact324a, while the other end (e.g., second end) of the heater336may be connected to the second power contact324b. In an example embodiment, the heater336includes a folded heating element. In such an instance, the wick338may have a planar form configured to be held by the folded heating element. When the pod assembly300is assembled, the wick338is configured to be in fluidic communication with an absorbent material such that the nicotine pre-vapor formulation that will be in the absorbent material (when the pod assembly300is activated) will be transferred to the wick338via capillary action. In the present specification, a heater may also be referred to as a heating engine.

In an example embodiment, an incoming air flow entering the pod assembly300through the pod inlet322is directed by the divider329into the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of the flow path. The divider329may be wedge-shaped and configured to split the incoming air flow into opposite directions (e.g., at least initially). The split air flow may include a first air flow (that travels through the first diverged portion of the flow path) and a second air flow (that travels through the second diverged portion of the flow path). Following the split by the divider329, the first air flow travels along the inlet side face and continues around the corner to and along the first lateral face to the first curved path330a. Similarly, the second air flow travels along the inlet side face and continues around the corner to and along the second lateral face to the second curved path330b(e.g.,FIG.20). The converged portion of the flow path is downstream from the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion. The heater336and the wick338are downstream from the converged portion of the flow path. Thus, the first air flow joins with the second air flow in the converged portion (e.g., converged path330cinFIG.20) of the flow path to form a combined flow before passing through a module outlet368(e.g., labeled inFIG.18) in the module housing354to the heater336and the wick338.

According to at least some example embodiments, the wick338may be a fibrous pad or other structure with pores/interstices designed for capillary action. In addition, the wick338may have a rectangular shape, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, the wick338may have an alternative shape of an irregular hexagon, wherein two of the sides are angled inward and toward the heater336. The wick338may be fabricated into the desired shape or cut from a larger sheet of material into such a shape. Where the lower section of the wick338is tapered towards the winding section of the heater336(e.g., hexagon shape), the likelihood of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation being in a part of the wick338that continuously evades vaporization (due to its distance from the heater336) can be reduced or avoided. Furthermore, as noted supra, the heater336may include a folded heating element configured to grip the wick338. The folded heating element may also include at least one prong configured to protrude into the wick338.

In an example embodiment, the heater336is configured to undergo Joule heating (which is also known as ohmic/resistive heating) upon the application of an electric current thereto. Stated in more detail, the heater336may be formed of one or more conductors and configured to produce heat when an electric current passes therethrough. The electric current may be supplied from a power source (e.g., battery) within the device body100and conveyed to the heater336via the first power contact324aor the second power contact324b.

Suitable conductors for the heater336include an iron-based alloy (e.g., stainless steel) and/or a nickel-based alloy (e.g., nichrome). The heater336may be fabricated from a conductive sheet (e.g., metal, alloy) that is stamped to cut a winding pattern therefrom. The winding pattern may have curved segments alternately arranged with horizontal segments so as to allow the horizontal segments to zigzag back and forth while extending in parallel. In addition, a width of each of the horizontal segments of the winding pattern may be substantially equal to a spacing between adjacent horizontal segments of the winding pattern, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. To obtain the form of the heater336shown in the drawings, the winding pattern may be folded so as to grip the wick338. Additionally, when prongs are part of the heater336, the projections corresponding to the prongs are bent (e.g., inward and/or orthogonally) before the winding pattern is folded. As a result of the prongs, the possibility that the wick338will slip out of the heater336will be reduced or prevented. The heater and associated structures are discussed in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/729,909, titled “Folded Heater For Electronic Vaping Device”, filed Oct. 11, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring toFIG.15, the first housing section302includes a vapor channel316. The vapor channel316is configured to receive nicotine vapor generated by the heater336and is in fluidic communication with the pod outlet304. In an example embodiment, the vapor channel316may gradually increase in size (e.g., diameter) as it extends towards the pod outlet304. In addition, the vapor channel316may be integrally formed with the first housing section302. An insert342and a seal344are disposed at an upstream end of the first housing section302to define the reservoir of the pod assembly300. For instance, the insert342may be seated within the first housing section302such that the peripheral surface of the insert342engages with the inner surface of the first housing section302along the rim (e.g., via interference fit) such that the interface of the peripheral surface of the insert342and the inner surface of the first housing section302is fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and/or air-tight). Furthermore, the seal344is attached to the upstream side of the insert342to close off the reservoir outlets in the insert342so as to provide a fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tight and/or air-tight) containment of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir. Herein, the first housing section302, the insert342, and the seal344may be referred to collectively as the first section. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the first section is configured to hermetically seal the nicotine pre-vapor formulation until an activation of the pod assembly300.

According to at least some example embodiments, the insert342includes a holder portion that projects from the upstream side and a connector portion that projects from the downstream side. According to at least some example embodiments, the holder portion of the insert342is configured to hold an absorbent material, while a connector portion of the insert342is configured to engage with the vapor channel316of the first housing section302. The connector portion of the insert342may be configured to be seated within the vapor channel316and, thus, engage the interior of the vapor channel316. Alternatively, the connector portion of the insert342may be configured to receive the vapor channel316and, thus, engage with the exterior of the vapor channel316. The insert342also defines reservoir outlets through which the nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows when the seal344is punctured during the activation of the pod assembly300. The holder portion and the connector portion of the insert342may be between the reservoir outlets (e.g., first and second reservoir outlets), although example embodiments are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the insert342defines a vapor conduit extending through the holder portion and the connector portion. As a result, when the insert342is seated within the first housing section302, the vapor conduit of the insert342will be aligned with and in fluidic communication with the vapor channel316so as to form a continuous path through the reservoir to the pod outlet304for the nicotine vapor generated by the heater336during vaping.

The seal344is attached to the upstream side of the insert342so as to cover the reservoir outlets in the insert342. In an example embodiment, the seal344defines an opening (e.g., central opening) configured to provide the pertinent clearance to accommodate the holder portion (that projects from the upstream side of the insert342) when the seal344is attached to the insert342. When the seal344is punctured by the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bof the pod assembly300, the two punctured sections of the seal344will be pushed into the reservoir as flaps, thus creating two punctured openings (e.g., one on each side of the central opening) in the seal344. The size and shape of the punctured openings in the seal344may correspond to the size and shape of the reservoir outlets in the insert342. In contrast, when in an unpunctured state, the seal344may have a planar form and only one opening (e.g., central opening). The seal344is designed to be strong enough to remain intact during the normal movement and/or handling of the pod assembly300so as to avoid being prematurely/inadvertently breached. For instance, the seal344may be a coated foil (e.g., aluminum-backed Tritan).

The second housing section308may be structured to contain various components configured to release, receive, and heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation. For instance, the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bare configured to puncture the reservoir in the first housing section302to release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation. Each of the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bhas a distal end that extends through a corresponding one of the first pin opening315aand the second pin opening315bin the second housing section308. In an example embodiment, the distal ends of the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bare visible after assembly (e.g.,FIG.13), while the remainder of the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bare hidden from view within the pod assembly300. In addition, each of the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bhas a proximal end that is positioned so as to be adjacent to and upstream from the seal344prior to activation of the pod assembly300. When the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bare pushed into the second housing section308to activate the pod assembly300, the proximal end of each of the first activation pin314aand the second activation pin314bwill advance through the insert342and, as a result, puncture the seal344, which will release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir. The movement of the first activation pin314amay be independent of the movement of the second activation pin314b(and vice versa).

An absorbent material may be downstream from and in fluidic communication with the wick338. Furthermore, as noted supra, the absorbent material may be configured to engage with a holder portion of the insert342(which may project from the upstream side of the insert342). The absorbent material may have an annular form, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the absorbent material may resemble a hollow cylinder. In such an instance, the outer diameter of the absorbent material may be substantially equal to (or slightly larger than) the length of the wick338. The inner diameter of the absorbent material may be smaller than the average outer diameter of the holder portion of the insert342so as to result in an interference fit. To facilitate the engagement with the absorbent material, the tip of the holder portion of the insert342may be tapered. The absorbent material may be configured to receive and hold a quantity of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation released from the reservoir when the pod assembly300is activated. The wick338may be positioned within the pod assembly300so as to be in fluidic communication with the absorbent material such that the nicotine pre-vapor formulation can be drawn from the absorbent material to the heater336via capillary action. The wick338may physically contact an upstream side of the absorbent material. In addition, the wick338may be aligned with a diameter of the absorbent material, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the heater336may have a folded configuration so as to grip and establish thermal contact with the opposing surfaces of the wick338. The heater336is configured to heat the wick338during vaping to generate a nicotine vapor. To facilitate such heating, the first end of the heater336may be electrically connected to the first power contact324a(FIGS.16and18), while the second end of the heater336may be electrically connected to the second power contact324b(FIGS.16and18). As a result, an electric current may be supplied from a power source (e.g., battery) within the device body100and conveyed to the heater336via the first power contact324aor the second power contact324b. The relevant details of other aspects of the connector module320that have already been discussed supra (e.g., in connection withFIGS.16-17) will not be repeated in this section in the interest of brevity. In an example embodiment, the second housing section308includes a receiving cavity for the connector module320. Collectively, the second housing section308and the above-discussed components therein may be referred to as the second section. During vaping, the nicotine vapor generated by the heater336is drawn through the vapor conduit of the insert342, through the vapor channel316of the first housing section302, out the pod outlet304of the pod assembly300, and through the vapor passage136of the mouthpiece102to the vapor outlet(s).

FIG.18is a perspective view of the connector module ofFIG.17without the wick and heater.FIG.19is an exploded view of the connector module ofFIG.18.FIG.20is another exploded view of the connector module ofFIG.18. Referring toFIGS.18-20, the module housing354forms the framework of the connector module320. The module housing354defines, inter alia, the divider329and the flow path for the air drawn into the pod assembly300. The heating chamber is in fluidic communication with the flow path in the upstream side of the module housing354via a module outlet368.

As noted supra, the flow path for the air drawn into the pod assembly300includes a first diverged portion, a second diverged portion, and a converged portion defined by the module housing354. In an example embodiment, the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion are symmetrical portions bisected by an axis corresponding to the converged portion of the flow path. For instance, as shown inFIG.20, the first diverged portion, the second diverged portion, and the converged portion may include a first curved path330a, a second curved path330b, and a converged path330c, respectively. The first curved path330aand the second curved path330bmay be substantially U-shaped paths, while the converged path330cmay be substantially a linear path. Based on an axis corresponding to the converged path330cand aligned with a crest of the divider329, the first diverged portion of the flow path may be a mirror image of the second diverged portion of the flow path. During vaping, the air drawn through the pod inlet322may be split by the divider329and initially flow in opposite directions away from the divider329, followed by a subsequent flow in parallel before each air stream makes a U-turn (via the first curved path330aand the second curved path330b) and convenes (via the converged path330c) for a combined flow that travels back toward the divider329prior to passing through the module outlet368to the heating chamber. The heater336and the wick338may be positioned such that both sides are exposed substantially equally to the combined flow of air passing through the module outlet368. During vaping, the nicotine vapor generated is entrained by the combined flow of air traveling through the heating chamber to the vapor channel316.

As illustrated inFIGS.19-20, each of the first power contact324aand the second power contact324bmay include a contact face and a contact leg. The contact leg (which may have an elongated configuration) may be oriented orthogonally relative to the contact face (which may be square-shaped), although example embodiments are not limited thereto. The module housing354may define a pair of shallow depressions and a pair of apertures to facilitate the mounting of the first power contact324aand the second power contact324b. During assembly, the contact face of each of the first power contact324aand the second power contact324bmay be seated in a corresponding one of the pair of shallow depressions so as to be substantially flush with the external face of the module housing354(e.g.,FIG.16). In addition, the contact leg of each of the first power contact324aand the second power contact324bmay extend through a corresponding one of the pair of apertures so as to protrude from the downstream side of the module housing354(e.g.,FIG.18). The heater336can be subsequently connected to the contact leg of each of the first power contact324aand the second power contact324b.

The printed circuit board (PCB)362includes the plurality of data contacts326on its upstream side (e.g.,FIG.20) and various electronic components, including a sensor364, on its downstream side (e.g.,FIG.19). The sensor364may be positioned on the printed circuit board (PCB)362such that the sensor364is within the converged path330cdefined by the module housing354. In an example embodiment, the printed circuit board (PCB)362(and associated components secured thereto) is an independent structure that is initially inserted into the receiving cavity in the downstream side of the second housing section308such that the data contacts326are exposed by the data contact opening327of the second housing section308. Afterwards, the module housing354(with the first power contact324a, the second power contact324b, the heater336, and the wick338mounted thereon) may be inserted into the receiving cavity such that the first power contact324aand the second power contact324bare exposed by the first power contact opening325aand the second power contact opening325b, respectively, of the second housing section308. Alternatively, to simplify the above two-step insertion process to a one-step insertion process, it should be understood that the printed circuit board (PCB)362(and associated components secured thereto) may be affixed to the module housing354(e.g., to form a single integrated structure) so as to cover the first curved path330a, the second curved path330b, the converged path330c, and the module outlet368.

The module outlet368may be a resistance-to-draw (RTD) port. In such a configuration, the resistance-to-draw for the nicotine e-vaping device500may be adjusted by changing the size of the module outlet368(rather than changing the size of the pod inlet322). In an example embodiment, the size of the module outlet368may be selected such that the resistance-to-draw is between 25-100 mmH2O (e.g., between 30-50 mmH2O). For instance, a diameter of 1.0 mm for the module outlet368may result in a resistance-to-draw of 88.3 mmH2O. In another instance, a diameter of 1.1 mm for the module outlet368may result in a resistance-to-draw of 73.6 mmH2O. In another instance, a diameter of 1.2 mm for the module outlet368may result in a resistance-to-draw of 58.7 mmH2O. In yet another instance, a diameter of 1.3 mm for the module outlet368may result in a resistance-to-draw of about 40-43 mmH2O. Notably, the size of the module outlet368, because of its internal arrangement, may be adjusted without affecting the external aesthetics of the pod assembly300, thereby allowing for a more standardized product design for pod assemblies with various resistance-to-draw (RTD) while also reducing the likelihood of an inadvertent blockage of the incoming air.

Example Nicotine e-Vapor Device Systems

Example systems of the pod300and device body100of the nicotine e-vapor device500will now be discussed below with reference toFIGS.21A-23.

FIG.21Aillustrates a device system of a dispensing body according to an example embodiment. A device system2100may be a system within the device body100and the dispensing body.

The device system2100includes a controller2105, a power supply2110, actuator controls2115, a pod electrical/data interface2120, device sensors2125, input/output (I/O) interfaces2130, vaper indicators2135, at least one antenna2140and a storage medium2145. The device system2100is not limited to the features shown inFIG.21A. For example, the device system2100may include additional elements. However, for the sake of brevity, the additional elements are not described. In other example embodiments, the device system2100may not include an antenna.

The controller2105may be hardware, firmware, hardware executing software, or any combination thereof. When the controller2105is hardware, such existing hardware may include one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs), microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific-integrated-circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computers or the like configured as special purpose machines to perform the functions of the controller2105. CPUs, microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, DSPs, ASICs and FPGAs may generally be referred to as processing devices.

In the event where the controller2105is, or includes, a processor executing software, the controller2105is configured as a special purpose machine (e.g., a processing device) to execute the software, stored in memory accessible by the controller2105(e.g., the storage medium2145or another storage device), to perform the functions of the controller2105. The software may be embodied as program code including instructions for performing and/or controlling any or all operations described herein as being performed by the controller2105or the controller2105A (FIG.21B).

As disclosed herein, the term “storage medium”, “computer readable storage medium” or “non-transitory computer readable storage medium” may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other tangible machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “computer-readable medium” may include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.

FIG.21Billustrates an example of a controller2105A according to an example embodiment. According to an example embodiment, the controller2105A illustrated inFIG.21Bis an example implementation of the controller2105illustrated inFIG.21A. Accordingly, any operations described in the present specification as being performed or controlled by the controller2105may be performed or controlled by the controller2105A. The controller2105A may be on include a microprocessor. Further, the controller2105A may include input/output interfaces, such as general purpose input/outputs (GPIOs), inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interfaces, serial peripheral interface bus (SPI) interfaces, or the like; a multichannel analog-to-digital converter (ADC); and a clock input terminal, as is shown inFIG.21B. However, example embodiments should not be limited to this example. For example, the controller2105A may further include a digital-to-analog converter and arithmetic circuitry or circuits.

Returning toFIG.21A, the controller2105communicates with the power supply2110, the actuator control2115, the pod electrical/data interface2120, the device sensors2125, the input/output (I/O) interfaces2130, the vaper indicators2135, the on-product controls2150, and the at least one antenna2140.

The controller2105communicates with a cryptographic coprocessor with non-volatile memory (CC-NVM) or non-volatile memory (NVM) in the pod through the pod electrical/data interface2120. The term CC-NVM may refer to a hardware module(s) including a processor for encryption and related processing and an NVM. More specifically, the controller2105may utilize encryption to authenticate the pod300. As will be described, the controller2105may communicate with the CC-NVM package or NVM to authenticate the pod300. More specifically, the non-volatile memory may be encoded during manufacture with product and other information for authentication.

The memory device may be coded with an electronic identity to permit at least one of an authentication of the pod and a pairing of operating parameters specific to a type of the pod300(or physical construction, such as a heating engine type) when the pod300is inserted into the through-hole of the dispensing body. In addition to authenticating based on an electronic identity of the pod300, the controller2105may authorize use of the pod based on an expiration date of the stored nicotine pre-vapor formulation and/or heater encoded into the NVM or the non-volatile memory of the CC-NVM. If the controller determines that the expiration date encoded into the non-volatile memory has passed, the controller may not authorize use of the pod and disable the nicotine e-vapor device500.

The controller2105(or storage medium2145) stores key material and proprietary algorithm software for the encryption. For example, encryption algorithms rely on the use of random numbers. The security of these algorithms depends on how truly random these numbers are. These numbers are usually pre-generated and coded into the processor or memory devices. Example embodiments may increase the randomness of the numbers used for the encryption by using the vapor drawing parameters e.g., durations of instances of vapor drawing, intervals between instances of vapor drawing, or combinations of them, to generate numbers that are more random and more varying from individual to individual than pre-generated random numbers. All communications between the controller2105and the pod may be encrypted.

Moreover, the pod can be used as a general pay-load carrier for other information such as software patches for the nicotine e-vapor device500. Since encryption is used in all the communications between the pod and the controller2105, such information is more secure and the nicotine e-vapor device500is less prone to being installed with malwares or viruses. Use of the CC-NVM as an information carrier such as data and software updates allows the nicotine e-vapor device500to be updated with software without it being connected to the Internet and for an adult vaper to go through a downloading process as with most other consumer electronics devices requiring periodic software updates.

The controller2105may also include a cryptographic accelerator to allow resources of the controller2105to perform functions other than the encoding and decoding involved with the authentication. The controller2105may also include other security features such as preventing unauthorized use of communication channels and preventing unauthorized access to data if a pod or adult vaper is not authenticated.

In addition to a cryptographic accelerator, the controller2105may include other hardware accelerators. For example, the controller2105may include a floating point unit (FPU), a separate DSP core, digital filters and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules.

The controller2105is configured to operate a real time operating system (RTOS), control the device system2100and may be updated through communicating with the NVM or CC-NVM or when the device system2100is connected with other devices (e.g., a smart phone) through the I/O interfaces2130and/or the antenna2140. The I/O interfaces2130and the antenna2140allow the device system2100to connect to various external devices such as smart phones, tablets, and PCs. For example, the I/O interfaces2130may include a micro-USB connector. The micro-USB connector may be used by the device system2100to charge the power source2110b.

The controller2105may include on-board RAM and flash memory to store and execute code including analytics, diagnostics and software upgrades. As an alternative, the storage medium2145may store the code. Additionally, in another example embodiment, the storage medium2145may be on-board the controller2105.

The controller2105may further include on-board clock, reset and power management modules to reduce an area covered by a PCB in the dispensing body.

The device sensors2125may include a number of sensor transducers that provide measurement information to the controller2105. The device sensors2125may include a power supply temperature sensor, an external pod temperature sensor, a current sensor for the heater, power supply current sensor, air flow sensor and an accelerometer to monitor movement and orientation. The power supply temperature sensor and external pod temperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple and the current sensor for the heater and power supply current sensor may be a resistive based sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure current. The air flow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure air flow such as a hot-wire anemometer. As is noted above, the device sensors2125may include sensors, like an accelerometer, for monitoring movement and orientation as is shown in, for example,FIG.23.

FIG.23illustrates the pod system2200connected to the device system2100according to an example embodiment. For example, the device sensors2125may include one or more accelerometers2127A, one or more gyroscopes2127B, and/or one or more magnetometers2127C to monitor movement and orientation. For example, the device sensors2125may include at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU). The IMU may include, for example, 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis-gyroscopes and 3-axis magnetometers. For example, the one or more accelerometers2127A, one or more gyroscopes2127B, and/or one or more magnetometers2127C ofFIG.23may be included in an IMU. Examples of an IMU included in the device sensors2125include, but are not limited to, the Invensense 10-axis MPU-9250 and the ST 9-axis STEVAL-MKI1119V1. As will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIGS.24-25, the controller2105may use movement and/or orientation information detected by the device sensors2125to control a level of power output by the power supply2110to the heater2215through the pod electrical/data interface2120and the body electrical/data interface2210.

The data generated from the number of sensor transducers may be sampled at a sample rate appropriate to the parameter being measured using a discrete, multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

The controller2105may adapt heater profiles for a nicotine pre-vapor formulation and other profiles based on the measurement information received from the controller2105. For the sake of convenience, these are generally referred to as vaping or vapor profiles.

The heater profile identifies the power profile to be supplied to the heater during the few seconds when vapor drawing takes place. For example, a heater profile can deliver maximum power to the heater when an instance of vapor drawing is initiated, but then after a second or so immediately reduce the power to half way or a quarter way.

In addition, a heater profile can also be modified based on a negative pressure applied on the nicotine e-vapor device500. The use of the MEMS flow sensor allows vapor drawing strength to be measured and used as feedback to the controller2105to adjust the power delivered to the heater of the pod300, which may be referred to as heating or energy delivery.

When the controller2105recognizes a pod that is currently installed (e.g., via SKU), the controller2105matches an associated heating profile that is designed for that particular pod. The controller2105and the storage medium2145will store data and algorithms that allow the generation of heating profiles for all SKUs. In another example embodiment, the controller2105may read the heating profile from the pod. The adult vapers may also adjust heating profiles to suit their preferences.

As shown inFIG.21A, the controller2105sends data to and receives data from the power supply2110. The power supply2110includes a power source2110band a power controller2110ato manage the power output by the power source2110b.

The power source2110bmay be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source2110bmay be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, a Lithium-manganese battery, a Lithium-cobalt battery or a fuel cell. Alternatively, the power source2110bmay be rechargeable and include circuitry allowing the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device. In that case, the circuitry, when charged, provides power for a desired (or alternatively a pre-determined) number of instances of vapor drawing, after which the circuitry must be re-connected to an external charging device.

The power controller2110aprovides commands to the power source2110bbased on instructions from the controller2105. For example, the power supply2110may receive a command from the controller2105to provide power to the pod (through the pod electrical/data interface2120) when the pod is authenticated and the adult vaper activates the device system2100(e.g., by activating a switch such as a toggle button, capacitive sensor, IR sensor). When the pod is not authenticated, the controller2105may either send no command to the power supply2110or send an instruction to the power supply2110to not provide power. In another example embodiment, the controller2105may disable all operations of the device system2100if the pod is not authenticated.

In addition to supplying power to the pod300, the power supply2110also supplies power to the controller2105. Moreover, the power controller2110amay provide feedback to the controller2105indicating performance of the power source2110b.

The controller2105sends data to and receives data from the at least one antenna2140. The at least one antenna2140may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) modem and a Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) modem and/or other modems for other wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi). In an example embodiment, the communications stacks are in the modems, but the modems are controlled by the controller2105. The Bluetooth LE modem is used for data and control communications with an application on an external device (e.g., smart phone). The NFC modem may be used for pairing of the nicotine e-vapor device500to the application and retrieval of diagnostic information. Moreover, the Bluetooth LE modem may be used to provide location information (for an adult vaper to find the nicotine e-vapor device500) or authentication during a purchase. Further, according to at least some example embodiments, the nicotine e-vapor device500(e.g., the controller2105) may be configured to use a Bluetooth communications capability (e.g., provided by the Bluetooth LE modem) to selectively lock the nicotine e-vapor device500. For example, an adult vaper can use an application (e.g., app) installed on an external mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) with Bluetooth communications capability to lock the nicotine e-vapor device500, thus preventing the nicotine e-vapor device500from operating to produce a nicotine vapor, and un-lock the nicotine e-vapor device500, thus allowing the nicotine e-vapor device500to operate to produce a vapor. Additionally, according to at least some example embodiments, the adult vaper can choose a setting on the application to control the nicotine e-vapor device500such that the nicotine e-vapor device500remains locked (i.e., prevented from operating to produce a nicotine vapor) until the nicotine e-vapor device500is within a desired range of the electronic device on which the application is installed. For example, the adult vaper can use the application to set the nicotine e-vapor device500to remain locked until the nicotine e-vapor device500is within Bluetooth communication range of the electronic device on which the application is installed. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the adult vaper can use the application to set the nicotine e-vapor device500such that the nicotine e-vapor device locks when the nicotine e-vapor device500is not paired with the electronic device on which the application is installed, and remains locked until the nicotine e-vapor device500is paired with the electronic device on which the application is installed.

As described above, the device system2100may generate and adjust various profiles for vaping. The controller2105uses the power supply2110and the actuator controls2115to regulate the profile for the adult vaper.

The actuator controls2115include passive and active actuators to regulate a desired vapor profile. For example, the dispensing body may include an inlet channel within a mouthpiece. The actuator controls2115may control the inlet channel based on commands from the controller2105associated with the desired vapor profile.

Moreover, the actuator controls2115are used to energize the heater in conjunction with the power supply2110. More specifically, the actuator controls2115are configured to generate a drive waveform associated with the desired vaping profile. As described above, each possible profile is associated with a drive waveform. Upon receiving a command from the controller2105indicating the desired vaping profile, the actuator controls2115may produce the associated modulating waveform for the power supply2110.

The controller2105supplies information to the vaper indicators2135to indicate statuses and occurring operations to the adult vaper. The vaper indicators2135include a power indicator (e.g., LED) that may be activated when the controller2105senses a button pressed by the adult vaper. The vaper indicators2135may also include a vibrator, speaker, an indicator for current state of an adult vaper-controlled vaping parameter (e.g., vapor volume) and other feedback mechanisms.

Furthermore, the device system2100may include a number of on-product controls2150that provide commands from an adult vaper to the controller2105. The on-product controls2150include an on-off button which may be a toggle button, capacitive sensor or IR sensor, for example. The on-product controls2150may further include a vaping control button (if the adult vaper desires to override the buttonless vaping feature to energize the heater), a hard reset button, a touch based slider control (for controlling setting of a vaping parameter such as vapor drawing volume), a vaping control button to activate the slider control and a mechanical adjustment for an air inlet. Hand to mouth gesture (HMG) detection is another example of buttonless vaping. Further, a combination of key strokes (e.g., key strokes entered by an adult vaper via the on-product controls2150) can be used to lock the nicotine e-vapor device and prevent the device from operating to produce nicotine vapor. According to at least some example embodiments, the combination of key strokes may be set by a manufacturer of the nicotine e-vapor device500and/or the device system2100. According to at least some example embodiments, the combination of key strokes may be set, or changed, by an adult vaper (e.g., by key strokes entered by the adult vaper via the on-product controls2150).

Once a pod is authenticated (e.g., in the manner discussed above with reference toFIG.21A), the controller2105operates the power supply2110, the actuator controls2115, vaper indicators2135and antenna2140in accordance with the adult vaper using the nicotine e-vapor device500and the information stored by the NVM or CC-NVM on the pod300. Moreover, the controller2105may include logging functions and be able to implement algorithms to calibrate the nicotine e-vapor device500. The logging functions are executed by the controller2105to record usage data as well any unexpected events or faults. The recorded usage data may be used for diagnostics and analytics. The controller2105may calibrate the nicotine e-vapor device500using buttonless vaping (i.e., vaping without pressing a button such as generating a nicotine vapor when a negative pressure is applied on the mouthpiece), an adult vaper configuration and the stored information on the CC-NVM or NVM including vapor drawing sensing, nicotine pre-vapor formulation level and nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition. For example, the controller2105may command the power supply2110to supply power to the heater in the pod based on a vaping profile associated with the nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition in the pod300. Alternatively, a vaping profile may be encoded in the CC-NVM or NVM and utilized by the controller2105.

FIG.22Aillustrates a pod system diagram of a dispensing body according to an example embodiment. A pod system2200may be within the pod assembly300.

As shown inFIG.22A, the pod system2200includes a CC-NVM2205, a body electrical/data interface2210, a heater2215and pod sensors2220. The pod system2200communicates with the device system2100through the body electrical/data interface2210and the pod electrical/data interface2120. The body electrical/data interface2210may correspond to the battery contacts416and data connection417connected within the pod assembly300, shown inFIG.19, for example. Thus, the CC-NVM2205is coupled to the data connection417and the battery contacts416.

The CC-NVM2205includes a cryptographic coprocessor2205aand a non-volatile memory2205b. The controller2105may access the information stored on the non-volatile memory2205bfor the purposes of authentication and operating the pod by communicating with the cryptographic coprocessor2205a.

In another example embodiment, the pod may not have a cryptographic coprocessor. For example,FIG.22Billustrates an example of the pod system ofFIG.22Ain which the cryptographic coprocessor2205ais omitted, according to an example embodiment. As is shown inFIG.22B, the pod system2200may include the non-volatile memory2205bin place of the CC-NVM2205, and the cryptographic coprocessor2205ais omitted. When no cryptographic coprocessor exists in the pod system2200, the controller2105may read data from the non-volatile memory2205bwithout use of the cryptographic coprocessor to control/define the heating profile.

The non-volatile memory2205bmay be coded with an electronic identity to permit at least one of an authentication of the pod300and a pairing of operating parameters specific to a type of the pod300when the pod300is inserted into the through-hole of the device body100. In addition to authenticating based on an electronic identity of the pod300, the controller2105may authorize use of the pod based on an expiration date of the stored nicotine pre-vapor formulation and/or heater encoded into the non-volatile memory2205b. If the controller determines that the expiration date encoded into the non-volatile memory non-volatile memory2205bhas passed, the controller may not authorize use of the pod and disable the nicotine e-vapor device500.

Moreover, the non-volatile memory2205bmay store information such as a stock keeping unit (SKU) of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the nicotine pre-vapor formulation compartment (including nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition), software patches for the device system2100, product usage information such as vapor drawing instance count, vapor drawing instance duration, and nicotine pre-vapor formulation level. The non-volatile memory2205bmay store operating parameters specific to the type of the pod and the nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition. For example, the non-volatile memory2205bmay store the electrical and mechanical design of the pod for use by the controller2105to determine commands corresponding to a desired vaping profile.

The nicotine pre-vapor formulation level in the pod may be determined in one of two ways, for example. In one example embodiment, one of the pod sensors2220directly measures the nicotine pre-vapor formulation level in the pod300.

In another example embodiment, the non-volatile memory2205bstores the vapor drawing instance count from the pod and the controller2105uses the vapor drawing instance count as a proxy to the amount of nicotine pre-vapor formulation vaporized.

The controller2105and/or the storage medium2145may store nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data that identifies an operating point for the nicotine pre-vapor formulation composition. The nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data include data describing how flow rate changes with a remaining nicotine pre-vapor formulation level or how volatility changes with an age of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation and may be used for calibration by the controller2105. The nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data may be stored by the controller2105and/or the storage medium2145in a table format. The nicotine pre-vapor formulation calibration data allows the controller2105to equate the vapor drawing instance count to the amount of nicotine pre-vapor formulation vaporized.

The controller2105writes the nicotine pre-vapor formulation level and vapor drawing instance count back to the non-volatile memory2205bin the pod so if the pod is removed from the dispensing body and later on re-installed, an accurate nicotine pre-vapor formulation level of the pod will still be known by the controller2105.

The operating parameters (e.g., power supply, power duration, air channel control) are referred to as a vaping profile. Moreover, the non-volatile memory2205bmay record information communicated by the controller2105. The non-volatile memory2205bmay retain the recorded information even when the dispensing body becomes disconnected from the pod300.

In an example embodiment, the non-volatile memory2205bmay be a programmable read only memory.

The heater2215is actuated by the controller2105and transfers heat to at least a portion of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation in accordance with the commanded profile (volume, temperature (based on power profile) and flavor) from the controller2105.

The heater2215may be a planar body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a cage of resistive wire, a wire coil surrounding a wick, a mesh, a surface or any other suitable form for example. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heater may be formed of nickel aluminides, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminides and other composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required. In one embodiment, the heater2215comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the heater2215is formed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In one embodiment, the heater2215can be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on an outside surface thereof.

In another embodiment, the heater2215may be constructed of an iron-aluminide (e.g., FeAl or Fe3Al), such as those described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,706 to Sikka et al. filed Dec. 29, 1994, or nickel aluminides (e.g., Ni3Al), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporate by reference.

The heater2215may determine an amount of nicotine pre-vapor formulation to heat based on feedback from the pod sensors or the controller2105. The flow of nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be regulated by a micro-capillary or wicking action. Moreover, the controller2105may send commands to the heater2215to adjust an air inlet to the heater2215.

The pod sensor2220may include a heater temperature sensor, nicotine pre-vapor formulation flow rate monitor and air flow monitor. The heater temperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple and the flow rate sensing may be performed by the pod system2200(e.g., under the control of the controller2105or a controller included in the pod system2200) using electrostatic interference or an in-nicotine pre-vapor formulation rotator. The air flow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure air flow.

The data generated from the pod sensors2220may be sampled at a sample rate appropriate to the parameter being measured using a discrete, multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

According to at least some example embodiments, the controller2105may also control the heater2215in response to detecting a hand to mouth gesture (HMG). As is noted above, with reference toFIG.21A, a nicotine e-vapor device according to at least some example embodiments may implement a buttonless vaping feature. As an example of a buttonless vaping feature, the controller2105may determine when an adult vaper makes a HMG based on measurements from device sensors2125. An HMG is a gesture in which an adult vaper's hand moves towards the adult vaper's mouth. An HMG made with respect to a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., the nicotine e-vapor device500and/or a nicotine e-vapor device including device body100) may indicate that vapor drawing will begin soon. According to at least some example embodiments, the controller2105may control a state and/or operation mode of the nicotine e-vapor device or one or more elements thereof based on the detection of an HMG. For example, the controller2105may control a state and/or operation mode of the heater2215by detecting an HMG.

As is noted above, the heater2215may be actuated by the controller2105. According to at least some example embodiments, the controller2105may control the heater2215using a heating engine control algorithm and a heating engine driver implemented by the controller2105. The heater2215may also be referred to, herein, as the heating engine2215or heater engine2215. Examples of a heating engine control algorithm according to at least some example embodiments will be discussed in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.24-25G.

Heating Engine Control Algorithms Overview

First, an overview of a heating engine control algorithm2300and related inputs will be explained with reference toFIG.24. Next, example implementations of the heating engine control algorithm2300according to at least some example embodiments will be explained with reference toFIGS.25A-26. Example implementations of the heating engine control algorithm2300include, but are not limited to, a setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A (FIGS.25A-25B), an adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B (FIGS.25C-25D), a temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C (FIGS.25E-25F), and a waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D (FIGS.25G-25H). Further, an example implementation of a buttonless vaping function2310, which may provide a vaping mode as input to one or more of the heating engine control algorithms,2300,2300A,2300B,2300C, and2300D, will be discussed below with reference toFIG.26.

Referring toFIG.24,FIG.24is a diagram illustrating the heating engine control algorithm2300and related inputs according to at least one example embodiment. Referring toFIG.24, according to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine control algorithm2300generates a power level value and a heating engine driver2305controls the power supplied to the heating engine2215(e.g., using pulse width modulation (PWM) or another known method) based on the generated power level. For example, the heating engine driver2305may control an amount of power supplied to the heater engine2215via the body electrical/data interface2210. According to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine control algorithm2300and heating engine driver2305are both implemented by the controller2105of the device system2100included in a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500). Thus, any or all operations described in the present specification as being performed by any of heating engine control algorithm2300or the heating engine driver2305may be performed by the controller2105.

As is illustrated inFIG.24, the heating engine control algorithm2300may use one or more of a plurality of inputs to generate the power level supplied to the heating engine driver2305. According to at least some example embodiments, inputs to the heating engine control algorithm2300may include, but are not necessarily limited to, a vaping mode generated by a buttonless vaping function2310, one or more operating points generated by a first calibration mapping function2320, a predicted temperature of the heating engine2215generated by a heating engine temperature prediction function2330, heating engine temperature and electrical performance values provided by heating engine sensors2222(which may be included in the pod sensors2220), airflow rate and wick wetness values provided by the pod sensors2220, vaping profile information provided by an adult vaper vaping profile update function2340, nicotine e-vapor device temperature information provided by device sensors2125, nicotine pre-vapor formulation material level and/or flow rate information provided by a liquid level and flow rate prediction function2350, battery health information provided by a battery health function2360, and time information provided by a clock2370. Pod sensors2220may also be referred to, herein, as smart pod sensors2220. According to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine control algorithm operates in accordance with at least the following 3 states: an OFF state, a PREHEAT state, and an ON state. The OFF, PREHEAT, and ON states may also be referred to, herein, as “vaping mode states” or “operation modes.”

According to at least some example embodiments, the OFF state is a state in which the heating engine control algorithm2300controls the heating engine driver2305such that a relatively low amount of power or, alternatively, no power is supplied to the heater engine2215by the nicotine e-vapor device500; the PREHEAT state is a state in which the heating engine control algorithm2300controls the heating engine driver2305such that an amount of power supplied to the heater engine2215by the nicotine e-vapor device500is higher than the amount of power supplied in the OFF state; and the ON state is a state in which the heating engine control algorithm2300controls the heating engine driver2305such that an amount of power supplied to the heater engine2215by the nicotine e-vapor device500is higher than the amount of power supplied in the PREHEAT state. According to at least some example embodiments, the amount of power supplied to the heater engine2215during the PREHEAT operation mode is an amount that causes the heater engine2215to heat a nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the nicotine e-vapor device500to a temperature below a boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation, and the amount of power supplied to the heater engine2215during the second operation mode is an amount that causes the heater to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the nicotine e-vapor device500to a temperature equal to, or greater than, the boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

The setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A and buttonless vaping function2310will now be discussed below with reference toFIGS.25A,25B and26.

Example Setpoint Heating Engine Control Algorithm

FIG.25Ais a block diagram illustrating the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A according to at least some example embodiments. According to at least some example embodiments, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A is an example implementation of the heating engine control algorithm2300illustrated inFIG.24.

According to at least some example embodiments, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A is implemented by the controller2105of the device system2100included in a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as being performed by the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A (or, an element thereof) may be performed by the controller2105.

According to at least some example embodiments, in the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A, a set power level is directly provisioned based on an external configuration. According to at least some example embodiments, the power level applied to the heating engine2215(e.g., via the heating engine driver2305) is static throughout the activation period of the heating engine2215or, alternatively, throughout the duration of a vaping mode. According to at least some example embodiments, a single power level is sent to the heating engine driver2305, and an amount of power applied to the heating engine2215by the heating engine driver2305is proportional to the power level sent to the heating engine driver2305. According to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine driver2305may set the level of the power output to the heating engine2215(e.g., by adjusting a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated driving signal applied to the heating engine2215) immediately upon receiving the single power level.

Referring toFIG.25A, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A may operate based on input received from the clock2370, the heating engine sensors2222(which may be included in the smart pod sensors2220), the buttonless vaping function2310, and the first calibration mapping function2320. Further, according to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320may operate based on input received from the AV vaping profile update function2340.

The clock2370, heating engine sensors2222, buttonless vaping function2310, first calibration mapping function2320, and AV vaping profile update function2340will now be discussed in greater detail below.

The clock2370outputs a periodic timing signal in accordance with known methods. The heating engine sensors2222detect heating engine temperature values and/or electrical performance values associated with the heating engine2215in accordance with known methods. According to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine sensors provide the detected heating engine temperature values and/or electrical performance values to the heating engine driver2305, for example, as feedback values. According to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine driver2305adjusts an amount of power being provided to the heating engine2215based on the feedback values. The buttonless vaping function2310will now be discussed below with reference toFIG.26.

According to at least some example embodiments, the buttonless vaping function2310outputs, to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A, as the current vaping mode state, one of three states: the OFF state, the PREHEAT state, and the ON state.FIG.26is a flow chart illustrating the buttonless vaping function2310according to at least some example embodiments. The buttonless vaping function2310may be implemented by the controller2105. Thus, any or all operations described herein as being performed by the buttonless vaping function2310may be performed by the controller2105of the device system2100included in a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500).

Referring toFIG.26, initially, the buttonless vaping function2310outputs the OFF state. For example, in operation S2410, the buttonless vaping function2310outputs the OFF state as the current vaping mode state.

According to at least one example embodiment, the buttonless vaping function2310transitions the current vaping mode state from the OFF state to the ON state based on detecting vapor drawing during the OFF state. For example, in operation S2420, the buttonless vaping function2310determines whether or not vapor drawing is occurring. For example, the buttonless vaping function2310can determine whether or not a vapor drawing instance is occurring based on air flow information generated by the pod sensors2220and/or the device sensors2124. For example, if the airflow information indicates an amount of airflow that is above a threshold value, the buttonless vaping function2310determines that a vapor drawing instance is occurring. If vapor drawing occurs during the OFF state, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds to operation S2470. In operation S2470, the buttonless vaping function2310transitions the current vaping mode state from the OFF state to the ON state, and outputs the ON state as the current vaping mode state.

According to at least one example embodiment, the buttonless vaping function2310transitions the current vaping mode state from the OFF state to the PREHEAT state based on detecting a hand-to-mouth (HMG) gesture during the OFF state. An HMG is a gesture in which an adult vaper's hand moves towards the adult vaper's mouth. An HMG made with respect to a non-nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., the non-nicotine e-vapor device500and/or a non-nicotine e-vapor device including device body100or dispensing body) may indicate that vapor drawing may begin soon. Example methods of detecting an HMG are discussed in US Patent Application Publication Number 2017/0108840, the contents of which are incorporated, herein, by reference.

Returning to operation S2420, according to at least some example embodiments, if vapor drawing has not occurred during the OFF state, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds to operation S2430. In operation S2430, the buttonless vaping function2310determines whether or not a HMG has occurred. If a HMG occurs during the OFF state, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds to operation S2440. In operation S2440, the buttonless vaping function2310transitions the current vaping mode state from the OFF state to the PREHEAT state, and outputs the PREHEAT state as the current vaping mode state. According to at least some example embodiments, the buttonless vaping function2310maintains the OFF state as the current vaping mode state until the buttonless vaping function2310detects one of vapor drawing or a HMG. For example, returning to operation S2430, if a HMG has not occurred during the OFF state, the buttonless vaping function2310maintains the OFF state as the current vaping mode state and returns to operation S2420.

Returning to operation S2440, according to at least one example embodiment, the buttonless vaping function2310transitions the current vaping mode state from the PREHEAT state to the ON state based on detecting vapor drawing during the PREHEAT state. For example, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds from operation S2440to operation S2450. In operation S2450, the buttonless vaping function2310determines whether or not vapor drawing is occurring. If vapor drawing occurs during the PREHEAT state, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds to operation S2470, thereby transitioning from the PREHEAT state to the ON state. As is discussed above, in operation S2470, the buttonless vaping function2310outputs the ON state as the current vaping mode state.

According to at least one example embodiment, the buttonless vaping function2310transitions from the PREHEAT state to the OFF state based on the occurrence of a preheat timeout event during the PREHEAT state. For example, in operation S2450, if vapor drawing has not occurred during the PREHEAT state, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds to operation S2460. In operation S2460, the buttonless vaping function2310determines whether or not a preheat timeout event has occurred. The buttonless vaping function2310determines that a preheat timeout event has occurred when the buttonless vaping function2310determines that an amount of time spent in the PREHEAT state exceeds a preheat timeout value. If the buttonless vaping function2310determines a preheat timeout event has occurred during the PREHEAT state, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds to operation S2410, thereby transitioning the current vaping mode state from the PREHEAT state to the OFF state. As is discussed above, in operation S2410, the buttonless vaping function2310outputs the OFF state as the current vaping mode state.

According to at least some example embodiments, the buttonless vaping function2310maintains the PREHEAT state as the current vaping mode state until the buttonless vaping function2310detects one of vapor drawing and a preheat timeout. For example, retuning to operation S2460, if, during the PREHEAT state, a preheat timeout event has not occurred and a vapor drawing instance has not been detected, the buttonless vaping function2310maintains the PREHEAT state and returns to operation S2450.

Returning to operation S2470, according to at least one example embodiment, the buttonless vaping function2310transitions from the ON state to the OFF state based on detecting a vapor drawing instance ending or a vaping timeout event. For example, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds from operation S2470to operation S2480. In operation S2480, the buttonless vaping function2310determines whether a vapor drawing instance has ended or whether a vaping timeout event has occurred. For example, based on airflow information generated by the pod sensors2220and/or the device sensors2124, the buttonless vaping function2310can determine whether or not a vapor drawing instance detected in step S2420or step S2450has ended. For example, if, after vapor drawing is detected, the airflow information indicates that the airflow has fallen below a threshold value, the buttonless vaping function2310determines that a vapor drawing instance has ended. According to at least some example embodiments, the threshold used to detect the beginning of a vapor drawing instance in operation S2420or S2450may have a different value than the threshold used to detect the end of the vapor drawing instance in operation S2480.

Further, the buttonless vaping function2310determines that a vaping timeout event has occurred when the buttonless vaping function2310determines that an amount of time spent in the ON state exceeds a vaping timeout value. If the buttonless vaping function2310detects either the end of a vapor drawing instance or an occurrence of a vaping timeout event during the ON state, the buttonless vaping function2310proceeds to operation S2410, thereby transitioning the current vaping mode state from the ON state to the OFF state. According to at least some example embodiments, the buttonless vaping function2310maintains the ON state as the current vaping mode state until the buttonless vaping function2310detects one of the end of a vapor drawing instance and a vaping timeout event. For example, retuning to operation S2480, if a vaping timeout event has not occurred during the ON state, and an end to a current vapor drawing instance has not been detected, the buttonless vaping function2310maintains the ON state and repeats operation S2480.

According to at least some example embodiments, the buttonless vaping function2310may determine whether a preheat timeout event has occurred in operation S2460and/or determine whether a preheat timeout event has occurred in operation S2480based on timer values including a preheat timeout value and/or a vaping timeout value. For example, the buttonless vaping function2310may determine that the preheat timeout event has occurred in operation S2460ofFIG.26when the buttonless vaping function2310detects a PREHEAT vaping state length that exceeds the preheat timeout value. The preheat timeout value may be, for example, 1-2 seconds. Further, the buttonless vaping function2310may determine that the vaping timeout event has occurred in operation S2480ofFIG.26when the buttonless vaping function2310detects an ON vaping state length that exceeds the vaping timeout value. The vaping timeout value may be, for example, 7-10 seconds. According to at least some example embodiments, the buttonless vaping function2310can track the lengths of continuous ON or PREHEAT vaping states using the clock signal output by the clock2370. Further, the preheat timeout and vaping timeout values are not limited to the example time lengths discussed above. For example, time lengths of the preheat timeout value and/or vaping timeout value may be set, for example, in accordance with the preferences of a designer or manufacturer of the nicotine e-vapor device500.

Further, though the buttonless vaping function2310is described above as determining a current vaping mode state to be one of three states (i.e., OFF, PREHEAT and ON), according to at least some example embodiments, the PREHEAT state may be omitted, and the buttonless vaping function2310may determine the current vaping mode state to be one of only two states: ON and OFF. For example, referring toFIG.26, when the PREHEAT state is omitted, the buttonless vaping function2310may omit operations S2430, S2440, S2450and S2460. Further, when the PREHEAT state is omitted, the buttonless vaping function2310may perform operation S2420without transitioning to the PREHEAT state. For example, the buttonless vaping function may perform operation S2420by maintaining the OFF state while vapor drawing is not detected (N) and proceeding to operation S2470in response to vapor drawing being detected (Y), thereby transitioning the current vaping mode state from the OFF state to the ON state. Additionally, when the PREHEAT state is omitted, the buttonless vaping function2310may perform the remaining operations S2410, S2470and S2480in the same manners discussed above with reference toFIG.26. According to at least some example embodiments, the buttonless vaping function2310determines a current vaping mode state continuously and outputs the determined current vaping mode continuously, in accordance with the operations discussed above with respect toFIG.26. The first calibration mapping function2320will now be discussed below.

The first calibration mapping function2320outputs operating points to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A. According to at least some example embodiments, the operating points correspond to power values or power levels, examples of which include, but are not limited to, 1 W, 2.567 W, 20 W, 32.15 W, and 52,663 W.

According to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320reads one or more operating points from a removable pod installed in a nicotine e-vapor device, and outputs one of the one or more operating points to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A. For example, a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500) implementing the first calibration mapping function2320may be configured to detect power information from removable pod300installed in the nicotine e-vapor device500. The power information read from the pod300may include one or more operating points. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the power information read from the pod300may include an operating point for each vaping mode state (i.e., PREHEAT, ON and OFF). According to at least some example embodiments, the power information read from the pod300may include an operating points for the PREHEAT and ON states, and not the OFF state.

According to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320reads a plurality of operating points from the removable pod; receives a coarse preference level from the AV vaping profile update function2340; selects the operating point or operating points, from among the read operating points, that correspond to the coarse preference level; and outputs the selected operating point or points to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the power information read from the pod300by the first calibration mapping function2320may include an operating point for each possible combination of coarse preference level and vaping mode state (PREHEAT, ON and OFF). According to at least some example embodiments, the power information read from the pod300may include an operating point for each coarse preference level with respect to the ON state, include only one operating point for the PREHEAT state, and include only one operating point (or, alternatively, no operating points) for the OFF state.

According to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320reads an operating point from the removable pod; receives a fine preference level from the AV vaping profile update function2340; adjusts the read operating point based on the fine preference level; and outputs the adjusted operating point to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A. For example, the fine preference level received from the AV vaping profile update function2340may indicate an adjustment to be made to an operating point. For example, the fine preference level may indicate an adjustment direction and an adjustment amount (e.g., a sign and a magnitude: +3 W, −4.823 W, +10.645 W, etc.).

According to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320may generate an operating point based on both a coarse preference level and a fine preference level, each of which is received from the AV vaping profile update function2340. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320reads a plurality of operating points from the removable pod; receives a coarse preference level from the AV vaping profile update function2340; selects the operating point, from among the read operating points, that corresponds to the coarse preference level; receives a fine preference level from the AV vaping profile update function2340; adjusts the selected operating point based on the fine preference level; and outputs the adjusted operating point to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A.

According to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320is implemented by the controller2105of the device system2100included in a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500). Thus, any or all operations described, herein, as being performed by first calibration mapping function2320may be performed, or controlled, by the controller2105. The AV vaping profile update function2340, coarse preference levels and fine preference levels will now be discussed in greater detail below.

According to at least some example embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function2340outputs one or both of the coarse preference level and fine preference level discussed above with reference to the first calibration mapping function2320. An example of the AV vaping profile update function2340outputting a coarse preference level will now be discussed below.

According to at least one example embodiment, an adult vaper may manipulate an input device of the nicotine e-vapor device500to select one of a plurality of coarse preference levels. For example, as is noted above with reference toFIGS.21A and21B, the device body100of the nicotine e-vapor device500may include on-product controls2150. According to at least some example embodiments, the on-product controls2150can include any device or devices capable of being manipulated manually by an adult vaper to indicate a selection of a value. Example implementations include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, a dial, a capacitive sensor, and a slider. For example, when the on-product controls2150include a slider, the nicotine e-vapor device500may be capable of detecting a position of an adult vaper's finger along a length of the slider in accordance with known methods. For example, the slider may include a capacitive sensor that runs the length of the slider. Further, the nicotine e-vapor device500may be capable of detecting a location, along the length of the slider, of an adult vaper's finger touching the capacitive sensor based on signals generated by the capacitive sensor in accordance with known methods. As another example, the slider may include a mechanical element coupled to a track that runs the length of the slider. The mechanical element may be configured to be slid, by an adult vaper's finger, up and down the track. Further, the e-vaper device500may be capable of detecting a location of the mechanical element along the length of the slider.

According to at least some example embodiments, the length of the slider may be divided into a plurality of contiguous regions, and the plurality of coarse preference levels may be assigned to the plurality of contiguous regions, respectively. For example, in a scenario where 5 coarse preference levels are assigned to 5 contiguous regions of a length of the slider, respectively, the adult vaper can select a particular preference level, from among the 5 coarse preference levels, by manipulating the slider (e.g., by moving the adult vaper's finger and/or the mechanical element to a location along the length of the slider that is within the region to which the particular coarse preference level is assigned.). According to at least some example embodiments, the slider may be implemented as one or more capacitive touch sensors.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, including a slider, on-product controls2150may include one or more buttons that facilitate the selection of a particular preference level from among the coarse preference levels discussed above. For example, in the example illustrated inFIG.1, the dispensing body includes first and second buttons118and120. According to at least some example embodiments, the coarse preference levels (e.g., 5 coarse preference levels) may be cycled through by in response to manipulation of one or both of the first and second buttons118and120. According to at least some example embodiments, the first and second buttons are implemented as touch sensors, which may be mechanical (e.g., mechanical buttons) and/or capacitive (e.g., capacitive sensors).

According to at least some example embodiments, the device body100may provide an indication (e.g., a visual, tactile and/or auditory indication) for identifying a presently selected coarse preference level from among a plurality of available coarse preference levels. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the second button120is an intensity button, and manipulation of the second button120may cause the nicotine e-vapor device500to advance from a current coarse preference level to a next coarse preference level. Further, the light guide assembly illustrated inFIG.1may provide a different visual indication for each different coarse preference level (e.g., by changing a color, length, size and or brightness of light emitted by the light guide assembly), thereby identifying a presently selected coarse preference level.

Next, the AV vaping profile update function2340outputs the selected coarse preference level to the first calibration mapping function2320. Further, the 5 coarse preference levels may correspond, respectively, to 5 operating points read by the first calibration mapping function2320from a removable pod (e.g., pod300) installed in a nicotine e-vapor device500. Accordingly, the first calibration mapping function2320outputs the operating point, from among the 5 operating points read from the removable pod, that corresponds to the received coarse preference level. An example of the AV vaping profile update function2340outputting a fine preference level will now be discussed below.

According to at least one example embodiment, an adult vaper may manipulate an input device to select one of a plurality of fine preference levels. According to at least some example embodiments, the input device may be a wireless electronic device (e.g., a wireless communication device) examples of which include, but are not limited to, a smart phone and a tablet. According to at least some example embodiments, the electronic device executes an application or app that an adult vaper can use to select a fine preference value for adjusting an operation point. According to at least some example embodiments, a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500) and the wireless electronic device may communicate with each other, wirelessly (e.g., via a wireless communication link), using any known wireless technology, examples of which include, but are not limited to: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wireless USB, Institute of Electrical and Electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the electronic device is a smart phone running an app that causes the smart phone to creates a graphic user interface (GUI) which an adult vaper can interact with in order to select a fine preference level. According to at least some example embodiments, the GUI includes an app slider. The app slider may be an image of a slider, output to a display of the smart phone, which an adult vaper can manipulate by using a touch screen, keys, buttons and/or other input devices of the smart phone. According to at least some example embodiments, the app slider enables an adult vaper to adjust an operating point (e.g. 7 W) in a fine or precise manner. For example, if an initial operating point is 7 W and the app slider allows an adult vaper to adjust the initial operating point in 1 mW increments within a range of ±128 mW, the adult vaper could choose an adjusted operating point between 6872 mW and 7128 mW. According to at least some example embodiments, the smart phone can send a fine preference level indicating the adjustment selected by the adult vaper through the app slider to the nicotine e-vapor device, wirelessly. At the nicotine e-vapor device, the AV vaping profile update function2340receives the fine preference level and provides the fine preference level to the first calibration mapping function2320. As is noted above, the first calibration mapping function2320may use the fine preference level received from the AV vaping profile update function2340to an adjust an operating point before outputting the adjusted operating point to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A.

According to at least some example embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function2340writes coarse preference levels and/or fine preference levels selected by an adult vaper to memory (e.g., non-volatile memory2205b) of a removable pod (e.g., removable pod300) installed in a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500). Accordingly, when a removable pod (e.g., pod300) is reinstalled into the nicotine e-vapor device after having been removed for some time, the first calibration mapping function2320may read coarse preference levels and/or fine preference levels that were previously selected by the adult vaper from memory of the reinstalled removable pod. Further, the first calibration mapping function2320may use the previously selected coarse preference levels and/or fine preference levels to generate an adjusted operating point.

According to at least some example embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function2340writes vaping profile entries to a vaping profile data base. According to at least some example embodiments, the vaping profile database may be stored in a memory (e.g., storage medium2145) of a dispensing body (e.g., device body100) of a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500). Each vaping profile entry may include a coarse preference level and/or fine preference level selected by an adult vaper along with formulation type information (e.g., a nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier) that identifies a formulation type of nicotine pre-vapor formulation contained by the removable pod that was installed in the nicotine e-vapor device at the time the adult vaper selected the coarse preference level and/or fine preference level. Further, according to at least some example embodiments, when a new, unused removable pod is installed in the nicotine e-vapor device, the first calibration mapping function2320can read the nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier of the new removable pod and compare the read nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier to the vaping profile entries stored in the vaping profile database. When the first calibration mapping function2320identifies a vaping profile entry having a nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier that matches the nicotine pre-vapor formulation identifier of the newly installed removable pod, the first calibration mapping function2320may read the coarse preference level and/or fine preference level included in the identified vaping profile entry. Further, the first calibration mapping function2320may use the read coarse preference level and/or fine preference level to generate an adjusted operating point. According to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320can read the identity (e.g., formulation type) of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation of a removable pod in the same manner discussed above with respect the first calibration mapping function2320reading operating points from an image (e.g., a QR code) located on a removable pod (e.g., pod300) or memory of the removable pod.

According to at least some example embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function2340tracks coarse preference levels and/or fine preference levels selected by an adult vaper over time, and stores the tracked coarse preference levels and/or fine preference levels in a memory of the nicotine e-vapor device500(e.g., storage medium2145of the device body100of the nicotine e-vapor device500). Further, the AV vaping profile update function2340can determine a predicted coarse preference level based on the tracked coarse preference levels and/or determine a predicted fine preference level based on the tracked fine preference levels. Predicted coarse preference levels and a predicted fine preference levels may also be referred to, herein, as predicted vaping preference levels.

According to at least some example embodiments, the predicted coarse preference value is a mean, median or mode of the tracked coarse preference levels. According to at least some example embodiments, the predicted coarse preference value is a mean, median or mode of the tracked coarse preference levels that fall within a window (e.g., the last 10 tracked coarse preference levels). According to at least some example embodiments, the predicted coarse preference value is a weighted average of the tracked coarse preference levels.

According to at least some example embodiments, the predicted fine preference value is a mean, median or mode of the tracked fine preference levels. According to at least some example embodiments, the predicted fine preference value is a mean, median or mode of the tracked fine preference levels that fall within a window (e.g., the last 10 tracked fine preference levels). According to at least some example embodiments, the predicted fine preference value is weighted average of the tracked fine preference levels.

According to at least some example embodiments, the AV vaping profile update function2340can calculate different predicted vaping preference values for different times of day. An example time of day is a time period within a day (e.g., 8 AM-12 PM; 12 PM-4 PM; etc.). Accordingly, the AV vaping profile update function2340can calculate a morning predicted coarse preference level based only on coarse preference levels tracked during the morning (e.g., 8 A-12 PM), and calculate an afternoon predicted coarse preference level based only on coarse preference levels tracked during the afternoon (e.g., 12 PM-4 PM). Further, the AV vaping profile update function2340can calculate a morning predicted fine preference level based only on fine preference levels tracked during the morning (e.g., 8 A-12 PM), and calculate an afternoon predicted fine preference level based only on fine preference levels tracked during the afternoon (e.g., 12 PM-4 PM). The AV vaping profile update function2340may store the above-referenced predicted vaping preference levels in a memory of the nicotine e-vapor device500(e.g., storage medium2145of the device body100of the nicotine e-vapor device500). According to at least some example embodiments, upon activation of the nicotine e-vapor device500, the first calibration mapping function2320may determine a current time (e.g., 2 PM); read the stored vaping preference levels corresponding to the current time (e.g., the afternoon coarse predicted preference value and the afternoon predicted coarse preference level) from the memory of the nicotine e-vapor device500, and use the read vaping preference levels to generate an adjusted operating point.

Returning toFIG.25A, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A may also include a decrement time operation2610, a first transfer curve selection operation2620, a vaping mode identification operation2630, and a first power level setting operation2640. According to at least some example embodiments, any or all of the decrement time operation2610, first transfer curve selection operation2620, vaping mode identification operation2630, and first power level setting operation2640of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A may be performed continuously. The decrement time operation2610will now be discussed in greater detail below.

The decrement time operation2610decrements timer values based on a current time input from the clock2370. As is discussed in greater detail below, the timer values may be used by other operations including, for example, the first power level setting operation2640. The first transfer curve selection operation2620will now be discussed in greater detail below.

In the first transfer curve selection operation2620, the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A may select a transfer curve from among one or more transfer curves received from the first calibration mapping function2320and provide the selected transfer curve to the first power level setting operation2640. According to at least some example embodiments, the transfer curve output by the first transfer curve selection operation may be one of a plurality of operating points output from the first calibration mapping function2320to the first transfer curve selection operation2620.

For example, the first calibration mapping function2320may provide an operating point for each of a plurality of vaping mode states. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the operating points provided to the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A by the first calibration mapping function2320include two operating points: an operating point for the PREHEAT vaping mode state, and an operating point for the ON vaping mode state. However, alternatively, according to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320may provide, for one or both of the PREHEAT and ON vaping mode states a series of operating points which vary in level with respect to time, as will be discussed in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.25G and25H.

Returning toFIG.25A, as is noted above, according to at least some example embodiments, the first calibration mapping function2320may output multiple operating points corresponding, respectively, to multiple vaping mode states. The first transfer curve selection operation2620may select one of the operating points output by the first calibration mapping function2320based on a current vaping mode of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A (e.g., OFF, PREHEAT, or ON). The first transfer curve selection operation2620may provide a transfer curve corresponding to selected operating point to the first power level setting operation2640. For example, if the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A is in the PREHEAT vaping mode state, the first transfer curve selection operation2620may provide the first power level setting operation2640with a transfer curve corresponding to the PREHEAT vaping mode state. Similarly, if the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A is in the ON vaping mode state, the first transfer curve selection operation2620may provide the first power level setting operation2640with a transfer curve corresponding to the ON vaping mode state. Further, if the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A is in the OFF vaping mode state, the first transfer curve selection operation2620may provide the first power level setting operation2640with a transfer curve corresponding to the OFF vaping mode state. If the selected transfer curve does not include a portion corresponding to the OFF vaping mode state, then, according to at least some example embodiments, the first transfer curve selection operation2620may provide the first power level setting operation2640with a default transfer curve that corresponds to providing a low level of power or no power to the heating engine2215for the OFF vaping mode state. According to at least some example embodiments, the first transfer curve selection operation2620chooses a transfer curve to provide to the first power level setting operation2640based on vaping mode state information received from the vaping mode identification operation2630. The vaping mode identification operation2630will now be discussed in greater detail below. According to at least some example embodiments, the transfer curves provided by the first transfer curve selection operation2620may be, or correspond to, power values.

According to at least some example embodiments, the vaping mode identification operation2630determines a current vaping mode state of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A (e.g., OFF, PREHEAT, or ON) based on the current vaping mode state output of the buttonless vaping function2310. According to at least some example embodiments, the buttonless vaping function2310outputs the current vaping mode state in the manner discussed above with reference toFIG.26. As is noted above, the first transfer curve selection operation2620may use the vaping mode state received from the vaping mode identification operation2630to choose which transfer curve to provide to the first power level setting operation2640. According to at least some example embodiments, the vaping mode identification operation2630may be omitted and the first transfer curve selection operation2620may receive the vaping mode state (e.g., OFF, PREHEAT, or ON) from the buttonless vaping function2310. The first power level setting operation2640will now be discussed in greater detail below.

According to at least some example embodiments, the first power level setting operation2640receives a transfer curve from the first transfer curve selection operation2620and outputs a first power level waveform2710in accordance with the operating point or points included in the received transfer curve. The first power level setting operation2640may output the first power level waveform2710to the heating engine driver2305, and the heating engine driver2305may cause the power supply2110to supply power to the heater engine2215in accordance with the first power level waveform2710.

FIG.25Billustrates an example of at least a portion of power level waveform output by the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A. For example,FIG.25Billustrates an example of at least a portion of a first power level waveform2710output by the first power level setting operation2640as a vaping mode state output from the buttonless vaping function2310and/or the vaping mode identification operation2630transitions in accordance with the following sequence, OFF→PREHEAT→ON→OFF. As used in the present specification, the term “power level waveform” refers to a waveform corresponding to power levels output by a heating engine control algorithm to the heating engine driver2305over time. Further, the term “power level waveform” may be considered to be synonymous with, and may be occasionally referred to as, a “power waveform.” According to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine driver2305causes an amount of power provided to the heater2215by the power supply2110to increase or decrease in manner that is proportional to an increase or decrease in a magnitude of the power levels of a power level waveform output to the heating engine driver2305.

As is illustrated inFIG.25B, the first power level waveform2710output by the first power level setting operation2640may begin with a power level corresponding to the OFF vaping mode state (e.g., in response to the first transfer curve selection operation2620selecting the transfer curve corresponding to the OFF vaping mode state); rise from the power level corresponding to the OFF vaping mode state to a power level corresponding to the PREHEAT vaping mode state (e.g., in response to the first transfer curve selection operation2620selecting the transfer curve corresponding to the PREHEAT vaping mode state); rise from the power level corresponding to the PREHEAT vaping mode state to the power level corresponding to the ON vaping mode state (e.g., in response to the first transfer curve selection operation2620selecting the transfer curve corresponding to the ON vaping mode state); and fall from the power level corresponding to the ON vaping mode state back down to the power level corresponding to an OFF vaping mode state (e.g., in response to the first transfer curve selection operation2620selecting the transfer curve corresponding to the OFF vaping mode state).

As is illustrated inFIG.25A, according to at least some example embodiments, the decrement time operation2610may cause the first power level setting operation2640to perform a shutdown operation with respect to the heating engine2215by sending a timer shutdown signal to the first power level setting operation2640. The timer shutdown signal may also be referred to, herein, as a “timed shutdown signal.” For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the decrement time operation2610may be used to implement a shutdown of the power provided to the heating engine2215by controlling the power level output by the first power level setting operation2640. For example, in addition to, or instead of, the buttonless vaping function2310causing a shutdown of the power provided to the heating engine2215(e.g., by tracking a preheat timeout event and/or vaping timeout event, and outputting the OFF state as the current vaping mode state in the manner discussed above with reference to operations S2460and S2480ofFIG.26), the decrement time operation2610may track the preheat timeout value and/or the vaping timeout value against time lengths for which the current vaping mode state of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A is maintained as the PREHEAT state or the ON state. Further, in response to the decrement time operation2610determining that the preheat timeout value or the vaping timeout value has been exceeded, the decrement time operation2610sends a timer shutdown signal to the first power level setting operation2640, and the first power level setting operation2640responds to the timer shutdown signal by outputting a power level or power level waveform to the heating engine driver2305that causes the heating engine driver2305to cut or cease the supply of power to the heating engine2215. According to at least some example embodiments, in response to the first power level setting operation2640receiving the timer shutdown signal from the decrement time operation2610, the first power level setting operation2640causes the heating engine driver2305to cut or cease the supply of power to the heating engine2215regardless of the transfer curve output by the first transfer curve selection operation2620.

The adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B will now be discussed below with reference toFIGS.25C and25D.

Example Adaptive Heating Engine Control Algorithm

FIG.25Cis a block diagram illustrating the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B according to at least some example embodiments. According to at least some example embodiments, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B is an example implementation of the heating engine control algorithm2300illustrated inFIG.24.

According to at least some example embodiments, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B is implemented by the controller2105of the device system2100included in a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as being performed by the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B (or, an element thereof) may be performed by the controller2105.

Referring toFIG.25C, according to at least some example, during a vaping drawing instance, an amount of power applied to the heating engine2215by the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B may correspond to a magnitude of measured airflow. The terms “airflow” and “airflow rate,” as used in the present specification, refer to a rate at which air flows (i.e., a volume of air that passes per unit of time), and may be measured, for example, in terms of milliliters per second (mL/s).

According to at least some example embodiments, as is illustrated inFIG.25C, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B may have the same structure as the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A ofFIG.25A, with the exception that the first power level setting operation2640is replaced with an adaptive power level setting operation2642. Relative to the first power level setting operation2640, the adaptive power level setting operation2642may additionally receive airflow measurements from one or more sensors of the nicotine e-vapor device500(e.g., a hot-wire anemometer flow sensor included in heating engine sensors2222, pod sensors2220, or device sensors2125). For example, heating engine sensors2222may repeatedly measure a rate of airflow with respect to air flowing through the nicotine e-vapor device500and/or pod300, and output the measured airflow to the adaptive power level setting operation2642.

Further, according to at least some example embodiments, during the ON vaping mode state, the adaptive power level setting operation2642may output a second power waveform2720based on both (i) the transfer curve output by the first transfer curve selection operation2620and (ii) measured airflow output by the heating engine sensors2222and/or pod sensors2220. For example, the adaptive power level setting operation2642may generate an adapted power level by performing a mathematical operation on the power level corresponding to the output transfer curve, such that a value of the adapted power level increases as the measured airflow increases. For example,FIG.25Dillustrates an example relationship between detected airflow and an adapted power level generated by the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B according to at least some example embodiments. As is illustrated inFIG.25D, the adapted power level increases as the measured airflow increases. In the example shown inFIG.25D, the adaptive power level setting operation2642is configured such that a relationship between the adapted power level and the measured airflow is substantially linear. However, at least some example embodiments are not limited to the example shown inFIG.25D. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the adaptive power level setting operation2642may be configured such that a relationship between the adapted power level and the measured airflow is not linear. According to at least some example embodiments, a relationship between the adapted power level and the measured airflow (i.e., the manner in which the generated adapted power level changes as the measured airflow changes) may be set in accordance with preferences of a designer or manufacturer of the nicotine e-vapor device500and/or pod300.

Accordingly, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B controls an amount of power applied to the heating engine2215such that the amount of power applied to the heating engine2215, and thus, a temperature and/or volume of nicotine vapor generated by the nicotine e-vapor device500and/or pod300, varies as airflow through the nicotine e-vapor device500and/or pod300varies. Consequently, a temperature and/or volume of nicotine vapor generated by the nicotine e-vapor device500may be adjusted by adjusting an airflow of air through the nicotine e-vapor device500and/or pod300.

Additionally, the decrement time operation2610of the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B may operate in the same manner discussed above with reference toFIG.25A, for example, by outputting a timer shutdown signal. Further, according to at least some example embodiments, the adaptive power level setting operation2642responds to the timer shutdown signal by outputting a power level or power level waveform to the heating engine driver2305that causes the heating engine driver2305to cut or cease the supply of power to the heating engine2215. According to at least some example embodiments, in response to the adaptive power level setting operation2642receiving the timer shutdown signal from the decrement time operation2610, the adaptive power level setting operation2642causes the heating engine driver2305to cut or cease the supply of power to the heating engine2215regardless of the transfer curve output by the first transfer curve selection operation2620, and regardless of a measured airflow.

For ease of description, the adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B is discussed above, primarily, with reference to heating engine sensors2222. However, according to at least some example embodiments, measurements discussed with reference toFIGS.25C and25Das being performed by heating engine sensors2222may also be performed by pod sensors2220or device sensors2125. Further, for ease of description, the process of generating an adapted power level that varies in accordance with measured airflow is described above with reference to a heating engine control algorithm (i.e. adaptive heating engine control algorithm2300B) which is a modification of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A ofFIG.25A. However, according to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine control algorithms2300,2300C and2300D may also be modified to generate a power level waveform having adapted power levels that vary in accordance with measured airflow in the same manner discussed above with respect toFIG.25C.

The temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C will now be discussed below with reference toFIGS.25E-25F.

Example Temperature Heating Engine Control Algorithm

FIG.25Eis a block diagram illustrating the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C according to at least some example embodiments. According to at least some example embodiments, the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C is an example implementation of the heating engine control algorithm2300illustrated inFIG.24.

According to at least some example embodiments, the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C is implemented by the controller2105of the device system2100included in a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as being performed by the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C (or, an element thereof) may be performed by the controller2105.

Referring toFIG.25E, the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C uses a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller2670to control an amount of power applied to the heating engine2215so as to achieve a desired temperature. For example, as is discussed in greater detail below, according to at least some example embodiments, the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C includes determining a heater temperature value (e.g., heating engine temperature estimate2674); obtaining a target temperature value (e.g., target temperature2676); and controlling, by a PID controller (e.g., PID controller2670), a level of power provided to the heater, based on the heater temperature value and the target temperature value.

A second calibration mapping function2324of the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C may differ from the first calibration mapping function2320of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A ofFIG.25Ain that the second calibration mapping function2324may output operating points in the form of temperature values instead of power levels. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the second calibration mapping function2324may read temperature values from the pod300or, alternatively, read operating points expressed as power values from the pod300and translate the operating points into temperature values. Accordingly, the second calibration mapping function2324may output a plurality of temperature values corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of vaping mode states: OFF, PREHEAT and ON. Further, in the same manner discussed above with respect to the operating points output by the first calibration mapping function2320, the second calibration mapping function2324may select which temperature values to output with respect to one or more of the OFF, PREHEAT and ON vaping mode states based on one or both of a coarse preference level and fine preference level received from the AV vaping profile update function2340.

Accordingly, a second transfer curve selection operation2624of the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C selects, from among the temperature values output by the second calibration mapping function2324, a temperature value corresponding to the vaping mode state output by the vaping mode identification operation2630. Further, the second transfer curve selection operation2624outputs the selected temperature value as target temperature2676.

Consequently, according to at least some example embodiments, the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C obtains a target temperature value (e.g., target temperature2676) by detecting, from the removable pod300included in the nicotine e-vapor device500, power information indicating a plurality of temperature setpoints; determining a current operation mode of the nicotine e-vaping device500(e.g., the vaping mode state output by the vaping mode identification operation2630); and selecting, as the target temperature value, a temperature setpoint, from among a plurality of temperature setpoints, that corresponds to the determined current operation mode of the nicotine e-vaping device500.

Further, according to at least some example embodiments, the target temperature2676serves as a setpoint (i.e., a temperature setpoint) in a PID control loop controlled by the PID controller2670. Other elements of the PID control loop controlled by the PID controller2670are as follows: a power control signal2672output by the PID controller2670to a second power level setting operation2644for controlling the levels of a third power waveform2730output by the second power level setting operation2644serves as the control variable of the PID control loop, and a heating engine temperature estimate2674output by the heating engine temperature prediction function2660serves and the process variable of the PID control loop.

As is discussed above, according to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine temperature estimate2674is output by the heating engine temperature prediction function2660. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine temperature prediction function2660may receive electrical measurements from the heating engine sensors2222indicating, for example, a current of the heater2215, heater current heater_I; a voltage of the heater2215, heater voltage heater_V; or other electrical attributes of the heater2215from which the heater current heater_I and/or heater voltage heater_V can be derived or estimated. Further, the heating engine temperature prediction function2660may use the electrical measurements of the heater2215to determine a resistance of the heater2215, heater resistance heater_R (e.g., using Ohm's law or other known methods). For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine temperature prediction function2660may determine the quotient resulting from dividing the heater voltage heater_V by the heater current heater_I to be the heater resistance heater_R (i.e., heater_V/heater_I=heater_R).

Additionally, the nicotine e-vapor device500may store (e.g., in the storage medium2145of device system2100or the non-volatile memory2205bof the pod system2200) a look-up table (LUT) that stores a plurality of heater resistance values as indexes for a plurality of respectively corresponding heater temperature values also stored in the LUT. Consequently, the heating engine temperature prediction function2660may estimate a current temperature of the heater2215by using the previously determined heater resistance heater_R as an index for the LUT to identify (e.g., look-up) a corresponding heater temperature heater_T from among the heater temperatures stored in the LUT. According to at least some example embodiments, the heating engine temperature prediction function2660may output the heater temperature heater_T identified from the LUT as the heating engine temperature estimate2674.

Consequently, the PID controller2670continuously corrects a level of the power control signal2672so as to control the third power waveform2730output by the second power level setting operation2644to the heating engine driver2305in such a manner that a difference (e.g., a magnitude of the difference) between the target temperature2676and the heating engine temperature estimate2674is reduced or, alternatively, minimized. The difference between the target temperature2676and the heating engine temperature estimate2674may also be viewed as an error value which the PID controller2670works to reduce or minimize. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the second power level setting operation2644outputs the third power waveform2730such that levels of the third power waveform2730are controlled by the power control signal2672. Further, as was discussed above with reference toFIG.25B, the heating engine driver2305causes an amount of power provided to the heater2215by the power supply2110to increase or decrease in manner that is proportional to an increase or decrease in a magnitude of the power levels of a power level waveform output to the heating engine driver2305. Consequently, by controlling the power control signal2672in the manner discussed above, the PID controller2670controls a level of power provided to the heater2215(e.g., by the power supply2110of the nicotine e-vapor device500) such that a magnitude of the difference between a target temperature value (e.g., target temperature2676) and a heater temperature value (e.g., heating engine temperature estimate2674) is reduced, or alternatively, minimized.

For example,FIG.25Fillustrates an example of at least a portion of power level waveform generated by the temperature heating engine control algorithm of2300C according to at least some example embodiments.FIG.25shows an example manner in which levels of the third power waveform2730may vary over time as the PID controller2670continuously corrects the power control signal2672provided to the second power level setting operation2644.FIG.25shows an example manner in which levels of the third power waveform2730may vary as a vaping mode state output from the buttonless vaping function2310and/or the vaping mode identification operation2630transitions in accordance with the following sequence, OFF→PREHEAT→ON→OFF.

Returning toFIG.25E, according to at least some example embodiments, the PID controller2670may operate in accordance with known PID control methods. According to at least some example embodiments, the PID controller2670may generate 2 or more terms from among the proportional term (P), the integral term (I), and the derivative term (D), and the PID controller2670may use the two or more terms adjust or correct the power control signal2672in accordance with known methods.

According to at least some example embodiments, the pod300may store PID parameters for calibrating the PID controller2670, and the nicotine e-vapor device500may calibrate the PID controller2670based on the stored parameters. For example, PID parameters stored on the pod300may include any or all of a proportional gain Kp, an integral gain Ki, and a derivative gain Kd. PID parameters stored on the pod300may further include any other known PID controller parameters. According to at least some example embodiments, the PID parameters stored on the pod300may be chosen (e.g., by a designer or manufacturer of the pod300) to correspond to characteristics of a formulation type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation contained within the pod300. Accordingly, pods with nicotine pre-vapor formulations of different formulation types may have different PID parameters stored in or on the pod, and thus, the operation of the PID controller2670may be tailored to characteristics of each different formulation type.

Additionally, the decrement time operation2610of the temperature heating engine control algorithm of2300C may operate in the same manner discussed above with reference toFIG.25A, for example, by outputting a timer shutdown signal. Further, according to at least some example embodiments, the second power level setting operation2644responds to the timer shutdown signal by outputting a power level or power level waveform to the heating engine driver2305that causes the heating engine driver2305to cut or cease the supply of power to the heating engine2215. According to at least some example embodiments, in response to the second power level setting operation2644receiving the timer shutdown signal from the decrement time operation2610, the second power level setting operation2644causes the heating engine driver2305to cut or cease the supply of power to the heating engine2215regardless of the power control signal2672output by the first transfer curve selection operation2620.

The waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D will now be discussed below with reference toFIGS.25G-25H.

Example Waveform Heating Engine Control Algorithm

FIG.25Gis a block diagram illustrating the waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D according to at least some example embodiments. According to at least some example embodiments, the waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D is an example implementation of the heating engine control algorithm2300illustrated inFIG.24.

According to at least some example embodiments, the waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D is implemented by the controller2105of the device system2100included in a nicotine e-vapor device (e.g., nicotine e-vapor device500). Thus, any or all operations described herein as being performed by the waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D (or, an element thereof) may be performed by the controller2105.

According to at least some example embodiments, the waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D may control the power applied to the heater2215(e.g., by power supply2110) during the ON vaping mode state so as to achieve a specified sequence (i.e., waveform) of heater temperatures, thereby resulting in a specified sequence of temperatures and/or volumes of nicotine vapor generated by the nicotine e-vapor device500and/or pod300.

Referring toFIG.25G, according to at least some example embodiments, the waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D may be the same or substantially the same as the temperature heating engine control algorithm2300C ofFIG.25Ewith the exception that in that the waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D may include a third calibration mapping function2326and a third transfer curve selection operation2626instead of the second calibration mapping function2324and the second transfer curve selection operation2624.

The third calibration mapping function2326may operate in the same manner discussed above with respect to the second calibration mapping function2324ofFIG.25E, with the exception that, instead out outputting one temperature value corresponding to the ON vaping mode state, the third calibration mapping function2326outputs a waveform including several temperature values.

Further, the third transfer curve selection operation2626may operate in the same manner discussed above with respect to the second transfer curve selection operation2624ofFIG.25E, with the exception that, instead out outputting one target temperature2676corresponding to the ON vaping mode state, the third transfer curve selection operation2626outputs a waveform including several target temperatures2676, as is shown inFIG.25H.

FIG.25Hillustrates an example of at least a portion of a target temperature waveform2676A generated by the waveform heating engine control algorithm2300D according to at least some example embodiments. The target temperature waveform2676A illustrated inFIG.25Hshows target temperatures2676output by the third transfer curve selection operation2626over time. For example, according to at least some example embodiments, the target temperature waveform2676A corresponds to the waveform of temperature values output by the third calibration mapping function2326as discussed above. Further, as is shown inFIG.25G, the third transfer curve selection operation2626may receive a current time from clock2370. Accordingly, the third transfer curve selection operation2626may use the current time to transition between each consecutive, individual values of the target temperature waveform2676A in accordance with a time interval, as is shown by the white dots illustrated inFIG.25H.

According to at least some example embodiments, a calibration mapping function (e.g., the first calibration mapping function2320) may read and output a waveform of operating points (i.e., power values) in the same manner discussed above with respect to the wave form of temperature values output by the third calibration mapping function2326. According to at least some example embodiments, a transfer curve selection operation (e.g., the first transfer curve selection operation2620of the setpoint heating engine control algorithm2300A) may output power level waveform that includes several different power levels for the ON vaping mode state, in the same manner discussed above with respect to the several target temperatures corresponding to the ON vaping mode state in the target temperature waveform2676A output by the third transfer curve selection operation2626.

According to at least some example embodiments, a shape of a waveform of temperature values or operating points read by a calibration mapping function from the pod (e.g., pod300) may be set (e.g., by a designer or manufacturer of the pod) in accordance with characteristics of a formulation type of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation contained within the pod. Accordingly, pods with different nicotine pre-vapor formulations of different formulation types may have different temperature value waveforms or operating point waveforms stored in or on the pod.

Further, according to at least some example embodiments, the device body100may store one or more waveforms. For example, the one or more waveforms may be stored on the device body100as sequences of offsets to be applied to a temperature value or operating point (e.g., a single temperature value or operating point) output by a calibration mapping function (e.g., the third calibration mapping function2326) with respect to the ON vaping mode state. For example, a transfer curve selection operation (e.g., the third transfer curve selection operation2626) may read one the one or more waveforms stored on the device body100, and apply the offsets corresponding to the read waveform to the ON-state temperature value or operating point output by the calibration mapping function in order to generate a target temperature waveform or power waveform having several different values with respect to the ON vaping mode, like the target temperature waveform2676A illustrated inFIG.25H.