Patent Description:
Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful by-products. There have been proposed various smoking substitute systems (or "substitute smoking systems") in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.

Smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred to as a "vapour") that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

In general, smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and with combustible tobacco products. Some smoking substitute systems use smoking substitute articles (also referred to as a "consumable") that are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.

The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidly in the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking, consumers are increasingly viewing smoking substitute systems as desirable lifestyle accessories.

There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach.

One approach for a smoking substitute system is the so-called Heated Tobacco ("HT") approach in which tobacco (rather than an "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release vapour. HT is also known as "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco. The vapour may contain nicotine and/or flavourings. In the HT approach the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.

A typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable. The consumable may include the tobacco material. The device and consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapour. A vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.

Such smoking substitute systems are known e.g. from <CIT> or <CIT>.

There may be a need for improved design of smoking substitute systems, in particular HT smoking substitute systems, to enhance the user experience and improve the function of the HT smoking substitute system.

At its most general, the present invention relates to detecting the receipt of a consumable in a cavity of a smoking substitute device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking substitute device according to claim <NUM>, comprising among others a cavity for receiving a consumable and a sensor that is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable in the cavity.

The sensor detects the insertion of a consumable into the cavity of the device. By providing a sensor which detects the receipt of a consumable in the cavity, the device has the ability to perform useful downstream functionality or provide useful information to the user based on this detection. For example, certain functions of the device may be disabled until insertion of a consumable is detected, improving safety, or a visual or audible output may be generated upon receipt of the consumable, improving the user experience. A more versatile device is provided which reacts intelligently to different scenarios.

The sensor is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable in the cavity based on determination of differential pressure generated during the insertion of the consumable in the cavity.

In some embodiments, the sensor is coupled with a controller. The controller may be adapted to receive an output from the sensor and perform control over device functions based on the output.

In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor coupled with a controller. The pressure sensor may be configured to determine differential pressure generated during the insertion of the consumable in the cavity.

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable in the cavity based on sound signals detected during the insertion of the consumable in the cavity.

Optionally, the device comprises a microphone configured to detect sound signals generated during the insertion of the consumable in the cavity.

The sensor is further configured to detect inhalation through the consumable by the user. In this way, a versatile device is provided which is able to detect both the insertion of a consumable and the drawing on that consumable by the user during smoking. This can improve the user experience further by e.g. providing feedback based on the detection of inhalation, such as visual or audible feedback.

In this way, the device comprises a puff sensor to detect the inhalation.

According to the invention, the sensor is configured to detect a first pressure differential created during insertion of the consumable into the cavity and a second pressure differential created due to inhalation through the consumable by the user, wherein the first pressure differential is different from the second pressure differential. In this way, the same sensor is able to distinguish between the insertion of a consumable into the device, and the drawing on that consumable by the user during smoking, based on the differing pressure differential detected. The pressure differential detected upon consumable insertion will have the opposite sense (e.g. a positive pressure difference) to the pressure differential detected upon inhalation (e.g. a negative pressure difference). The sensor can detect each, such that the device is able to distinguish the two scenarios and respond accordingly, improving the user experience.

Optionally, the first pressure differential and the second pressure differential are of opposite polarity.

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect the withdrawal of the consumable from the cavity based on determination of a third pressure differential created due to withdrawal.

Optionally, the sensor communicates with a controller configured to activate a function of the device upon detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate a heater upon detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity e.g. to initiate a smoking cycle.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to perform control action selected from one or more of (a) switching from child safety mode (CSM) to normal mode, (b) increasing power of the heater, and (c) indicating battery charge status, in response to detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity. In this way, the device provides an intelligent response to the insertion of a consumable into the cavity, improving functionality and user experience. Child safety mode (CSM) may be a mode in which certain functions of the device such as the heater are disabled, and can only operate when the device is switched to normal mode. Providing a device which remains in CSM until the insertion of a consumable into the cavity is detected increases safety, because the heater cannot be activated when the device is in transit e.g. in a bag or pocket, and cannot be activated if a child is playing with the device with no consumable in place. A device which indicates battery status when the insertion of a consumable is detected provides an improved user experience, since the user is made aware of the battery status when using the device and can charge the device if necessary.

In some embodiments, the sensor is further configured to detect the ongoing presence of the consumable within the cavity. In this way, the sensor may detect first the receipt/insertion of the consumable in the cavity, followed by the ongoing presence of the consumable within the cavity. The device may then be configured to provide feedback, e.g. visual or audible feedback, indicating the ongoing presence of the consumable within the cavity. This provides a more intelligent device which further improves the user experience.

The device may comprise an elongate body. An end of the elongate body may be configured for engagement with an aerosol-forming article. For example, the body may be configured for engagement with a heated tobacco (HT) consumable (or heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable). The terms "heated tobacco" and "heat-not-burn" are used interchangeably herein to describe a consumable that is of the type that is heated rather than combusted (or are used interchangeably to describe a device for use with such a consumable). The device may comprise a cavity that is configured for receipt of at least a portion of the consumable (i.e. for engagement with the consumable). The aerosol-forming article may be of the type that comprises an aerosol former (e.g. carried by an aerosol-forming substrate).

The device may comprise a heater for heating the aerosol-forming article. The heater may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a rod that extends from the body of the device. The heating element may extend from the end of the body that is configured for engagement with the aerosol-forming article.

The heater (and thus the heating element) may be rigidly mounted to the body. The heating element may be elongate so as to define a longitudinal axis and may, for example, have a transverse profile (i.e. transverse to a longitudinal axis of the heating element) that is substantially circular (i.e. the heating element may be generally cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a transverse profile that is rectangular (i.e. the heater may be a "blade heater"). The heating element may alternatively be in the shape of a tube (i.e. the heater may be a "tube heater"). The heating element may take other forms (e.g. the heating element may have an elliptical transverse profile). The shape and/or size (e.g. diameter) of the transverse profile of the heating element may be generally consistent for the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

The heating element may be between <NUM> and <NUM> long, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM> long, e.g. around <NUM> long. The heating element may have a diameter of between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. a diameter between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. a diameter of around <NUM>.

The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may comprise a core (e.g. a ceramic core) comprising Al<NUM>O<NUM>. The core of the heating element may have a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM>. The heating element may comprise an outer layer (e.g. an outer ceramic layer) comprising Al<NUM>O<NUM>. The thickness of the outer layer may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. around <NUM>. The heating element may comprise a heating track, which may extend longitudinally along the heating element. The heating track may be sandwiched between the outer layer and the core of the heating element. The heating track may comprise tungsten and/or rhenium. The heating track may have a thickness of around <NUM>.

The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device), and may extend (e.g. along a longitudinal axis) from an internal base of the cavity towards an opening of the cavity. The length of the heating element (i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Hence, the heating element may extend for only a portion of the length of the cavity. That is, the heating element may not extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

The heating element may be configured for insertion into an aerosol-forming article (e.g. a HT consumable) when an aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In that respect, a distal end (i.e. distal from a base of the heating element where it is mounted to the device) of the heating element may comprise a tapered portion, which may facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may fully penetrate an aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, the entire length, or substantially the entire length, of the heating element may be received in the aerosol-forming article.

The heating element may have a length that is less than, or substantially the same as, an axial length of an aerosol-forming substrate forming part of an aerosol-forming article (e.g. a HT consumable). Thus, when such an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device, the heating element may only penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate, rather than other components of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate for substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol forming-substrate of the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat may be transferred from (e.g. an outer circumferential surface of) the heating element to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate, when penetrated by the heating element. That is, heat may be transferred radially outwardly (in the case of a cylindrical heating element) or e.g. radially inwardly (in the case of a tube heater).

Where the heater is a tube heater, the heating element of the tube heater may surround at least a portion of the cavity. When the portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element may surround a portion of the aerosol-forming article (i.e. so as to heat that portion of the aerosol-forming article). In particular, the heating element may surround an aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. That is, when an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device, the aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article may be located adjacent an inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat may be transferred radially inwardly from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol forming substrate.

The cavity may comprise a (e.g. circumferential) wall (or walls) and the (tubular) heating element may extend around at least a portion of the wall(s). In this way, the wall may be located between the inner surface of the heating element and an outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. The wall (or walls) of the cavity may be formed from a thermally conductive material (e.g. a metal) to allow heat conduction from the heating element to the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat may be conducted from the heating element, through the cavity wall (or walls), to the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-forming article received in the cavity.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a cap disposed at the end of the body that is configured for engagement with an aerosol-forming article. Where the device comprises a heater having a heating element, the cap may at least partially enclose the heating element. The cap may be moveable between an open position in which access is provided to the heating element, and a closed position in which the cap at least partially encloses the heating element. The cap may be slideably engaged with the body of the device, and may be slideable between the open and closed positions.

The cap may define at least a portion of the cavity of the device. That is, the cavity may be fully defined by the cap, or each of the cap and body may define a portion of the cavity. Where the cap fully defines the cavity, the cap may comprise an aperture for receipt of the heating element into the cavity (when the cap is in the closed position). The cap may comprise an opening to the cavity. The opening may be configured for receipt of at least a portion of an aerosol-forming article. That is, an aerosol-forming article may be inserted through the opening and into the cavity (so as to be engaged with the device).

The cap may be configured such that when an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (e.g. received in the cavity), only a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, a portion of the aerosol-forming article (not received in the cavity) may protrude from (i.e. extend beyond) the opening. This (protruding) portion of the aerosol-forming article may be a terminal (e.g. mouth) end of the aerosol-forming article, which may be received in a user's mouth for the purpose of inhaling aerosol formed by the device.

The device may comprise a power source or may be connectable to a power source (e.g. a power source separate to the device). The power source may be electrically connectable to the heater. In that respect, altering (e.g. toggling) the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may affect a state of the heater. For example, toggling the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may toggle the heater between an on state and an off state. The power source may be a power store. For example, the power source may be a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium ion battery).

The device may comprise an input connection (e.g. a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The input connection may be configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, such as a mains electrical supply outlet. The input connection may, in some cases, be used as a substitute for an internal power source (e.g. battery or rechargeable battery). That is, the input connection may be electrically connectable to the heater (for providing power to the heater). Hence, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of the power source of the device.

Where the power source comprises a rechargeable power source (such as a rechargeable battery), the input connection may be used to charge and recharge the power source.

The device may comprise a user interface (UI). In some embodiments the UI may include input means to receive operative commands from the user. The input means of the UI may allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device. In some embodiments the input means may comprise a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state.

In some embodiments the UI may additionally or alternatively comprise output means to convey information to the user. In some embodiments the output means may comprise a light to indicate a condition of the device (and/or the aerosol-forming article) to the user. The condition of the device (and/or aerosol-forming article) indicated to the user may comprise a condition indicative of the operation of the heater. For example, the condition may comprise whether the heater is in an off state or an on state. In some embodiments, the UI unit may comprise at least one of a button, a display, a touchscreen, a switch, a light, and the like. For example, the output means may comprise one or more (e.g. two, three, four, etc.) light-emitting diodes ("LEDs") that may be located on the body of the device.

The device may further comprise a puff sensor (e.g. airflow sensor), which form part of the input means of the UI. The puff sensor may be configured to detect a user drawing on an end (i.e. a terminal (mouth) end) of the aerosol-forming article. The puff sensor may, for example, be a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicative of a puff state. The signal may be indicative of the user drawing (an aerosol from the aerosol-forming article) such that it is e.g. in the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may be indicative of a characteristic of the draw (e.g. a flow rate of the draw, length of time of the draw, etc).

The device may comprise a controller, or may be connectable to a controller that may be configured to control at least one function of the device. The controller may comprise a microcontroller that may e.g. be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller may also comprise a memory, e.g. nonvolatile memory. The memory may include instructions, which, when implemented, may cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method. Where the device comprises an input connection, the controller may be connected to the input connection.

The controller may be configured to control the operation of the heater (and e.g. the heating element). Thus, the controller may be configured to control vaporisation of an aerosol forming part of an aerosol-forming article engaged with the device. The controller may be configured to control the voltage applied by power source to the heater. For example, the controller may be configured to toggle between applying a full output voltage (of the power source) to the heater and applying no voltage to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may implement a more complex heater control protocol.

The device may further comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage supplied by the power source to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may subsequently be applied to the heater.

In some embodiments, where the device comprises a UI, the controller may be operatively connected to one or more components of the UI. The controller may be configured to receive command signals from an input means of the UI. The controller may be configured to control the heater in response to the command signals. For example, the controller may be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI and, in response, may control the heater so as to be in a corresponding on or off state.

The controller may be configured to send output signals to a component of the UI. The UI may be configured to convey information to a user, via an output means, in response to such output signals (received from the controller). For example, where the device comprises one or more LEDs, the LEDs may be operatively connected to the controller. Hence, the controller may configured to control the illumination of the LEDs (e.g. in response to an output signal). For example, the controller may be configured to control the illumination of the LEDs according to (e.g. an on or off) state of the heater.

Where the device comprises a sensor (e.g. a puff/airflow sensor), the controller may be operatively connected to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (e.g. indicative of a condition of the device and/or engaged aerosol-forming article). The controller may be configured to control the heater, or an aspect of the output means, based on the signal from the sensor.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to perform one or more control actions in response to the detection of (i) the receipt of consumable in the cavity of the device, and/or (ii) inhalation through the consumable by the user and differentiate between the insertion of consumable in the cavity and inhalation by the user. The device may therefore be able to operate the device more efficiently.

The device may comprise a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g. via Bluetooth (e.g. a Bluetooth low-energy connection) or Wi-Fi) with an external device. Similarly, the input connection may be configured for wired connection to an external device so as to provide communication between the device and the external device.

The external device may be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smart phone, tablet, smart watch, or smart car. An application (e.g. app) may be installed on the external device (e.g. mobile device). The application may facilitate communication between the device and the external device via the wired or wireless connection.

The wireless or wired interface may be configured to transfer signals between the external device and the controller of the device. In this respect, the controller may control an aspect of the device in response to a signal received from an external device. Alternatively or additionally, an external device may respond to a signal received from the device (e.g. from the controller of the device).

There is provided a system (e.g. a smoking substitute system) comprising a device according to the first aspect and an aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate at an upstream end of the aerosol-forming article. The article may be in the form of a smoking substitute article, e.g. heated tobacco (HT) consumable (also known as a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable).

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e. with the downstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outlet where the aerosol exits the consumable for inhalation by the user. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end to the downstream end.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of the article/consumable.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include the group consisting of: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine and cathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plant material may comprise least one plant material selected from the list including Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica (Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce Opium), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sida acuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The plant material may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additives selected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and binders.

The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between <NUM> and <NUM> e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> and <NUM> e.g. around <NUM>. It may have an axial length of between <NUM> and <NUM> e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM> such as around <NUM> or <NUM>.

The article/consumable may comprise at least one filter element. There may be a terminal filter element at the downstream/mouth end of the article/consumable.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g. the terminal filter element) may be comprised of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow. The at least one filter element (e.g. the terminal filter element) may be comprised of activated charcoal. The at least one filter element (e.g. the terminal element) may be comprised of paper. The or each filter element may be at least partly (e.g. entirely) circumscribed with a plug wrap e.g. a paper plug wrap.

The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of the article/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming the article/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g. a tipping paper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than the axial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping paper completely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrapping layer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.

In some embodiments, the article/consumable may comprise an aerosol-cooling element which is adapted to cool the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) before being inhaled by the user.

The article/consumable may comprise a spacer element that defines a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the consumable. The spacer element may comprise a cardboard tube. The spacer element may be circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

There is provided a method of using the system, the method comprising inserting the consumable into the device; and heating the article using the heater of the device.

In some embodiments the method may comprise inserting the article into a cavity within a body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element of the device upon insertion of the article.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method according to claim <NUM> for detecting the receipt of a consumable in a cavity of a smoking substitute device, comprising the detection of receipt of the consumable into the cavity by a sensor.

The detection comprises detection of a differential pressure created due to insertion of the consumable into the cavity.

The method further comprises detecting an inhalation through the consumable by the user by determining change in pressure caused by the inhalation.

The method comprises detecting a first pressure difference created due to insertion of consumable into the cavity and a second pressure difference created due to inhalation through the consumable by the user, wherein the first pressure difference is different from the second pressure difference.

Optionally, the method comprises detecting withdrawal of the consumable from the cavity of the device based on determination of third pressure difference created due to withdrawal of the consumable from the cavity.

Conveniently, the method comprises activating a function of the device upon detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity.

Optionally, the method comprises performing control action selected from one or more of (a) switching from child safety mode (CSM) to normal mode, (b) increasing the power of heater, and (c) indicating battery charging status, in response to detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity.

<FIG> is a schematic providing a general overview of a smoking substitute system <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes a substitute smoking device <NUM> and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable <NUM>, which comprises an aerosol former <NUM>. The system is configured to vaporise the aerosol former by heating the aerosol former <NUM> (so as to form a vapour/aerosol for inhalation by a user).

In the illustrated system, the heater <NUM> forms part of the consumable <NUM> and is configured to heat the aerosol former <NUM>. In this variation, the heater <NUM> is electrically connectable to the power source <NUM>, for example, when the consumable <NUM> is engaged with the device <NUM>. Heat from the heater <NUM> vaporises the aerosol former <NUM> to produce a vapour. The vapour subsequently condenses to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

The system <NUM> further comprises a power source <NUM> that forms part of the device <NUM>. In other embodiments the power source <NUM> may be external to (but connectable to) the device <NUM>. The power source <NUM> is electrically connectable to the heater <NUM> such that the power source <NUM> is able to supply power to the heater <NUM> (i.e. for the purpose of heating the aerosol former <NUM>). Thus, control of the electrical connection of the power source <NUM> to the heater <NUM> provides control of the state of the heater <NUM>. The power source <NUM> may be a power store, for example a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium ion battery).

The system <NUM> further comprises an I/O module comprising a connector <NUM> (e.g. in the form of a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The connector <NUM> is configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, e.g. a mains electrical supply outlet. The connector <NUM> may be used in substitution for the power source <NUM>. That is the connector <NUM> may be electrically connectable to the heater <NUM> so as to supply electricity to the heater <NUM>. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead comprise the connector <NUM> and an external source of electrical power (to which the connector <NUM> provides electrical connection).

In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> may be used to charge and recharge the power source <NUM> where the power source <NUM> includes a rechargeable battery.

The system <NUM> also comprises a user interface (UI) <NUM>. Although not shown, the UI <NUM> may include input means to receive commands from a user. The input means of the UI <NUM> allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system <NUM>. The input means may, for example, be in the form of a button, touchscreen, switch, microphone, etc..

The UI <NUM> also comprises output means to convey information to the user. The output means may, for example, comprise lights (e.g. LEDs), a display screen, speaker, vibration generator, etc..

The system <NUM> further comprises a controller <NUM> and a memory <NUM> operatively coupled to the controller <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> is a component of the device <NUM>, but in other embodiments may be separate from (but connectable to) the device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to detect, with the help of a sensor, the presence of a consumable <NUM> within a cavity (not shown) of the device <NUM>. Further, the memory stores controller-executable instructions that causes the controller <NUM> to perform one or more functions. The controller <NUM> is configured to control the operation of the heater <NUM> and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source <NUM> to the heater <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to toggle the supply of power to the heater <NUM> between an on state, in which the full output voltage of the power source <NUM> is applied to the heater <NUM>, and an off state, in which the no voltage is applied to the heater <NUM>.

Although not shown, the system <NUM> may also comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power source <NUM> to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater <NUM>.

In addition to being connected to the heater <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is operatively connected to the UI <NUM>. Thus, the controller <NUM> may receive an input signal from the input means of the UI <NUM>. Similarly, the controller <NUM> may transmit output signals to the UI <NUM>. In response, the output means of the UI <NUM> may convey information, based on the output signals, to a user.

Further, the system <NUM> also comprises a sensor <NUM> coupled with the controller <NUM> within the smoking substitute device <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> may be for example a pressure sensor or a microphone. In particular, the sensor <NUM> may be mounted inside the cavity (not shown) of the smoking substitute device <NUM> and operatively connected to the controller <NUM>. A pressure differential is established across the pressure sensor as a consumable is inserted into the cavity. The sensor detects this differential and communicates with the controller, which responds by activating the heater. The same sensor <NUM> also detects a pressure differential when the user inhales through the consumable, this pressure differential being in the opposite direction to the differential set up during insertion of the consumable. In this embodiment, the sensor communicates with the controller, which increases the power supplied to the heater for a short period when inhalation by the user is detected.

<FIG> is a schematic showing a variation of the system <NUM> of <FIG>. In the system <NUM>' of <FIG>, the heater <NUM> forms part of the device <NUM>, rather than the consumable <NUM>. In this variation, the heater <NUM> is electrically connected to the power source <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a heated-tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system <NUM>. The system <NUM> is an example of the systems <NUM>, <NUM>' described in relation to <FIG> or <FIG>. System <NUM> includes an HT device <NUM> and an HT consumable <NUM>. The description of <FIG> and <FIG> above is applicable to the system <NUM> of <FIG>, and will thus not be repeated.

The device <NUM> and the consumable <NUM> are configured such that the consumable <NUM> can be engaged with the device <NUM>. <FIG> shows the device <NUM> and the consumable <NUM> in an engaged state, whilst <FIG> shows the device <NUM> and the consumable <NUM> in a disengaged state.

The device <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and cap <NUM>. In use the cap <NUM> is engaged at an end of the body <NUM>. Although not apparent from the figures, the cap <NUM> is moveable relative to the body <NUM>. In particular, the cap <NUM> is slideable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises an output means (forming part of the UI of the device <NUM>) in the form of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) <NUM> arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device <NUM> and on an outer surface of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM>. A button <NUM> is also arranged on an outer surface of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM> and is axially spaced (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) from the plurality of LEDs <NUM>.

<FIG> show a detailed section view of the consumable of <NUM> of the system <NUM>. The consumable <NUM> generally resembles a cigarette. In that respect, the consumable <NUM> has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of <NUM> and an axial length of <NUM>. The consumable <NUM> comprises an aerosol forming substrate <NUM>, a terminal filter element <NUM>, an upstream filter element <NUM> and a spacer element <NUM>. In other embodiments, the consumable may further comprise a cooling element. A cooling element may exchange heat with vapour that is formed by the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> in order to cool the vapour so as to facilitate condensation of the vapour.

The aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> is substantially cylindrical and is located at an upstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM>, and comprises the aerosol former of the system <NUM>. In that respect, the aerosol forming substrate <NUM> is configured to be heated by the device <NUM> to release a vapour. The released vapour is subsequently entrained in an airflow flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>. The airflow is produced by the action of the user drawing on a downstream <NUM> (i.e. terminal or mouth end) of the consumable <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate <NUM> comprises tobacco material that may, for example, include any suitable parts of the tobacco plant (e.g. leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers). The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol forming substrate <NUM> comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> may further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g. propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine), flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and/or binders.

The terminal filter element <NUM> is also substantially cylindrical, and is located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate <NUM> at the downstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM>. The terminal filter element <NUM> is in the form of a hollow bore filter element having a bore <NUM> (e.g. for airflow) formed therethrough. The diameter of the bore <NUM> is <NUM>. The terminal filter element <NUM> is formed of a porous (e.g. monoacetate) filter material. As set forth above, the downstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM> (i.e. where the terminal filter <NUM> is located) forms a mouthpiece portion of the consumable <NUM> upon which the user draws. Airflow is drawn from the upstream end <NUM>, thorough the components of the consumable <NUM>, and out of the downstream end <NUM>. The airflow is driven by the user drawing on the downstream end <NUM> (i.e. the mouthpiece portion) of the consumable <NUM>.

The upstream filter element <NUM> is located axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>, between the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> and the terminal filter element <NUM>. Like the terminal filter <NUM>, the upstream filter element <NUM> is in the form of a hollow bore filter element, such that it has a bore <NUM> extending axially therethrough. In this way, the upstream filter <NUM> may act as an airflow restrictor. The upstream filter element <NUM> is formed of a porous (e.g. monoacetate) filter material. The bore <NUM> of the upstream filter element <NUM> has a larger diameter (<NUM>) than the terminal filter element <NUM>.

The spacer <NUM> is in the form of a cardboard tube, which defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element <NUM> and the terminal filter element <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> acts to allow both cooling and mixing of the vapour/aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>. The spacer has an external diameter of <NUM> and an axial length of <NUM>.

Although not apparent from the figure, the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>, upstream filter <NUM> and spacer <NUM> are circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer. The terminal filter <NUM> is circumscribed by a tipping layer that also circumscribes a portion of the paper wrapping layer (so as to connect the terminal filter <NUM> to the remaining components of the consumable <NUM>). The upstream filter <NUM> and terminal filter <NUM> are circumscribed by further wrapping layers in the form of plug wraps.

Returning now to the device <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a detailed view of the end of the device <NUM> that is configured to engage with the consumable <NUM>. The cap <NUM> of the device <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> to an internal cavity <NUM> (more apparent from <FIG>) defined by the cap <NUM>. The opening <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> are formed so as to receive at least a portion of the consumable <NUM>. Precisely, the cavity <NUM> is configured for receiving the consumable <NUM>. During engagement of the consumable <NUM> with the device <NUM>, a portion of the consumable <NUM> is received through the opening <NUM> and into the cavity <NUM>. After engagement (see <FIG>), the downstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM> protrudes from the opening <NUM> and thus also protrudes from the device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> includes laterally disposed notches <NUM>. When a consumable <NUM> is received in the opening <NUM>, these notches <NUM> remain open and could, for example, be used for retaining a cover in order to cover the end of the device <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross section through a central longitudinal plane through the device <NUM>. The device <NUM> is shown with the consumable <NUM> engaged therewith.

The device <NUM> comprises a heater <NUM> comprising heating element <NUM>. The heater <NUM> forms part of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM> and is rigidly mounted to the body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater <NUM> is a rod heater with a heating element <NUM> having a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (e.g. heating element with a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (e.g. heating element with a tubular form).

The heating element <NUM> of the heater <NUM> projects from an internal base of the cavity <NUM> along a longitudinal axis towards the opening <NUM>. As is apparent from the figure, the length (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) of the heating element is less than a depth of the cavity <NUM>. In this way, the heating element <NUM> does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening <NUM>.

When the consumable <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM> (as is shown in <FIG>), the heating element <NUM> penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> of the consumable <NUM>. In particular, the heating element <NUM> extends for nearly the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> when inserted therein. Thus, when the heater <NUM> is activated, heat is transferred radially from an outer circumferential surface the heating element <NUM> to the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further comprises an electronics cavity <NUM>. A power source, in the form of a rechargeable battery <NUM> (a lithium ion battery), is located in electronics cavity <NUM>.

The device <NUM> includes a connector (i.e. forming part of an IO module of the device <NUM>) in the form of a USB port <NUM>. The connector may alternatively be, for example, a micro-USB port or a USB-C port for examples. The USB port <NUM> may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery <NUM>.

The device <NUM> includes a controller (not shown) located in the electronics cavity <NUM>. The controller comprises a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port <NUM> is also connected to the controller <NUM> (i.e. connected to the PCB and microcontroller).

The sensor <NUM> is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>. According to the invention, the sensor <NUM> is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> based on determination of differential pressure generated during the insertion of the consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>. Such determination of differential pressure may be accomplished by the pressure sensor <NUM> mounted inside the cavity <NUM>. Precisely, the pressure differential created inside the cavity <NUM> across the pressure sensor <NUM> during the insertion of consumable <NUM> is detected by the pressure sensor <NUM> and is passed to the controller <NUM>. In another exemplary embodiment, the device <NUM> may further include a microphone (not shown) mounted within the cavity <NUM> for detecting insertion of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>. The microphone (not shown) is configured to detect the insertion of consumable <NUM> inside the cavity <NUM> by measuring the sound signals generated during the insertion of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> of the device <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM> is further configured to differentiate between the insertion of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> and inhalation through the consumable by user. It is well appreciated by the skilled person that both (i) insertion of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> and (ii) inhalation by the user, create a pressure differential across the pressure sensor inside the cavity <NUM>. To differentiate insertion of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> from inhalation by the user, the sensor <NUM> is able to detect the pressure differentials set up by both insertion of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> and inhalation through the consumable by the user. The pressure differential set up when inserting a consumable is in the opposite direction to the differential set up when the user puffs on the consumable, allowing the controller <NUM> to distinguish the two scenarios when it receives the signal from the sensor <NUM>.

For example, if the insertion of the consumable <NUM> inside the cavity <NUM> creates a positive pressure differential, then the inhalation of puff by the user creates a negative pressure differential. Therefore, the first pressure differential and the second pressure differential may be considered to have opposite polarity.

In another illustrative embodiment, the sensor <NUM> or a further sensor (not shown) may be configured to detect the withdrawal of consumable <NUM> from the cavity <NUM>. To detect the withdrawal of consumable <NUM> from the cavity <NUM>, the device <NUM> may use the pressure sensor <NUM> to detect a third pressure differential created, inside the cavity <NUM>, due the withdrawal of the consumable <NUM> from the cavity <NUM>. In one aspect, to differentiate between the first, the second and the third pressure differentials created due to insertion of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>, puff inhalations drawn by user and withdrawal of consumable <NUM> from the cavity <NUM> respectively, the controller may utilize a reference pressure value stored in the memory (not shown).

The controller <NUM> is configured to control at least one function/control action of the device <NUM>. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to perform, in response to detecting the receipt of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>, at least one of the following control actions: switch the device <NUM> from child safety mode (CSM) to normal mode, increase the power supplied to the heater, indicate battery charge status, etc. Further, the controller <NUM> is configured to control the operation of the heater <NUM>. Such control of the operation of the heater <NUM> may be accomplished by the controller toggling the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery <NUM> to the heater <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> is configured to control the heater <NUM> in response to a user depressing the button <NUM>. Depressing the button <NUM> may cause the controller to allow a voltage (from the rechargeable battery <NUM>) to be applied to the heater <NUM> (so as to cause the heating element <NUM> to be heated). In addition, the controller (not shown) is configured to activate the heater <NUM> upon detecting the receipt of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>.

The controller is also configured to control the LEDs <NUM> in response to (e.g. a detected) a condition of the device <NUM> or the consumable <NUM>. In one example, the controller may control the LEDs to indicate whether the device <NUM> is in an on state or an off state (e.g. one or more of the LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state). In another example, the controller may control the LEDs <NUM> to indicate the charge status of the device <NUM> upon detecting the receipt of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises a further input means (i.e. in addition to the button <NUM>) in the form of a puff sensor <NUM>. The puff sensor <NUM> is configured to detect a user drawing (i.e. inhaling) at the downstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM>. The puff sensor <NUM> may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor, flowmeter or a microphone. The puff sensor <NUM> is operatively connected to the controller <NUM> in the electronics cavity <NUM>, such that a signal from the puff sensor <NUM>, indicative of a puff state (i.e. drawing or not drawing), forms an input to the controller <NUM> (and can thus be responded to by the controller <NUM>). It is to be noted that the sensor <NUM> denoted in <FIG> and puff sensor <NUM> denoted in <FIG> are same and may be used interchangeably.

<FIG> illustrates flowchart of method of detecting the receipt of a consumable in the cavity.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the method <NUM> includes one or more blocks implemented by the controller <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The method <NUM> may be described in the general context of controller executable instructions. Generally, controller executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The order in which the method <NUM> is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method <NUM>. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method <NUM> without departing from the scope of the subject-matter described herein. Furthermore, the method <NUM> can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At bock <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> detects a pressure differential in the cavity <NUM> of the device <NUM>. A pressure differential across the sensor may arise due to, e.g. insertion of the consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>, or inhalation through the consumableby a user. The pressure differential measured by the sensor <NUM> is passed to the controller <NUM> for further processing.

At block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> determines whether the pressure differential detected at step <NUM> is in a first direction/sense ("positive") or in a second direction/sense ("negative"). In one exemplary embodiment, a positive differential may be created, in the cavity <NUM>, due to the insertion of a consumable <NUM> into the cavity <NUM>. A negative pressure differential may be created due to the inhalation of at least one puff by the user.

At block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> determines that the pressure differential created inside the cavity <NUM> is positive. In response, at block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> confirms the receipt of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> of the device.

At block <NUM>, the controller determines that the pressure differential created inside the cavity <NUM> is negative. In response, at block <NUM> the controllers <NUM> confirms that at least one puff is inhaled by the user.

Although not depicted in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> is configured to perform, in response to detecting the receipt of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>, at least one of the following control actions: switching the device <NUM> from the child safety mode (CSM) to normal mode, increasing power of the heater, indicating battery charge status, etc. Further the controller <NUM> is also configured for activating the heater <NUM> upon detecting the receipt of consumable <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>.

Although not explicitly mentioned in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> is configured to detect the withdrawal of consumable <NUM> from the cavity <NUM>. For detecting the withdrawal of consumable <NUM> from the cavity <NUM> the device <NUM> may use the same pressure sensor <NUM> to detect a third differential created, inside the cavity <NUM>, due the withdrawal of the consumable <NUM> from the cavity <NUM>.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claim 1:
A smoking substitute device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a cavity (<NUM>) for receiving a consumable (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect the receipt of the consumable (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the cavity (<NUM>),
characterised in that the sensor (<NUM>) is further configured to detect inhalation through the consumable (<NUM>, <NUM>) by the user, wherein the sensor (<NUM>) is configured to detect a first pressure differential created during insertion of the consumable (<NUM>, <NUM>) into the cavity (<NUM>) and a second pressure differential created due to inhalation through the consumable (<NUM>, <NUM>) by the user, wherein the first pressure differential is different from the second pressure differential.