Patent ID: 12185752

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

As indicated above, non-combustible aerosol provision systems such as an ENDS device, may be produced with limited variations in form and/or function. In order to facilitate the ability of users to customize their own devices, in terms of form and/or function, some example embodiments may provide cases that may be configured to receive a device and add certain functions and/or aesthetic elements that may be customizable by the user. Such cases may give users freedom to improve or customize their devices without any need for device redesign or reconfiguration by the manufacturer. As such, for example, the costly process of evaluating design changes for marketability and/or compliance with regulatory regimes may be avoided, while still enabling users to satisfy their own respective desires for device improvement and/or customization.

Given that example embodiments may be employed in connection with upgrading and/or customizing of non-combustible aerosol provision systems such as ENDS devices, a general description of an example device will be provided since some aspects of the smart case described herein may be tailored to interface with such devices. In this regard,FIG.1illustrates a general block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol provision system that may be used in connection with an example embodiment. Meanwhile,FIG.2illustrates a schematic representation of a partially cutaway view of an aerosol generation device that may be used in connection with an example embodiment.

Referring first toFIG.1, a non-combustible aerosol provision system100may include a housing110inside which a power source120and control circuitry130may be housed. The housing110may further include an aerosol production assembly140and an aerosol precursor container150inside which an aerosol precursor material (e.g., aerosolisable material) may be stored or contained. The housing110may be a single structure, or may be formed from two or more portions that are may be removable with respect to each other. For example, in an open system, the housing110may be a single structure with the aerosol precursor container150being refillable. However, for a closed system, the housing110may include at least one portion inside which the aerosol precursor container150is located, and when the aerosol precursor material is exhausted, the portion inside which the aerosol precursor container150is located may be removed for replacement with a new or full aerosol precursor container150. In some examples with a removable portion inside which the aerosol precursor container150is located, the removable portion may be referred to as a cartridge.

The control circuitry130may be configured to detect or sense a puff event initiated by a user, and in response to detecting the puff event, the control circuitry130may actuate the aerosol production assembly140to transform the aerosol precursor material into an aerosol. The control circuitry130may therefore include a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and/or any other suitable devices that can be configured to detect the puff event. A mouthpiece152defining an opening154in the housing110may be associated with the aerosol precursor container150, and may be used by the user to initiate the puff event by inhaling at the mouthpiece152. Accordingly, in response to the detection of the puff event, the aerosol may be produced by the aerosol production assembly140and delivered orally to the user via the mouthpiece152.

The aerosol production assembly140may be configured to produce the aerosol from the aerosol precursor material using any suitable means. For example, the aerosol production assembly140may be embodied as a heat-not-burn device via which, for example, the aerosol is produced by exposing the aerosol precursor material to a heating element (e.g., an induction heater, conduction heater, dielectric heater, microwave heater, radiant heater, arc heater, electrical resistance heater, etc.). In such an example, the aerosol precursor material may be provided in a consumable that may be exposed to the aerosol production assembly140such that the heat thereof causes production of the aerosol from the aerosol precursor material. In some cases, the aerosol precursor material may include a substrate and/or a susceptor to facilitate the heating and aerosol release. Alternatively, in the case of a no-heat-no-burn device (e.g., nebulizer), the aerosol production assembly140may be embodied as or include a vibratable piezoelectric or piezomagnetic mesh. However, compressed gas, ultrasonic waves, surface acoustic waves, and other technologies may alternatively be employed. The nebulizer may be configured to break up the aerosol precursor material into an aerosol without heating the aerosol precursor material. In other words, heat generation may or may not be involved in the operation of the aerosol production assembly140. Moreover, in some cases, the aerosol production assembly140may include a combination of elements, which can include both a heating element and an additional element, such as a vibrating aerosol production component (e.g., a vibratable piezoceramic and/or other piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material) that cooperate to produce aerosol from an aerosol precursor material. Hybrid products may also be used. In this regard, hybrid products use a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. Some hybrid products are similar to vapor products except that the aerosol generated from a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) to pick up additional constituents before reaching the user. In some example implementations, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material, and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

The aerosol precursor material may be a solid, semi-solid, or liquid material. As such, the aerosol precursor container150may be configured to retain the aerosol precursor material in whatever form such material may take. In some cases, the aerosol precursor container150may be a reservoir configured to store liquid that is operably coupled to the aerosol production assembly140(e.g., directly or indirectly) for the generation of the aerosol as described above. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material may be provided in a substrate (e.g., coated or absorbed on/in the substrate) such that the aerosol precursor material may be integrated in, stored in, or deposited on the substrate prior to being used for generation of the aerosol.

The power source120may be a replaceable or rechargeable battery. Rechargeable batteries may be useful to avoid or limit production of waste materials, and to facilitate ease of operation. To facilitate recharging of the power source120, a charge interface122may be provided. The charge interface122may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port or other charge port into which a charger cord or other charging device may be plugged or inserted. The charge interface122may therefore form a penetration or opening in the housing110.

FIG.2is a cross-sectional view through one example non-combustible aerosol provision device200that may be implemented in connection with an example embodiment. The non-combustible aerosol provision device200is one more detailed example of the non-combustible aerosol provision system100ofFIG.1, and both may be considered to be examples of aerosol generation devices. The non-combustible aerosol provision device200ofFIG.2is a two-part device (i.e., a closed system), which includes a control unit210and a cartridge220. The cartridge220may be referred to as a consumable part (or replaceable/disposable part) and the control unit210may be referred to as a reusable part.

In normal use the control unit210and the cartridge220may be releasably coupled together at a coupling interface230. When the cartridge220is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge220(e.g., for a different flavor), the cartridge220may be removed from the control unit210and a replacement (i.e., a different or new instance of the cartridge220) may be attached to the control unit210in place of the original cartridge220. The coupling interface230may provide a structural, electrical and/or air path connection between the cartridge220and the control unit210, and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, which may include a screw thread, latch mechanism, or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and air path between the cartridge220and the control unit210as appropriate. The specific manner by which the cartridge220mechanically mounts to the control unit210is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a latching mechanism, for example with a portion of the cartridge220being received in a corresponding receptacle in the control unit210with cooperating latch engaging elements. It will also be appreciated the coupling interface230in some implementations may not support an electrical connection between the respective parts. For example, in some implementations a vaporiser may be provided in the control unit210rather than in the cartridge220.

The cartridge220may include a consumable housing222(e.g., as an example of the aerosol precursor container150ofFIG.1). The consumable housing222may be formed of a plastic, composite or metallic material. The consumable housing222may support other components of the cartridge220and provide support for a portion of the mechanical coupling interface230with the control unit210. The consumable housing222in this example is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge220couples to the control unit210. The consumable housing222of this example may have a length of about 4 cm and a diameter of around 1.5 cm. However, it will be appreciated the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shapes and materials used, may be different in different implementations.

A reservoir224may be provided within the consumable housing222to contain liquid aerosolisable material (e.g., the aerosol precursor material ofFIG.1). The aerosolisable material may be referred to as e-liquid in some examples. The liquid reservoir224in this example has an annular shape, though it will be appreciated that other shapes are within the scope of the disclosure, with an outer wall defined by the consumable housing222and an inner wall that defines an air path226through the cartridge220. The reservoir224is closed at each end with end walls to contain the e-liquid. The reservoir224may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques and may, for example, be formed of a plastic material integrally molded with the consumable housing222. The opening of the air path226at the end of the cartridge220provides a mouthpiece outlet228for the non-combustible aerosol provision system through which a user inhales aerosol generated by the non-combustible aerosol provision device200during use.

The cartridge220of this example may further include a wick250and a heater element260(e.g., a vaporiser) located proximate to an end of the reservoir224opposite to the mouthpiece outlet228. In this example the wick250extends transversely across the air path226with ends thereof extending into the reservoir224of e-liquid through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir224. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir224may be sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick250to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the reservoir224into the air path226without unduly compressing the wick250, which may be detrimental to fluid transfer performance.

The wick250and heater element260may be arranged in the air path226of the cartridge220such that a region of the air path226around the wick250and heater element260in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge220. E-liquid in the reservoir224infiltrates the wick250through the ends of the wick250that extend into the reservoir224and is drawn along the wick250by surface tension/capillary action (i.e. wicking). The heater element260in this example may be embodied as an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick250. In this example, the wick250may be a glass fibre bundle, but other configurations are also possible. In use, electrical power may be supplied to the heater element260to vaporise an amount of e-liquid (e.g., aerosolisable material) drawn to the vicinity of the heater element260by the wick250. Vaporised e-liquid may then become entrained in air drawn along the air path226from the vaporisation region to form a condensation aerosol that exits the system through the mouthpiece outlet228for user inhalation. Thus electrical power can be applied to the heater element260to selectively generate aerosol from the e-liquid in the cartridge220. When the device is in use and generating aerosol, the amount of power supplied to the heater element260may be varied, for example through pulse width and/or frequency modulation techniques, to control the temperature and/or rate of aerosol generation as desired.

The control unit210may include an outer housing212(e.g., as a portion of the housing110ofFIG.1) with an opening that defines an air inlet214for the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. The non-combustible aerosol provision device200may also include, within the outer housing212, a battery270for providing operating power for the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. The battery270may be operably coupled to control circuitry280configured for controlling and monitoring the operation of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. The battery270may be an example of the power source120, and the control circuitry280may be an example of the control circuitry130ofFIG.1.

The control circuitry280may be operably coupled to an inhalation sensor282(e.g., puff detector), which in this example comprises a pressure sensor located in a pressure sensor chamber284. The control circuitry280may also be operably coupled to a visual display286(which may be optional). The visual display286may include one or more lights configured to indicate various status conditions of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200based on light color, flash sequences, or other indications. Alternatively or additionally, the visual display286may be configured to display characters, images and/or the like via a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other display options. Thus, the visual display286may be provided to give a user a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. For example, the visual display286may provide information indicative of current power and/or temperature setting information, remaining battery power, and so forth. As an alternative (or in addition) to the visual display286, some example embodiments may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200such as, for example, using audio signalling or haptic feedback.

The control circuitry280may be configured to monitor the output from the inhalation sensor282to determine when a user is inhaling through the mouthpiece opening228of the cartridge220so that power can be automatically supplied to the heating element260to generate aerosol in response to user inhalation. In other implementations, as an alternative to automatic operation of the heating element260, a button288may be provided instead of the inhalation sensor282, and power may be supplied to the heating element260in response to a user manually activating the button288to trigger aerosol generation. Thus, the button288may also be entirely optional and omitted in some cases.

The outer housing212may be formed, for example, from a plastic or metallic material and may be shaped to have any desirable profile. In some examples, the outer housing212may be substantially cylindrical and therefore have a circular cross-section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge220so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the coupling interface230. In some examples, the control unit210may have a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200when the cartridge220and control unit210are operably coupled together is around 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it will be appreciated that the overall shape and scale of components may be changed in different example embodiments without altering the principles described herein.

The air inlet216connects to an air path216through the control unit210. The air path216of the control unit210in turn connects to the air path226of the cartridge220across the coupling interface230when the control unit210and cartridge220are operably coupled together. The pressure sensor chamber284containing the pressure sensor282may be in fluid communication with the air path216in the control unit210(i.e. the pressure sensor chamber284branches off from the air path216in the control unit210). Thus, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece opening228, there is a drop in pressure in the pressure sensor chamber284that may be detected by the pressure sensor282and also air is drawn in through the air inlet214, along the air path216of the control unit210, across the coupling interface230, through the aerosol generation region in the vicinity of the heating element260(where an aerosol generated from the aerosolisable material becomes entrained in the air flow when the heating element260is active), along the air path226of the cartridge220, and out through the mouthpiece opening228for user inhalation.

The battery270in this example is rechargeable and may be recharged via charging connector290. In this regard, the battery270may be recharged through an opening in the control unit outer housing212at which the charging connector290is formed, and to which a charging plug or other charging device may be operably coupled. The charging connector290may take any suitable configuration including, for example, a USB connector, other standard power connectors, or even proprietary charging connections.

The control circuitry280may be configured or programmed to control the operation of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200to provide various functions thereof. The control circuitry280may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units or circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200in accordance with the principles described herein and other conventional operating aspects of non-combustible aerosol provision devices200, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry280can be provided in various different ways such as, for example, using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and/or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s)/circuitry/chip(s)/chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.

In some cases, the non-combustible aerosol provision device200may have three basic operating states. However, additional or different operating states are also possible. The three basic operating states may include an “off” state, an “on” state, and a “standby” state. In the off state, the non-combustible aerosol provision device200may unable to generate aerosol (i.e. the control circuitry280may prevent supplying of power to the heating element260in the off state). The non-combustible aerosol provision device200may, for example, be placed in the off state between use sessions, for example, when the non-combustible aerosol provision device200might be set aside or placed in a user's pocket or bag. In the on (or active) state, the non-combustible aerosol provision device200may be enabled to actively generate aerosol (e.g., the control circuitry280may provide (or enable provision of) power to the heating element260). The non-combustible aerosol provision device200will thus typically be in the on state when a user is in the process of inhaling aerosol from the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. In the standby state the non-combustible aerosol provision system may be ready to generate aerosol (e.g., ready to apply power to the heater element260of the illustrated embodiment) in response to user activation, but may not currently be doing so. The non-combustible aerosol provision device200will typically be in the standby state when a user initially exits the off state to begin a session of use (e.g., when a user initially turns on the non-combustible aerosol provision device200), or between uses during an ongoing session of use (e.g., between puffs when the user is using the non-combustible aerosol provision device200). It is more common for examples of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200using liquid aerosolisable material to revert to the standby mode between puffs, whereas non-combustible aerosol provision devices200using solid aerosolisable material may more often remain on between puffs to seek to maintain the aerosolisable material at a desired temperature during a session of use comprising a series of puffs.

To generate an aerosol in the non-combustible aerosol provision device200, electrical power from the battery270is supplied to the heater element260under control of the control circuitry280. When the non-combustible aerosol provision device200is on, i.e. actively generating an aerosol, power may be supplied to the heater element260in a pulsed fashion, for example, using a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme to control the level of power being delivered. Thus, the power supplied to the heater element260during a period of aerosol generation may comprise an alternating sequence of on periods during which power is connected to the electric heater and off periods during power is not connected to the heater element260. The cycle period for the pulse width modulation (i.e. the duration of a neighbouring pair of an off and an on period) is in this example 0.020 s (20 ms) (i.e. the pulse width modulation frequency is 50 hertz). The proportion of each cycle period during which power is being supplied to the heater (i.e. the length of the on period) as a fraction of the cycle period is the so-called duty cycle for the pulse width modulation. In accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, the control circuitry of the non-combustible aerosol provision system may be configured to adjust the duty cycle for the pulse width modulation to vary the power supplied to the heater, for example to achieve a target level of average power or to achieve a target temperature.

As noted above, in order to avoid changes to the designs of aerosol generation devices themselves, it may be possible (and perhaps even desirable) to provide ways to improve the functionality and/or appearance of the devices via other methods. Some example embodiments may address this issue by providing a case that is reconfigurable in terms of either or both of aesthetic appearance and functional capabilities. The reconfigurable case may be provided to fully or partially enclose the aerosol generation device and add or improve certain functional capabilities to the aerosol generation device. The case may also or alternatively enable the user to change the look or aesthetic appearance of the case of the aerosol generation device. An example reconfigurable case is shown and will be described in reference toFIG.3.

In an example embodiment, a reconfigurable case300may be configured specifically for connection to the non-combustible aerosol provision device200in order to retain a sleek and appealing, and also user-selectable, appearance. However, the reconfigurable case300may further or alternatively be configured to provide additional functionality that enables enhanced charging and/or sanitation of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. As such, when connected together, the combination of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200and the reconfigurable case300may form an aesthetically and/or functionally improved or changed version of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200without otherwise conducting design changes thereof.

In some example embodiments, the reconfigurable case300may include a cap310and a housing320that is configured to receive and mate with or otherwise interface with the non-combustible aerosol provision device200in a way that securely attaches the respective devices together. In this regard, in some cases, the attachable accessory300may be constructed to include a sleeve portion322formed in the housing320. The sleeve portion322may have an internal diameter and/or shape that is configured to substantially match an external diameter and/or shape of the control unit210(or another portion of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200). In particular, a distal end of the control unit210(relative to the cartridge220) may be configured to slide into and be received inside the sleeve portion322as shown by arrow324inFIG.3. A diameter (or other cross sectional measurement for different shaped sleeves) of the sleeve portion322may taper slightly as it proceeds inwardly into the housing320such that the control unit210and the sleeve portion322may stay in contact with each other by friction responsive to insertion of the control unit210into the sleeve portion322. However, in alternative embodiments, other fixing methods (including latching mechanisms, catch members, complementary ridges/grooves, magnetic coupling and/or the like) may be employed. For example, the outer housing212of the control unit210may be metallic, or have a metallic portion or magnet thereon, and the sleeve portion322may include a magnet disposed to engage the control unit210(or the magnet or magnetic portion of the outer housing212of the control unit210).

The housing320and sleeve portion322may be configured to leave any desirable portions of the control unit210and/or the cartridge220exposed. In some cases, the housing320and the sleeve portion322may leave only at least a portion of the cartridge220exposed. Moreover, in some cases, only a mouthpiece of the cartridge220may remain exposed. By leaving the cartridge220(or at least a portion thereof) exposed (i.e., not surrounded by the sleeve portion322), the cartridge220may be replaceable without removing the control unit210from the sleeve portion322. Additionally or alternatively, the exposure of a mouthpiece portion of the cartridge220may permit use of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200even while inside the reconfigurable case300. Thus, for example, the sleeve portion322may extend along the control unit210as far as the coupling interface230(although the sleeve portion322may extend past the coupling interface230, or not as far as the coupling interface230in alternative embodiments). Moreover, to the extent the visual display286and/or button288are included on the control unit210, the sleeve portion322and the housing320may be configured to leave both the visual display286and/or button288exposed, or include a window or operable member through which the visual display286may be viewed and/or the button288may be operated. Accordingly, the reconfigurable case300may be attached to the control unit210without negatively inhibiting the functionality of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200in any way.

The cap310may be removable or repositionable relative to the housing320. In an example embodiment, at least the mouthpiece of the cartridge220(and in some cases all exposed portions of the cartridge220and perhaps also portions of the control unit210) may be covered by the cap310when the cap310is in a closed state. Meanwhile, when the cap310is in an open state (or open position), the cap310may be either removed or at least repositioned such that the mouthpiece of the cartridge220is exposed. Thus, the cap310may include a hollow portion312inside which the mouthpiece of the cartridge220(and sometimes all of the cartridge220) may fit when the cap310is in the closed state (or closed position).

When the cap310is in the closed state, the non-combustible aerosol provision device200may be fully enclosed within the reconfigurable case300. Moreover, the cap310may be retained on the housing320when the cap310is in the closed state either via a friction fitting, a latch mechanism or another retention strategy. For example, the cap310and/or the housing320may include complementary ridges and grooves to retain the cap310on the housing320in the closed state. Alternatively, the cap310may be held on the housing320via a hinge structure as described in greater detail below. The cap310may either be fully removed, or may be repositioned to expose the mouthpiece of the cartridge220to enable usage of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200by the user sucking or inhaling at the mouthpiece of the cartridge220. Accordingly, when the cap310is in the closed state, the mouthpiece of the cartridge220may be covered and protected from incursions by dust, debris, germs, etc. As such, the cap310may facilitate keeping a protected and sanitary mouthpiece until shifted to the open state for usage of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200.

As noted above, the battery270of the control unit210may be charged via the charging connector290. Accordingly, in some situations, the housing320may have an opening326disposed at a distal end (though it will be appreciated that opening326may be disposed in an alternative region of the housing in embodiments in which the charging connector290is disposed in an alternate location of the control unit210) of the housing320(relative to the cap310) to align with the charging connector290. The opening326may enable air to enter into the sleeve portion322(e.g., to allow the air to also enter the air inlet214of the control unit210). The opening326may also enable a charger or charging device to interface with the charging connector290(either directly or indirectly). Although, direct charging of the battery270may be possible via the opening326, in some cases, the opening326may instead interface directly with a power module330. The power module330may serve as a backup, reserve, or augmented power source for the battery270. Thus, for example, the power module330may be a rechargeable or replaceable battery. Moreover, in some cases, the power module330may be a Lithium ion battery or other battery that can provide significant power in a relatively small form factor. By providing the power module330as a separate power source relative to the battery270of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200, the non-combustible aerosol provision device200may be recharged or have enhanced operability between charges due to the extended power provided by the power module330.

Accordingly, for example, the power module330may be separate from the battery270(i.e., two respective separate battery packs or cells), and the power module330may provide an alternate source of power to the non-combustible aerosol provision device200, or a source of charging power for the battery270. In some cases, both the battery270and the power module330could be separately (and possibly even simultaneously) charged via the charging connector290and the opening326, via the power module330. In such a case, the opening326may be configured itself as a charge port.

In some examples, the power module330may power the non-combustible aerosol provision device200either directly or indirectly. In this regard, for direct powering, the power module330may provide power to the control circuitry280when the battery270is either dead or below a threshold level of charge. For indirect powering, the power module330may be configured to interface with the battery270to charge the battery270. For example, the power module330may include a charging interface334configured to mate with the charging connector290of the control unit210when the control unit210is inserted into the sleeve portion322. When the charging interface334is mated with the charging connector290, the power module330may be operably coupled to the battery270to enable the battery270to be charged from the power module330. Thus, for example, the power module330may be configured to supply a higher voltage than the battery270so that, when operably coupled to each other, the battery270may be charged.

In such an example, the control circuitry280operation may be unimpeded in that the control circuitry280may still only supply power to the heater element260responsive to detecting the puff event, and the power may be still supplied from the battery270. However, the battery270could be charged either simultaneously or at other (i.e., non-operational) times for the heater element260. Thus, in some cases, charging from the power module330to the battery270may only be possible when the non-combustible aerosol provision device200is not operating. In some cases, the power module330may only charge the battery270when the non-combustible aerosol provision device200in the off state. In other cases, charging from the power module330to the battery270may only be possible when the non-combustible aerosol provision device200is in the off state or the standby state. However, it is also possible, as noted above, for charging during the on state in some cases. In some cases, the power module330may be configured to receive information indicative of the state of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200, and control charging of the battery270(or provision of power directly to the control circuitry280) based on the information received. Thus, for example, charging could be stopped when the non-combustible aerosol provision device200is active and/or in the standby status.

In some examples, the ability to charge the battery270may be inhibited based on the position of the cap310. For example, when the cap310is in the closed state (indicating that the non-combustible aerosol provision device200is in the off state), the battery270may be charged via the power module330. However, when the cap is in the open state (indicating that the non-combustible aerosol provision device200is either idle or operating), the battery270may not be charged via the power module330. To facilitate control of charging based on position of the cap310, the reconfigurable case300may include a position sensor340configured to detect the state of the cap310. The position sensor340may be one example of position detection circuitry that may be used to detect the state of the cap310. Although such circuitry may include sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors, magnetic sensors, optical sensors (e.g., measuring changes in light levels based on cap position), etc.), the position detection circuitry could also or alternatively include other devices (e.g., switches, contacts, electrical circuits made or broken when the cap310is closed). The position sensor340of this example may communicate the detected state of the cap310(i.e., closed state or open state) to the power module330(or to the control circuitry280), and charging contacts enabling charging of the battery270from the power module330may be closed when the cap310is in the closed state, and opened when the cap310is in the open state.

Charging may also or alternatively be controlled based on detection of a puff from the user. For example, the position sensor340may be replaced by or otherwise further include a puff sensor, or other pressure/airflow sensor that is configured to detect airflow, pressure change, etc., which may correspond to a puff event (e.g., based on pressure drop and/or flow of air through the cap310and/or housing320) and disable charging during the puff event. As such, the position sensor340may represent the puff sensor when the puff sensor replaces the position sensor340, or the position sensor340may alternatively include the puff sensor. Charge interruption based on puff detection may provide an alternative way for the reconfigurable case300to detect the use state in addition to or in lieu of the sensing of the position of the cap310by the position sensor340.

Accordingly, as can be appreciated from the example ofFIG.3, the reconfigurable case300may be reconfigurable to provide battery270charging or augmentation, and to provide an ability to protect or otherwise maintain cleanliness of the mouthpiece of the cartridge220.FIG.4illustrates an example implementation for the reconfigurable case300ofFIG.3. In this regard, the reconfigurable case300is shown in a closed state400, in a transitional state410and in an open state420. In the closed state400, the housing320and the cap310are in contact with each other and a cap positioning assembly430of the reconfigurable case300is also in a closed state in which the cap310entirely covers an conceals a mouthpiece440of the cartridge220.

Referring to the transitional state410, it can be appreciated that the cap positioning assembly430may include a guide bar450, a guide slot460, and a hinge470. The guide bar450may be configured to slidably engage the guide slot460and therefore slide within the guide slot460to enable the cap310to be moved apart from the housing320due to motion of the guide bar450within the guide slot460in a direction away from the housing320. As the guide bar450slides in the guide slot460away from the housing320, the cap310may also be carried away from the housing320to expose the mouthpiece440. The hinge470may be configured to be non-operational (i.e., unable to fold) unless the cap310is separated from the housing320as shown in the transitional state410.

When in the transitional state410, the cap310may be clear of the housing320by sufficient distance to enable the cap310to be rotated or tilted by operation of the hinge470to the open state420. In some cases, when the hinge470is operated to rotate the cap310, the cap310may be out of the way of the cartridge220to enable removal of the cartridge220as shown in the open state420ofFIG.4. One or more switches, contacts, sensors, position detection circuitry or the like may be positioned at one or more locations on the housing320, the cap310and/or the cap positioning assembly430to act as the position sensor340ofFIG.3. For example, one or more sensors may detect the position of the hinge470to determine when the cap310is rotated to the open state. Alternatively, one or more sensors may detect a position of the guide bar450in the guide slot460. As an example, the position sensor340may detect any movement of the guide bar450in the guide slot460away from the housing320as the transitional state or the open state in which case charging of the battery270may be prevented. Similarly, any movement of the cap310away from the housing320or rotation of the cap310may be detected and may disable charging of the battery270as described above. Thus, for example, charging of the battery270(e.g., from the power module330or any other source) may be prevented, unless the cap310can be determined to be in the closed state400.

As noted above, reconfigurability may also be provided in terms of aesthetics instead of function.FIG.5illustrates a block diagram of a reconfigurable case500that includes this type of reconfigurability instead of the functional reconfigurability described above. The reconfigurable case ofFIG.5also includes a cap510and housing520, which may be the same or similar to the cap310and housing320described above in terms of operation and purpose. However, the cap510may include a receptacle512and/or the housing520may include a receptacle522. The receptacles512and522may be recessed portions formed in or relative to a surface513of the cap510and a surface523of the housing520, respectively, that are configured to receive respective inserts514and524.

The inserts514and524may include colors, designs, logos, words/phrases, etc., which may personalize or otherwise change the aesthetic appearance of the reconfigurable case500. In some cases, the receptacles512and522(and corresponding inserts514and524) may only be on one side of the reconfigurable case500. In such cases, the receptacles512and522may be provided on one of the sides that presents the largest amount of surface area on the outside of the cap510and housing520. However, in other examples, multiple instances of the receptacles512and522may be provided on opposing sides of the cap510and housing520(i.e., the opposing sides having the largest amount of surface area on the outside of the cap510and housing520). In still other examples, thin receptacles and correspondingly shaped inserts may also be provided on the sides with small amounts of surface area.

AlthoughFIG.5illustrates only one instance of each of the inserts514and524, it should be appreciated that numerous instances of either or both may be provided in some examples.FIG.6illustrates an example showing a physical expression of a reconfigurable case600according to an example embodiment that employs multiple instances of inserts. In this regard, the reconfigurable case600is an example of the reconfigurable case500except that the reconfigurable case600has multiple different optional and interchangeable inserts. In this regard, inserts614and624are each shown along with other optional inserts614′,614″,624′ and624″, which represent different colors or designs of each respective instance of insert. The inserts614and624may snap fit into the respective receptacles612and622. However, other means of retention (e.g., magnetism, adhesives, etc.) may be employed in other embodiments. As such, the inserts614and624(along with their other optional inserts614′,614″,624′ and624″) may act as reconfigurable skins or changeable design elements that the user can alter depending on his/her changing mood or desires. Sports teams, words of wisdom, names, or other expressions may also or alternatively be includes on the inserts.

It should also be appreciated that some embodiments may combine the features ofFIG.3with the features ofFIG.5to provide a reconfigurable case having both functional and aesthetic improvements implemented therein. Thus, for example, the reconfigurable case500may include any or all of the opening326, the power module330, the charging interface334, and the position sensor340interfacing with the housing520and cap510in the same manner described above in reference to interfacing with the housing320and cap310ofFIG.3. As such, a reconfigurable case (cap and/or housing) of example embodiments may be customizable by the user with fashionable inserts to change textures, finishes, patterns, colors, branding, etc. of the appearance of the reconfigurable case. Meanwhile, the reconfigurable case may also have extended battery life, and a cap to keep the mouthpiece clean. Further functional and/or aesthetic improvements may also be added to, or substituted for, those discussed above. For example, an attachment clip may be added to the reconfigurable case, as shown inFIG.7.

FIG.7, which is defined byFIGS.7A,7B,7C,7D and7E, shows various illustrations of another example instance of a reconfigurable case700. In this regard, the reconfigurable case700includes an attachment clip710provided on an exterior surface712thereof. Of note, the reconfigurable case700ofFIG.7is shown without any cap. However, it should be appreciated that a cap could also be included as described above. The reconfigurable case700of this example may otherwise be functionally (and structurally) identical to the reconfigurable case300ofFIG.3with the exception (in this example only) of the cap and components/functions associated therewith. Thus, the reconfigurable case700may include a housing720, which may include a sleeve portion configured to retain the non-combustible aerosol provision device200as described above in reference toFIG.3. The reconfigurable case700may also include a power module (e.g., similar to power module330) and therefore also include an opening726that is similar to the opening326ofFIG.3in form and function. The opening726may enable a charger or charging device (e.g., a stand, plug, cord, etc.) to interface with the charging connector290(either directly or indirectly) of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200to provide a source for charging the battery270of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200directly or via the power module.

As shown inFIGS.7A and7B, the reconfigurable case700may also include the attachment clip710, which may be operably coupled to the exterior surface712of the housing720. InFIG.7A, the attachment clip710is shown in alignment with a longitudinal centerline of each of the reconfigurable case700and the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. However, as shown inFIG.7B, the attachment clip710may be rotated (as shown by arrow740) to various different alignments or positions relative to the longitudinal centerline of each of the reconfigurable case700and the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. In this regard,FIG.7Billustrates the attachment clip710rotated to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of each of the reconfigurable case700and the non-combustible aerosol provision device200. However, it should be appreciated that the attachment clip710could be rotated to any other position between being parallel (or aligned with) the longitudinal centerline of each of the reconfigurable case700and the non-combustible aerosol provision device200and being perpendicular thereto. As such, the attachment clip710may be infinitely adjustable to positions that suit attachment of the reconfigurable case700to a number of different devices, structures, clothing articles, accessories, etc.

FIGS.7C,7D and7Eillustrate the reconfigurable case attached in numerous different contexts in order to show the flexibility provided by the attachment clip710for enabling the user to provide a convenient and temporary storage position for the reconfigurable case700. As noted above, the user may charge the battery270of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200, but also have convenient access to usage of the non-combustible aerosol provision device200based on attachment of the reconfigurable case700to objects via the attachment clip710. In this regard,FIG.7Cshows the reconfigurable case700attached to a pocket750of a clothing article. Meanwhile,FIG.7Dillustrates the reconfigurable case700attached to a strap760of an accessory770(e.g., a satchel), andFIG.7Eillustrates the reconfigurable case700attached to a pocket of an accessory780(e.g., a purse). In all cases, and in other examples not pictured, the flexibility of the attachment clip710for rotation and re-orientation may allow the reconfigurable case700to be placed in the most desirable orientation for ease of access by the user.

Accordingly, as can be appreciated from the examples above, a reconfigurable (e.g., in aesthetics and/or function) case for an aerosol generation device may be provided in accordance with an example embodiment. The case may include a housing, a power module and a cap. The housing may include a sleeve portion configured to receive a portion of the aerosol generation device to retain the portion of the aerosol generation device in the housing. The power module may be disposed in the housing and configured to directly or indirectly provide power to the aerosol generation device. The cap may be operably coupled to the housing to cover a mouthpiece of the aerosol generation device in a closed state and enable access to the mouthpiece in an open state.

The case may include a number of modifications, augmentations, or optional additions, some of which are described herein. The modifications, augmentations or optional additions listed below may be added in any desirable combination. Within this context, the case described above may be considered a first embodiment, and other embodiments may be defined by each respective combination of modifications, augmentations or optional additions. For example, a second embodiment may be defined in which the power module may be configured to enable provision of power to the aerosol generation device when the cap is in the closed state, and prevent provision of power to the aerosol generation device when the cap is in the open state. In an example embodiment, a third embodiment may be defined in which the case may include a position sensor (e.g., position detection circuitry) disposed at the housing, and the position sensor may be configured to detect the open state and the closed state to open charging contacts between the power module and the aerosol generation device in response to the cap being in the open state. The third embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one and two. In some examples, a fourth embodiment may be defined in which the cap may be operably coupled to the housing via a cap positioning assembly. The fourth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one to three. In an example embodiment, a fifth embodiment may be defined in which the cap positioning assembly may include a guide slot formed in the housing, guide bar configured to be slidably retained in the guide slot to enable movement of the cap toward and away from the housing, and a hinge operably coupling the cap to the guide bar. The cap may be configured to rotate about the hinge about 90 degrees to expose the mouthpiece for operation of the aerosol generation device. The fifth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one to four. In some examples, a sixth embodiment may be defined in which the housing may further include a charge port via which the power module is rechargeable from an external power source. The sixth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one to five. In an example embodiment, a seventh embodiment may be defined in which the aerosol generation device may be completely enclosed inside the case when the cap is in the closed state. The seventh embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one to six. In some examples, an eighth embodiment may be defined in which at least one of the housing and the cap (and sometimes both) may include a receptacle defined by a recessed portion formed in an external surface of the housing or cap, respectively, and a selected one of a plurality of inserts may be insertable into the receptacle by the user. The eighth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one to seven. In an example embodiment, a ninth embodiment may be defined in which the plurality of inserts may include different colors, patterns, logos, or textures to define respective different aesthetic changes for the case. The ninth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one to eight. In an example embodiment, a tenth embodiment may be defined in which the power module may be configured to enable provision of power to the aerosol generation device when the cap is in the closed state, and prevent provision of power to the aerosol generation device when the cap is in the open state. The tenth embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one to nine. In some examples, an eleventh embodiment may be defined in which the case may further include an attachment clip operably coupled to the housing. The attachment clip may be rotatable relative to the housing to user selectable positions between a first position in which the attachment clip is substantially aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the case, and a second position in which the attachment clip is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the case. The eleventh embodiment may be combined with any or all of embodiments one to ten.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.