Technical field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-delivery component (e.g. a smoking substitute
component), which may be a consumable for receipt in an aerosol-delivery device to
form an aerosol-delivery system (e.g. a smoking substitute system).
Background
[0002] The smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially
harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially
harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion
of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
[0003] 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 in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.
[0004] Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed
at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
[0005] Smoking substitute systems, which may also be known as electronic nicotine delivery
systems, may comprise electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of
smoking by producing an aerosol, also referred to as a "vapour", which 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.
[0006] 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 tobacco products.
[0007] 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. Some smoking substitute systems are designed to
resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at
one end. Other smoking substitute systems do not generally resemble a cigarette (for
example, the smoking substitute device may have a generally box-like form).
[0008] There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising
a different smoking substitute approach. A smoking substitute approach corresponds
to the manner in which the substitute system operates for a user.
[0009] One approach for a smoking substitute system is the so-called "vaping" approach,
in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as "e-liquid",
is heated by a heater to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user. An
e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or flavourings.
The resulting vapour therefore typically contains nicotine and/or flavourings. The
base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
[0010] A typical vaping smoking substitute system includes a mouthpiece, a power source
(typically a battery), a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid, as well
as a heater. In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heater,
which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapour") which is inhaled by a
user through the mouthpiece.
[0011] Vaping smoking substitute systems can be configured in a variety of ways. For example,
there are "closed system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a
heater and a sealed tank which is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to
be refilled by an end user. One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute
systems include a device which includes the power source, wherein the device is configured
to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable component including the
tank and the heater. In this way, when the tank of the consumable component has been
emptied, the device can be reused by connecting it to a new consumable component.
Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable,
and intended for one-use only.
[0012] There are also "open system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have
a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user, so the system can be used multiple
times.
[0013] An example vaping smoking substitute system is the myblu
™ e-cigarette. The myblu
™ e cigarette is a closed system which includes a device and a consumable component.
The device and consumable component are physically and electrically coupled together
by pushing the consumable component into the device. The device includes a rechargeable
battery. The consumable component includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains
e-liquid, as well as a vaporiser, which for this system is a heating filament coiled
around a portion of a wick which is partially immersed in the e-liquid. The system
is activated when a microprocessor on board the device detects a user inhaling through
the mouthpiece. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the
power source to the vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour
which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
[0014] Another example vaping smoking substitute system is the blu PRO
™ e-cigarette. The blu PRO
™ e cigarette is an open system which includes a device, a (refillable) tank, and a
mouthpiece. The device and tank are physically and electrically coupled together by
screwing one to the other. The mouthpiece and refillable tank are physically coupled
together by screwing one into the other, and detaching the mouthpiece from the refillable
tank allows the tank to be refilled with e-liquid. The system is activated by a button
on the device. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the
power source to a vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour
which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
[0015] As the vapour passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from the location
of vaporization to an outlet of the consumable (e.g. a mouthpiece), the vapour cools
and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol may contain
nicotine and/or flavour compounds.
[0016] In aerosol delivery devices comprising a sealed tank containing a liquid aerosol
precursor e.g. an e-liquid or a flavoured aerosol precursor, it may be desirable to
provide a bleed port extending between an inside and an outside of the tank in order
to allow a bleed of air into the tank to avoid a vacuum build up as the volume of
liquid aerosol precursor within the tank reduces. Any reduction of pressure within
the tank may inhibit effective delivery of the liquid aerosol precursor for aerosolisation.
[0017] The provision of a bleed outlet may render the tank prone to leakage as the bleed
outlet provides a passage for the liquid aerosol precursor from the tank, especially
when the tank is in an inverted position where the liquid precursor may be in contact
with the bleed outlet.
[0018] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.
Summary
[0019] According to a first aspect there is a provided an aerosol-delivery component, comprising:
a tank for liquid aerosol precursor having a tank wall portion that defines a bleed
port; and
a valve having a moveable valve member configured to at least partially open the bleed
port in a first orientation of the component and configured to block the bleed port
in second orientation of the component.
[0020] By providing a bleed port in the tank wall portion, air is able to flow into the
tank to prevent any reduction of pressure within the tank during use as liquid aerosol
precursor is consumed in the first orientation of the component. By providing a valve
configured to close the bleed port in the second orientation of the component, leakage
of liquid aerosol precursor (e.g. e-liquid or liquid flavourant) from the tank is
reduced since the bleed port is blocked.
[0021] Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination
with any aspect.
[0022] The first orientation of the component may be a use orientation in which liquid precursor
is depleted through vaporisation. In the first orientation, liquid aerosol precursor
within the tank is not in contact with the tank wall portion defining the bleed port.
[0023] The first orientation may additionally be a substantially upright orientation of
the component.
[0024] The tank wall portion defining the bleed port may be in an upper wall of the tank
and the term "substantially upright" may define that the upper wall of the tank (with
the bleed port) is vertically uppermost relative to an opposing lower wall of the
tank.
[0025] The component may comprise a mouthpiece portion defining an air outlet and the term
"substantially upright" may define that the mouthpiece portion and air outlet are
vertically uppermost relative to the tank.
[0026] The upper wall of the tank may be proximal the mouthpiece.
[0027] The component may be an axially elongate component having a central elongate axis
and the terms "substantially upright" and "vertically uppermost" are intended to define
that the central elongate axis extending from the tank to the mouthpiece portion (and/or
from a lowerwall of the tank to the upper wall of the tank) is oriented so as to be
less than 90 degree, for example equal to or less than 80 or 70 degrees, such as equal
to or less than 60 or 50 degrees from the vertical. The central elongate axis (extending
from the tank to the mouthpiece/lower tank wall to upper tank wall) may be at an inversion
angle of about 45 degrees or less from the vertical e.g. the central elongate axis
of the component (extending from the tank to the mouthpiece/lower tank wall to upper
tank wall) may be substantially vertically oriented in the first/use orientation (an
at inversion angle of substantially 0 degrees).
[0028] The second orientation of the component may be a non-use orientation in which liquid
precursor is not depleted through vaporisation. In the second orientation of the component,
liquid aerosol precursor within the tank is in contact with at least part (e.g. a
lowermost portion) of the tank wall portion.
[0029] The second orientation may additionally or alternatively be a substantially inverted
orientation of the component.
[0030] The term "substantially inverted" may define that the mouthpiece portion and air
outlet are vertically lowermost relative to the tank and/or that the upper wall of
the tank (comprising the bleed port) is vertically lowermost relative to the lower
wall of the tank.
[0031] The terms "substantially inverted" and "vertically lowermost" are intended to define
that the central elongate axis extending from the tank to the mouthpiece portion is
oriented so as to be equal to or greater than 90 degrees, for example equal to or
greater than 100 or 110 degrees, such as equal to or greater than 120 or 130 degrees
from the vertical. The central elongate axis (extending from the tank to the mouthpiece/lower
tank wall to upper tank wall) may be at an inversion angle of about 135 degrees or
more from the vertical e.g. the central elongate axis of the component (extending
from the tank to the mouthpiece/lower tank wall to upper tank wall) may be substantially
vertically inverted in the second/non-use orientation (at an inversion angle of substantially
180 degrees).
[0032] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "substantially inverted" and "vertically lowermost"
are also intended to define that the central elongate axis extending from the mouthpiece
portion to the tank and from the upper tank wall to lower tank wall is oriented so
as to be equal to or less than 90 degrees, for example equal to or less than 80 or
70 degrees, such as equal to or less than 60 or 50 degrees from the vertical. The
central elongate axis (extending from the mouthpiece to the tank/upper tank wall to
lower tank wall) may be at an inversion angle of about 45 degrees or less from the
vertical e.g. the central elongate axis of the component (extending from the mouthpiece
to the tank/upper tank wall to lower tank wall) may be substantially vertically oriented
in the second/non-use orientation (at an inversion angle of substantially 0 degrees).
[0033] The tank wall portion defining the bleed port may be in an upper wall of the tank
i.e. proximal the mouthpiece portion.
[0034] The bleed port may be an aperture or channel extending through the tank wall portion.
It may open into a void within the component. The void may be defined within the mouthpiece
portion.
[0035] The component (e.g. the mouthpiece portion) may comprise a bleed inlet to allow bleed
of air into the void (and subsequently into the tank through the bleed port).
[0036] The bleed port will have a tank-side opening which will open into the tank and an
opposing-side e.g. a void-side opening which may open into the mouthpiece portion
e.g. into the void.
[0037] The valve has an open configuration in which the bleed port is at least partially
e.g. fully open i.e. the tank-side opening of the bleed port is at least partially
(e.g. fully) unobscured by the moveable valve member. The open configuration of the
valve corresponds to the first/use orientation of the component.
[0038] The valve has a closed configuration in which the bleed port is at least partially
e.g. fully blocked i.e. the tank-side opening is at least partially (e.g. fully) obscured
by the moveable valve member to form a liquid seal. The closed configuration of the
valve corresponds to the second/non-use orientation of the component.
[0039] The valve may comprise the movable valve member and a valve seat. The valve seat
may comprise a sealing element e.g. a compressible sealing element.
[0040] The valve seat may be provided on and/or defined by the tank wall portion. In some
embodiments, the valve seat may be provided as a separate component affixed to or
integrally formed with the wall portion. In other embodiments, the valve seat may
simply be provided by the wall portion at the periphery of the tank side opening of
the bleed port.
[0041] The valve seat may at least partially e.g. fully encircle the tank-side opening of
the bleed port.
[0042] The moveable valve member is formed of material that is non-buoyant in liquid aerosol
precursor e.g. a metal material such as stainless steel.
[0043] In some embodiments the movable valve member may be a ball (e.g. a stainless-steel
ball bearing) i.e. the valve may be a ball valve.
[0044] In other embodiments, the moveable member may be a pivotable flap.
[0045] The valve may further comprise a retaining member for retaining the moveable valve
member.
[0046] For example, for the ball valve, the valve may further comprise a valve cage for
retaining the moveable ball proximal the bleed port. The valve cage may have an open
end affixed to the tank wall portion and a cage portion provided within the tank.
The valve cage (portion) will be liquid permeable and may be formed of a meshed wire
or fabric material.
[0047] The retaining member may bias the moveable valve member towards bleed port (i.e.
towards the tank-side opening of the bleed port) as the component is moved from the
first to the second orientation. For example, the valve cage portion may comprise
tapered walls tapering from a narrower cage portion distal the bleed port to a wider
cage portion proximal the bleed port.
[0048] Where the moveable member is a flap, the retaining member may comprise a hinge portion
of the flap affixed (directly or indirectly) to the tank wall portion and an actuating
portion of the flap may be pivotable about the hinge portion to block or unblock the
tank-side opening of the bleed port.
[0049] The valve member may be actuated by gravity.
[0050] In the first orientation of the component and the open configuration of the valve,
the weight of the moveable valve member (e.g. the weight of the ball or actuating
portion of the flap) will cause it to fall away from the bleed port. The moveable
ball valve member will be seated within the valve cage portion. The moveable flap
valve member will remain secured to the wall portion at its pivoting portion.
[0051] The tank-side opening of the bleed port will be unobscured and thus air can enter
the tank through the bleed port.
[0052] As the component is inverted from its first/upright/use orientation towards its second/inverted/non-use
orientation, the weight of the liquid aerosol precursor that gradually exerts itself
on the movable member increases as the inversion angle of the central elongate axis
(from the tank to the mouthpiece portion) increases.
[0053] At inversion angle of about 90 degree or more the liquid aerosol precursor will contact
a lower part of the tank wall portion and weight of the moveable valve member and
liquid aerosol precursor is sufficient to cause the valve to close with the moveable
valve member moving to block the tank-side opening of the bleed port.
[0054] Once the component is fully inverted (at an inversion angle of 180 degrees) the full
weight of the moveable valve member and liquid aerosol precursor liquid will press
the moveable valve member securely against the valve seat to prevent leakage of the
liquid aerosol precursor.
[0055] The component comprises an airflow path that extends from an air inlet to the air
outlet in the mouthpiece portion. In this respect, a user may draw fluid (e.g. air)
into and along the airflow path by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece
portion).
[0056] The air flow path passes a vaporiser between the air inlet and the outlet. The vaporiser
may be housed in a vaporising chamber.
[0057] The airflow path may comprise a first portion extending from the air inlet towards
the vaporiser. A second portion of the airflow path passes through the vaporising
chamber and/or over/around the vaporiser to a conduit that extends to the outlet.
The conduit may extend along the axial centre of the component.
[0058] References to "downstream" in relation to the airflow path are intended to refer
to the direction towards the outlet/mouthpiece portion. Thus the second portion of
the airflow path is downstream of the first portion of the airflow path. Conversely,
references to "upstream" are intended to refer to the direction towards the air inlet.
Thus the first portion of the airflow path (and the air inlet) is upstream of the
second portion of the airflow path (and the outlet/mouthpiece portion).
[0059] The tank is for housing the liquid aerosol precursor. The liquid aerosol precursor
may comprise an e-liquid, for example, comprising a base liquid and e.g. nicotine.
The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
[0060] The conduit may extend through the tank with the conduit walls defining an inner
region of the tank. In this respect, the tank may surround at least a portion of the
conduit e.g. the tank may be annular.
[0061] The conduit may extend through the void within the mouthpiece portion to the air
outlet. The bleed inlet into the void may be provided through the conduit wall (downstream
of the tank).
[0062] The tank may be defined by one or more side walls (e.g. laterally opposed first and
second side walls) extending longitudinally from the mouthpiece portion.
[0063] The tank may further comprise opposing front and rear walls spaced by the laterally
opposed first and second side walls.
[0064] The tank walls may be integrally formed with the mouthpiece portion.
[0065] The distance between the first and second side walls may define a width of the tank.
The distance between the front and rear walls may define a depth of the tank. The
width of the tank may be greater than the depth of the tank.
[0066] The length of the tank/component housing may be greater than the width of the tank/component
housing. The depth of the tank/component housing may be smaller than each of the width
and the length.
[0067] The tank walls may be integrally formed and may additionally be integrally formed
with the mouthpiece portion. In that way, the component may be easily manufactured
using injection moulding.
[0068] The component housing may comprise a lower shell that at least partly forms the base
portion of the component. The lower shell may overlap the tank walls.
[0069] As discussed above, the air flow path passes over/around the vaporiser between the
air inlet and the outlet. The vaporiser may be disposed in the vaporising chamber.
The vaporising chamber may form part of the airflow path.
[0070] The vaporiser may comprise a heating element. Alternatively, the vaporiser may comprise
an ultrasonic or flow expansion unit, or an induction heating system.
[0071] The vaporiser may comprise a wick.
[0072] The wick may form the base of the tank so that the aerosol precursor may be in contact
with the wick. The wick may comprise one or more channels on its upper surface (facing
the tank), the channels being in fluid communication with the tank.
[0073] The wick may have a length and width defining its upper surface with a depth aligned
with the longitudinal axis of the component. Thus, the upper surface and opposing
lower surface of the wick may lie in respective planes that are perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of component and longitudinal to the first and third portions of
the airflow path.
[0074] The wick may comprise a porous material e.g. a ceramic material. A portion of the
wick e.g. at least a portion of the lower surface and/or at least a portion of at
least one side wall extending between the upper and lower surface (in a depth direction
of the wick) may be exposed to airflow in the second portion of the airflow path.
[0075] The heating element may be in the form of a heater track on the wick e.g. on the
lower surface of the wick.
[0076] In other embodiments, the wick may be a cylindrical, porous wick e.g. formed of cotton
or ceramic. It may be oriented so as to extend in the direction of the width dimension
of the component (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component). Thus,
the wick may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the
airflow path. Opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the tank and a central portion
(between the ends) may extend across the airflow path so as to be exposed to airflow.
Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the tank
to the exposed portion of the wick. The heating element may be in the form of a filament
wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick). The
filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick.
[0077] The heating element may be electrically connectable (or connected) to a power source.
Thus, in operation (i.e. in the use orientation), the power source may supply electricity
to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element.
This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so
as to form a vapour and become entrained in fluid flowing along the airflow path.
This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol in the airflow path (e.g. the
third portion of the airflow path).
[0078] In a second aspect there is provided an aerosol-delivery system (e.g. a smoking substitute
system) comprising a component according to the first aspect and an aerosol-delivery
(e.g. smoking substitute) device.
[0079] The component may be an aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) consumable i.e.
in some embodiments the component may be a consumable component for engagement with
the aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery
(e.g. s smoking substitute) system.
[0080] The device may be configured to receive the consumable component. For example the
device and the consumable component may be configured to be physically coupled together.
For example, the consumable component may be at least partially received in a recess
of the device, such that there is snap engagement between the device and the consumable
component. Alternatively, the device and the consumable component may be physically
coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
[0081] Thus, the consumable component may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging
with the device.
[0082] The device and consumable component may be coupled together by magnetic attraction.
For example, the device may comprise at least one magnet whilst the component may
comprise a magnet or ferrous metal plate/portion.
[0083] The consumable component may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with
a corresponding electrical interface of the device. One or both of the electrical
interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts. Thus, when the device is engaged
with the consumable component, the electrical interface may be configured to transfer
electrical power from the power source to a heating element of the consumable component.
The electrical interface may also be used to identify the consumable component from
a list of known types. The electrical interface may additionally or alternatively
be used to identify when the consumable component is connected to the device.
[0084] The device may alternatively or additionally be able to detect information about
the consumable component via an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader. This interface
may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of the consumable. In this
respect, the consumable component may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode
or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated
via the interface.
[0085] In other embodiments, the component may be integrally formed with the aerosol-delivery
(e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. s smoking substitute)
system.
[0086] In such embodiments, the aerosol former (e.g. e-liquid) may be replenished by re-filling
a tank that is integral with the device (rather than replacing the consumable). Access
to the tank (for re-filling of the e-liquid) may be provided via e.g. an opening to
the tank that is sealable with a closure (e.g. a cap).
[0087] Further features of the device are described below. These are applicable to both
the device for receiving a consumable component and to the device integral with the
component.
[0088] The device may comprise a power source e.g. a rechargeable battery. The device may
comprise a controller.
[0089] A memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller. The
memory may include non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which,
when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
The device may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate
wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth
®. To this end, the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth
® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi
®, are also possible. The wireless interface may also be configured to communicate
wirelessly with a remote server.
[0090] An airflow (i.e. puff) sensor may be provided that is configured to detect a puff
(i.e. inhalation from a user). The airflow sensor may be operatively connected to
the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative
of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing). The airflow sensor may, for example,
be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. The controller may control
power supply to a heating element in response to airflow detection by the sensor.
The control may be in the form of activation of the heating element in response to
a detected airflow. The airflow sensor may form part of the device.
[0091] In a third aspect there is provided a method of using the aerosol-delivery (e.g.
smoking substitute) consumable component according to the first aspect, the method
comprising engaging the consumable component with an aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking
substitute) device (as described above) having a power source so as to electrically
connect the power source to the consumable component (i.e. to the vaporiser of the
consumable component).
[0092] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described
except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0093] So that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments will
now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in
which:
- Fig. 1A is a front schematic view of a smoking substitute system;
- Fig. 1B is a front schematic view of a device of the system;
- Fig. 1C is a front schematic view of a component of the system;
- Fig. 2A is a schematic of the elements of the device;
- Fig. 2B is a schematic of the elements of the component;
- Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the component according to the first aspect in a first
orientation;
- Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the component according to the first aspect in a second
orientation;
- Fig. 5A is a schematic view of a ball valve in an open configuration;
- Fig. 5B is a schematic view of the ball valve of Fig. 5A in a closed configuration;
- Fig. 5C is another schematic view of the ball valve of Fig. 5A in a closed configuration;
- Fig. 6A is a schematic view of a pivotable flap valve in an open configuration; and
- Fig. 6B is a schematic view of the pivotable flap of Fig. 6A valve in a closed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0094] Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system 100. In this example,
the smoking substitute system 100 includes a device 102 and a component 104. The component
104 may alternatively be referred to as a "pod", "cartridge" or "cartomizer". It should
be appreciated that in other examples (i.e. open systems), the device may be integral
with the component. In such systems, a tank of the aerosol delivery system may be
accessible for refilling the device.
[0095] In this example, the smoking substitute system 100 is a closed system vaping system,
wherein the component 104 includes a sealed tank 106 and is intended for single-use
only. The component 104 is removably engageable with the device 102 (i.e. for removal
and replacement). Fig. 1A shows the smoking substitute system 100 with the device
102 physically coupled to the component 104, Fig. 1B shows the device 102 of the smoking
substitute system 100 without the component 104, and Fig. 1C shows the component 104
of the smoking substitute system 100 without the device 102.
[0096] The device 102 and the component 104 are configured to be physically coupled together
by pushing the component 104 into a cavity at an upper end 108 of the device 102,
such that there is an interference fit and/or a magnetic connection between the device
102 and the component 104. In other examples, the device 102 and the component may
be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
[0097] The component 104 includes a mouthpiece portion at an upper end 109 of the component
104, and one or more air inlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the mouthpiece
portion such that air can be drawn into and through the component 104 when a user
inhales through the mouthpiece portion. The tank 106 containing e-liquid is located
at the lower end 111 of the component 104.
[0098] The tank 106 includes a window 112, which allows the amount of e-liquid in the tank
106 to be visually assessed. The device 102 includes a slot 114 so that the window
112 of the component 104 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 106 is obscured from
view when the component 104 is inserted into the cavity at the upper end 108 of the
device 102.
[0099] The lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a light 116 (e.g. an LED) located
behind a small translucent cover. The light 116 may be configured to illuminate when
the smoking substitute system 100 is activated. Whilst not shown, the component 104
may identify itself to the device 102, via an electrical interface, RFID chip, or
barcode.
[0100] The lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a charging connection 115, which
is usable to charge a battery within the device 102. The charging connection 115 can
also be used to transfer data to and from the device, for example to update firmware
thereon.
[0101] Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings of the device 102 and component 104. As is
apparent from Fig. 2A, the device 102 includes a power source 118, a controller 120,
a memory 122, a wireless interface 124, an electrical interface 126, and, optionally,
one or more additional components 128.
[0102] The power source 118 is preferably a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery.
The controller 120 may include a microprocessor, for example. The memory 122 preferably
includes non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which, when implemented,
cause the controller 120 to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
[0103] The wireless interface 124 is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with
another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth
®. To this end, the wireless interface 124 could include a Bluetooth
® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi
®, are also possible. The wireless interface 124 may also be configured to communicate
wirelessly with a remote server.
[0104] The electrical interface 126 of the device 102 may include one or more electrical
contacts. The electrical interface 126 may be located in a base of the aperture in
the upper end 108 of the device 102. When the device 102 is physically coupled to
the component 104, the electrical interface 126 is configured to transfer electrical
power from the power source 118 to the component 104 (i.e. upon activation of the
smoking substitute system 100).
[0105] The electrical interface 126 may also be used to identify the component 104 from
a list of known components. For example, the component 104 may be a particular flavour
and/or have a certain concentration of nicotine (which may be identified by the electrical
interface 126). This can be indicated to the controller 120 of the device 102 when
the component 104 is connected to the device 102. Additionally, or alternatively,
there may be a separate communication interface provided in the device 102 and a corresponding
communication interface in the component 104 such that, when connected, the component
104 can identify itself to the device 102.
[0106] The additional components 128 of the device 102 may comprise the light 116 discussed
above.
[0107] The additional components 128 of the device 102 also comprises the charging connection
115 configured to receive power from the charging station (i.e. when the power source
118 is a rechargeable battery). This may be located at the lower end 110 of the device
102.
[0108] The additional components 128 of the device 102 may, if the power source 118 is a
rechargeable battery, include a battery charging control circuit, for controlling
the charging of the rechargeable battery. However, a battery charging control circuit
could equally be located in a charging station (if present).
[0109] The additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a sensor, such as an
airflow (i.e. puff) sensor for detecting airflow in the smoking substitute system
100, e.g. caused by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece portion 136 of the component
104. The smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when airflow
is detected by the airflow sensor. This sensor could alternatively be included in
the component 104. The airflow sensor can be used to determine, for example, how heavily
a user draws on the mouthpiece or how many times a user draws on the mouthpiece in
a particular time period.
[0110] The additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a user input, e.g. a
button. The smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when a
user interacts with the user input (e.g. presses the button). This provides an alternative
to the airflow sensor as a mechanism for activating the smoking substitute system
100.
[0111] As shown in Fig. 2B, the component 104 includes the tank 106, an electrical interface
130, a vaporiser 132, one or more air inlets 134, a mouthpiece portion 136, and one
or more additional components 138.
[0112] The electrical interface 130 of the component 104 may include one or more electrical
contacts. The electrical interface 126 of the device 102 and an electrical interface
130 of the component 104 are configured to contact each other and thereby electrically
couple the device 102 to the component 104 when the lower end 111 of the component
104 is inserted into the upper end 108 of the device 102 (as shown in Fig. 1A). In
this way, electrical energy (e.g. in the form of an electrical current) is able to
be supplied from the power source 118 in the device 102 to the vaporiser 132 in the
component 104.
[0113] The vaporiser 132 is configured to heat and vaporise e-liquid contained in the tank
106 using electrical energy supplied from the power source 118. As will be described
further below, the vaporiser 132 includes a heating filament and a wick. The wick
draws e-liquid from the tank 106 and the heating filament heats the e-liquid to vaporise
the e-liquid.
[0114] The one or more air inlets 134 are preferably configured to allow air to be drawn
into the smoking substitute system 100, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece
portion 136. When the component 104 is physically coupled to the device 102, the air
inlets 134 receive air, which flows to the air inlets 134 along a gap between the
device 102 and the lower end 111 of the component 104.
[0115] In operation, a user activates the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. through interaction
with a user input forming part of the device 102 or by inhaling through the mouthpiece
portion 136 as described above. Upon activation, the controller 120 may supply electrical
energy from the power source 118 to the vaporiser 132 (via electrical interfaces 126,
130), which may cause the vaporiser 132 to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 106 to
produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece portion 136.
[0116] An example of one of the one or more additional components 138 of the component 104
is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the component 104. As discussed above,
this interface may be, for example, an RFID reader, a barcode, a QR code reader, or
an electronic interface which is able to identify the component. The component 104
may, therefore include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory
within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the electronic interface
in the device 102.
[0117] It should be appreciated that the smoking substitute system 100 shown in figures
1A to 2B is just one exemplary implementation of a smoking substitute system. For
example, the system could otherwise be in the form of an entirely disposable (single-use)
system or an open system in which the tank is refillable (rather than replaceable).
[0118] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an example of the component 104 described above. The
component 104 comprises a tank 106 for storing e-liquid, a mouthpiece portion 136
and a conduit 140 extending along a longitudinal axis of the component 104. In the
illustrated embodiment the conduit 140 is in the form of a tube having a substantially
circular transverse cross-section (i.e. transverse to the longitudinal axis). The
tank 106 surrounds the conduit 140, such that the conduit 140 extends centrally through
the tank 106.
[0119] A component housing 142 defines an outer casing of the component 104. The component
housing 142 extends from a lower shell 158 at the lower end 111 of the component 104
to the mouthpiece portion 136 at the upper end 109 of the component 104. The component
housing may define a lip or shoulder which acts as a stop feature when the component
104 is inserted into the device 102 (i.e. by contact with an upper edge of the device
102).
[0120] The tank 106, the conduit 140 and the mouthpiece portion 136 are integrally formed
with each other so as to form a single unitary component and may e.g. be formed by
way of an injection moulding process. Such a component may be formed of a thermoplastic
material.
[0121] The mouthpiece portion 136 comprises a mouthpiece aperture 148 defining an outlet
of the conduit 140. A vaporiser 132 is downstream of the inlet 134 of the component
104 and is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 (i.e. outlet) by the conduit
140.
[0122] The vaporiser 132 comprises a porous ceramic wick and a heater track (not shown)
printed onto the bottom surface (facing the inlet 34) of the ceramic wick or the vaporiser
may comprise a cylindrical porous wick with a coiled heating filament.
[0123] The porous ceramic wick and heater track vaporiser 132 may form the base of the tank
106 so that the aerosol precursor is in contact with the wick and may move axially
into the wick.
[0124] Alternatively, the cylindrical wick and coiled heating filament may extend into opposing
lower portions 106a, 106b of the tank so that the aerosol precursor may move radially
into the wick.
[0125] The aerosol precursor is heated by the heater track (when activated e.g. by detection
of inhalation), which causes the aerosol precursor to be vaporised and to be entrained
in air flowing past the wick. This vaporised liquid may cool to form an aerosol in
the conduit 140, which may then be inhaled by a user.
[0126] The lower shell 158 of the component housing 142 has an opening that accommodates
the electrical interface 119 of the consumable component 102 comprising two electrical
contacts 136a, 136b that are electrically connected to the heater track. In this way,
when the consumable component 104 is engaged with the device 102, power can be supplied
from the power source 118 of the device to the heater track.
[0127] The component 104 is illustrated in fig. 3 in a first (upright/use) orientation with
the mouthpiece portion 136 and air outlet 148 being vertically uppermost relative
to the tank 106. A central axis of the component from the tank 106 to the mouthpiece
portion 136 is substantially vertical. The component 104 is illustrated in fig. 4
in a second (inverted/use) orientation with the mouthpiece portion 136 and air outlet
148 being vertically lowermost relative to the tank 106. The central axis of the component
from the mouthpiece portion 136 to the tank 106 is substantially vertical.
[0128] The tank 106 has a tank wall portion 460 located at an upper wall 462 of the tank
106. The tank wall portion 460 defines a bleed port 464 consisting of a channel that
extends through the tank wall portion 460. This bleed port 464 provides a route from
inside the tank 106 to a void 466 within the component 104, specifically, to a void
466 within the mouthpiece portion 136 of the component 404.
[0129] The component 104 also comprises a valve 468. The valve 468 includes a moveable valve
member (see figures 5A-C and 6A-C) that is configured to at least partially open the
bleed port 464 when the component 104 is in the first (substantially upright) orientation
as illustrated in Fig. 3 and to block the bleed port 464 when the component 104 is
in the second (substantially inverted) orientation as illustrated in Fig. 4.
[0130] The component 104 further includes a bleed inlet 470. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and
4, this bleed inlet 470 may be provided through the housing 142 of the mouthpiece
portion 136, however, the bleed inlet 470 may alternatively or additionally be provided
through the wall of the conduit 140 downstream of the tank 106.
[0131] Figs. 5A-5C are schematic views of an exemplary valve 568. The valve 568 consists
of a ball valve including a movable valve member 570 in the form of a stainless-steel
ball-bearing, and a valve cage 572 retaining the ball 570. The cage 572 includes an
open end 574 attached to the tank wall portion 460 and a cage portion 576 that extends
from the open end 574 and into the tank 106. The cage portion 576 is formed from a
liquid permeable material (e.g. a meshed wire, fabric, etc.), such that liquid (and/or
air) can flow through the cage portion 576.
[0132] The cage 572 has a depth that is greater than the diameter of the ball 570. Accordingly,
the ball 570 is able to move along the axis of the cage 572 as the orientation of
the component 104 (and thus valve) is changed.
[0133] Fig. 5A shows the ball valve 568 in the open configuration. The ball valve 568 is
configured to be in open configuration when the component 404 is in the first (upright)
orientation. In this open configuration, the weight of the ball 570 causes the ball
570 to rest at the lower end 582 of the cage 572 distal the bleed port 464. In the
open configuration, the bleed port 464 is unobstructed. Accordingly, air is able to
pass through the bleed port 464 and transfer from the void 466 into the tank 106 of
the component 104 to avoid a reduction of pressure within the tank 106 as liquid aerosol
precursor is depleted.
[0134] Fig. 5B shows the ball valve 568 in a closed configuration. The ball valve 568 is
configured to be in the closed configuration when the component 404 is in the second
(inverted) orientation. In this configuration, the (non-buoyant) ball 570 sinks within
the tank 106 and subsequently engages with a compressible sealing element 578 that
surrounds the bleed port 464, and thereby blocks and seals the bleed port 464. As
a result, liquid within the tank 106 is prevented from leaking out because of the
liquid seal formed between the ball 570 and the sealing element 578.
[0135] The valve cage portion 576 further comprises tapered walls 580 that taper from a
narrower cage portion 582 distal the bleed port 464 to a wider cage portion 584 proximal
the bleed port 464. These tapered walls 580 bias the ball 570 towards the sealing
element 578 / bleed port 464 when the component 104 is moved from the first (upright)
to the second (inverted) orientation.
[0136] For example, Fig. 5C shows the ball valve 568 when the component 404 is oriented
horizontally, i.e. such that the central elongate axis extending from the mouthpiece
portion 136 to the tank 106 and from the upper tank wall 462 to lower tank wall 463
is approximately 90 degrees from the vertical. Here, the tapered walls 580 promote
the non-buoyant ball 570 to roll along the cage 572 from the narrower cage portion
582 distal to the bleed port 464 to the wider cage 584 portion proximal to the bleed
port 464. Accordingly, in this substantially inverted orientation, the ball 570 engages
with the sealing element 578 and provides a liquid seal, thereby preventing liquid
leakage from the tank 106.
[0137] Figs. 6A and 6B are schematic views of another, namely, a pivotable flap valve 668.
The pivotable flap valve 668 comprises a flap 686 that is connected to the tank wall
portion 460 by a hinge 688. The hinge 688 enables the flap 686 to pivot between an
open and closed configuration. The open configuration (as shown in Fig. 6A) occurs
when the component 404 is orientated in the first (upright) orientation. Here, the
weight of the flap 686 causes the flap 686 to pivot open, which in turn results in
the bleed port 464 being exposed, and air being able to enter and leave the tank 106.
On the other hand, the closed configuration (as shown in Fig. 6B) occurs when the
component 404 is oriented in the second (inverted orientation). Here, the weight of
the (non-buoyant) flap 686 causes the flap 686 to sink in the tank liquid and cover/engage
with the sealing element 578 surrounding the bleed port 470. Resultantly, the bleed
port 470 is blocked and leakage of liquid from the tank is inhibited.
[0138] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, many equivalent modifications
and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure.
Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative
and not limiting.
[0139] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context
requires otherwise, the words "have", "comprise", and "include", and variations such
as "having", "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply
the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the
exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
[0140] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular
value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed,
another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular
value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent
"about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example,
+/- 10%.
[0141] The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the
invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be
appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same
or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore
does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended
to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of
the claims.