SMOKING SUBSTITUTE SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a smoking substitute device, in particular to a heat not burn smoking substitute device. The smoking substitute device comprises a body having a cavity and for receiving of an aerosol-generating consumable, a closure moveable between a first position in which it covers the cavity and a second position in which the cavity is substantially uncovered, and a handle for moving the closure between the first and the second position.

Claims

1. A smoking substitute device comprising a body having a cavity and for receiving of an aerosol-generating consumable; a closure moveable between a first position in which it covers the cavity and a second position in which the cavity is substantially uncovered, and a handle for moving the closure between the first and the second position.

2. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the closure is movable between the first and the second position by a rotatory movement.

3. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises means to hold the closure in one or more of the first position and the second position.

4. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the means to hold the closure is at least one means out of the group consisting of a detent comprising a raised feature on a surface of the device body, a magnet or a spring.

5. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is provided with the handle external to the body of the device for allowing a user to move the closure between the first position and the second position.

6. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is a made of flexible material.

7. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a sensor for detecting a position of the closure; a heater for heating the consumable when received in the cavity; and a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor, indicative of a position of the closure, and to control the heater in response to the received signal.

8. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the sensor is configured to generate a signal upon detecting that the closure is in the first position, and wherein the controller deactivates the heater based on the received signal.

9. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure comprises biasing means which urge the closure into one or both of the first position and the second position.

10. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the biasing means comprises a magnet or spring.

11. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is interposed between an opening to the cavity and a rod heater, wherein the rod heater is disposed within the cavity along a longitudinal axis of the body.

12. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is at least one of a swiveling closure, a swinging closure, a sliding closure and a rotating closure.

13. A smoking substitute system, comprising a smoking substitute device according to at least one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating consumable.

14. A method of operating a smoking substitute device, the method comprising: determining a position of a closure for covering a cavity of the device into which an aerosol generating consumable is received in use; and controlling a heater of the device based on the determined position of the closure.

15. The method of the preceding claim, wherein controlling the heater of the device comprises: determining, by a sensor associated with the controller, the position of the closure, wherein the controller deactivates the heater based on a signal received from the sensor when the closure is in a first position where the closure covers a cavity in the device.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

[0120] So that the disclosure may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the disclosure will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0121] FIG. 1A is a schematic of a smoking substitute system;

[0122] FIG. 1B is a schematic of a variation of the smoking substitute system of FIG. 1A;

[0123] FIG. 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system with the consumable engaged with the device;

[0124] FIG. 2B is a front view of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system with the consumable disengaged from the device;

[0125] FIG. 2C is a section view of the consumable of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system;

[0126] FIG. 2D is a detailed view of an end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system;

[0127] FIG. 2E is a section view of the first embodiment of the substitute smoking system;

[0128] FIG. 3A to 3E illustrate schematic perspective views of an embodiment of the substitute smoking system according to the first aspect of the disclosure comprising a closure;

[0129] FIG. 4A is a detailed view of an embodiment of the smoking substitute device according to the second aspect of the disclosure with no consumable inserted in the device; and

[0130] FIG. 4B is a detailed view of the smoking substitute device of FIG. 4A, showing a consumable inserted in the device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0131] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0132] FIG. 1A is a schematic providing a general overview of a smoking substitute system 100. The system 100 includes a substitute smoking device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, which comprises an aerosol former 103. The system is configured to vaporise the aerosol former by heating the aerosol former 103 (so as to form a vapour/aerosol for inhalation by a user).

[0133] In the illustrated system, the heater 104 forms part of the consumable 102 and is configured to heat the aerosol former 103. In this variation, the heater 104 is electrically connectable to the power source 105, for example, when the consumable 102 is engaged with the device 101. Heat from the heater 104 vaporises the aerosol former 103 to produce a vapour. The vapour subsequently condenses to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

[0134] The system 100 further comprises a power source 105 that forms part of the device 101. In other embodiments the power source 105 may be external to (but connectable to) the device 101. The power source 105 is electrically connectable to the heater 104 such that it is able to supply power to the heater 104 (i.e., for the purpose of heating the aerosol former 103). Thus, control of the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 may be a power store, for example a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery).

[0135] The system 100 further comprises an I/O module comprising a connector 106 (e.g., in the form of a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, e.g., a mains electrical supply outlet. The connector 106 may be used in substitution for the power source 105. That is the connector 106 may be electrically connectable to the heater 104 so as to supply electricity to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead comprise the connector 106 and an external source of electrical power (to which the connector 106 provides electrical connection).

[0136] In some embodiments, the connector 106 may be used to charge and recharge the power source 105 where the power source 105 includes a rechargeable battery.

[0137] The system 100 also comprises a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include input means to receive commands from a user. The input means of the UI 107 allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input means may, for example, be in the form of a button, touchscreen, switch, microphone, etc.

[0138] The UI 107 also comprises output means to convey information to the user. The output means may, for example, comprise lights (e.g., LEDs), a display screen, speaker, vibration generator, etc.

[0139] The system 100 further comprises a controller 108 that is configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments may be separate from (but connectable to) the device 101. The controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104 and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source 105 to the heater 104. The controller 108 may be configured to toggle the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state, in which the full output voltage of the power source 105 is applied to the heater 104, and an off state, in which the no voltage is applied to the heater 104.

[0140] Although not shown, the system 100 may also comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power source 105 to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater 104.

[0141] In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 is operatively connected to the UI 107. Thus, the controller 108 may receive an input signal from the input means of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 may transmit output signals to the UI 107. In response, the output means of the UI 107 may convey information, based on the output signals, to a user. The controller also comprises a memory 109, which is a non-volatile memory. The memory 109 includes instructions, which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.

[0142] FIG. 1B is a schematic showing a variation of the system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the system 100′ of FIG. 1B, the heater 104 forms part of the consumable 102, rather than the device 101. In this variation, the heater 104 is electrically connectable to the power source 105, for example, when the consumable 102 is engaged with the device 101.

[0143] The systems 100, 100′ of FIGS. 1A and 1B may be implemented as one of two broad categories of system, each in accordance with the present disclosure: a heated tobacco (HT) system or an e-cigarette system. A description of each category of system follows.

[0144] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a heated-tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system 200. The system 200 is an example of the systems 100, 100′ described in relation to FIG. 1A or 1B. System 200 includes a heat-not burn (HNB) device 201 and an HT consumable 202. The description of FIGS. 1A and 1B above is applicable to the system 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and will thus not be repeated.

[0145] The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured such that the consumable 202 can be engaged with the device 201. FIG. 2A shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in an engaged state, whilst FIG. 2B shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in a disengaged state.

[0146] The device 201 comprises a body 209 and cap 210. In use the cap 210 is engaged at an end of the body 209. Although not apparent from the figures, the cap 210 is moveable relative to the body 209. In particular, the cap 210 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 209.

[0147] The device 201 comprises an output means (forming part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201. A button 212 is also arranged on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) from the plurality of LEDs 211.

[0148] FIG. 2C shows a detailed section view of the consumable of 202 of the system 200. The consumable 202 generally resembles a cigarette. In that respect, the consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 70 mm. The consumable 202 comprises an aerosol forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215 and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, the consumable may further comprise a cooling element. A cooling element may exchange heat with vapour that is formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 213 in order to cool the vapour so as to facilitate condensation of the vapour.

[0149] The aerosol-forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and is located at an upstream end 217 of the consumable 202, and comprises the aerosol former of the system 200. In that respect, the aerosol forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release a vapour. The released vapour is subsequently entrained in an airflow flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The airflow is produced by the action of the user drawing on a downstream 218 (i.e., terminal or mouth end) of the consumable 202.

[0150] In the present embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate 213 comprises tobacco material that may, for example, include any suitable parts of the tobacco plant (e.g., leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers). The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.

[0151] In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol forming substrate 213 comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 may further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g., propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine), flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and/or binders.

[0152] The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical, and is located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 213 at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The terminal filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element having a bore 219 (e.g., for airflow) formed therethrough. The diameter of the bore 219 is 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. As set forth above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (i.e., where the terminal filter 214 is located) forms a mouthpiece portion of the consumable 202 upon which the user draws. Airflow is drawn from the upstream end 217, thorough the components of the consumable 202, and out of the downstream end 218. The airflow is driven by the user drawing on the downstream end 218 (i.e., the mouthpiece portion) of the consumable 202.

[0153] The upstream filter element 215 is located axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 213, between the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter element 214. Like the terminal filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element, such that it has a bore 220 extending axially therethrough. In this way, the upstream filter 215 may act as an airflow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. The bore 220 of the upstream filter element 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the terminal filter element 214.

[0154] The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube, which defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 acts to allow both cooling and mixing of the vapour/aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The spacer has an external diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

[0155] Although not apparent from the figure, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, upstream filter 215 and spacer 216 are circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer. The terminal filter 214 is circumscribed by a tipping layer that also circumscribes a portion of the paper wrapping layer (so as to connect the terminal filter 214 to the remaining components of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and terminal filter 214 are circumscribed by further wrapping layers in the form of plug wraps.

[0156] Returning now to the device 201, FIG. 2D illustrates a detailed view of the end of the device 201 that is configured to engage with the consumable 202. The cap 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 to an internal cavity 222 (more apparent from FIG. 2D) defined by the cap 210. The opening 221 and the cavity 222 are formed so as to receive at least a portion of the consumable 202. During engagement of the consumable 202 with the device 201, a portion of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into the cavity 222. After engagement (see FIG. 2B), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and thus also protrudes from the device 201. The opening 221 includes laterally disposed notches 226. When a consumable 202 is received in the opening 221, these notches 226 remain open and could, for example, be used for retaining a cover in order to cover the end of the device 201.

[0157] FIG. 2E shows a cross section through a central longitudinal plane through the device 201. The device 201 is shown with the consumable 202 engaged therewith.

[0158] The device 201 comprises a heater 204 comprising heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod heater with a heating element 223 having a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (e.g., heating element with a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (e.g., heating element with a tubular form).

[0159] The heating element 223 of the heater 204 projects from an internal base of the cavity 222 along a longitudinal axis towards the opening 221. As is apparent from the figure, the length (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) of the heating element is less than a depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening 221.

[0160] When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as is shown in FIG. 2E), the heating element 223 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In particular, the heating element 223 extends for nearly the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 when inserted therein. Thus, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is transferred radially from an outer circumferential surface the heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.

[0161] The device 201 further comprises an electronics cavity 224. A power source, in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (a lithium-ion battery), is located in electronics cavity 224.

[0162] The device 201 includes a connector (i.e., forming part of an IO module of the device 201) in the form of a USB port 206. The connector may alternatively be, for example, a micro-USB port or a USB-C port for examples. The USB port 206 may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 205.

[0163] The device 201 includes a controller (not shown) located in the electronics cavity 224. The controller comprises a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (i.e., connected to the PCB and microcontroller).

[0164] The controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the device 201. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation of the heater 204. Such control of the operation of the heater 204 may be accomplished by the controller toggling the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery 205 to the heater 204. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in response to a user depressing the button 212. Depressing the button 212 may cause the controller to allow a voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (so as to cause the heating element 223 to be heated).

[0165] The controller is also configured to control the LEDs 211 in response to (e.g., a detected) a condition of the device 201 or the consumable 202. For example, the controller may control the LEDs to indicate whether the device 201 is in an on state or an off state (e.g., one or more of the LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state).

[0166] The device 201 comprises a further input means (i.e., in addition to the button 212) in the form of a puff sensor 225. The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect a user drawing (i.e., inhaling) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The puff sensor 225 may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor, flowmeter or a microphone. The puff sensor 225 is operatively connected to the controller 208 in the electronics cavity 224, such that a signal from the puff sensor 225, indicative of a puff state (i.e., drawing or not drawing), forms an input to the controller 208 (and can thus be responded to by the controller 208).

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3E, which illustrate a smoking substitute device having a closure that may be a swiveling closure such as a ball valve (as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E), wherein the closure 250 may be a cylindrical shaped member having a bore 254 therethrough. The closure 250 is mounted concealed within the body 209 such that the closure 250 rotates between a first position and a second position, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A/C and FIGS. 3B/D. The bore is a through-hole perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the closure 250. When the closure 250 is in the second position, the bore is aligned along with longitudinal axis of the body 209 such that the bore 254 and cavity 222 provide a passage for the insertion of a consumable 202 through the opening 221. When the closure 250 in first position the bore 254 is aligned in a direction which is not parallel with the cavity 222, thereby closing the opening 221 of the cavity 222.

[0168] Further, the closure 250 or ball valve may include a handle 260, shown in FIG. 3E, allowing the user to move the closure 250 between the first position and the second position, e.g., the user may hold the smoking substitute device 201 and operate the handle with one's thumb, thereby providing a one hand operation. The position may trigger a switching on/off of the smoking substitute device and/or the operation of the device, to allow a pure one hand operation. In an embodiment, a portion of the ball valve may be exposed to an outer surface of the body 250 to facilitate the user to rotate the ball valve manually between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, the closure 250 may be biased into one or more of the first and second positions.

[0169] In some embodiments, the closure comprises a swinging closure, such as a concealed trap door within the device body. For example, the closure may comprise a hinged sheet of material which is biased into the first position (closed) in which the sheet covers the opening, wherein when force is applied to the sheet in a direction into the device to overcome the bias, the sheet swings via the hinge into the second position (open), allowing insertion of a consumable into the cavity. In this way, the user is able to open the closure simply by pressing the end of a consumable against the sheet, into the device, which pushes the closure away from the opening to allow the consumable to pass into the device. In some embodiments, the trap door is biased into the first position (closed). For example, the trap door may be spring-loaded.

[0170] In some embodiments, the device comprises means to hold the closure in one or more of the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the means to hold the closure comprises an interaction between the closure and a part of the body of the device which occurs at or close to the first and/or second position. In some embodiments, the means to hold the closure comprises a detent comprising a raised feature on a surface of the device body and/or the closure. In some embodiments, the means to hold the closure comprises an interference fit provided between the closure and the body of the device when in the first and/or second positions, wherein the interference fit is removed as the closure moves away from the first and/or second position to facilitate movement between the positions.

[0171] The heat-not-burn device 201 also comprises a sensor (not shown in figures) for detecting a position of the closure 250. The sensor is communicatively coupled with the controller 208 to receive a signal from the sensor.

[0172] Further, the controller 208 is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, indicative of a position of the closure 250. Based on the position of the closure 250, the controller 208 controls activation and deactivation of heater 204 in response to the received signal. The sensor may detect the first position and the second position of the closure 250. The sensor may generate a signal based on the determination of position of the closure 250 in the first position. Further, upon receiving the signal from the sensor, the controller 208 may deactivate the power supply to the device 201, thereby preventing activation of the heater 204. Similarly, the sensor is configured to generate another signal, based on the determination of the position of the closure 250 in the second position. Consequently, the controller 208 may activate the heater 204 for heating the consumable 202 received within the cavity 222. In this way, the heater cannot be activated when the closure 250 is “closed”. This provides a safer and more efficient device since accidental activation of the heater 204, e.g., in a pocket or bag is prevented, which saves battery life and is safer. When the user opens the closure 250, the controller 208 then permits the activation of the heater 204 (e.g., by an appropriate input on a user interface).

[0173] In another aspect the present disclosure discloses a method of operating a heat not burn device 201, the method comprises steps of determining a position of a closure 250 for covering an opening 221 of the device 201 into which a heat-not-burn consumable 202 is received in use. Secondly, a heater 204 of the device 201 is controlled based on the determined position of the closure 250. The position of the closure 250 is determined by at least one sensor (not shown in figures) disposed in the device 201.

[0174] Further, the method of operating the heat not burn 201 may comprise disabling activation of the heater 204. The activation and disabling activation of the heater 204 may be controlled by a controller 208, based on the position of the closure 250. The position of the closure 250 may be detected by a sensor configured within the device 201 and communicatively coupled with the controller 208.

[0175] In another aspect, the power supply (i.e., power source) of the device may be disabled by the controller 208 when the closure 205 is in the first position. The disabling activation of the device 201 based on the position of the closure 250 may facilitate optimum working of the device 201. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the disclosure in diverse forms thereof.

[0176] Turning now to consider FIG. 4A, there is illustrated a detailed view of a smoking substitute device 201 with no consumable inserted in the smoking substitute device 201.

[0177] The cavity 222 exemplarily comprises two deformable walls 314a,b. The cavity 222 is accessible via opening 221 for insertion of a consumable 102, as symbolized by the downward arrow, but not depicted in FIG. 4A. Exemplarily, the cavity 222 is generally V-shaped in FIG. 4A, since no consumable is inserted and the deformable walls 314a,b assume a first position relative one another and relative to the other elements in the smoking substitute device 201, like the top part comprising the opening 221. This V-shape is symbolized by the size of two cross-section of the cavity 318a,b, one cross-section 318a near the opening 221 and one cross-section 318b near the bottom of the cavity 222. Here, in the absence of a consumable 202 in the cavity 222, cross section 318a is larger than the cross-section 318b.

[0178] FIG. 4A shows two detection element 312a,b. Detection element 312a is arranged adjacent to deformable wall 314a while detection element 312b is arranged adjacent to deformable wall 312b. As may be taken from FIG. 4A, the detection elements 312a,b are not in contact with the deformable walls 314a,b. The deformable walls 314a,b are connected to the smoking substitute device 201 by spring element 310, basically suspending the cavity 222 in the interior of the smoking substitute device 201.

[0179] FIG. 4B is a detailed view of a smoking substitute device 201 with a consumable 222 inserted in the smoking substitute device 201. In FIG. 4B, the deformable walls 314a,b are arranged substantially parallel along the longitudinal extension of the smoking substitute device 201, since a consumable 202 is present in the cavity 222. When the consumable 202 is inserted into the cavity 222, the deformable walls are deformed, i.e., pushed aside, so to assume a different position relative one another and relative to other elements on the smoking substitute device 201. As a consequence, different cross-sections 318a,b,c are now substantially similar and in particular conform to the diameter of the consumable 202. By the insertion of the consumable, the deformable walls 314a,b are moved towards the detection elements 312a,b and are now contacting 316 the detection elements 312a,b.

[0180] The detection elements 312a,b may now be arranged to either detect the contacting 316 on their own and in particular independently from one another, and may relay said information to a controller of the smoking substitute device 201, in order to enable the controller to detect or ascertain said contacting 316 and thus the (correct) insertion of the consumable 202. In other words, the insertion of the consumable 202 may provide a shifting or rotation of deformable wall 314a in the direction of detection element 312a, and thus the contacting 316 of the detection element 312a.

[0181] Further, the insertion of the consumable 202 in a depth direction of the cavity 222 may affect the contacting of the deformable wall 314b and the detection element 312b, e.g., in case the consumable 202 is not inserted sufficiently deep into the cavity, the detection element 312b may not detect the proper insertion, since the contact 316 has not yet been established. The spring elements 310 may allow the deformable walls 314a,b to sufficiently change their position within the smoking substitute device 201 to allow connecting 316 the detection element 312a,b.

[0182] With the connection 316 of the deformable walls 314a,b to the detection elements 312a,b, an electrical circuit may be closed, either within each detection element 312a,b when contacted by the deformable wall 314a,b, or a connection between the two detection elements 312a,b via, e.g., a conductive path, e.g., along the surface of the deformable walls 314a,b, which closes an electric circuit the between detection elements 312a.

[0183] Likewise, the detection elements may detect the deformation or change in position of the deformable walls in a non-contacting way, e.g., by magnetic detection elements detecting the closeness of the deformable walls. Such detection elements 312a,b may, e.g., be implemented as reed switches, and the magnetic counterpart may be at least forming part of a deformable wall. Likewise, the deformable wall may be made of a material that allows triggering the reed switch when sufficiently close, e.g., when the consumable 202 in inserted in the cavity 222.

[0184] While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0185] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0186] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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%.

[0189] The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer to embodiments of the disclosure 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.

Illustrative Embodiments

[0190] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0191] Clause 1: A smoking substitute device (201) comprising a cavity (222) for receiving a consumable (202), and a detection element (312a,312b) for detecting whether a consumable is arranged in the cavity, wherein the cavity comprises at least one deformable wall (314a,314b), and wherein the at least one deformable wall is deformable by the insertion of a consumable such that the at least one deformable wall assumes a different position within the smoking substitute device with a consumable inserted in the cavity than with no consumable inserted in the cavity.

[0192] Clause 2: The smoking substitute device according to the clause 1, wherein the detection of a consumable present in the cavity is triggered by the deformation of the at least one deformable wall.

[0193] Clause 3: The smoking substitute device according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the detection element is arranged adjacent to the at least one deformable wall of the cavity, in particular to detect the deformation of the at least one deformable wall with a consumable present in the cavity.

[0194] Clause 4: The smoking substitute device according any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the at least one deformable wall, when a consumable is inserted in the cavity, triggers the detection element by closing an electric circuit.

[0195] Clause 5: The smoking substitute device according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the detection element is a switch and the deformation of the wall triggers the switch; and/or wherein the detection element is an electrical connection element and the deformation of the wall closes or opens an electrical circuit.

[0196] Clause 6: The smoking substitute device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the detection element is adapted for activation and/or deactivation of an operation of the smoking substitute device, in particular is adapted for activation and/or deactivation of a heating element (223) of the smoking substitute device.

[0197] Clause 7: The smoking substitute device according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the smoking substitute device is commencing operation upon insertion of a consumable substantially without further user interaction with the smoking substitute device, and/or wherein the smoking substitute device is halting operation upon removal of a consumable substantially without further user interaction with the smoking substitute device.

[0198] Clause 8: The smoking substitute device according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the removal of a consumable provides an emergency shutdown functionality for the smoking substitute device.

[0199] Clause 9: The smoking substitute device according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, the smoking substitute device comprising at least one further detection element (312a,312b) for detecting whether a consumable is arranged in the cavity, wherein the cavity comprises at least one further deformable wall (314a,314b), wherein the at least one further deformable wall is deformable by the insertion of a consumable such that the at least one deformable wall assumes a different position within the smoking substitute device with a consumable inserted in the cavity than with no consumable inserted in the cavity.

[0200] Clause 10: The smoking substitute device according to clause 9, wherein the presence of the consumable in the cavity is detected by the detection element and the at least one further detection element collectively.

[0201] Clause 11: The smoking substitute device according to clause 10, wherein the at least one further detection element is a further switch and the deformation of the at least one further deformable wall triggers the further switch; and/or wherein the at least one further detection element is a further electrical connection element and the deformation of the wall closes or opens an electrical circuit, in particular wherein the collective operation of the detection element and the at least one further detection element provides the detection of the insertion of the consumable, further in particular by closing or opening an electrical circuit comprising the detection element and the at one further detection element.

[0202] Clause 12: The smoking substitute device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cavity and/or at least one of the deformable walls is suspended in the smoking substitute device by at least one spring element, and wherein the at least one spring element provides at least partially a relocation of the at least one of the deformable walls for assuming a different position within the smoking substitute device with a consumable inserted in the cavity than with no consumable inserted in the cavity.

[0203] Clause 13: The smoking substitute device according to clause 12, wherein the at least one spring element allows a relocation of the cavity within the smoking substitute device with the insertion of a consumable into the cavity, so that an electronic circuit is closed when the consumable is inserted into the cavity.

[0204] Clause 14: A system, comprising a smoking substitute device (201) according to any one of clauses 1 to 13 and a consumable (202).

[0205] Clause 15: The system of clause 14, wherein the detection of a consumable present in the cavity is triggered by the deformation of the at least one deformable wall, in particular by the at least one deformable wall closing an electric circuit.