1. An electronic aerosol generating system, comprising: 5 - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an activation mechanism coupled to the atomizer; - a battery component as a power source; and - a processor configured to determine whether the device is being charged through 10 an external power supply, and disabling the system from further use.

2. The electronic aerosol generating system of claim 1, further comprising a fuel gauge configured to record the charge current during charging to control the charge time and estimate the amount of charge. 15

3. A smart aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; 20 - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging. 4.An aerosol generating device, comprising: 25 - a cartridge comprising a heating element and a wicking assembly; - a body comprising a control unit and an energy source; - wherein the control unit detects the presence of the cartridge and enables the device for use; - the device can be activated by a user activation switch or inhalation, which 30 activates an inhalation sensor; 24 - the control unit further activates the energy source; - the device remains operational until the user stops inhaling or stops device operation using the user activation switch. 5 5. An aerosol generating system, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply 10 connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; - the control unit charges the energy source during charging, with a charge current set in the range of 1C to 2C; - the control unit stops charging the energy source when the charge current reaches 15 0.5C; - the control unit maintains a maximum of 4.1V to 4.2 V across the energy source.

6. An aerosol generating device, comprising: - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; 20 - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; 25 - the control unit charges the energy source during charging, using constant current mode and constant voltage mode; - the control unit records the charge current to control the charge time and estimate the amount of charge; 25 - power delivery to the heater is controlled by the control unit, a PWM controller, a MOSFET load switch, and pogo pins.

7. An aerosol generating device, comprising: 5 - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities 10 other than charging; - the control unit enables a timer interrupt routine to check the input supply presence at the charging port; - the control unit stops other functionality and allows charging of the energy source if it is not fully charged; 15 - once the energy source is fully charged, the control unit stops charging and puts the aerosol generating device in an unusable condition until the charging cable is removed.

8. An aerosol generating device, comprising: 20 - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet; - an energy source component; - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities 25 other than charging; - the control unit charges the battery until full charge; - in the First Mode, the control unit only charges the device if the battery is not fully charged; 26 - in the Second Mode, the device can be used for inhalation and other functionalities other than charging; - the input power supply is not exposed directly to the consumer during the charging time. 5

9. An interlock system for aerosol generating devices, comprising: - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities other than charging; 10 - the interlock system prevents the use of the device while it is charging and the input supply presence is detected; - the interlock system ensures safety and prevents external power supply hazards.

10. The smart aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the control unit further 15 comprises a PWM controller, a MOSFET load switch, and pogo pins for power delivery to the heater.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the control unit further comprises indication LEDs to provide charge status, heater on indication, and alarm 20 events such as low battery, charge full, and heater faulty.

12. The aerosol generating system of claim 4, wherein the control unit charges the energy source using a constant current mode and a constant voltage mode. 25 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the energy source is a lithiumion battery, super capacitor, or sodium-ion battery.

14. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the control unit enables a timer interrupt routine to check the input supply presence at the charging port at 30 regular intervals. 27

15. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the control unit charges the battery using a charge current set in the range of 1C to 2C. 5 16. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system comprises a safety system or locking system that prevents the use of the device while it is charging and the input supply presence is detected.

17. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system ensures 10 that the device is not started as long as it is charging and the input supply presence is detected.

18. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system prevents the use of the device until the charging cable is removed from the input supply 15 connector.

19. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system provides safety and prevents the device from being used during charging to avoid external power supply hazards. 20

20. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system ensures that the device is in an unusable condition until the charging cable is removed, thereby preventing inhalation during the charging time.

The present invention relates generally to aerosol generating devices, more
5 particularly it relates to an interlock system for battery chargers of such devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electronic aerosol generating devices comprise a reservoir for a source of aerosol
generating liquid, which is aerosolized by heat or other means. Said liquid may be
10 a formulation containing actives. Typically, said devices include a heating element
coupled to a portion of the source liquid from the reservoir, a control unit and a
power source (for example, a battery). When the user inhales the device, the heating
element is activated and a small amount of the source liquid is aerosolized and
converted into an aerosol for the user to inhale.
15
In general, any aerosol generating device operation can be classified based on
working into two modes: First Mode (Charging Mode) and Second Mode
(Inhalation Mode). In both modes, the battery and control unit are vital. Logically,
both modes can be operated simultaneously, but it is not a good practice, and there
20 are significant risks. For example, during inhalation, users keep the device very
close. When a device is being charged via the adaptor, the battery and control unit
PCB are connected to the AC adaptor with some isolation. However, if the isolation
breaks due to external environmental factors, the device is exposed to high voltage,
and may result in hazards like electrical shock.
25
In the past, most aerosol generating devices support limited charging current for the
battery and allow charging and inhalation simultaneously. However, with the
advancement in technology and battery sizes becoming smaller, the battery supports
a high charge current. There are possibilities of a rise in temperature while the
30 device is being charged which poses a safety concern.
3
If a user uses the device while the device is being charged, power delivery may
happen directly from the adaptor instead of the battery. During that time, if
environmental factor affects the adaptor, the consumer is directly exposed to power
failures which may cause severe injury thus having serious safety concerns.
5
Considering the same, it is challenging and concerning to allow the operation of the
first and second modes simultaneously. It might cause a series of impacts based on
the environmental severity level. During charging time, there must be a significant
physical distance between the user and the power supply point. The device should
10 have a mechanism to prevent this type of scenario.
Reference has been made to “CN202020384094U” which relates to a utility model
for electronic cigarettes. The electronic cigarette comprises an outer tube structure
and an electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is inserted into the
15 outer tube structure in the first direction, an atomization unit is arranged at one end
of the electronic cigarette body, a charging port is formed in the end, away from the
atomization unit, of the electronic cigarette body, a charging through hole is formed
in the end face of the end, away from the atomization unit, of the outer tube
structure, and the charging through hole corresponds to the charging port in the first
20 direction. When the electronic cigarette is used, the atomization unit can extend out
of the outer tube structure under the action of external force to be smoked by a user;
when the electronic cigarette does not need to be used, the atomization unit can
retract into the outer pipe structure under the action of external force, and the outer
pipe structure can protect the atomization unit so as to prevent the atomization unit
25 from making contact with the external environment and being polluted. Moreover,
in the use process of the electronic cigarette, the charging port retracts into the outer
tube structure and cannot be plugged with an external power plug, so that the user
is prevented from charging the electronic cigarette in the use process of the
electronic cigarette.
4
However, CN’094 describes a vaping device which prevents the use of device while
the device is on charging using a mechanical interlock. The device has some empty
portions in its body and the consumers operating the device need to put additional
5 effort in the form of mechanical force to switch the device into charging mode or
inhalation mode every time. This mechanical feature of CN’094 due to continuous
use is subjected to wear and tear, which may cause product defects during its
lifetime.
10 Reference has been made to “JP2021126518A” which at best describes an aerosol
generating system for generating an inhalable aerosol, said system comprising: an
electric heater for vaporizing the aerosol-forming substance; a battery for powering
the electric heater; a control unit; a device portion comprising the battery and the
control unit; a replaceable cartridge for receiving an aerosol-forming substance;
15 with the control unit configured to detect whether the replaceable cartridge is
connected to the device portion; The aerosol generating system, wherein the control
unit is further configured to prevent charging of the battery when the control unit
detects that the replaceable cartridge is connected to the device portion.
20 However, JP’518 is configured to prevent charging of the battery when the control
unit detects that the replaceable cartridge is connected to the device portion.
Although, JP’518 prevents the charging of battery when cartridge is attached to the
device, the invention is not consumer friendly as the user needs to remove the
cartridge every time he wishes to charge the device.
25
Reference is now made to “ES18710481T” which relates to an aerosol generating
system for generating an inhalable aerosol, wherein the system comprises: - an
electric heater to vaporize an aerosol-forming substance, - a battery to power the
electric heater, and - a control unit, where the control unit is configured to detect if
5
the electric heater is operated and if the battery is charging, and where the control
unit is configured to avoid charging of the battery when the electric heater is
operated, and is set to prevent the electric heater from operating when the battery is
charging.
5
ES’481 describes a control unit which is configured to detect if the electric heater
is operated and if the battery is charging, and where the control unit is configured
to avoid charging of the battery when the electric heater is operated, and is set to
prevent the electric heater from operating when the battery is charging. The above
10 features prevent vaping operation when the battery is being charged to avoid users
getting effected by battery explosion hazards. However, as per the invention
disclosed in ES’481, in two scenarios the user is still exposed to risk of battery
explosion hazards.
15 Scenario one: As the control unit for controlling the vaping functionality is not
based on the input power supply presence, the control unit will allow vaping once
the battery is fully charged. The case is similar to playing games or speaking on
mobile while the mobile is fully charged but connected to the charging plug or
adapter.
20
Scenario two: The control unit does not stop vaping as soon as charger cable is
inserted, hence there is a possibility of hazards when user inserts the charging cable
at the time of vaping. The device may not allow charging of battery but it will
definitely put the user at risk as the external power will be present in the device.
25
The device as per ES’481 is not configured to check whether the input power supply
is removed or not, this gap in the device will allow the use of device when (a) the
batter is fully charged and (b) when the device is plugged to charging, this exposes
the user to electrical hazards as many times users forget to unplug the device from
6
charging port. Hence, this does not fully solve the problem that the current invention
tries to solve. The device as per the current invention addresses this technology gap
by preventing the use of the device (a) until the input charging supply is completely
removed from the USB connector, and (b) as soon as the input supply presence is
5 detected in the device. This ensures complete safety to the user against any battery
related hazard.
Reference is further made to “US2020/0323273A1” which provides an
automatically controlled heat-not-burn electronic cigarette device and a control
10 method thereof. The electronic cigarette device comprises a housing, a housing lid
and a heating tube arranged in the housing, a heat-insulating tube, an automatic lid
opening and/or closing mechanism, a cigarette detecting mechanism, an intelligent
control circuit board, a button, and a battery. The intelligent control circuit board is
arranged with a main control chip, a heating control module, an automatic lid
15 opening and/or closing control module, a button control module, a detector control
module, and a charging management module. The main control chip is configured
to control the electronic cigarette device to enter a smoking operation mode, or a
sleep state, or an off state, on the basis of the determination of whether a cigarette
is received in the heating tube within a certain time.
20
US’273 describes a control chip configured to control the electronic cigarette device
to enter a smoking operation mode, or a sleep state, or an off state, on the basis of
the determination of whether a cigarette is received in the heating tube within a
certain time. In other words, the mode of operation of the device is based on the
25 cigarette presence in the device, which helps automate the device operation to give
additional user benefits and power saving. US’273 is silent with respect to
providing safety to user.
7
Reference is further made to “US7542091” that relates to a power management
method and associated apparatus which allows a device to make maximum use of
its battery before replacement or recharging. After a battery failure, the device may
be shut down properly and disabled until the battery is replaced or recharged.
5
US’091 describes issues related to replaceable battery-powered devices. The
problem statement of US’091 is different from that of current invention and it does
not address the issue related to safety of user while using the device.
10 Still further, a reference is made to “US3898547” which relates to an electric
vehicle battery charger interlock system which prevents the vehicle from being
driven while the batteries are being charged, and which prevents activation of the
charger until the direct current connection of the battery charger to the electric
vehicle is completed.
15
US’547 describes a device which has battery charger and battery in different
locations. US’547 further prevents physical damage to charging port connectors
and electrical hazards exposure to human hands by providing an interlock between
the charger and battery.
20
Various evices as per prior arts are not addressing the issue of providing complete
safety to the user against the hazard associated with battery. The prior art devices
describe use of various means of safety in an aerosol generating device by using
mechanical means which are not user friendly. Also, use of control unit for
25 automatic switching from charging to inhalation mode available in the prior art has
various technological drawbacks. Such as, in ES’481, the control unit is not
configured to check whether the input power supply is removed or not, this gap in
the device will allow the use of device when (a) the battery is fully charged and (b)
8
when the device is plugged to charging, this exposes the user to electrical hazards
as many times user forgets to unplug the device from charging port.
Thus, there remains a need for a smart aerosol generating device which ensures that
5 consumers are not directly exposed to electrical hazards during charging time,
which increases the safety margins.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention to provide basic
10 understanding of some aspects of the invention, neither to identify the critical
elements nor to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present
some concept of the invention in a simplified form, as a prelude to a more detailed
description of the invention presented later.
15 The instant invention addresses the above problem by providing an automatic way
of switching from charging mode or inhalation mode every time without the need
of any additional empty portion in device body or mechanical force. The present
invention describes an in-built intelligence system which automatically switches
from charging mode to inhalation mode or vice-versa every time.
20
In the first aspect, the present invention provides an electronic aerosol generating
system, comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
25 - an activation mechanism coupled to the atomizer;
- a battery component as a power source; and
- a processor configured so as to determine whether the device is being charged
through an external power supply and, disabling the system from further use.
9
In the second aspect, the present invention provides a smart aerosol generating
device, comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
5 - an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging.
10 In the third aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device,
comprising:
- a cartridge comprising a heating element and a wicking assembly;
- a body comprising a control unit and an energy source;
- wherein the control unit detects the presence of the cartridge and enables the
15 device for use;
- the device can be activated by a user activation switch or inhalation, which
activates an inhalation sensor;
- the control unit further activates the energy source;
- the device remains operational until the user stops inhaling or stops device
20 operation using the user activation switch.
In the fourth aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating system,
comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
25 - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging;
10
- the control unit charges the energy source during charging, with a charge current
set in the range of 1C to 2C;
- the control unit stops charging the energy source when the charge current
reaches 0.5C;
5 - the control unit maintains a maximum of 4.1V across the energy source.
In the fifth aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device,
comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
10 - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging;
15 - the control unit charges the energy source during charging, using constant
current mode and constant voltage mode;
- the control unit records the charge current to control the charge time and
estimate the amount of charge;
- power delivery to the heater is controlled by the control unit, a PWM controller,
20 a MOSFET load switch, and pogo pins.
In sixth aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device,
comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
25 - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging;
11
- the control unit enables a timer interrupt routine to check the input supply
presence at the charging port;
- the control unit stops other functionality and allows charging of the energy
source if it is not fully charged;
5 - once the energy source is fully charged, the control unit stops charging and puts
the aerosol generating device in an unusable condition until the charging cable is
removed.
In seventh aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device,
10 comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
15 connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging;
- the control unit charges the battery until it is fully charged;
- in the First Mode, the control unit only charges the device if the battery is not
fully charged;
20 - in the Second Mode, the device can be used for inhalation and other
functionalities other than charging;
- the input power supply is not exposed directly to the consumer during the
charging time.
25 In eighth aspect, the present invention provides an interlock system for aerosol
generating devices, comprising:
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging;
12
- the interlock system prevents the use of the device while it is charging and the
input supply presence is detected;
- the interlock system ensures safety and prevents external power supply hazards.
The primary object of the present invention is to overcome the practical limitations
5 of using a conventional aerosol generating device.
An object of the present invention is to provide a smart aerosol generating device
having an interlocking mechanism that disables the device for inhalation during the
charge time, ensuring that the consumer is not exposed directly to Power failure or
10 fluctuation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic aerosol
generating system, comprising:
an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
15 a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
an activation mechanism coupled to the atomizer;
a battery component as a power source;
wherein said system is characterized by,
a processor configured to determine whether device is being charged
20 through an external power supply, and, disabling the system from further use.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a smart aerosol generating
device which can operate in dual mode: First Mode (Charging Mode) and Second
Mode (Inhalation Mode). The operating mode will be determined based on the input
25 power supply, which is usually in the USB connector. The device is configured to
change its operating mode based on the user action and available external inputs
automatically.
13
The device will function only in the first mode if input supply is available. The
device remains in the first mode until the input supply is removed. Moreover, the
device will function in Second Mode if there is no input supply in the charging Port.
5 The present invention disables the device for inhalation during the charge time,
ensuring that the consumer is not exposed directly to power failure or fluctuation.
Further, the instant invention has no operational constraints on whether the
cartridge is present or not in the device, making the device consumer friendly.
10
The present invention accommodates charger and battery in a single unit, and it
cannot be separated. The present invention aims to give an interlock between the
usage of the device and charging.
15 Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be
better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying
drawings.
25 Figure 1a illustrates an isometric view of the device in accordance with the present
invention.
Figure 1b illustrates an exploded view of the device in accordance with the present
invention.
14
Figure 1c illustrates Functional block diagram of the aerosol generating device
according to present invention.
5 Figure 2 illustrates interlocking mechanism - control unit working flow chart
according to present invention.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated
for simplicity and clarity and may not have been drawn to scale. For example, the
10 dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments
of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like
reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and
structures.
15
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided
to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the
invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but
20 these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.
Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes
and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known
25 structure and method are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may
be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments
and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.
15
It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” if used in this
specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or
component but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
5 features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
Described herein is a smart aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device
is a handheld battery-powered aerosolizer. Such device primarily comprises of
components like a power source (usually a rechargeable battery and/or super
10 capacitor), an atomizer/heating element, a cartridge/tank and a control/processing
unit.
According to an embodiment, the device consists of the control unit, battery, and
Atomizer. Control units monitor and control the device's functionality and access
15 all the inputs and outputs interface. The mechanism is made in the hardware and
software to prevent both modes from operating at the same time. The control unit
monitors the charging input port as soon as the device is powered on, whether the
input power supply is present in the charging input port or not. Control units detect
the input power supply availability by monitoring the voltage level at the input
20 power supply pins. These power supply pins are accessible in the charging input
connectors. The charging input port may be Type C - USB, Type B -Micro USB, or
a customized connector. The control unit has critical components, such as but not
limited to (a) a 16-bit microcontroller, which controls overall device functionalities,
(b) a low-dropout regulator, which regulates the input voltage and maintains a
25 constant voltage across all the components present in the control units, and (c) user
Indication LEDs, by which the controller intimates all system failures and alarms.
The presence of an external power supply is detected using the input pins of the
microcontroller. No dedicated circuit or sensor is needed. The Control unit is
empowered with an algorithm/logic and suitable hardware components for seamless
16
transition of the device from charging to inhalation modes, ensuring a hassle-free
user experience throughout the lifespan of the device.
The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system, comprising:
5 an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet; a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
an energy source (204) component; wherein said system is characterized by, a
control unit (300) configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector (304), in case input supply presence is detected, all functionalities other
than charging is disabled. The device is configured to immediately turn off the
10 heating functionality, and the aerosol generation is stopped. Eventually, the user
will be notified about the aerosol generating restriction in the LEDs provided in the
device, which provides appropriate indication to the user.
Figure 1a illustrates a detailed view of the aerosolizer device, highlighting its key
15 components. The device comprises a Cartridge (100) positioned at the top, which
is designed to hold the aerosolizing substance. Below the cartridge (100), the
Aerosolizer Body (200) forms the main structure of the device, housing the internal
mechanisms and circuitry.
20 On the surface of the aerosolizer body, a series of light guides (201) are arranged
in a vertical line. These light guides provide visual feedback to the user regarding
the device's status, such as power levels, or, operational modes, alarm events and
fault events. Adjacent to the light guides, a switch plunger (202) is located, allowing
the user to turn the device on or off and control its functions.
25
At the bottom end of the aerosolizer body, a charging port (203) is integrated. This
port facilitates the recharging of the device's internal battery, ensuring that the
aerosolizer remains operational. The overall design is sleek and ergonomic, aimed
at providing a user-friendly experience.
17
Figure 1b illustrates an exploded view of the device, showcasing its various
components and their arrangement. The primary components include:
Cartridge (100): This is the main component that holds the substance to be inhaled.
5 It is designed to be easily replaceable and fits securely into the device.
Light Guides (201): These components are responsible for directing light within
the device, possibly for indicating the device's status or for other functional
purposes.
Switch Plunger (202): This component is likely involved in the activation
10 mechanism of the device, allowing the user to switch between different modes or
to activate the inhalation process.
Charging Port (203): This port is used for charging the device's battery. In one
embodiment, Type C port charging port may be used which ensures compatibility
with modern charging standards, providing faster and more efficient charging.
15 Energy source (Battery) (204): The power source for the device, providing the
necessary energy for its operation. It is designed to be rechargeable via the charging
port.
Chassis (205): The structural framework of the device, housing the internal
components and providing support and protection.
20 Outer Shell (206): The external casing of the device, which encases the chassis and
other internal components. It is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic
for user comfort.
Magnets (207): These magnets are in the chassis to hold the cartridge upon its
25 insertion into the aerosolizer body, ensuring reliable pairing and easy removal of
the cartridge from the aerosolizer body.
Control Unit (300): The central processing unit of the device, equipped with an
algorithm/logic and suitable hardware components to manage the device's
operations, including transitioning between charging and inhalation modes.
18
Overall, Figure 1b provides a detailed view of the device's internal structure,
highlighting the arrangement and interaction of its various components to ensure
seamless operation and user experience.
5 Referring Figure 1c, the aerosol generating device consists of two parts: cartridge
(100) and aerosolizer body (200). The cartridge (100) has a heating element and
wicking assembly (101) and aerosol generating liquid (102). The aerosolizer body
(200) has a control unit (300) that controls the overall function of the device and
energy source (204). The control unit (300) has PWM controller (301), battery
10 charge controller (302), fuel gauge (303), input supply connector (304), pogo pins
(305), heat cycle counter / memory (306), inhalation sensor (307), user activation
switch (308), indication LEDs (309), and MOSFET load switch (310).
As soon as the cartridge (100) is inserted into the aerosolizer body (200), the control
15 unit (300) detects the presence of the cartridge (100) and makes the device usable.
The device can also be activated by using user activation switch (308) or inhalation
which activates the inhalation sensor (307). Upon activation, the control unit (300)
further activates the energy source (204). The device keeps running until the user
stops inhaling or stops device operation using user activation switch (308). The
20 activation switch (308) is a multifunctional control that activates the device from
sleep mode to power-saving mode and is designed to change the operating power
level and initiate the aerosol generating process. Similarly, the user receives
acknowledgment from the control units when the user changes the operating mode
and display all the device's alarms and other functionalities, such as device
25 charging, charge full, and aerosol generation. The user gets the charge status, heater
on indication, and alarm events such as the low battery, charge full, and heater
faulty in the indication LEDs (309). The user can charge the device using a power
adaptor and Type C Cable. The device shows a charging indication in the indication
LEDs (309). Once the device is fully charged, the control unit (300) stops charging.
19
The device energy source (204) is lithium-ion battery, super capacitor, sodium ion
battery & etc, which is rechargeable energy storage unit. Energy source (204)
supports 4 W to 25 W power delivery.
5 Charging happens using control unit (300), battery charge controller (302), heat
cycle counter / memory (306), input supply connector (304) and energy source
(204). The control unit does not allow other than charging functionality until the
input power supply is removed from input supply connector (304). Input supply
(5V DC, 2A) for charging energy source (204) is given via input supply connector
10 (304) (Type C) to the control unit. Control unit charges the energy source (204),
during charging, the charge current will be set in the range of 1C to 2C. Battery is
charged using constant current mode and constant voltage mode. The changeover
of operating mode will happen based on the internal resistance, charge current, and
charge voltage of energy source (204). Control unit maintains maximum of 4.1V to
15 4.2 V across the energy source (204), and battery charge controller (302) stops
charging the energy source (204) when the charge current reaches from 0.5C.
During charging, charge current which is coulomb per second, will be recorded by
fuel gauge (303), to control the charge time and estimation amount of charge. Power
delivery happens to the heater by control unit, PWM controller (301), MOSFET
20 load switch (310) and pogo pins (305).
Aerosol generating device comprises a control unit (300) which is printed circuit
board assembly, an energy source (204) which is a rechargeable battery, an input
supply connector (304) which is user interface connector for charging, along with
25 device chassis which holds all the parts.
The control unit (300) is the control processing unit which decides all the device
functionality of user input and outputs. The control unit collects all the inputs from
all sensors and sets default conditions of all outputs, finally makes device in usable
20
conditions. Control unit enables timer interrupt routine to check the input supply
presence on every 1 to 100 milli seconds at the charging port. As soon as control
unit detects the input supply presence in the input supply connector (304) when the
charger is inserted into the input supply connector (304), it stops other functionality
5 whatever may be the condition. After stopping all other functionalities, it allows
charging of the energy source (204) if it is not fully charged. Once the energy source
(204) is fully charged, it stops charging and puts the aerosol generating device in
unusable condition which means that inhalation is not possible until and unless the
charging cable is removed from input supply connector (304).
10
If the control unit detects the input power supply, it charges the battery until it is
fully charged. Once the battery is fully charged, it will only be in the First Mode
until input power is removed. In the First Mode, the control unit only charges the
device if the battery is not fully charged. Otherwise, it keeps checking the
15 availability of the input power supply. Non limitedly, battery used in the present
embodiment is Lithium Ion - Polymer Battery having capacity preferably 450mAH,
Range: 200mAh to 1500mAH and having charging capacity ranging from 1C to
5C, which can be preferably 2C and discharge capacity ranging from 5C to 20C,
preferably 10C having nominal voltage of 3.7V.
20
If the input supply availability is absent in the connectors, it goes to the Second
Mode. In the Second Mode, the device can be used for inhalation & other device
functionalities other than charging. This way, the input power supply is not exposed
directly to the consumer during the charging time.
25
According to an embodiment, the present invention provides an interlock system
for battery chargers as well as external power supply hazards. It is a safety system
or locking system that prevents the user from starting the machine as long as it is
charging and the input supply presence is detected. In the present embodiment, the
21
safety of the user is ensured in case of power fluctuations or failures while charging
the device. The assumption is that if the user is using or handling the device during
charging, there is a higher risk of electrical hazards. Therefore, by adding control
mechanism to the control unit to monitor the power supply in the charging pins and
5 control the device's functionality, the user's safety margin is increased. This further
helps prevent electrical hazards and protects the user from exposure to external
power supply fluctuations or failures.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of
10 illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that
particular embodiment, but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are
considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
15
The aspect herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are
explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are
omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples
20 used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those having skill in the
art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
25 The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general
nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,
readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments
without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and
modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and
22
range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the
phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and
not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in
terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
5 embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope
of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more
elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the
10 disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this
specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is
not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the
15 prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the
disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and
component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
20 embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred
embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and
other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the
disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein,
whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to
25 be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
30
23
WE CLAIM :
1. An electronic aerosol generating system, comprising:
5 - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an activation mechanism coupled to the atomizer;
- a battery component as a power source; and
- a processor configured to determine whether the device is being charged through
10 an external power supply, and disabling the system from further use.
2. The electronic aerosol generating system of claim 1, further comprising a fuel
gauge configured to record the charge current during charging to control the charge
time and estimate the amount of charge.
15
3. A smart aerosol generating device, comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
20 - a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging.
4.An aerosol generating device, comprising:
25 - a cartridge comprising a heating element and a wicking assembly;
- a body comprising a control unit and an energy source;
- wherein the control unit detects the presence of the cartridge and enables the
device for use;
- the device can be activated by a user activation switch or inhalation, which
30 activates an inhalation sensor;
24
- the control unit further activates the energy source;
- the device remains operational until the user stops inhaling or stops device
operation using the user activation switch.
5 5. An aerosol generating system, comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
10 connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging;
- the control unit charges the energy source during charging, with a charge current
set in the range of 1C to 2C;
- the control unit stops charging the energy source when the charge current reaches
15 0.5C;
- the control unit maintains a maximum of 4.1V to 4.2 V across the energy source.
6. An aerosol generating device, comprising:
- an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
20 - a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging;
25 - the control unit charges the energy source during charging, using constant current
mode and constant voltage mode;
- the control unit records the charge current to control the charge time and estimate
the amount of charge;
25
- power delivery to the heater is controlled by the control unit, a PWM controller, a
MOSFET load switch, and pogo pins.
7. An aerosol generating device, comprising:
5 - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
10 other than charging;
- the control unit enables a timer interrupt routine to check the input supply presence
at the charging port;
- the control unit stops other functionality and allows charging of the energy source
if it is not fully charged;
15 - once the energy source is fully charged, the control unit stops charging and puts
the aerosol generating device in an unusable condition until the charging cable is
removed.
8. An aerosol generating device, comprising:
20 - an atomizer comprising an inlet and an outlet;
- a mouthpiece coupled to the outlet;
- an energy source component;
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
25 other than charging;
- the control unit charges the battery until full charge;
- in the First Mode, the control unit only charges the device if the battery is not fully
charged;
26
- in the Second Mode, the device can be used for inhalation and other functionalities
other than charging;
- the input power supply is not exposed directly to the consumer during the charging
time.
5
9. An interlock system for aerosol generating devices, comprising:
- a control unit configured to determine input supply presence in the input supply
connector, and in case input supply presence is detected, disable all functionalities
other than charging;
10 - the interlock system prevents the use of the device while it is charging and the
input supply presence is detected;
- the interlock system ensures safety and prevents external power supply hazards.
10. The smart aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the control unit further
15 comprises a PWM controller, a MOSFET load switch, and pogo pins for power
delivery to the heater.
11. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the control unit further
comprises indication LEDs to provide charge status, heater on indication, and alarm
20 events such as low battery, charge full, and heater faulty.
12. The aerosol generating system of claim 4, wherein the control unit charges the
energy source using a constant current mode and a constant voltage mode.
25 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the energy source is a lithiumion battery, super capacitor, or sodium-ion battery.
14. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the control unit enables a
timer interrupt routine to check the input supply presence at the charging port at
30 regular intervals.
27
15. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the control unit charges the
battery using a charge current set in the range of 1C to 2C.
5 16. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system
comprises a safety system or locking system that prevents the use of the device
while it is charging and the input supply presence is detected.
17. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system ensures
10 that the device is not started as long as it is charging and the input supply presence
is detected.
18. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system prevents
the use of the device until the charging cable is removed from the input supply
15 connector.
19. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system provides
safety and prevents the device from being used during charging to avoid external
power supply hazards.
20
20. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the interlock system ensures
that the device is in an unusable condition until the charging cable is removed,
thereby preventing inhalation during the charging time.