Electronic Inhaler Device

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit and priority of European Patent Application No. 24206815.3 entitled “Electronic Inhaler Device” filed with the European Patent Office on Oct. 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as part of the present application.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is, as the title indicates, an electronic inhaler device, which does not permit inhalation when the inhalable material has completely vaporised. This is an innovation that, within the current techniques, provides advantages that were unknown until now.

The present invention is characterised by the special functional and constructive characteristics of the elements that make up the device, which all work together to create an electronic inhaler device that controls inhalation to ensure that the user does not inhale inhalable material when it has completely vaporised.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

Therefore, this invention falls within the field of electronic inhaler devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, the use of vaporisers or vapers has increased considerably, as many people use them as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, this popularity brings with it certain problems that need to be addressed urgently. Two of these problems are the recycling of the batteries used in vaporisers and the lack of a warning system for when the liquid to be inhaled runs out.

First of all, the recycling of vaporiser batteries is an extremely important issue, as these batteries contain highly polluting materials that can be harmful to the environment if they are not disposed of correctly. Although there are recycling programmes for batteries in general, and regulations that encourage separating the expendable material and the battery so that the batteries can be reused, many vaporiser users are not aware of this need.

On the other hand, the lack of a warning system for when the liquid to be inhaled runs out is another relevant issue in the context of vaporisers. Unlike the traditional cigarette, in which it is visually evident when it is running low, in the case of vaporisers there is no clear indicator to alert the user of the need to refill the liquid. This can lead to uncomfortable situations or even to accidentally inhaling the vaporiser's heating material, which can be harmful to health.

Regarding the present state of the art, it should be noted that, although different designs of electronic inhaler devices are known, none possess identical or similar structural and constitutive technical characteristics to those featured in the invention described in this document.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is an electronic inhaler device designed to prevent inhalation of inhalable substances once the inhalable material has completely vaporised.

Specifically, what the invention proposes, as noted above, is an electronic inhaler device, a device consisting of two main components: the main body and a fungible cartridge.

The fungible cartridge is an essential component in the operation of the device, as it contains a reservoir that stores a sponge-like element saturated with the inhalable material in a liquid state. This cartridge also includes a burner that vaporises the inhalable material, allowing the user to inhale it.

One of the most significant innovations in this cartridge is the inclusion of an information storage element. This item records relevant data, such as manufacturer information, model, an authentication code, flavour, country or region, cartridge usage time information, information indicating the maximum cartridge operating time and the remaining usage time of the cartridge.

In addition, customer information can be included on the cartridge, resulting in customer-specific and customised cartridges.

When the cartridge usage time coincides with the maximum operating time, the device controller deactivates the cartridge, considering it to have reached the end of its useful life. This functionality not only ensures user safety, but also contributes to device efficiency by avoiding the use of depleted cartridges that could compromise the user experience.

One of the ways in which the user can perceive this information is by means of a light code, so the user can be informed of the amount of liquid present and other information that is of interest.

In addition, this feature provides greater reliability to the user by ensuring that they are always using cartridges in optimum condition. This means that the user can be confident that each cartridge used will provide a consistent, high-quality experience.

It is important to note that the information storage element uses an NFC (Near Field Communication) reading system. This enables fast and secure data transmission between the cartridge and the device. This technology ensures that relevant information is transmitted efficiently and without risk of external interference.

The main body of the electronic inhaler comprises a programmable logic controller that monitors and controls the operation of the entire device. Moreover, this main body also houses at least one rechargeable battery that provides the necessary power to operate the device.

One of the fundamental parts of the electronic inhaler is the inlet, which is designed to receive the fungible cartridge. This cartridge can be easily replaced, which facilitates the administration of different cartridges according to the user's needs.

The rechargeable battery allows both the main body and cartridge electronics to operate continuously, without the need for frequent battery replacement. This provides convenience to the user and allows them to carry out sessions for as long as they wish.

By inserting the cartridge into the main body inlet, a vaporisation process is initiated, allowing the user to enjoy the inhalable material in a safer and more controlled manner. The inhalable material is vaporised by the burner and in its gaseous state, it passes through a reservoir containing liquid, which helps to filter and cool the vapour. This vapour, along with the liquid, passes through a conduit to a mouthpiece, which is used by the user to inhale the resulting vapour.

Additionally the electronic inhaler device allows a wireless connection with a control device, preferably an electronic device such as a Smartphone, digital tablet, Smartwatch, computer or similar, to which a specific software application has been installed. From this, adjustments such as lights and power can be modified, and real-time information can be received about the type of cartridge being used, the amount of liquid, battery level, etc.

Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this document carry their customary meaning as understood by a person skilled in the relevant field of this invention. When using this invention, processes and materials similar or equivalent to those described may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the sake of completeness and to enhance comprehension of the invention's features within this description, integral and, accompanying figures have been included. These drawings serve an illustrative, non-limiting purpose, as visual aids to the previously described characteristics.

FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of the main body (1) in one embodiment with the reservoir (10) and with the fungible cartridge (2).

FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective representation of the main body (1) in one embodiment with the reservoir (10) and with the fungible cartridge (2).

FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective representation of the main body (1) in one embodiment without the reservoir (10) and with the fungible cartridge (2).

FIG. 4 is a perspective representation of the fungible cartridge (2).

FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective representation of the fungible cartridge (2) showing the reservoir (6).

FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective representation of the fungible cartridge (2) showing the burner (8).

FIG. 7 is a representation of the control device (14) in a Smartphone configuration.

PREFERRED USE OF THE INVENTION

Based on the illustrations, an outline of a preferred but non-limiting use for the invention, which consists of an electronic inhaler device, is described below.

As shown in the figures, the electronic inhaler device comprises two main components, a main body (1) and at least one fungible cartridge (2).

The main body (1) of the electronic inhaler comprises a programmable logic controller (3) that monitors and controls the operation of the entire device. In addition, it comprises at least one rechargeable battery (4) that provides the necessary energy for the operation of the device. It also comprises an inlet (5) where the fungible cartridge (2) is inserted, which contains the inhalable material to be administered to the user.

The inlet (5) of the main body (1) is designed to receive the fungible cartridge (2), which contains the inhalable material in liquid form. This cartridge (2) can be easily replaced, which facilitates the administration of different cartridges (2), according to the user's needs.

The programmable logic controller (1) is responsible for coordinating the inhalation process, ensuring that the cartridge (2) contains inhalable material. This verification is essential to ensure the efficacy and safety of the electronic inhaler.

On the other hand, it is important to note that the cartridge (2) is an essential component in the operation of the device. This cartridge (2) has a reservoir (6) which houses a sponge-like element (7) saturated with the inhalable material in liquid form. It also incorporates a burner (8) that heats up and, in turn, heats the sponge-like element (7) to vaporise the inhalable material.

Additionally, the cartridge (2) comprises an information storage element (9) that records data relevant to its correct operation. These data include manufacturer information, model, an authentication code, flavour, country or region, cartridge usage time information (2), information indicating the maximum cartridge operating time and the remaining usage time of the cartridge (2).

The programmable logic controller (3) is responsible for reading and processing this information. When the cartridge usage time coincides with the maximum operating time, the controller considers that the cartridge (2) has reached the end of its useful life and proceeds to deactivate its operation. This functionality ensures the device's safety and efficiency, avoiding the use of depleted cartridges that could compromise the user experience. In addition, this feature provides greater reliability to the user by ensuring that they are always using cartridges in optimum condition.

The information storage element (9) uses an NFC (Near Field Communication) reading system, a short-range wireless communication technology that allows data exchange between devices when they are in close proximity.

The electronic inhaler device comprises light indicators (15) that provide the user with detailed information on the status of the cartridge (2) and the device itself, by means of a light code. This allows the user to be informed about the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge (2), as well as other relevant usage data.

The rechargeable battery (4) allows both the electronic components of the main body (1) and the cartridge (2) to operate continuously, without the need to replace the battery (4) frequently. This provides convenience to the user and allows them to carry out sessions for as long as they wish.

Optionally, the battery (4) may be connected to an auxiliary programmable logic controller (4.1) that monitors the battery charge level when the battery (4) is charging and not connected to the main body (1) of the device.

By inserting the cartridge (2) into the inlet (5) of the main body (1), a vaporisation process is initiated, allowing the user to enjoy the inhalable material in a safer and more controlled manner. The inhalable material is vaporised by the burner (8) and in its gaseous state, it passes through a removable mouthpiece (13), which is used by the user to inhale the resulting vapour.

Depending on the embodiment, the electronic inhaler device allows for a wireless connection with a control device (14), such as a Smartphone, digital tablet, Smartwatch, computer or other similar device. A specific software application is installed on this control device (14) that enables the user to adjust various settings, such as lighting, power, and to receive real-time information about the type of cartridge used, the amount of liquid remaining, the battery level, and other relevant data. This functionality provides the user with greater control and monitoring of their treatment, thus enhancing the experience of using the electronic inhaler.

The connection of the electronic inhaler device with the control device (14) can be established via Bluetooth.

In another embodiment, the main body (1) comprises a reservoir (10) containing liquid (11), through which the vaporised inhalable material passes, which helps to filter and cool the vapour, creating bubbles. This vapour, along with the liquid, passes through a conduit (12) until it reaches the mouthpiece (13).

Having sufficiently described the nature of this invention, as well as how to use it, further explanation is not considered necessary for any expert on the subject to understand its scope and benefits. It is also noted that, within its essential nature, the device may be implemented in other ways which differ from the one described by way of example. The protection sought shall equally apply in these cases, provided that its fundamental principal is not altered, changed or modified.