EP4138965A1 - Inhalateur, ensemble et procédé pour inhaler un milieu d'inhalation enrichi en principes actifs et/ou en substances aromatiques, et procédé de commande d'un inhalateur - Google Patents

Inhalateur, ensemble et procédé pour inhaler un milieu d'inhalation enrichi en principes actifs et/ou en substances aromatiques, et procédé de commande d'un inhalateur

Info

Publication number
EP4138965A1
EP4138965A1 EP21718554.5A EP21718554A EP4138965A1 EP 4138965 A1 EP4138965 A1 EP 4138965A1 EP 21718554 A EP21718554 A EP 21718554A EP 4138965 A1 EP4138965 A1 EP 4138965A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
inhaler
designed
person
mouthpiece
sensor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21718554.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Christian HANNEKEN
Michael Joseph CAPONE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koerber Technologies GmbH
Original Assignee
Koerber Technologies GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koerber Technologies GmbH filed Critical Koerber Technologies GmbH
Publication of EP4138965A1 publication Critical patent/EP4138965A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
    • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
    • A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A61M15/0068—Indicating or counting the number of dispensed doses or of remaining doses
    • A61M15/0081—Locking means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/65—Devices with integrated communication means, e.g. wireless communication means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/005—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes using ultrasonics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A61M15/0068—Indicating or counting the number of dispensed doses or of remaining doses
    • A61M15/008—Electronic counters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0085—Inhalators using ultrasonics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
    • A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
    • A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
    • A61M2016/0021—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0027—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure pressure meter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
    • A61M2016/0033—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/13—General characteristics of the apparatus with means for the detection of operative contact with patient, e.g. lip sensor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
    • A61M2205/276—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use preventing unwanted use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3331—Pressure; Flow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3379—Masses, volumes, levels of fluids in reservoirs, flow rates
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/35—Communication
    • A61M2205/3546—Range
    • A61M2205/3553—Range remote, e.g. between patient's home and doctor's office
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/35—Communication
    • A61M2205/3546—Range
    • A61M2205/3569—Range sublocal, e.g. between console and disposable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/35—Communication
    • A61M2205/3576—Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver
    • A61M2205/3584—Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver using modem, internet or bluetooth
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/35—Communication
    • A61M2205/3576—Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver
    • A61M2205/3592—Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver using telemetric means, e.g. radio or optical transmission
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/36—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling
    • A61M2205/3653—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling by Joule effect, i.e. electric resistance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
    • A61M2205/502—User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
    • A61M2205/505—Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
    • A61M2205/609—Biometric patient identification means

Definitions

  • Inhaler arrangement and method for inhaling an inhalation medium enriched with active substances and / or aromatic substances, and also a method for controlling an inhaler
  • the invention relates to an inhaler, designed and set up for inhaling inhalation medium enriched with active substances and / or aromatic substances, comprising a cartridge carrier, a storage tank containing the inhalation medium, a mouthpiece assigned to the cartridge carrier, and an actuating mechanism for releasing the inhalation medium from the storage tank in the direction of the mouthpiece.
  • the invention further relates to an arrangement designed and set up for inhaling an inhalation medium enriched with active substances and / or aromatic substances.
  • the invention further relates to a method for inhaling inhalation medium enriched with active substances and / or flavorings by means of an inhaler having a mouthpiece, comprising the following steps: sucking on the mouthpiece of the inhaler by a person using it, and simultaneous actuation of an actuating mechanism of the inhaler thereby activating the inhaler to inhale the inhalation medium.
  • the invention also relates to a method for controlling an inhaler.
  • Such inhalers and arrangements are mainly used in the luxury goods industry, here in particular in connection with an electronic cigarette (hereinafter referred to as e-cigarette), as well as in the medical field, in order to deliver luxury goods and / or medical products, which are preferably in the form of a fluid inhalation medium, to be able to inhale as an aerosol, in vapor form and / or as a mist.
  • e-cigarette electronic cigarette
  • medical products which are preferably in the form of a fluid inhalation medium, to be able to inhale as an aerosol, in vapor form and / or as a mist.
  • an inhaler which can be based, for example, on the principle of atomization, nebulization or evaporation, to provide the inhalation medium suitable for consumption or inhalation, the user consumes the luxury goods and / or the medical products. When consuming, the user usually sucks on a mouthpiece of the Inhaler.
  • the person encloses at least parts of the mouthpiece with their lips and sucks, as a result of which the inhalation medium, for example an aerosol, is inhaled.
  • the pulling / sucking can be actively supported, for example by pumps or other actively driven and / or controlled means, or else completely replaced. Sucking alone or sucking in conjunction with an additional manual or automatic, namely preferably electronically controlled, actuation of the actuation mechanism activates the actuation mechanism so that the inhalation medium is released and can be inhaled.
  • the inhalation media often contain components, substances, active ingredients, additives or the like, such as nicotine, medicinal and / or therapeutic active ingredients, which have restrictions with regard to the authorization of ingestion.
  • the restrictions can be of a legal nature, such as the minimum age of the user for the consumption of nicotine, or based on a doctor's recommendation / prescription for a specific person, such as for prescription and / or prescription medications.
  • a doctor's recommendation / prescription for a specific person such as for prescription and / or prescription medications.
  • an authorized person acquires the e-cigarette and passes this e-cigarette on to an unauthorized person for use.
  • a drug e.g.
  • an inhaler with an asthma spray that has been prescribed for a patient, gets into the hands of unauthorized persons, especially children, who can suffer health impairments through ingestion. It is also conceivable that strong pain relievers, which have been prescribed to a patient for simplified administration by inhalation, can be used without authorization by another person, for example a pain reliever.
  • the shops, stores, pharmacies demand or online providers provide verification, for example by presenting a valid ID, passport, prescription or the like, to the authorization of the person, e.g. their age for the use of nicotine and / or other active ingredients and flavorings for which a legal age restriction applies , or to verify a valid prescription for taking a medication.
  • the verification can take place analogously, for example, by the seller, or digitally, for example, via a commonly known authentication using a smartphone app.
  • the actual use of the inhaler is possible without restriction. In particular, use is possible regardless of the actual authorization of the person using the inhaler. This can lead to improper use by unauthorized persons.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of creating an inhaler which enables use only by authorized / authorized persons.
  • the task is still to propose a corresponding arrangement.
  • Another task is to propose a corresponding method.
  • This object is achieved by an inhaler of the type mentioned at the outset in that the mouthpiece is assigned at least one sensor which is designed and set up to recognize characteristics of the lips of the person using the inhaler and to provide a data signal formed from the characteristics, the Sensor is connected to an electronic control unit assigned to the inhaler, to which the actuating mechanism is also connected, in such a way that the inhalation medium is released on the basis of the data signal.
  • the design according to the invention it is possible to verify the authorization of the user, i.e. the user, both during the first use and during each subsequent use, i.e. also in particular during each individual suction process.
  • the invention makes it possible to allow or prevent the use of the inhaler depending on the person using it.
  • the fact that the sensor is arranged on the mouthpiece and enclosed by the user's lips ensures that every time it is used, e.g. a lip fold pattern or areas thereof are inevitably recorded as a characteristic of the user.
  • the imprint of a person's lips is unique and differs, among other things, from a lip imprint of another person in the form of the pattern of the lip furrows, i.e. in depth, width, length, arrangement and the course of the furrows in the outer skin layer / the outer skin layers of the lip of a human.
  • the subject that deals with this topic is cheiloscopy. Due to the uniqueness of the lip print and its one-to-one assignability to a person, the lip print is ideally suited for identifying people.
  • a minimum number of features of an expression of the pattern of the lip furrows of a person, which is suitable for distinguishing the person from another person, is also referred to as characteristics of lips in the context of this invention.
  • the lip fold pattern or the data signal formed from it can be stored in the inhaler, an external device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, or in a (cloud) memory.
  • the actuation mechanism which ultimately ensures whether the inhalation medium is released for inhalation by the user or not, can be controlled by means of the electronic control unit. Misuse is virtually impossible because the mouthpiece must be taken into the mouth and thus between the lips of the user during each individual suction process to verify authorization. If the mouthpiece is received between the lips of the user authorized for use, the mouthpiece can no longer be received in the mouth or between the lips of another user.
  • the inhaler With the inhaler according to the invention, it is practically impossible to separate the authorized user and another, unauthorized user of the inhaler. In other words, in order to use the inhaler, the user who inhales the inhalation medium must be the same person as the authorized user.
  • the perception and recognition of characteristics of the lips can be done in different ways.
  • the recording of characteristics can be realized with sensors, for example.
  • sensors record a spatially and preferably height-resolved image of the lips, i.e. a map of the lip impression.
  • the data signal output by the sensors during recording can be abstracted into a biometric signature by means of a suitable algorithm while retaining distinctive features in the lip impression. This biometric signature forms the basis for the further work of the electronic control device in the inhaler.
  • Distinctive features can be, for example, the spatial arrangement of turns of lip furrows relative to one another and their degree of curvature, the shape of lip furrows or the spatial arrangement of branch points at which one lip furrow merges into two lip furrows, for example.
  • a single impression of the lips can be recorded as a data signal, for example.
  • different areas of the lips can also be recorded once or repeatedly.
  • a map of the lip impression from all recorded areas and thus an image of the entire relevant section of the lips is created by taking several recordings of areas of the lips.
  • the term “relevant section of the lips” means the area of the user's lips which usually touches the sensors assigned to the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece of the inhaler is used. This card can then in turn be abstracted into a biometric signature. It is also conceivable that the characteristics of the authorized user's lips are extracted from a photo of the user.
  • the photo can be taken, for example, as part of a verification process with a mobile device, for example a smartphone or a tablet PC, as is known in the prior art, for example when setting up an account or a contract.
  • a mobile device for example a smartphone or a tablet PC
  • Such a photo can be taken with the aid of a smartphone, for example.
  • inhaler-independent characteristics of the lips of the previously or simultaneously verified user can be recorded or created. These characteristics can then be saved in cloud storage.
  • the characteristics are loaded and stored on a memory of the inhaler or the cartridge carrier when the inhaler or the cartridge carrier is started up for the first time in order to carry out the verification according to the invention by the control device of the inhaler without a connection to the cloud memory to be able to.
  • the detection of the lip fold pattern or parts thereof by two or more sensors is also possible and is described in more detail below.
  • the information / data determined by the or each sensor can be processed individually or combined with one another to form a plurality of data signals or to form a common data signal.
  • the inhaler is advantageously characterized in that the actuation mechanism comprises a locking mechanism which is designed and set up to enable and prevent the release of the inhalation medium by means of the electronic control unit on the basis of the data signal.
  • the controllable locking mechanism ensures an individual and verified release of the inhalation medium.
  • the locking mechanism is mechanical and / or electronic and / or electromechanical and / or electromagnetic and / or computer-implemented or in a combination of the aforementioned.
  • the locking mechanism as a mechanical component can comprise, for example, a bolt, a latch or the like.
  • the mechanically designed locking mechanism can consist of a The closed position, ie a position in which a release of the inhalation medium is not possible, can be brought into a release position, ie a position in which the release of the inhalation medium is possible, and vice versa.
  • the mechanically designed locking mechanism is formed by the relative displacement of two parts of the inhaler against one another, for example against a restoring spring force, and that the two parts can thereby be brought from the closed position into the release position. It is also conceivable that the mechanically designed locking mechanism is formed by pretensioning one part of the inhaler relative to another part of the inhaler. The pretension can be achieved, for example, by a rotary and / or pulling movement of the part of the inhaler relative to the other part of the inhaler and against a spring force by a manual execution by the user. As a result of the turning and / or pulling movement, a part of the inhaler can be acted upon by a spring force in a closed position.
  • the spring force can bring the part of the inhaler acted upon by the spring force from the closed position into the release position.
  • electronic or electromechanical control of the mechanical components is also possible.
  • the aforementioned mechanical trigger can be formed by an element or a combination of several of the elements in the list below or can be actuated by them: electromechanical component, electromagnetic actuator, electric motor, servomotor, stepper motor, electromechanically / electromagnetically operated piston, electromechanically / electromagnetically operated membrane, magnet coil their position when current flows through the solenoid.
  • the locking mechanism can, however, also be designed entirely purely electrically / electronically, in that the release and the locking takes place on the basis, for example, of data signals or the like. However, it is also conceivable that the locking mechanism is computer-implemented and is executed on a microcontroller.
  • a microcontroller which is part of the control unit, for example, can have and execute an algorithm stored in a data memory.
  • the algorithm can be designed and set up in such a way that it converts the data signal measured by the sensor into a data record which makes it possible to compare this data record with a previously known data record.
  • the algorithm can also be set up to compare the data record with the previously known data record.
  • the algorithm can then be designed to control an output of the microcontroller when the data record matches the previously known data record, as a result of which, for example, an electronic release device can be actuated and the inhalation medium released.
  • an expedient embodiment is characterized in that the inhaler comprises an element which is designed and set up to convert the data signal formed by the or each sensor into a biometric signature, the biometric signature forming an electronic lock as a locking mechanism for the actuating mechanism. If there is agreement with an initially determined and stored biometric signature, as described above, for example, the inhalation medium can be released. If there is no match with an initially determined and stored biometric signature, the actuation mechanism remains blocked. In other words, if there is no match, no inhalation medium is released.
  • a preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor is a skin print sensor or the sensor has a skin print sensor.
  • a skin print sensor is a sensor that is set up to record a skin print, such as a lip wrinkle pattern.
  • the skin print sensor can measure a pattern of a lip fold pattern and convert it into a data signal.
  • the recording of the skin imprint by the skin imprint sensor can be controlled by an algorithm, for example a readout and conversion algorithm, in the skin imprint sensor or in the electronic control unit of the inhaler, e.g. a microcontroller of the inhaler.
  • the skin imprint sensor can, for example, record a spatially resolved image, i.e. a map of the lip structure of a specific area of the lips.
  • the skin impression sensor can preferably be an optical, capacitive, optical-capacitive, pressure-sensitive, thermal or ultrasound-based sensor.
  • a preferred embodiment is characterized in that the mouthpiece is in each case arranged a sensor on a side of the mouthpiece that essentially faces the upper lip and on a side of the mouthpiece that essentially faces the lower lip when the mouthpiece is received as intended between the lips of a user.
  • the Mouthpiece has a circumferential sensor which fulfills the same function of simultaneously measuring the lip impression of an area of the upper lip and an area of the lower lip.
  • the combination of at least two sensors or a circumferential sensor and the preferably simultaneous measurement of the lip wrinkle pattern of an area of the upper lip and an area of the lower lip by a separate sensor each ensure that both lips of the verifying person are clearly the lips of the verifying person when using the inhaler authorized user. This significantly increases protection against unauthorized use of the inhaler.
  • the electronic control unit is advantageously designed as a memory-programmable control unit, which is designed and set up to store the biometric signature and to read out the biometric signature from the memory.
  • a simple and quick verification for a kind of "on-use" control of the authorization i.e. a control of the authorization of the person using the inhaler, is guaranteed.
  • the storage can take place in the inhaler itself or in an external device or (cloud) storage.
  • a preferred embodiment is characterized in that the inhaler comprises an element which is designed and set up for digital verification of the identity and / or the age of the person using the inhaler. This further increases the security of the verification and makes improper use more difficult. From the digital proof of identity and / or age on the one hand and the lip line pattern on the other hand, a data record can be formed which is stored in order to enable a comparison with the current lip line pattern with each subsequent use.
  • the possibilities of digital proof of identity and / or age and comparison for verification are diverse. For example, the person using it can have a digital copy of an ID card,
  • a particularly advantageous development is characterized in that the programmable logic control unit is designed and set up for an initial verification to create a data record formed from the biometric signature and a digital identity and / or age verification of the person using it and to store and read out the data record.
  • the inhaler it is possible, before the inhaler is used for the first time, to establish a connection between the identity of the person using it, e.g. using a photo taken during the first use and a comparison with the photo of a government ID, and a lip line pattern of the person using it as a characteristic to manufacture.
  • the identity and / or the age of the user are determined by the aforementioned technical means, and the lip fold pattern of the user is recognized by means of the sensor and converted into the biometric signature.
  • the data record formed from the authorization and the signature is saved, whereby the storage can take place in the inhaler, in an external device, in a (cloud) memory or the like.
  • the programmable logic control unit is expediently designed and set up for a re-verification for comparing the stored data set with a data signal currently formed from the characteristics for each individual use.
  • the inventive design allows the lip wrinkle pattern recognized as a characteristic of the person currently using it or the biometric signature formed therefrom to be compared with the initially determined and stored lip crease pattern or the biometric signature formed therefrom. If the biometric signatures match or are similar to a defined minimum, the inhaler is released for use. In other words, if the result is the same, the locking mechanism of the actuating mechanism is unlocked. If they do not match, the locking mechanism remains locked so that the actuation mechanism cannot be triggered.
  • the invention enables “on-use” or “online” verification of the person using it, so that improper use is excluded.
  • the invention thus enables effective and safe handling of the inhaler exclusively by authorized persons, in that the verification of the person and the use by the person take place quasi synchronously. In other words, the verification is checked every time it is used.
  • An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the inhaler comprises an element which is designed and set up to establish a wireless connection with a network-compatible terminal device. The handling of the inhaler is thus considerably simplified.
  • the advantages mentioned above are further supported by this development. It is particularly advantageous that the user can set up an application or an account by means of the terminal device, for example a smartphone or a tablet, in order to digitally verify their identity and / or their age.
  • the terminal can, however, also be a terminal at a dealer, a shop, a pharmacy, a doctor's practice or the like.
  • an inhaler which is characterized in that the cartridge carrier is assigned an evaporator cartridge, an energy source being assigned to a unit formed from the cartridge carrier and the evaporator cartridge, and that the evaporator cartridge has a hollow body with a continuous flow channel, the storage tank for receiving a liquid inhalation medium is formed and has at least one access opening to the flow channel and an evaporator unit extending over the entire access opening is arranged in the region of each access opening.
  • the vaporizer unit due to the heating of the fluid, ensures that aerosols can be formed and inhaled by the air flow generated by the suction.
  • the aerosols can also be formed by ultrasonic devices.
  • aerosols are formed by releasing the inhalation medium through a nozzle of a pressurized container which is received in or on the inhaler.
  • the inhaler can also have a device that generates a pressure that is suitable for generating an aerosol through a nozzle.
  • the evaporator unit preferably has a wick element and a heating element, the evaporator unit comprising electrical contacts for making electrical contact with the energy source.
  • the authorization of the user is checked via the sensor, and in the event that the user is authorized, the heating pulse to evaporate the liquid continues to be triggered.
  • the biometric signature formed from the lip fold pattern thus forms the digital / electronic lock for the inhaler. Only when the lock is opened, namely when it is detected with the suction on the mouthpiece Authorization, the aerosols flow through the flow channel and can be inhaled by the person using it. If the authorization is missing, there is also no heating pulse for the evaporator unit. In other words, the lock remains closed.
  • the evaporator unit forms the actuation mechanism with the energy source, the actuation mechanism being controllable and / or regulatable by means of the electronic control unit.
  • the object is also achieved by an arrangement which is characterized by an inhaler according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, and a network-compatible terminal device, the inhaler and the terminal device being wirelessly connectable to each other in a signal connection.
  • the inhaler and the terminal can communicate with one another via Bluetooth. Communication via a local or global network is also possible as an option.
  • the inhaler is linked to the account set up on the terminal device via the Bluetooth or network interface.
  • the terminal device preferably has a user-defined account that is linked to the inhaler.
  • the inhaler and / or the terminal device can expediently be wirelessly connected to a network.
  • the inhaler is connected to the terminal via a Bluetooth interface.
  • the terminal in turn is in wireless connection with a network, preferably the Internet as a global network.
  • the inhaler can also be used wirelessly, e.g. via radio connection, such as Bluetooth, RFID, NFC or ZigBee, directly or via interconnected network components such as WLAN / WiFi via the network (e.g. Internet) e.g. with other end devices or any other network components such as a Server, communicate.
  • the object is also achieved by a method for inhalation of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized by the following steps: before the initial sucking, a connection between the identity and / or age of the user and characteristics of the lips of the user is established and stored , and preferably with each suction, the characteristics of the lips of the person currently using it are compared with those initially stored characteristics, in such a way that the activation of the actuation mechanism only takes place when the respective characteristics match to a defined minimum.
  • connection initially determined and stored is advantageously stored as an authorization to use the inhaler.
  • a preferred development is characterized in that a lip fold pattern of the person using it is detected by means of a sensor and converted into a biometric signature, the biometric signature being linked to authorization to use the inhaler and the actuation mechanism being deactivated as an electronic lock until the authorized person sucks on the inhaler.
  • the method is particularly preferably carried out with an arrangement according to one or more of claims 14 to 16.
  • the object is also achieved by a method for controlling of the type mentioned at the beginning.
  • the method is a method for controlling an inhaler having a mouthpiece with a sensor, whereby the inhaler is activated to inhale an inhalation medium, comprising the following steps: the sensor acquires data, preferably characteristics of the lips, of a person who is currently using the inhaler, Comparison of the recorded data of the currently using person with initially saved data, preferably initially saved characteristics of the lips, and, if the initially saved data match the recorded data of the currently using person to a defined minimum, the actuation mechanism of the inhaler is released and preferably activated Inhaler actuation mechanism.
  • FIG. 2 shows an arrangement made up of an inhaler and a network-compatible terminal device, which is connected to a network
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic and enlarged illustration of the inhaler shown in FIG. 1b in section
  • FIG. 4 shows the inhalers according to FIGS. 1a and 1b with a direct connection to a network
  • FIGS. 1a and 1b shows the inhalers according to FIGS. 1a and 1b with a connection to a terminal via a Bluetooth interface.
  • the inhalers according to the invention shown in the drawing are, purely by way of example, optionally designed as a drug inhaler based on the principle of atomization or as a so-called e-cigarette based on the principle of vaporization.
  • the invention accordingly relates in the same way to inhalers for pleasure purposes as to inhalers for medical and / or therapeutic purposes.
  • the invention relates to all inhalers, i.e.
  • an inhaler 10 is shown which is designed and set up for medical purposes for inhaling an inhalation medium enriched with active substances and / or aromatic substances.
  • an inhaler 10 is shown, which to Pleasure purposes is designed and set up for inhaling an inhalation medium enriched with active substances and / or aromatic substances, that is to say a so-called e-cigarette.
  • Each inhaler 10 comprises a cartridge carrier 11, a storage tank 12 containing the inhalation medium, a mouthpiece 13 assigned to the cartridge carrier 11, and an actuating mechanism 14 for releasing the inhalation medium from the storage tank 12 in the direction of the mouthpiece 13.
  • the inhaler 10 can be based on different functional principles with regard to the supply of the inhalation medium suitable for consumption or inhalation.
  • the inhaler 10 according to FIG. 1 a is based on the principle of atomization.
  • the inhaler according to FIG. 1 b is based on the principle of evaporation.
  • other functional principles such as ultrasound or the like, can also be used as long as they convert a solid, liquid or gaseous inhalation medium into an inhalable state.
  • the actuation mechanism 14 describes in the broadest sense everything (mechanical and / or electronic) that is designed and set up to prevent the undesired emptying of the inhalation medium from the storage tank and escape from the mouthpiece on the one hand, and on the other hand the targeted release of the inhalation medium directly , namely without a change, for example by nebulization, atomization, evaporation or the like, or indirectly, namely with a change, for example by nebulization, atomization, evaporation or the like, from the storage tank 12 in the direction of the mouthpiece 13.
  • the storage tank 12 can be part of the cartridge carrier 11 or formed separately.
  • the inhalation medium is used directly or directly, e.g. as a liquid, or indirectly or in a converted form, e.g. as (atomized or vaporized) liquid to form an aerosol or the like, can be ingested or inhaled by suction.
  • the inhaler 10 is characterized in that the mouthpiece 13 is assigned at least one sensor 15 which is used to identify characteristics of the lips of the person using the inhaler 10 and is designed and set up to provide a data signal formed from the characteristics, the sensor 15 being connected to an electronic control unit 16 assigned to the inhaler 10, to which the actuating mechanism 14 is also connected, in such a way that the inhalation medium is released on the basis of the data signal.
  • the sensor 15 can be, for example, a single ring sensor. It is also possible to distribute two or more than two sensors 15, preferably evenly over the circumference of the mouthpiece 13. In the case of a flat mouthpiece 13 with two opposite surfaces, for example at least one sensor 15 can be arranged in the area of each surface. However, other sensor designs and sensor positions in the area of the mouthpiece 13 are also possible.
  • the actuation mechanism 14 comprises a locking mechanism (not explicitly shown) which is designed and set up to enable and prevent the release of the inhalation medium by means of the electronic control unit 16 on the basis of the data signal or also a plurality of data signals.
  • This locking mechanism can be designed mechanically and / or electronically.
  • the locking mechanism has the effect that the actuation mechanism 14 can be actuated, releases the inhalation medium accordingly when the locking mechanism is out of engagement (mechanical and / or electrical / electronic), and that the actuation mechanism 14 is locked, holding back the inhalation medium accordingly when the locking mechanism is in ( mechanical and / or electrical / electronic) intervention.
  • the inhaler 10 optionally further comprises an element (also not explicitly shown), for example a processor, a program module or the like, which is preferably part of the control unit 16 and for converting the data signal formed by the or each sensor 15 into a biometric signature is designed and set up, the biometric signature forming an electronic lock as a locking mechanism for the actuating mechanism 14.
  • an element also not explicitly shown
  • the individual signature for each person not only forms the lock for the actuating mechanism 14, but also the key at the same time.
  • the electronic control unit 16 is preferably designed as a memory-programmable control unit which is designed and set up to store the biometric signature and to read out the biometric signature from the memory.
  • the control unit 16 manages both the lock and the key in that the initially stored signature, which is stored as access authorization, basically blocks the actuating mechanism 14, and each time the inhaler 10 is used, the then recognized or determined signature with the stored one Compares access authorization and only releases the actuating mechanism 14 in the event of a previously defined, sufficient match.
  • the inhaler 10 comprises an element which is designed and set up for digital proof of the identity and / or the age of the person using the inhaler 10.
  • the element can be part of the inhaler 10.
  • the element is particularly preferably an external terminal 17 as part of an arrangement 18, which is described further below.
  • the electronic or programmable logic control unit 16 is designed and set up for an initial verification to create a data record formed from the biometric signature and a digital identity and / or age verification of the person using it, and to store and read out the data record.
  • the electronic or memory-programmable control unit 16 is designed and set up for a re-verification for comparing the stored data set with a data signal currently formed from the characteristics for each individual use. In this way, when the inhaler 10 is used for the first time, the inhaler 10 easily creates a unique, individual connection between the identity of the person using it, e.g.
  • the lip fold pattern or the biometric signature formed therefrom of the person currently using it is compared with the initially stored biometric signature. If they match or if there is a defined minimum degree of similarity, the inhaler 10 is activated for use. If there is a lack of correspondence or a lack of similarity, the inhaler 10 remains deactivated. This comparison takes place anew with every single suction process.
  • the inhaler 10 preferably comprises an element which is designed and set up to establish a wireless connection with a network-compatible terminal device 17.
  • the element is preferably a Bluetooth interface.
  • other interfaces and / or data / signal transmission components can also be used in order to establish communication between the inhaler 10 and the terminal 17.
  • Smartphones, tablets or the like are preferably used as terminals 17.
  • an evaporator cartridge 19 is assigned to the cartridge carrier 11, an energy source 20 being assigned to a unit formed from the cartridge carrier 11 and the evaporator cartridge 19.
  • the evaporator cartridge 19 has a hollow body 21 with a continuous flow channel 22, the storage tank 12 being designed to hold a liquid inhalation medium and having at least one access opening 23 to the flow channel 22 and in the area of each access opening 23 an evaporator unit 24 extending over the entire access opening 23 is arranged.
  • the evaporator unit 24 has a wick element 25 and a heating element 26, the evaporator unit 24 comprising electrical contacts 27 for making electrical contact with the energy source 20.
  • the evaporator unit 24 is designed to be liquid-permeable in such a way that liquid can be conveyed at least initially in a capillary manner from the storage tank 12 through the evaporator unit 24 in the direction of the flow channel 22.
  • the hollow body 21 with its at least one flow channel 22, two or more flow channels 22 can also be provided and forms a suction channel / chimney.
  • the shape of the hollow body 21, like the course of the flow channel 22, can be almost as desired. It is crucial that an inlet side of each flow channel 22 is open to the environment in order to be able to suck in air, for example, and that the The exit side is open, for example to be able to generate a negative pressure, in particular by sucking a person using it. In this context, open means that the inlet side and the outlet side are air-permeable.
  • the evaporator unit 24 forms a type of liquid barrier that prevents liquid from flowing out of the storage tank 12 directly and as a liquid into the flow channel 22.
  • two or more storage tanks 12 can also be provided, and of the hollow body 21 and the arrangement / positioning of the storage tank 12 to the hollow body 21, the evaporator unit 24 ensures that liquid inevitably flows from the storage tank 12 into Direction of the flow channel 22 and is released into the flow channel 22 as a gas or vapor for the formation of aerosols at the latest when it emerges from the evaporator unit 24.
  • the evaporator unit 24 forms the actuation mechanism 14 with the energy source 20, the actuation mechanism 14 being controllable and / or regulatable by means of the electronic control unit 16.
  • the control unit 16 controls the energy source 20
  • energy is supplied to the evaporator unit 24 via the electrical contacts 27, as a result of which an evaporation process occurs.
  • the initially determined and stored biometric signature forms the electronic lock as a locking mechanism for the actuating mechanism 14. If there is a verified authorization during use, the current signature corresponds to the initially determined and stored signature, the actuating mechanism 14 can be activated.
  • the actuating mechanism 14 can be, for example, a spring element, a valve, a push button or the like, or a combination thereof, which are released or blocked, for example, by a bolt, latching or the like as a blocking mechanism can.
  • the inhaler 10 itself can comprise all components which ensure a verified release or activation of the actuating mechanism 14 with every use, that is, suction process for suction process.
  • the inhaler 10 is preferably part of a Arrangement 18, which is designed and set up for inhaling inhalation medium enriched with active substances and / or aromatic substances.
  • the arrangement 18 comprises an inhaler 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, as well as a network-compatible terminal 17, wherein the inhaler 10 and the terminal 17 can be brought into wireless signal connection with one another.
  • the inhaler 10 and / or the terminal 17 can preferably be wirelessly connected to a network 28.
  • a network 28 In the example according to FIG.
  • the inhaler 10 and the terminal 17 are connected to one another via a Bluetooth interface 29.
  • the terminal 17 communicates via the network 28 with other terminals, such as servers or the like.
  • the inhalers 10 are connected directly to the network 28.
  • Other links and connections to local or global networks are also possible.
  • the terminal 17 preferably has a user-defined account that is linked to the inhaler 10.
  • a so-called application is loaded on the terminal 17, by means of which, for example, the identity and / or age verification can take place.
  • the terminal 17 with the application can also serve as a memory for the determined and formed data, in particular the combination of biometric signatures and identity and / or age information.
  • the memory can also be assigned to the network 28 as a so-called cloud memory.
  • the method is used to inhale an inhalation medium enriched with active substances and / or aromatic substances.
  • the inhalation medium can originally be solid (e.g. in the form of powder, powder or the like), liquid or vapor / gaseous.
  • Inhalation does not only include the consumption of converted inhalation media, for example the inhalation of aerosols formed from solid and / or liquid media, which are formed, for example, by an evaporation process or ultrasound process from a liquid supply or by atomization from a supply of powder / powder or a liquid supply were, but also the consumption of non-converted inhalation media, for example the portion-wise / dose-wise dispensing of individual liquid portions / doses from a liquid supply.
  • a user sucks on the mouthpiece 13 of the inhaler 10 and at the same time actuates an actuation mechanism 14 of the inhaler 10, whereby the inhaler 10 is activated to inhale the inhalation medium.
  • Pressing of the actuating mechanism 14 can be a separate step from the suction.
  • the suction can also be the actuation at the same time.
  • the inhalation medium is released from a storage tank 12 in the direction of the mouthpiece 13.
  • the inhalation medium can reach the mouthpiece 13 unchanged / not converted.
  • the inhalation medium is converted on the way from the storage tank 12 to the mouthpiece 13, namely, for example, atomized, vaporized, atomized or otherwise changed.
  • the actuating mechanism 14 is activated, for example, by pressing on a storage tank 12 containing the inhalation medium, for example by opening an atomizing valve. By simultaneously sucking on the mouthpiece 13, the atomized inhalation medium can be inhaled as an aerosol.
  • the actuation mechanism 14 is already activated by the suction itself, for example by a sensor detecting the air flow and signaling a control unit 16 to activate an energy source 20 by means of which an evaporation process in the inhaler 10 is triggered by an evaporator unit 24 .
  • the liquid inhalation medium is vaporized and, when it enters a flow channel 22, is entrained by the suction and converted into aerosols, which are then inhaled.
  • a connection between the identity and / or the age of the user and the characteristics of the lips of the user is established and stored before the first vacuuming, and the characteristics of the lips of the current user are compared with those initially saved with each vacuum Characteristics such that the activation mechanism 14 is activated only when the respective characteristics match to a defined minimum.
  • the authorization is virtually verified and stored via the initial verification. With the re-verification, the comparison of the characteristics is carried out for each individual suction process, so that the activation of the inhaler 10 can only be triggered by the authorized person when using it.
  • the connection initially determined and stored is stored as authorization to use the inhaler 10.
  • a lip fold pattern of the user is detected by means of a sensor 15 and converted into a biometric signature
  • the biometric Signature is linked to an authorization to use the inhaler and deactivates the actuating mechanism 14 as an electronic lock until the authorized person sucks on the inhaler 10.
  • the authorization of the user can be checked, for example, by the user taking a photo of themselves together with a photo ID or the like and the mouthpiece 13 of the inhaler 10 in their mouth and from the official / governmental side, for example using databases or the like can be verified.
  • the method is particularly preferably carried out with an arrangement 18 according to one or more of claims 13 to 15.
  • a communication environment can be determined or created for the inhaler 10, which makes it possible to communicate with at least one second device.
  • This communication can take place via local or global networks.
  • the data exchanged between the inhaler 10 and the terminal 17 on the one hand and between the terminal 17 and / or inhaler 10 via the network 28 on the other hand can be sent and received unencrypted or encrypted using conventional methods. There is also the possibility of allowing several authorized persons to use the inhaler 10.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un inhalateur (10) qui est conçu pour inhaler un milieu d'inhalation enrichi en principes actifs et/ou en substances aromatiques, comprenant un support de cartouche (11), un réservoir de stockage (12) qui contient le milieu d'inhalation, un embout buccal (13) qui est couplé au support de cartouche (11), et un mécanisme d'actionnement (14) pour libérer le milieu d'inhalation hors du réservoir de stockage (12) dans la direction de l'embout buccal (13). L'inhalateur est caractérisé en ce que l'embout buccal (13) est couplé à au moins un capteur (15), qui est conçu pour détecter des caractéristiques des lèvres de la personne au moyen de l'inhalateur (10) et fournir un signal de données formé à partir des caractéristiques, le capteur (15) étant connecté à une unité de commande électronique (16) qui est couplée à l'inhalateur (10) et à laquelle le mécanisme d'actionnement (14) est également connecté de sorte que le milieu d'inhalation est libéré sur la base du signal de données. L'invention concerne en outre un ensemble correspondant (18) et un procédé correspondant.
EP21718554.5A 2020-04-23 2021-04-12 Inhalateur, ensemble et procédé pour inhaler un milieu d'inhalation enrichi en principes actifs et/ou en substances aromatiques, et procédé de commande d'un inhalateur Pending EP4138965A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102020111034.0A DE102020111034A1 (de) 2020-04-23 2020-04-23 Inhalator, Anordnung und Verfahren zum Inhalieren von mit Wirk- und/oder Aromastoffen angereichertem Inhalationsmedium sowie Verfahren zum Steuern eines Inhalators
PCT/EP2021/059391 WO2021213825A1 (fr) 2020-04-23 2021-04-12 Inhalateur, ensemble et procédé pour inhaler un milieu d'inhalation enrichi en principes actifs et/ou en substances aromatiques, et procédé de commande d'un inhalateur

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EP4138965A1 true EP4138965A1 (fr) 2023-03-01

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US (1) US20230158256A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP4138965A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN115867338A (fr)
DE (1) DE102020111034A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2021213825A1 (fr)

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WO2024120973A1 (fr) * 2022-12-06 2024-06-13 Jt International Sa Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et son procédé de fonctionnement

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WO2012138663A2 (fr) * 2011-04-04 2012-10-11 Integrated Monitoring Systems, Llc Système pour une confirmation d'identité biométrique
US20140060552A1 (en) * 2012-08-28 2014-03-06 Ploom, Inc. Methods and devices for delivery and monitoring of tobacco, nicotine, or other substances
US9854841B2 (en) * 2012-10-08 2018-01-02 Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. Electronic smoking article and associated method
CN105792687A (zh) * 2013-11-15 2016-07-20 Jj206有限责任公司 用于汽化装置以及产品使用控制和文档化的***和方法
US20150181945A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2015-07-02 Martin Tremblay Electronic vaping device
CA3001756A1 (fr) 2015-11-17 2017-05-26 Philip Morris Products S.A. Cartouche pour un systeme de production d'aerosol avec inducteur d'identification
DE102016114718B4 (de) * 2016-08-09 2021-02-25 Hauni Maschinenbau Gmbh Inhalator
CN107568804A (zh) * 2017-10-12 2018-01-12 卓尔悦欧洲控股有限公司 烟嘴、电子烟及其控制方法

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DE102020111034A1 (de) 2021-10-28

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