INHALER, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR INHALING INHALATION MEDIUM ENRICHED WITH ACTIVE INGREDIENTS AND/OR AROMATIC SUBSTANCES, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN INHALER

Abstract

An inhaler configured and adapted for inhaling an inhalation medium, enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances, includes a cartridge carrier, a storage tank which contains the inhalation medium, a mouthpiece which is associated with the cartridge carrier, and an actuating mechanism for releasing the inhalation medium out of the storage tank in the direction of the mouthpiece. The inhaler has at least one sensor associated with the mouthpiece. The sensor is configured and adapted to detect characteristics of 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 associated with the inhaler, to which the actuating mechanism is also connected, in such a manner that the inhalation medium is released on the basis of the data signal. A corresponding arrangement and a corresponding method are disclosed.

Claims

1-21. (canceled)

22. An inhaler, configured and adapted for inhaling an inhalation medium enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances, comprising: a cartridge carrier; a storage tank which contains the inhalation medium; a mouthpiece associated with the cartridge carrier; an actuating mechanism for releasing the inhalation medium out of the storage tank in a direction of the mouthpiece; at least one sensor associated with the mouthpiece, the sensor being configured and adapted to detect characteristics of lips of a person using the inhaler and to provide a data signal formed from the characteristics; and an electronic control unit, the sensor and the actuating mechanism being connected to the electronic control unit such that the inhalation medium is released on a basis of the data signal.

23. The inhaler according to claim 22, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a locking mechanism configured and adapted to enable and prevent release of the inhalation medium by the electronic control unit based on the data signal.

24. The inhaler according to claim 23, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be mechanical and/or electronic and/or electromechanical and/or electromagnetic and/or computer-implemented or a combination of the aforementioned.

25. The inhaler according to claim 23, further comprising an element configured and adapted to convert the data signal formed by the at least one sensor into a biometric signature, wherein the biometric signature forms an electronic lock as the locking mechanism for the actuating mechanism.

26. The inhaler according to claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor is an optical, capacitive, optical-capacitive or ultrasound-based skin print sensor or comprises such a sensor.

27. The inhaler according to claim 25, wherein the electronic control unit is configured as a programmable logic control unit which is configured and adapted to store the biometric signature and to read out the biometric signature from the storage device.

28. The inhaler according to claim 27, further comprising an element configured and adapted for digital verification of the identity and/or age of the person using the inhaler.

29. The inhaler according to claim 28, wherein for initial verification, the programmable logic control unit is configured and adapted to form a data set formed from the biometric signature and a digital proof of identity and/or age of the user and to store and read out the data set.

30. The inhaler according to claim 29, wherein for re-verification, the programmable logic control unit is configured and adapted to compare the stored data set with a data signal currently formed from the characteristics during each individual use.

31. The inhaler according to claim 22, further comprising an element configured and adapted to establish a wireless connection to a network-enabled terminal device.

32. The inhaler according to claim 22, further comprising: a vaporiser cartridge associated with the cartridge carrier; an energy source associated with a unit formed from the cartridge carrier and vaporiser cartridge; wherein; the vaporiser cartridge has a hollow body with a continuous flow channel; the storage tank is configured to receive the liquid inhalation medium and has at least one access opening to the flow channel; and a vaporiser unit extends over the entire at least one access opening and is arranged in a region of each of the at least one access openings.

33. The inhaler according to claim 32, wherein the vaporiser unit has a wick member and a heating member, the vaporiser unit comprising electrical contacts for electrically contacting the energy source.

34. The inhaler according to claim 32, wherein the vaporiser unit with the energy source forms the actuating mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism is controlled and/or regulated by the electronic control unit.

35. A system, configured and adapted for inhaling inhalation medium enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances, comprising: an inhaler according to claim 22; and a network-enabled terminal; wherein the inhaler and the terminal device are wirelessly in signal connection with each other.

36. The system according to claim 35, wherein the inhaler and/or the terminal device are wirelessly connected to a network.

37. The system according to claim 35, wherein the terminal has a user-defined account which is linked to the inhaler.

38. A method for inhaling inhalation medium enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances by an inhaler having a mouthpiece, comprising steps of: sucking at the mouthpiece of the inhaler by a user; and simultaneously actuating an actuating mechanism of the inhaler, whereby the inhaler is activated for inhaling the inhalation medium; establishing a connection between an identity and/or age of the user and characteristics of lips of the user and storing the characteristics before sucking for the first time; and during sucking comparing the characteristics of the lips of a person currently using the inhaler with the stored characteristics, in such a manner that activation of the actuating mechanism only takes place if the respective characteristics match to a defined minimum degree.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein an initially detected and saved connection is stored as authorisation to use the inhaler.

40. The method according to claim 38, wherein a lip wrinkle pattern of the user is detected by means of a sensor and converted into a biometric signature, wherein the biometric signature is linked to an authorisation to use the inhaler and deactivates the actuating mechanism as an electronic lock until the authorised person sucks on the inhaler.

41. The method according to claim 38, further comprising performing the method with a system comprising: an inhaler comprising; a cartridge carrier; a storage tank which contains the inhalation medium; a mouthpiece associated with the cartridge carrier; an actuating mechanism for releasing the inhalation medium out of the storage tank in a direction of the mouthpiece; at least one sensor associated with the mouthpiece, the sensor being configured and adapted to detect characteristics of lips of a person using the inhaler and to provide a data signal formed from the characteristics; and an electronic control unit, the sensor and the actuating mechanism being connected to the electronic control unit such that the inhalation medium is released on a basis of the data signal; and a network-enabled terminal; wherein the inhaler and the terminal device are wirelessly in signal connection with each other.

42. The method according to claim 38, wherein the step of comparing during sucking comprises comparing during each suck.

43. A method for controlling an inhaler having a mouthpiece with a sensor, as a result of which the inhaler is activated for inhaling an inhalation medium, comprising steps of: recording of data; verifying the recorded data of the current user with initially stored data; and if the initially stored data matches the recorded data of the current user to a defined minimum degree, enabling the actuating mechanism of the inhaler.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein the inhaler having a mouthpiece with a sensor comprises a cartridge carrier; a storage tank which contains the inhalation medium; a mouthpiece associated with the cartridge carrier; an actuating mechanism for releasing the inhalation medium out of the storage tank in a direction of the mouthpiece; at least one sensor associated with the mouthpiece, the sensor being configured and adapted to detect characteristics of lips of a person using the inhaler and to provide a data signal formed from the characteristics; and an electronic control unit, the sensor and the actuating mechanism being connected to the electronic control unit such that the inhalation medium is released on a basis of the data signal.

45. The method according to claim 43, wherein the step of recording of data comprises recording of data comprising characteristics of lips of a person currently using the inhaler by the sensor.

46. The method according to claim 43, wherein the step of verifying the recorded data of the current user with initially stored data comprises verifying the recorded data of the current user with initially stored characteristics of the lips.

47. The method according to claim 43, further comprising, if the initially stored data matches the recorded data of the current user to a defined minimum degree, activating the actuating mechanism of the inhaler.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further expedient and/or advantageous features and development of the inhaler and the arrangement as well as corresponding steps for the method emerge from the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the inhaler as well as of the arrangement and the method are explained in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views of different embodiments of inhalers according to the invention;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an arrangement, formed from an inhaler and a network-enabled terminal device, which is connected to a network;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic and enlarged sectional diagram of the inhaler shown in FIG. 1b;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the inhalers according to FIGS. 1a and 1b with direct connection to a network; and

[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the inhalers according to FIGS. 1a and 1b with a connection to a terminal device via a Bluetooth interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The inhalers according to the invention shown in the drawing are configured, purely by way of example, optionally as an inhaler for medication based on the principle of atomisation or as a so-called e-cigarette based on the principle of vaporisation. Accordingly, the invention relates similarly to inhalers for enjoyment purposes and inhalers for medical and/or therapeutic purposes. Ultimately, the invention relates to all inhalers, i.e. means, which are configured and adapted for sucking in/breathing in/consuming or otherwise orally ingesting aerosols, liquid and/or vaporous media, for which a person using the inhaler must prove before using it for the first time that they are authorised to inhale the inhalation medium, and in each subsequent use process it is verified whether the person using the inhaler is the verified and authorised person.

[0048] FIG. 1a shows an inhaler 10 which is configured and adapted for inhaling an inhalation medium enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances for medical purposes. FIG. 1b shows an inhaler 10 which is configured and adapted for inhaling an inhalation medium enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances for enjoyment purposes, i.e. a so-called e-cigarette.

[0049] Each inhaler 10 comprises a cartridge carrier 11, a storage tank 12 which contains the inhalation medium, a mouthpiece 13 which is associated with the cartridge carrier 11, and an actuating mechanism 14 for releasing the inhalation medium out of the storage tank 12 in the direction of the mouthpiece 13. Association of the mouthpiece 13 with the cartridge carrier 11 describes both mouthpieces 13 which are fixedly connected to the cartridge carrier 11 and mouthpieces 13 which are releasably attached to the cartridge carrier 11 in a replaceable manner.

[0050] The inhaler 10 can be based on different operating principles with respect to providing the inhalation medium in a manner suitable for consumption or inhalation. The inhaler 10 according to FIG. 1a is based on the principle of atomisation. The inhaler according to FIG. 1b is based on the principle of vaporisation. However, other operating principles, such as ultrasound or the like, can also be used as long at they convert a solid, liquid or gaseous inhalation medium into a state suitable for inhalation.

[0051] The actuating mechanism 14 describes in the broadest sense everything (mechanical and/or electronic) which is configured and adapted, on the one hand, to prevent undesirable emptying of the inhalation medium from the storage tank and escape from the mouthpiece and, on the other hand, to ensure targeted release of the inhalation medium directly, namely without a change, e.g. by nebulisation, atomisation, vaporisation or the like, or indirectly, namely with a change, e.g. by nebulisation, atomisation, vaporisation or the like, from the storage tank 12 towards the mouthpiece 13. The storage tank 12 can be part of the cartridge carrier 11 or can be configured separately. It is crucial that there is a connection between the storage tank 12 and the mouthpiece 13 in such a manner that the inhalation medium can be ingested or inhaled by suction directly, e.g. as a liquid, or indirectly or in converted form, e.g. as an (atomised or vaporised) liquid to form an aerosol or the like.

[0052] The inhaler 10 is characterised according to the invention in that at least one sensor 15 is associated with the mouthpiece 13, which sensor is configured and adapted to detect characteristics of lips of the person using the inhaler 10 and provide a data signal formed from the characteristics, wherein the sensor 15 is connected to an electronic control unit 16 associated with the inhaler 10, and to which the actuating mechanism 14 is also connected, in such a manner that the inhalation medium is released on the basis of the data signal.

[0053] The sensor 15 can be, for example, a single ring sensor. It is also possible to have two or more than two sensors 15, preferably evenly distributed around the circumference of the mouthpiece 13. In the case of a flat mouthpiece 13 with two opposing surfaces, for example, at least one sensor 15 can be arranged in the region of each surface. However, other sensor configurations and sensor positions are also possible in the region of the mouthpiece 13.

[0054] When taken on their own and in combination with each other, the features and developments described below illustrate preferred embodiments. It is expressly pointed out that features which are summarised the description and/or the drawing or are described in a common embodiment can also further develop the inhaler 10 described above in a functionally independent manner.

[0055] The actuating mechanism 14 comprises a locking mechanism (not explicitly illustrated) which is configured and adapted to enable and prevent release of the inhalation medium by means of the electronic control unit 16, based on the data signal or even a plurality of data signals. This locking mechanism can be configured mechanically and/or electronically. The locking mechanism causes the actuating mechanism 14 to be operable, releasing the inhalation medium accordingly, when the locking mechanism is out of (mechanical and/or electrical/electronic) engagement, and to lock the actuating mechanism 14, retaining the inhalation medium accordingly, when the locking mechanism is in (mechanical and/or electrical/electronic) engagement.

[0056] The inhaler 10 optionally further comprises an element, e.g. a processor, a program module or the like, (also not explicitly illustrated) that is preferably part of the control unit 16 and is configured and adapted to convert the data signal formed by the or each sensor 15 into a biometric signature, the biometric signature forming an electronic lock as a locking mechanism for the actuating mechanism 14. Simply put, the signature individual to each person forms not only the lock for the actuating mechanism 14 but at the same time the key as well.

[0057] The electronic control unit 16 is preferably configured as a programmable logic control unit which is configured and adapted to store the biometric signature and to read out the biometric signature from the storage device. In other words, the control unit 16 manages both the lock and the key in that the initially saved signature, which is stored as an access authorisation, basically blocks the actuating mechanism 14, and each time the inhaler 10 is used, it compares the signature then recognised or detected with the stored access authorisation and only releases the actuating mechanism 14 in the event of a previously defined, sufficient match.

[0058] In individual embodiments the inhaler 10 comprises an element which is configured and adapted for digital verification of the identity and/or age of the person using the inhaler 10. The element can be part of the inhaler 10. Particularly preferably, however, the element is an external terminal device 17 as part of an arrangement 18 which is described below.

[0059] For initial verification, the electronic or programmable logic control unit 16 is configured and adapted to form a data set formed from the biometric signature and a digital proof of identity and/or age of the user, and to store and read out the data set. For re-verification, the electronic or programmable logic control unit 16 is additionally configured and adapted to compare the stored data set with a data signal currently formed from the characteristics during each individual use. In this way, when the inhaler 10 is used for the first time, said inhaler 10 is used in a simple manner to establish a unique, individual connection between the identity of the person using the inhaler, e.g. based on a photo taken before the inhaler is used for the first time and comparison with a photo of a nationally recognised and stored ID card, and the lip wrinkle pattern of the user. The biometric signature formed from the lip wrinkle pattern is stored together with the identity of the user (e.g. legal minimum age according to the ID card) and/or their permission to use the inhaler (e.g. according to the prescription) as a data set. During further use of the inhaler 10, the lip wrinkle pattern or the biometric signature formed therefrom of the person currently using the inhaler is compared with the biometric signature initially stored. If there is a match or a defined minimum degree of similarity, the inhaler 10 is activated for use. If there is no match or a lack of similarity, the inhaler 10 remains deactivated. This matching takes place anew with each individual sucking action.

[0060] The inhaler 10 preferably comprises an element which is configured and adapted to establish a wireless connection to a network-enabled terminal device 17. The element is preferably a Bluetooth interface. In further embodiments, other interfaces and/or data/signal transmission components can also be used to establish communication between the inhaler 10 and the terminal device 17. Smartphones, tablets or the like are preferably used as terminal devices 17.

[0061] In a particularly preferred embodiment, in which the inhaler 10 is configured as a so-called e-cigarette, a vaporiser cartridge 19 is associated with the cartridge carrier 11, an energy source 20 being associated with a unit formed by the cartridge carrier 11 and the vaporiser cartridge 19. The vaporiser cartridge 19 has a hollow body 21 with a continuous flow channel 22, the storage tank 12 being configured to receive a liquid inhalation medium and having at least one access opening 23 to the flow channel 22 and a vaporiser unit 24, which extends over the entire access opening 23, being arranged in the region of each access opening 23. The vaporiser unit 24 has a wick member 25 and a heating member 26, the vaporiser unit 24 comprising electrical contacts 27 for electrically contacting the energy source 20. The vaporiser unit 24 is configured to be liquid-permeable in such a manner that liquid can be conveyed at least initially by capillary action from the storage tank 12 through the vaporiser unit 24 towards the flow channel 22.

[0062] The hollow body 21 with its at least one flow channel 22, two or more flow channels 22 can also be provided, forms a suction channel/vent. The shape of the hollow body 21 can be almost arbitrary, as can the course of the flow channel 22. What is crucial is that an inlet side of each flow channel 22 is open to the environment, for example to allow air to be drawn in, and that an outlet side is open, for example, to allow a negative pressure to be created, in particular due to the sucking of a user. Open in this context means that the inlet side and the outlet side are permeable to air. In the region of the access opening 23 between storage tank 12 and flow channel 22, the vaporiser unit 24 forms a kind of liquid barrier which prevents liquid from flowing from the storage tank 12 directly and as liquid into the flow channel 22. Regardless of the shape and configuration of the storage tank 12, two or more storage tanks 12 may also be provided, and of the hollow body 21 and of the arrangement/positioning of storage tank 12 to hollow body 21, the vaporiser unit 24 ensures that liquid is necessarily guided out of the storage tank 12 towards the flow channel 22 and is discharged into the flow channel 22 as gas or vapour for the formation of aerosols, at the latest when it exits from the vaporiser unit 24.

[0063] In the preceding example (e.g. according to FIGS. 1 and 3), the vaporiser unit 24 with the energy source 20 forms the actuating mechanism 14, it being possible to control and/or regulate the actuating mechanism 14 by means of the electronic control unit 16. When the control unit 16 activates the energy source 20, energy is supplied to the vaporiser unit 24 via the electrical contacts 27 which results in a vaporisation process. The initially detected and stored biometric signature forms the electronic lock as the locking mechanism for the actuating mechanism 14. If a verified authorisation is available during use, current signature corresponds to the initially detected and stored signature, the actuating mechanism 14 can be activated. If no verified authorisation is available, current signature does not correspond to the initially determined and stored signature, no activation of the actuating mechanism 14 can take place. In other examples (e.g. according to FIG. 1), the actuating mechanism 14 can be e.g. a spring element, a valve, a push-button or the like or a combination thereof, which can be released or locked e.g. by a latch, a catch or the like as a locking mechanism.

[0064] As can be seen from the foregoing, the inhaler 10 (see FIGS. 1a and 1b and 4) itself may include all components that ensure verified release or actuation of the actuating mechanism 14 each time it is used, i.e. sucking action by sucking action. Preferably, however, the inhaler 10 is part of an arrangement 18 which is configured and adapted for inhaling an inhalation medium enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances. The arrangement 18 comprises an inhaler 10 as disclosed herein, and a network-enabled terminal device 17, it being possible to bring the inhaler 10 and the terminal device 17 wirelessly into signal connection with each other. Preferably, the inhaler 10 and/or the terminal device 17 can be wirelessly connected to a network 28. In the example according to FIG. 2, the inhaler 10 and the terminal device 17 are connected to each other via a Bluetooth interface 29. The terminal device 17 communicates with other terminal devices, such as servers or the like, via the network 28. In other variants, the inhalers 10 are connected directly to the network 28. However, other links and connections to local or global networks are also possible. The terminal device 17 preferably has a user-defined account which is linked to the inhaler 10. A so-called application, by means of which, for example, the identity and/or age verification can be carried out, is loaded onto the terminal device 17. The terminal device 17 with the application can also be used as a storage device for the data detected and formed, in particular the combination of biometric signature and identity and/or age information. However, the storage may also be associated with the network 28 as so-called cloud storage.

[0065] The method according to the invention is explained in greater detail below based on the drawing:

[0066] The method is used for inhaling inhalation medium enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances. The inhalation medium may originally be solid (e.g. in the form of powder or the like), liquid or vaporous/gaseous. In this context, inhalation includes not only the consumption of converted inhalation media, i.e. for example, the inhalation of aerosols formed from solid and/or liquid media, which were formed, for example, by a vaporisation process or ultrasound process from a liquid supply or by atomisation from a supply of powder, but also the consumption of unconverted inhalation media, i.e. for example, the portionwise/dosewise dispensing of individual liquid portions/doses from a liquid supply.

[0067] To inhale, a user sucks on the mouthpiece 13 of the inhaler 10 and simultaneously activates an actuating mechanism 14 of the inhaler 10, as a result of which the inhaler 10 is activated for inhaling the inhalation medium. Activating the actuating mechanism 14 can be a separate step from sucking. However, sucking can simultaneously be the activation. By activating the actuating mechanism 14, the inhalation medium is released from a storage tank 12 towards the mouthpiece 13. In this case, the inhalation medium can reach the mouthpiece 13 unchanged/unconverted. Optionally, the inhalation medium is converted, namely, for example, atomised, vaporised, nebulised or otherwise altered, on the way from the storage tank 12 to the mouthpiece 13.

[0068] In an inhaler 10 according to FIG. 1a, the actuating mechanism 14 is activated, for example, by pressing on a storage tank 12 containing the inhalation medium, for example, by opening an atomising valve. By simultaneously sucking on the mouthpiece 13, the atomised inhalation medium can be inhaled as an aerosol. In an inhaler 10 according to FIG. 1b, the actuating mechanism 14 is already activated by the sucking itself, for example, by a sensor detecting the air flow and signalling a control unit 16 to activate an energy source 20 by means of which a vaporiser unit 24 initiates a vaporisation process in the inhaler 10. As a result, the liquid inhalation medium is vaporised and, when it enters a flow channel 22, is entrained by the sucking and converted into aerosols which are then inhaled.

[0069] According to the invention, a connection between the identity and/or age of the user and characteristics of the lips of the user is established and stored before sucking for the first time and, preferably during each suck, a comparison of the characteristics of the lips of the person currently using the inhaler is made with the characteristics initially stored, in such a manner that activation of the actuating mechanism 14 only takes place if the respective characteristics match to a defined minimum degree. The authorisation is verified and stored, so to speak, via the initial verification. With re-verification, the matching of characteristics is performed for each individual sucking action, such that activation of the inhaler 10 can only be initiated by the authorised person during use. For this purpose, the initially detected and saved connection is stored as authorisation to use the inhaler 10.

[0070] Specifically, a lip wrinkle pattern of the person using the inhaler is detected by a sensor 15 and converted into a biometric signature, the biometric signature being linked to an authorisation to use the inhaler and deactivating the actuating mechanism 14 as an electronic lock until the authorised person sucks on the inhaler 10. Checking the authorisation of the person using the inhaler can be done, for example, in that users take a photo of themselves together with a photo ID or the like and the mouthpiece 13 of the inhaler 10 in their mouth and have it verified by official/government sources, for example using databases or the like.

[0071] Particularly preferably, the method is carried out using an arrangement 18 as disclosed herein.

[0072] For the method, 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 inhaler 10 and terminal device 17, on the one hand, and between terminal device 17 and/or inhaler 10 via the network 28, on the other hand, can be sent and received unencrypted or encrypted using conventional methods. It is further possible to allow a plurality of authorised persons to use the inhaler 10.