Power usage control of aerosol generators

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100) is disclosed, comprising a battery (104), a controller (103), a heater (108), and a heater temperature monitor (102). The controller controls a first power output from the battery to the heater to a predetermined first temperature, wherein the first power output is associated with a first heating stage of the heater; receives a first temperature data set from a heater temperature monitor configured to collect a first temperature data set in the first heating stage; calculates a heating rate of the heater from the first temperature data set; receives a second temperature data set from a heater temperature monitor configured to collect a second temperature data set in the first cooling stage of the heater; calculates a cooling rate of the heater from the second temperature data set; determines a heating profile for an aerosolizing session based on the heating rate and the cooling rate, wherein the aerosolizing session includes a plurality of stop-start events, and the heating profile includes a separate cooling stage and a separate heating stage for each stop-start event; and is configured to operate the aerosol generating device according to the heating profile.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power usage control system and method for an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices, such as non-combustion heating devices, generate aerosols or vapors by heating an aerosol-forming substrate or consumable, typically comprising moist leaf tobacco or other suitable materials, to a temperature generally ranging from 150°C to 300°C. When the aerosol-forming substrate is heated without combustion or burning, the aerosol sought by the user is released without containing unnecessary combustion byproducts. For example, an aerosol generated by heating tobacco typically does not contain a burnt or bitter taste that may result from combustion.

[0003] The batteries and power supplies of non-combustion heating devices generally require a large amount of energy to provide approximately 20 aerosolization sessions with a fully charged battery, and an aerosolization session corresponds, for example, to the consumption of one cigarette or nicotine-containing vaporizable / aerosol-generating consumable. Compared to e-cigarette liquid aerosol generators, the heaters of non-combustion heating devices usually need to be maintained at the aerosolization temperature for a longer period of time. Therefore, non-combustion heating devices often require high-capacity batteries or energy storage products that are bulky and can have a negative impact on the use of such devices.

[0004] The problems faced by known aerosol generating devices include not only providing effective control over power usage but also improving usability. The objective of the present invention is to solve these problems.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, a heater, and a heater temperature monitor is provided, wherein the controller controls a first power output from the battery to the heater to a predetermined first temperature, the first power output being associated with a first heating stage of the heater; receives a first temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor, wherein the heater temperature monitor is configured to collect the first temperature data set in the first heating stage; calculates the heating rate of the heater from the first temperature data set; receives a second temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor, wherein the heater temperature monitor is configured to collect the second temperature data set in the first cooling stage of the heater; calculates the cooling rate of the heater from the second temperature data set; determines a heating profile for an aerosolizing session based on the heating rate and the cooling rate, wherein the aerosolizing session includes a plurality of stop-start events, and the heating profile includes a separate cooling stage and a separate heating stage for each stop-start event; and is configured to operate the aerosol generating device according to the heating profile.

[0006] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a non-combustion heating device, and the non-combustion heating device is configured to heat a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be a tobacco rod. In this way, the energy storage, control, and delivery of the aerosol generating device are improved. Known non-combustion heating devices typically include bulky, high-capacity energy storage products / batteries. In the present invention, a similar number of aerosolization sessions can be provided effectively and efficiently while using a lower capacity and a smaller battery.

[0007] It has been found that the heater of a non-combustion heating device can place a significant burden on the battery capacity by requiring high power output for a long period of time. Accordingly, the present invention advantageously provides more efficient power consumption and extends battery life by alleviating the burden on the battery using a plurality of stop-start events in the basic heating profile.

[0008] The stop-start feature is known in the automotive industry but has not been implemented in an aerosol generating device. The heating profile determined in the present invention advantageously ensures that accurate heating and cooling rates are calculated for an active aerosolization session. It has been found that heating and cooling rates can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as: ambient temperature and humidity; the condition or service life of the battery; the condition of the heater / heating element; and / or the type of consumable (e.g., density, moisture content, etc.).

[0009] The first and second temperature data sets enable the controller to effectively calculate representative heating and cooling rates based on the latest state of the aerosol generating device, thereby ensuring that the device operation can be effectively optimized. The first heating step may be a preheating step with a duration of 20 to 30 seconds. The controller may also be configured to determine a heating profile so that the heater is maintained within a target operating temperature range for the vaporization step over a number of stop-start events. In the case of non-combustion heating devices and solid consumables (e.g., tobacco rods), a longer time is often required to heat the consumable to generate an aerosol. Therefore, to ensure effective aerosol delivery, it is desirable to ensure that the temperature of the consumable (and / or heater) is maintained within a target operating temperature range. The vaporization step may include a specified period, which is preferably 180 to 360 seconds.

[0010] For example, when the user is not performing a puffing action from the device, energy consumption is reduced and the overall power efficiency of the device is improved by 'stopping' or reducing the power output from the battery to the heater during the cooling phase. Subsequently, the heater is raised back to a predetermined operating temperature by 'starting' (or increasing) the power output from the battery to the heater during the heating phase so that the consumables within the device can be effectively aerosolized / vaporized for the user's inhalation. 'Stopping' the power output may include a reduced power output compared to the first power output, or may include no power output from the battery to the heater. Another advantage of the stop-start technique of the present invention is to reduce the operating time of the device by using pulse width modulation (PWM) with a duty cycle of less than 99%. It has been found that PWM operation / control (where power is supplied at low or high switching frequencies) can have a negative impact on battery life (compared to the standard operating mode of constant battery load). Therefore, turning off or reducing PWM control in the device using the stop-start technique of the present invention can advantageously extend battery life.

[0011] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises device usage detection means for measuring the use of the aerosol generating device, wherein the device usage detection means comprises one or more of a puff sensor; a timer; a humidity sensor; an ambient temperature sensor; an accelerometer; gesture recognition means; and a proximity sensor. Thus, the controller can determine an improved heating profile for the user using data from one or more device usage detection means. For example, the puff sensor and / or timer may provide usage data and the duration of the puff whenever the user performs a puff. In a single stop-start event, the heater may be maintained at an operating / aerosolizing temperature for a longer or shorter period depending on the number of times the user inhales a puff within a set period. In another example, the accelerometer may provide data regarding how the user moves or holds the aerosol generating device during use when the user performs a puff. Additionally, if the controller determines from the accelerometer data that the user wishes to perform a puff, the accelerometer may provide an indication or trigger to the controller to initiate a heating step. A humidity sensor and an ambient temperature sensor may provide data to the controller so that the controller can better determine the heating or cooling rate of each individual heating or cooling step. A proximity sensor may be an optical sensor that can be used to detect whether the device is close to the user's face and to transmit data or a signal to the controller to activate the start step of a stop-start event (e.g., if a stop-start event has not already been triggered by the controller according to a determined heating profile).

[0012] Preferably, the controller is also configured to receive measurement data from a device usage detection means; modify a heating profile in response to the received measurement data; and operate an aerosol generating device according to the modified heating profile. Thus, an adaptive controller and an improved device are provided so that the controller can modify the heating profile after receiving additional data from one or more device usage detection means during an aerosolization session. For example, a user may start an aerosolization session outdoors and move to an indoor or other environment. In another example, the controller may determine that the device is being used in a significantly different manner and revert the heating profile to a non-customized heating profile (e.g., a factory preset heating profile).

[0013] Preferably, the controller is also configured to initiate an unplanned start event separately from a plurality of stop-start events of the heating profile, and the unplanned start event includes an unplanned heating phase. As such, the operation of the aerosol generating device does not need to be fixed to a determined heating profile and can perform additional puffs as desired by the user. The aerosol generating device may further include a trigger to cancel or delay the planned stop-start event. The user may be unable to perform a puff at the usual time according to the determined heating profile and instead may transmit a trigger signal to delay or cancel a subsequent stop-start event (e.g., by pressing a button or tapping the device with a specific gesture so that the accelerometer transmits corresponding data). In one example, a gesture recognition means may determine that the user is performing a gesture (e.g., conversing with another person), and the stop phase of the stop-start event may be extended.

[0014] Preferably, an unplanned start event is initiated by measurement data received from a device usage detection means. For example, an unplanned start event may be triggered by data from a puff sensor or proximity sensor that transmits data to the controller enabling the controller to determine that the user wishes to perform a puff. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may include a button or utilize an accelerometer or other device usage detection means to transmit a signal to the controller to initiate an unplanned start event.

[0015] Preferably, the controller is also configured to initiate an unplanned stop event separately from a plurality of stop-start events of the heating profile based on measurement data from the device usage detection means. In this way, unnecessary power supply from the battery to the heater can be reduced, and energy can be saved.

[0016] Preferably, the controller is configured to initiate an unplanned stop event after a predetermined time threshold from the corresponding start event. In this way, the controller does not initiate an unplanned stop event based on unintended or accidental movements or actions by the user of the device. As an example, the predetermined time threshold may be a duration of 5 to 10 seconds that allows the user to perform one or two puffs after the heater reaches the operating / aerosolization temperature, after which an unplanned stop event may be initiated.

[0017] Preferably, the period between a stop event and a start event immediately after the stop event can be controlled by measurement data from one or more of the following: a timer, an accelerometer, a gesture recognition means, and a proximity sensor. In this way, the controller can resume the operation of the device according to the heating profile and / or initiate an unplanned start event before resuming the heating profile, thereby enabling the user to use the device comfortably and easily in a battery-efficient manner.

[0018] Preferably, the heating profile is also determined by the expected usage pattern for the aerosolization session. In this way, by determining the optimal time for separate heating and cooling steps, the most efficient energy savings can be provided to the device. Preferably, the controller is also configured to receive measurement data related to one or more previous aerosolization sessions from a device usage detection means; and to determine the expected usage pattern from the received measurement data, wherein the heating profile is also determined by the expected usage pattern.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may further include memory, wherein the heating profile is a first heating profile, and the controller is configured to determine one or more additional heating profiles and store the first heating profile and one or more additional heating profiles in memory. In this way, the aerosol generating device can operate a plurality of different heating profiles. The different heating profiles may be displayed through the device's display so that the user can select them. The device may further include a user interface to allow the user to select from among the different heating profiles. Preferably, the controller is configured to switch from the first heating profile to any of the one or more additional heating profiles within an aerosolization session. In this way, the device can be operated flexibly.

[0020] Preferably, the controller is configured to maintain the heater at a predetermined first temperature for a predetermined period, preferably the predetermined period is 20 to 40 seconds. In this way, an appropriate heating profile can be determined without affecting the aerosolization operation of the device.

[0021] Preferably, the device usage detection means includes a puff sensor, and the controller is also configured to count the number of puffs after a first heating step, and the aerosol generating device operates according to a heating profile after a predetermined number of puffs. In this way, the calculation of the heating profile can be optimized. For example, the controller may also be configured to receive other measurement data before the operation according to the heating profile is initiated, and to calculate or determine an optimal heating profile based on said other measurement data.

[0022] Preferably, the controller is also configured to control the battery so that power is not output to the heater during the first cooling phase. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to control the battery so that a reduced power output compared to the first power output is output to the heater during the first cooling phase and / or a separate cooling phase. In other words, the controller may be configured to control the power output from the battery to the heater so that power is not delivered to (or drawn from) the heater during one or more cooling phases. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to control the power output so that a reduced power output (e.g., the reduced power output is lower than the first power output) is drawn from the battery to the heater during one or more cooling phases. It will be understood that for each stop-start event, the power output for the separate cooling phase and the separate heating phase can be determined individually to provide a heating profile suitable for the aerosolization session.

[0023] Preferably, in each individual heating step, the controller is configured to control the battery to output power to the heater so that it reaches the aerosolization temperature. Preferably, in each individual cooling step, the controller is configured to ensure that for each stop-start event, the cooling temperature of the heater does not drop below a predetermined minimum temperature. In this way, the heater can be maintained at a temperature at which the controller can easily 'restart' the device so that the user can perform a puff.

[0024] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine the respective duration between two adjacent stop-start events in an aerosolization session for a heating profile. In this way, the energy consumption and reduction of the battery can be effectively optimized.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, a heater, and a heater temperature monitor is provided, the method comprising: using a controller to control a first power output from a battery to a heater to a predetermined first temperature, wherein the first power output is associated with a first heating stage of the heater; using a controller to receive a first temperature data set from a heater temperature monitor configured to collect a first temperature data set in a first heating stage; using a controller to calculate a heating rate of the heater from the first temperature data set; using a controller to receive a second temperature data set from a heater temperature monitor configured to collect a second temperature data set in a first cooling stage of the heater; using a controller to calculate a cooling rate of the heater from the second temperature data set; using a controller to determine a heating profile for an aerosolizing session based on a heating rate and a cooling rate, wherein the aerosolizing session comprises a plurality of stop-start events, and the heating profile comprises a separate cooling stage and a separate heating stage for each stop-start event, respectively. It includes the step of operating an aerosol generating device according to a heating profile using a controller.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided for storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, a heater, and a heater temperature monitor, wherein the instructions cause one or more processors to perform steps comprising: using a controller to control a first power output from a battery to a heater to a predetermined first temperature, wherein the first power output is associated with a first heating stage of the heater; using a controller to receive a first temperature data set from a heater temperature monitor configured to collect a first temperature data set in a first heating stage; using a controller to calculate a heating rate of the heater from the first temperature data set; using a controller to receive a second temperature data set from a heater temperature monitor configured to collect a second temperature data set in a first cooling stage of the heater; using a controller to calculate a cooling rate of the heater from the second temperature data set. A step of determining a heating profile for an aerosolization session based on a heating rate and a cooling rate using a controller, wherein the aerosolization session includes a plurality of stop-start events and the heating profile includes a separate cooling step and a separate heating step for each stop-start event; and a step of operating an aerosol generating device according to the heating profile using a controller. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] Now, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device and consumables according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the progress between the preheating mode and the heating mode. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the steps performed in a process according to the present disclosure. Figures 4a and 4b illustrate exemplary heating profiles and power consumption profiles for a standard aerosolization session. FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate exemplary heating profiles and power consumption profiles for a stop-start aerosolization session according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 is an exemplary graph for calculating the slope. FIG. 7 is another flowchart of the steps performed in the process according to the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] As described herein, vapor is generally understood to refer to a substance in a gaseous state at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, implying that the vapor can condense into a liquid by increasing the pressure without lowering the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms 'aerosol' and 'vapor' may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly in relation to the form of the inhalable medium produced for the user to inhale.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device (100) or a vapor generating device, also known as an electronic cigarette. For the purposes of this description, it will be understood that the terms “vapor” and “aerosol” are interchangeable.

[0030] The aerosol generating device (100) has a main body (112) comprising a heater temperature monitor (102), a controller (103), and at least one battery (104). Although only one battery (104) is mentioned below, a power system may appropriately include one or more batteries, and those skilled in the art will understand that the mention of "battery" may include "at least one battery."

[0031] The heater temperature monitor (102) is configured to measure the temperature of the heater (108) and transmit the temperature data to the controller (103).

[0032] In one example, the heater (108) is housed within the main body (112). In this example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the heater (108) is placed in or around the heating cavity (110) or chamber of the main body (112). The cavity (110) is accessed through an opening (110A) of the main body (112).

[0033] The cavity (110) is provided to accommodate an associated aerosol generating consumable (114). The aerosol generating consumable may include a tobacco rod containing an aerosol generating material, for example, tobacco. The tobacco rod may resemble a conventional tobacco. The cavity (110) has a cross section approximately identical to that of the aerosol generating consumable (114), and a depth such that when the associated aerosol generating consumable (114) is inserted into the cavity (110), a first end portion (114A) of the aerosol generating consumable (114) reaches the bottom portion (110B) of the cavity (110) (i.e., the end portion (110B) of the cavity (110) distal from the cavity opening (110A)), and a second end portion (114B) of the aerosol generating consumable (114) distal to the first end portion (114A) extends outward from the cavity (110). In this way, when the aerosol generating consumable (114) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (100), the consumer can inhale it through it.

[0034] The aerosol generating device (100) may further include one or more device usage detection means (not shown), such as a puff sensor, a timer, a humidity sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a gesture recognition means, and / or a proximity sensor. The puff sensor allows the user's puff / inhalation to be detected and may be in the form of an air pressure sensor. The humidity sensor and the ambient temperature sensor allow the moisture and temperature characteristics of the external environment (e.g., outside the device) and / or the inserted consumable (114) to be measured. The accelerometer and / or gesture recognition means may allow different movements of the user or the device to be captured and processed by a controller. Different movements or gestures may correspond to control commands that can be programmed into the controller. The proximity sensor allows the controller to determine the relative position of the device, such as the distance of the device (100) to the user's face. Those skilled in the art will understand how to implement these device usage detection means within the device (100).

[0035] In the example of FIG. 1, the heater (108) is positioned in the cavity (110) so as to engage with the heater (108) when the aerosol generating consumable (114) is inserted into the cavity (110). In the example of FIG. 1, the heater (108) is positioned in the cavity as a tube so as to substantially or completely surround said portion of the aerosol generating consumable (114) within the cavity (110) when the first end portion (114A) of the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the cavity.

[0036] The heater (108) may be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater (108) may include a plurality of heating elements arranged sequentially along the axial length of the cavity, which can be independently activated (i.e., powered) in a sequential order. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be arranged within the cavity as an elongated perforating member (e.g., in the form of a needle, rod, or blade), and in this embodiment, the heater may be arranged to penetrate the aerosol-generating consumable and engage with the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be in the form of an induction heater. In this embodiment, a heating element is provided within the consumable, and when the consumable is inserted into the cavity, the heating element is inductively coupled to the induction heater within the cavity. Subsequently, the induction heater heats the heating element by induction.

[0037] A heater (108) is configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating consumable (114) to one or more operating temperatures during an aerosolization session. An aerosolization session may be considered as a case in which the device is operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating consumable (114). In one example where the aerosol generating consumable (114) is a tobacco load, the aerosol generating consumable (114) comprises tobacco, and the heater (108) is configured to heat the tobacco without burning it to generate an aerosol. That is, the heater (108) heats the tobacco at a predetermined temperature below the combustion point of the tobacco so that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated.

[0038] The controller (103) is configured to control the power flow or output of the battery (104) based on the operating mode of the aerosolization session. The operating mode may include a preheating mode and a heating mode.

[0039] A person skilled in the art will easily understand that the aerosol generating consumable (114) does not necessarily have to contain tobacco, and that any other suitable material for aerosolizing (or vaporizing) by heating without burning the material can be used instead of tobacco.

[0040] The progression (200) from the preheating mode to the heating mode can be understood from FIG. 2. In the preheating mode (202), the heater (108) associated with the aerosol generating device (100) is heated to an aerosolization temperature to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating consumable (114). The preheating phase can be considered as the time during which the preheating mode is being executed.

[0041] When an aerosolization session is initiated by a user of the aerosol generating device (100), a preheating mode is selected by the controller (102). In one example, this preheating mode may be triggered by the controller determining that the consumer is pressing / has pressed the heating button of the device (100). In one example, an indicator integrated into the device, such as a light-emitting diode, may be provided to indicate that preheating is complete and the consumer can inhale the generated aerosol.

[0042] When the preheating phase is completed, the controller terminates the preheating mode (202) and initiates the heating mode (204). In the heating mode (204), the controller (102) controls the flow of power from the battery (104) to the heater (108) according to the heating profile to generate an aerosol for the consumer to inhale. The heating phase can be considered as the time during which the heating mode is running.

[0043] The heating profile includes one or more (stop-start) events in which the controller supplies power from the battery to the heater to generate an aerosol from the consumable, and / or the controller stops power delivery from the battery to the heater. The heating profile may include the heater being heated to different temperatures.

[0044] If the aerosol generating device is capable of operating in a preheating mode and a heating mode, the heating profile may include a time amount in which the heater is heated to different temperatures during the preheating and heating phases of the aerosolization session, and the heating phase of the heating profile may belong to the preheating phase or the heating phase. This may include a stop-start event in which the heater is heated to an initial aerosolization temperature (e.g., 310 to 330°C, or more preferably 320°C) for about 20 to 25 seconds during the preheating phase, and then the heater is raised to one or more aerosolization temperatures during the heating phase. It will be understood that the heating profile may include a different number of temperature phases at different temperatures during different periods.

[0045] An aerosol generating device may be configured to display an estimate of the remaining charge of the battery to the operator. Displaying the battery charge status in a manner similar to a smartphone may be unintuitive and confusing to the user when considering the number of aerosolization sessions that can be performed. It may not be clear to the user how many aerosolization sessions can be powered from a given charge state. In the case of normal smoking, a consumer can look inside a cigarette pack and determine the number of cigarettes available for smoking. In the case of an aerosol generating device that displays the battery charge status, it is not clear to the operator how many aerosolization sessions can be performed. Therefore, the present invention ensures that the power usage of the battery is optimally controlled and managed to provide a valid number of aerosolization sessions from a specific charge amount of the battery.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a process (300) for determining a heating profile according to the present disclosure. The process of FIG. 3 may be implemented by an aerosol generating device as described with reference to FIG. 1, or any other suitable type of aerosol generating device.

[0047] The battery can power multiple aerosolization sessions. For example, a fully charged battery can power approximately 20 to 25 aerosolization sessions until recharging is required. However, the amount of energy used in an aerosolization session may vary as the battery's charge level decreases. In other words, each aerosolization session may utilize a different amount of energy. A number of other factors, such as the condition of the battery, external temperature, whether the heating chamber is contaminated, and battery aging, can also affect the amount of energy used in an aerosolization session. Therefore, it is desirable to use the battery in a manner as efficient as possible.

[0048] In step 302, the controller controls a first power output or flow from the battery of the aerosol generating device to the heater so that the heater reaches a predetermined first temperature during the heating stage of the heater. The first power output is associated with the first heating stage. In one example, the first power output may be a maximum power output from the battery to the heater such that the temperature of the heater increases as quickly as possible. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the first heating stage may be considered as a preheating stage.

[0049] In step 304, the controller receives a first temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor, and the heater temperature monitor is configured to collect the first temperature data set from the heater during the first heating step. The first temperature data set can be collected within a set period (e.g., 10 seconds) and can be transmitted by the heater temperature monitor.

[0050] In step 306, the controller is configured to calculate the heating rate of the heater from the first temperature data set. This can be implemented as a recursive fitting algorithm (of a linear function) or as an average heating rate calculation (i.e., temperature rise over time).

[0051] In step 308, the controller receives a second temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor, and the heater temperature monitor is configured to collect the second temperature data set from the heater during the first cooling phase of the heater. The second temperature data set may be collected within a set period (e.g., 10 seconds) and transmitted by the heater temperature monitor. During the first cooling phase, the controller may be configured to stop power from the battery from being output to the heater.

[0052] In step 310, the controller is configured to calculate the cooling rate of the heater from the second temperature data set. This can be implemented as a recursive fitting algorithm (of a linear function) or as an average heating rate calculation (i.e., temperature decrease over time).

[0053] In step 312, the controller is configured to determine a heating profile for the aerosolization session based on the calculated heating rate and the calculated cooling rate. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the aerosolization session can be considered as a heating phase. During the aerosolization session, the user is expected to perform multiple puffs from the aerosol generating device. Between puff events, the controller is configured to stop and start power output from the battery to the heater so that the heater cools after the puff and heats before the next puff is performed. Thus, the aerosolization session includes multiple stop-start events, and each stop-start event includes a separate cooling phase and a separate heating phase.

[0054] In step 314, the controller is configured to operate the aerosol generating device according to the determined heating profile.

[0055] FIG. 4a illustrates an exemplary heating profile (400) for a general / standard operating mode. In standard operating mode, at the start of an aerosolization session, the heater of the device is in the heating phase (405) and is preheated to reach a starting temperature of approximately 320°C ± 5°C over a period of approximately 14 to 25 seconds. The aerosolization session then continues for a period of approximately 300 seconds, during which the heater reaches an operating temperature of approximately 230°C ± 5°C in the first vaping phase (410) for approximately half of the session (e.g., about 150 to 180 seconds). During the first vaping phase (410), the heater is gradually increased to a second operating temperature of approximately 260°C ± 5°C over a period of about 150 to 180 seconds. The second vaping phase (415) begins when the second operating temperature is reached. In the second vaping phase (415), which is the second half of the session, the heater temperature is maintained at approximately 260°C ± 5°C for a period of about 100 seconds before the heater is turned off at the end of the session (420).

[0056] In this standard operating mode, it is assumed that about 20 to 30 W of power is required during the 15-second heating / preheating phase (this corresponds to 300 to 450 J of energy). If the duration of the preheating phase is extended to 30 seconds, i.e., doubled, the required power is halved to 10 to 15 W (to provide the same amount of energy, 300 to 450 J). For a 3.3 V battery means, 10 W requires a current of about 3 A and a voltage drop of about 0.15 V. For 20 W, the required current and effective voltage drop are doubled (i.e., a current of 6 A and a voltage drop of 0.3 V). During the heating phase, the heater is maintained at an aerosolizing operating temperature of 230°C ± 5°C and 260°C ± 5°C or controlled between these temperatures throughout the entire heating phase, which requires a significant amount of power from the battery.

[0057] FIG. 4b illustrates an exemplary power consumption profile (450) for a general / standard operating mode. In the preheating phase (455), an initial power of about 20 to 30 W is provided as a power burst, followed by a power of about 17 to 18 W until the end of the preheating phase (about 35 seconds). In this preheating phase (455), a positive temperature gradient (i.e., the temperature of the heater increases) can be calculated as approximately +10°C per second of heating / power supply. When the heater is turned off after the preheating phase (455) (i.e., when the controller stops delivering power from the battery to the heater), power consumption drops to less than 1 W (where the battery may still be used to power other components of the device, such as a battery monitor, a controller, and / or one or more sensors or means of using the device). As a result, the heater can be cooled from a preheated temperature (about 320°C ± 5°C in FIG. 4a) to an operating temperature of 230°C ± 5°C during the first vaping phase (410) of FIG. 4a. When the heater is turned off, the negative temperature gradient (i.e., the temperature of the heater decreases) can be calculated at approximately -10°C per second (no power is transferred from the battery to the heater). After the start of the heating phase (460), power consumption is maintained at a fairly constant level of approximately 12 to 13 W during the duration of the heating phase (which may include power requirements for other components).

[0058] FIG. 5a illustrates another exemplary heating profile (500) for a stop-start operation mode according to the present disclosure. In the stop-start operation mode, the start of an aerosolization session is similar to the standard operation mode, and the heater of the device is in a heating phase (505) and is preheated to reach a starting temperature (510). In this first heating phase (505), the heater temperature monitor transmits temperature data to the controller of the device to calculate a positive temperature gradient (i.e., heating rate) for a specific aerosolization session. The controller then stops power delivery from the battery to the heater so that the heater cools to a second temperature. During this cooling period, the heater temperature monitor transmits temperature data to the controller to calculate a negative temperature gradient (i.e., cooling rate) for a specific aerosolization session.

[0059] Subsequently, the controller can determine a suitable heating profile for the heating phase (515) of a specific aerosolization session from the calculated heating and cooling rates. A specific aerosolization session may last for a period of approximately 300 seconds and may include a number of stop-start events, and the controller controls the power delivery to the heater to stop or reduce power delivery from the battery to the heater in the "stop" event and to increase the temperature of the heater in the "start" event. In the "start" event, the temperature of the heater is increased to the aerosolization temperature. It will be understood that the "stop" event is a cooling phase in which the temperature of the heater is reduced, and the "start" event is a heating phase in which the temperature of the heater is increased or maintained at a specific aerosolization temperature. The events indicated by the numbers "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10" in FIG. 5a represent exemplary user puff events in which a user can perform a puff from the device and inhale the aerosol generated from the consumable. Introducing a stop-start event during the heating phase rather than the maintenance phase significantly reduces the battery's power requirements.

[0060] In this stop-start operation mode, it is assumed that 20 to 30 W of power is required during the 15-second heating / preheating phase (corresponding to 300 to 450 J of energy). If the duration of the preheating phase is extended to 30 seconds, i.e., doubled, the required power is halved to 10 to 15 W (to provide the same amount of energy, 300 to 450 J). For a 3.3 V battery, 10 W requires a current of approximately 3 A and a voltage drop of approximately 0.15 V. For 20 W, the required current and effective voltage drop are doubled (i.e., a current of 6 A and a voltage drop of 0.3 V). During the heating phase, the power requirement is lower than in the general / standard operation mode.

[0061] FIG. 5b illustrates an exemplary power consumption profile (550) for a stop-start operation mode. User puff events indicated by numbers 2 through 10 correspond to the same events (2 through 10) shown in FIG. 5a.

[0062] In the preheating phase (555), an initial power of about 20 to 30 W is provided as a power burst, followed by a power of about 17 to 18 W until the end of the preheating phase (about 35 seconds). In this preheating phase (555), for example, a positive temperature gradient can be calculated as approximately +10°C per second of heating / power supply. When the heater is turned off after the preheating phase, power consumption drops to less than 1 W (where the battery may still be used to power other components of the device, such as a battery monitor, controller, and / or one or more sensors or means of using the device). As a result, for example, the heater can be cooled from a preheated temperature (e.g., about 320°C ± 5°C) to an operating temperature of 230°C ± 5°C. When the heater is turned off, a negative temperature gradient can be calculated as approximately -10°C per second (no power is transferred from the battery to the heater). From the calculated positive and negative slopes (i.e., preheating rate and cooling rate), the controller determines a suitable heating profile for the heating phase (560) of the aerosolization session.

[0063] When the user wishes to perform a puff in Event 2 of FIG. 5b, since the temperature of the heater is already high and close to the desired operating temperature, only a short burst of power (e.g., 13 W for less than 5 seconds) is required for the heater to reach the aerosolization temperature. After the user performs the puff in Event 2, the power supply to the heater is stopped, and the heater is cooled for a certain period (e.g., 30 seconds). According to the determined heating profile, the controller will supply power from the battery to the heater before the next user puff event (Event 3 of FIG. 5b). However, since the heater was cooled from a lower temperature in Event 2 (e.g., an operating temperature of 230°C, which is lower than the preheating temperature of 320°C), a higher power of about 17 to 18 W is delivered from the battery for a longer period of 15 to 20 seconds to bring the heater temperature to the operating aerosolization temperature. Subsequently, the user performs a puff in Event 3 of Fig. 5b after the consumable generates an aerosol due to the heat from the heater. After the puff event (Event 3), the controller stops the flow of power from the battery to the heater for a period according to the heating profile, and the temperature of the heater decreases. It will be seen that the power required to raise the heater back to the desired operating temperature (i.e., 15 W) is very similar to the power used to maintain the heater at the operating temperature in standard operating mode (15 W). The main difference between the two modes is that in the stop-start mode, energy is saved by cooling the heater between user puffs, and the controller optimally determines the length of time required to raise the heater back to the desired operating temperature and the length of time the heater can be cooled.

[0064] In the case of subsequent puff events, events 4 through 10 of FIG. 5b, the controller operates in a similar manner, and in the "stop" event, the controller stops or reduces the power delivered to the heater, and in the "start" event, supplies power from the battery to the heater, thereby controlling the heater temperature according to the determined heating profile.

[0065] User puff events can be determined based on previous aerosolization sessions and the consumer's usage habits. For example, it may be determined that the user performs the first five puffs of a session every 40 seconds and the last five puffs every 30 seconds, and the controller will determine the appropriate cooling and heating steps accordingly. In another example, an unplanned user puff event may require the controller to supply battery power separately from the heating profile. An unplanned user puff event can be triggered by one or more sensors or buttons / switches.

[0066] As previously mentioned, energy usage for heating the heater in an aerosolization session may vary over time. For example, this may be caused by non-ideal conditions, such as battery aging, high or low external temperatures, and contamination of the heating chamber. To address this, the heating rate and cooling rate (i.e., the positive and negative slopes of the preheating step (555)) are calculated for each aerosolization session.

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a representative temperature profile (600) capable of determining the heating rate / positive slope (605) and the cooling rate / negative slope (610). It has been identified that there is a potential for error if the positive slope is calculated from the temperature value measured within the first few seconds (e.g., 0 to 20 seconds) of heating the consumable due to issues such as moisture evaporation / humidity content of the tobacco stick. Therefore, the temperature used to calculate the positive slope is to be measured after an initial period (e.g., 10 seconds) or after a specific temperature (e.g., above 120°C to minimize the evaporation effect).

[0068] The calculation of the positive slope is done using a recursive fitting algorithm (of a linear function) or as an average value (e.g., 25 Starting from , 225 Measure the time taken to reach the final temperature point and 10 per second It can be implemented by calculating the positive slope of.

[0069] A negative slope, i.e., a cooling rate, is typically expected to be smaller than a positive slope. That is, when power is not applied to the heater, the heater is expected to cool more slowly compared to the heater's maximum heating rate. In some cases, if it is determined that the cooling rate is faster than the heating rate, the controller's stop-start function may be disabled or deactivated. This may be due to a device failure, such as breakage or damage to the heater or battery.

[0070] FIG. 7 illustrates another flowchart (700) showing the stop-start function of an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure.

[0071] In step 702, the device may be turned on or driven (e.g., by inserting a consumable and / or pressing a switch), and as the preheating step is initiated, the battery transmits power to heat the heater so that the heater temperature rises to a predetermined temperature. The preheating step generally involves maximum power output from the battery to the heater. During the preheating step of step 702, temperature data is transmitted to the controller, and in step 704, the slope of the heating / positive of the heater is extracted and calculated accordingly.

[0072] After reaching a predetermined preheating temperature, the controller stops power transfer from the battery to the heater, and accordingly, power to heat the heater is not used and the heater is cooled. During the cooling period, as temperature data is transmitted to the controller, the cooling / negative slope of the heater is extracted and calculated in step 706.

[0073] In step 708, a heating profile for the heating step is determined. The heating profile may be determined using expected consumer use, which can be measured by a device usage means and / or a consumer use observer. Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques capable of continuously adjusting and improving the expected consumer use and the subsequently determined heating profile may be used for the determination.

[0074] The device can also be operated to stop or start an event in an unplanned manner, that is, to stop power from the battery to the heater or to supply power to the heater. The user may want to perform a puff outside of expected consumer usage patterns and determined heating profiles.

[0075] Step 710 shows some exemplary parameters for which the stop mode may be activated. For example, the stop mode may be activated when the rest duration (when puffing is not performed) exceeds a first threshold (threshold 1 in FIG. 7), when the calculated positive slope exceeds a second threshold (threshold 2a in FIG. 7) and is less than or equal to a third threshold (threshold 2b in FIG. 7), when the calculated negative slope exceeds a fourth threshold (threshold 3a in FIG. 7) and is less than or equal to a fifth threshold (threshold 3b in FIG. 7), and when the ambient temperature measured by the device exceeds a sixth threshold (threshold 4 in FIG. 7).

[0076] An exemplary threshold for enabling stop mode in step 710 is provided below. Stop mode can be enabled as follows:

[0077] i) Threshold 1: (to prevent premature activation of stop mode) when the rest duration is longer than a predetermined period (the predetermined period is 0 to 5 seconds, preferably 2 seconds); and

[0078] ii) Criterion 2a: (to prevent weak or slow heating scenarios) when the device has a heating rate or a positive slope exceeding a predetermined minimum value (the predetermined minimum value is 10 to 70°C per second, preferably at least 20°C per second). Note that this rate of temperature change is measured from the heater cup temperature (not the consumable or stick temperature); and

[0079] iii) threshold 2b: (in order to prevent excessively rapid heating that may cause consumables to dry out or be damaged, or indicate a damaged temperature sensor or heater) where the device has a heating rate or a positive slope that is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum value (the predetermined maximum value is greater than 20°C to 100°C per second, preferably 30°C per second); and

[0080] iv) threshold 3a: when the device has a cooling rate or negative slope exceeding a predetermined minimum value (which may indicate that the device is not being used as expected, such as being activated in a pocket) (the predetermined minimum value is 1°C to 10°C per second, preferably 2°C per second); and

[0081] v) threshold 3b: where the device has a cooling rate or negative slope below a predetermined maximum value (which may indicate that the device is damaged or operating at an ambient temperature that is too low) (the predetermined maximum value is 1°C to 10°C per second, preferably 4°C per second); and

[0082] vi) Threshold 4: When the device is operating at an ambient temperature exceeding a predetermined value, for example, between -10°C and 10°C, preferably exceeding 0°C.

[0083] Step 712 illustrates some exemplary parameters for which the start mode may be activated. For example, the start mode may be activated when the pause duration / rest time is equal to the expected duration minus the seventh threshold (threshold 5 in FIG. 7), or when the rest time exceeds the time required to reheat the heater to the operating temperature. Another example may be when a specific gesture is detected by a gesture recognition means. Another example may be when a face proximity detection means detects that the device is close to the user's face. Another example may be when a minimum threshold temperature is reached during the heating phase (i.e., when the heater unexpectedly becomes excessively cooled due to time or ambient temperature conditions). The seventh threshold (threshold 5 in FIG. 7) depends on the set temperature during the rest. For example, if the temperature is 100°C, the target operating temperature is 250°C, and the positive gradient / heating rate is 50°C per second, at least 3 seconds may be required to reheat the heater to the operating temperature.

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, a heater, and a heater temperature monitor, wherein the controller controls a first power output from the battery to the heater to a predetermined first temperature, the first power output being associated with a first heating stage of the heater; receiving the first temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor configured to collect a first temperature data set in the first heating stage; calculating the heating rate of the heater from the first temperature data set; receiving the second temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor configured to collect a second temperature data set in the first cooling stage of the heater; calculating the cooling rate of the heater from the second temperature data set; determining a heating profile for an aerosolization session based on the heating rate and the cooling rate, wherein the aerosolization session includes a plurality of stop-start events, and the heating profile includes a separate cooling stage and a separate heating stage for each stop-start event; and configured to operate the aerosol generating device according to the heating profile. Claim 2 The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a device usage detection means for measuring the use of the aerosol generating device, wherein the device usage detection means comprises one or more of a puff sensor; a timer; a humidity sensor; an ambient temperature sensor; an accelerometer; a gesture recognition means; and a proximity sensor. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the controller is also configured to receive measurement data from the device usage detection means; modify the heating profile in response to the received measurement data; and operate the aerosol generating device according to the modified heating profile. Claim 4 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller is also configured to initiate an unplanned start event separately from a plurality of stop-start events of the heating profile, and the unplanned start event includes an unplanned heating step. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the aerosol generating device, wherein the unplanned start event is initiated by measurement data received from the device usage detection means. Claim 6 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the controller is also configured to initiate an unplanned stop event separately from a plurality of stop-start events of the heating profile based on measurement data from the device use detection means. Claim 7 In claim 6, the aerosol generating device is configured such that the controller initiates an unplanned stop event after a predetermined time threshold from a corresponding start event. Claim 8 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the period between a stop event and a start event immediately after the stop event is controllable by measurement data from one or more of a timer, an accelerometer, a gesture recognition means, and a proximity sensor. Claim 9 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating profile is also determined by the expected usage pattern for the aerosolization session. Claim 10 In claim 9, the controller is also configured to receive measurement data related to one or more previous aerosolization sessions from the device use detection means; to determine the expected usage pattern from the received measurement data; and the heating profile is also determined by the expected usage pattern, an aerosol generating device. Claim 11 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a memory, wherein the heating profile is a first heating profile, and the controller is configured to determine one or more additional heating profiles and store the first heating profile and the one or more additional heating profiles in the memory. Claim 12 In claim 11, the aerosol generating device is configured such that the controller switches from the first heating profile to any of the one or more additional heating profiles within an aerosolization session. Claim 13 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the controller is configured to maintain the heater at a predetermined first temperature for a predetermined period, preferably the predetermined period is 20 seconds to 40 seconds. Claim 14 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the device usage detection means includes a puff sensor, the controller is also configured to count the number of puffs after the first heating step, and the aerosol generating device operates according to the heating profile after a predetermined number of puffs. Claim 15 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is also configured to control the battery so that power is not output to the heater during the first cooling stage. Claim 16 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, in each individual heating step, the controller is configured to control the battery to output power to the heater so as to reach an aerosolization temperature. Claim 17 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, in each individual cooling step, the controller is configured to ensure that for each stop-start event, the cooling temperature of the heater does not fall below each predetermined minimum temperature. Claim 18 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the controller is configured to determine the respective period between two adjacent stop-start events in an aerosolization session for the heating profile. Claim 19 A method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, a heater, and a heater temperature monitor, wherein the method comprises: using the controller to control a first power output from the battery to the heater to a predetermined first temperature, wherein the first power output is associated with a first heating stage of the heater; using the controller to receive a first temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor configured to collect a first temperature data set in the first heating stage; using the controller to calculate a heating rate of the heater from the first temperature data set; using the controller to receive a second temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor configured to collect a second temperature data set in the first cooling stage of the heater; using the controller to calculate a cooling rate of the heater from the second temperature data set; using the controller to determine a heating profile for an aerosolizing session based on the heating rate and the cooling rate, wherein the aerosolizing session comprises a plurality of stop-start events, and the heating profile comprises a separate cooling stage and a separate heating stage for each stop-start event, respectively A method comprising: a step including; and a step of operating the aerosol generating device according to the heating profile using the controller. Claim 20 A non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, a heater, and a heater temperature monitor, wherein the instructions cause one or more processors to perform steps including: a step of controlling a first power output from the battery to the heater to a predetermined first temperature using the controller, wherein the first power output is associated with a first heating step of the heater; a step of receiving a first temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor configured to collect a first temperature data set in the first heating step using the controller using the controller; a step of calculating a heating rate of the heater from the first temperature data set using the controller using the controller; a step of receiving a second temperature data set from the heater temperature monitor configured to collect a second temperature data set in the first cooling step of the heater using the controller using the controller using the controller to calculate a cooling rate of the heater from the second temperature data set using the controller using the controller for an aerosolizing session based on the heating rate and the cooling rate using the controller A step of determining a heating profile, wherein the aerosolization session comprises a plurality of stop-start events, and the heating profile comprises a separate cooling step and a separate heating step for each stop-start event; and a step of operating the aerosol generating device according to the heating profile using the controller.

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