Aerosol generation device power system

Abstract

An aerosol generation device is provided. The aerosol generation device (100) comprises a power system having at least one supercapacitor (106) and at least one battery (104). The power system is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes. The aerosol generation device further comprises a controller (102). The controller is configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected operating mode. The plurality of operating modes comprises a float mode in which a heater (108) associated with the aerosol generation device is substantially maintained at an aerosol generation temperature. In the float mode, the controller is configured to control the power flow of the power system to substantially maintain the heater at the aerosol generation temperature and to control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more particularly to an electrical system for an aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices (such as e-cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices) are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, the operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated with an electric heater to vaporize its components for the operator to inhale. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a conventional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as “heat-not-burn” devices because the product is heated to its aerosolization point without combustion.

[0004] Known challenges facing aerosol generation devices include providing sufficiently rapid heating and efficient energy utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising:

[0006] A power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, wherein the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes; and

[0007] A controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected operating mode;

[0008] Among these multiple operating modes is a float charge mode, in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is essentially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and wherein, in this float charge mode, the controller is configured to:

[0009] Control the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and

[0010] Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

[0011] In this way, the supercapacitor can be charged and prepared for a preheating mode in future aerosolization processes. This eliminates the need for the user to charge the aerosol generation device and the supercapacitor between uses, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, when the supercapacitor is recharged, the battery may not need to be preheated for subsequent aerosolization processes, avoiding stress on the battery and contributing to longer battery life. This also allows for more efficient energy use in the aerosol generation device. The supercapacitor can be understood as an electrochemical double-layer capacitor, a pseudo-capacitor, or a hybrid capacitor. Alternatively, the controller can be configured to control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor, or to control the at least one supercapacitor to discharge in float charge mode.

[0012] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a post-process mode, wherein in the post-process mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one battery to continue charging the at least one supercapacitor in the post-process mode beyond the end of the float charging mode when the at least one supercapacitor is substantially not charged at the end of the float charging mode.

[0013] In this way, the supercapacitor is ensured to have sufficient charge for subsequent or future preheating modes without requiring the user to connect the device to an external power source to charge the supercapacitor, even if the aerosolization process is not long enough for the supercapacitor to be fully recharged by the battery during float charging. When the supercapacitor is recharged, the battery may not need to be preheated during subsequent aerosolization processes, thus avoiding stress on the battery and contributing to improved battery life. This also allows for more efficient use of energy in aerosol generation devices.

[0014] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a first preheating mode in which the power system is used to heat the heater associated with the aerosol generating device to a predetermined temperature, and wherein, in the first preheating mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater.

[0015] Using a supercapacitor in this preheating mode is advantageous because its rapid energy delivery provides very fast preheating of the heater. The combination of a supercapacitor and a battery is beneficial because the battery can provide the necessary additional power if the supercapacitor alone does not store enough energy or cannot store enough energy to provide the power required to heat the heater to the predetermined temperature. Using a supercapacitor in conjunction with a battery during preheating reduces the stress applied to the battery compared to using a battery alone. Reducing the stress applied to the battery can decrease the safety risks associated with a stressed battery and extend the battery's lifespan.

[0016] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a second preheating mode in which the electric system is used to heat the heater associated with the aerosol generating device to a predetermined temperature, and wherein, in the second preheating mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater without the at least one battery providing power to the heater.

[0017] In this way, the high capacity and rapid energy delivery of the supercapacitor allow for very rapid preheating of the heater. Not using the battery in the preheating mode prevents stress on the battery during heater preheating, thus improving battery life. Furthermore, this allows for a higher level of energy to be stored in the battery for use in the float charging mode following the preheating mode.

[0018] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a first charging mode, wherein in the first charging mode, the controller is configured to: control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, and then control the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.

[0019] In this way, when the supercapacitor is used to preheat the heater, the aerosol generator can execute a preheating mode, making the subsequent aerosolization process at least partially possible even if the power system itself is not fully charged, because the supercapacitor used for preheating mode has already been preferentially charged. This allows for more efficient use of energy in the aerosol generator.

[0020] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a second charging mode, wherein in the second charging mode, the controller is configured to: control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge, and then control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.

[0021] In this way, a high degree of utilization of the charging power available from the external power source is provided. This allows for more efficient use of energy in aerosol generating devices.

[0022] Preferably, the predetermined charge is greater than 50% of the full charge; or more preferably 60% to 90% of the full charge; or even more preferably 70% to 80% of the full charge.

[0023] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a third charging mode, wherein in the third charging mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to be charged from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0024] Preferably, in the third charging mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source when the external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device has suitable power capability.

[0025] In this way, the power system can be charged while the supercapacitor is used to preheat the heater, without the risk of the supercapacitor not being properly charged to preheat the heater during subsequent aerosolization. This allows for more efficient use of energy in aerosol generating devices.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one supercapacitor includes at least one hybrid supercapacitor and / or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and / or at least one pseudo supercapacitor.

[0027] The use of hybrid supercapacitors, asymmetric supercapacitors, or pseudo-supercapacitors is advantageous because they can have sufficiently high energy and power densities to provide preheating and / or aerosolization for at least one aerosol-generating consumable.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one supercapacitor is configured to store sufficient energy to power the associated heater so as to aerosolize at least one aerosol generating consumable that can be received in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0029] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is arranged to receive aerosol generating consumables, wherein the aerosol generating consumables include tobacco sticks.

[0030] According to one aspect, a method is provided for controlling an electrical system of an aerosol generating device, wherein the electrical system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the electrical system is operable in a variety of selectable operating modes, and the method includes:

[0031] The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled by the controller based on the selected operating mode; and

[0032] Among these multiple operating modes is a float charge mode, in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and in this float charge mode, the method further includes:

[0033] The controller controls the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and

[0034] The controller controls at least one battery to charge at least one supercapacitor.

[0035] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control an electrical system of an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the electrical system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the electrical system is operable in a variety of selectable operating modes;

[0036] These instructions cause one or more processors to:

[0037] The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled based on the selected operating mode; and

[0038] Among these multiple operating modes is a float charge mode, in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is essentially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and in this float charge mode, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

[0039] Control the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and

[0040] Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

[0041] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising:

[0042] A power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, wherein the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes; and

[0043] A controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected operating mode; and

[0044] These multiple operating modes include a preheating mode and / or a charging mode.

[0045] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a float charging mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and wherein, in the float charging mode, the controller is configured to: control the power flow of the power system to substantially maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device at the aerosol generating temperature; and control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

[0046] Preferably, the multiple operating modes further include a post-process mode, wherein in the post-process mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one battery to continue charging the at least one supercapacitor in the post-process mode beyond the end of the float charging mode when the at least one supercapacitor is substantially not charged at the end of the float charging mode.

[0047] Preferably, the preheating mode includes a first preheating mode in which the power system is used to heat the heater associated with the aerosol generating device to a predetermined temperature, and wherein, in the first preheating mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater.

[0048] Preferably, the preheating mode includes a second preheating mode in which the power system is used to heat the heater associated with the aerosol generating device to a predetermined temperature, and wherein, in the second preheating mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater without the at least one battery providing power to the heater.

[0049] Preferably, the charging mode includes a first charging mode, wherein in the first charging mode, the controller is configured to: control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, and then control the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.

[0050] Preferably, the charging mode includes a second charging mode, wherein in the second charging mode, the controller is configured to: control the at least one supercapacitor to charge from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge, and then control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.

[0051] Preferably, the predetermined charge is greater than 50% of the full charge; or more preferably 60% to 90% of the full charge; or even more preferably 70% to 80% of the full charge.

[0052] Preferably, the charging mode includes a third charging mode, wherein, in the third charging mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to be charged from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0053] Preferably, in the third charging mode, the controller is configured to control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source when the external power source connectable to the aerosol generating device has suitable power capability.

[0054] Preferably, the at least one supercapacitor includes at least one hybrid supercapacitor and / or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and / or at least one pseudo supercapacitor.

[0055] Preferably, the at least one supercapacitor is configured to store sufficient energy to power an associated heater to aerosolize at least one aerosol generating consumable that can be received in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0056] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is arranged to receive aerosol generating consumables, wherein the aerosol generating consumables include tobacco sticks.

[0057] According to one aspect, a method is provided for controlling an electrical system of an aerosol generating device, wherein the electrical system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the electrical system is operable in a variety of selectable operating modes, wherein the variety of operating modes includes a preheating mode and / or a charging mode, and the method includes:

[0058] The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled by the controller based on the selected operating mode.

[0059] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control an electrical system of an aerosol generating device, wherein the electrical system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the electrical system is operable in a variety of selectable operating modes, wherein the variety of operating modes includes a preheating mode and / or a charging mode.

[0060] These instructions cause one or more processors to:

[0061] The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled based on the selected operating mode.

[0062] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, the aerosol generating apparatus being configured to heat a tobacco rod, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising:

[0063] A power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, wherein the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes; and

[0064] A controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected operating mode;

[0065] During the aerosolization process, these operating modes include a preheating mode and a float charging mode. In the preheating mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature. In the float charging mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod. The controller is configured to:

[0066] Controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in this preheating mode; and

[0067] Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the float charging mode.

[0068] According to one aspect, a method is provided for controlling an electrical system of an aerosol generating device configured to heat a tobacco stick, wherein the electrical system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the electrical system is operable in a variety of selectable operating modes, and the method includes:

[0069] The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled by the controller based on the selected operating mode;

[0070] In the aerosolization process, these operating modes include a preheating mode and a float charging mode. In the preheating mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature. In the float charging mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod. The method further includes:

[0071] Controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in this preheating mode; and

[0072] Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the float charging mode.

[0073] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control an electrical system of an aerosol generating device configured to heat a tobacco stick, wherein the electrical system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the electrical system is operable in a variety of selectable operating modes, wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors to:

[0074] The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled based on the selected operating mode.

[0075] During the aerosolization process, these operating modes include a preheating mode and a float charging mode. In the preheating mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and in the float charging mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco stick. Furthermore, these instructions cause the one or more processors to:

[0076] Controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in this preheating mode; and

[0077] Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the float charging mode.

[0078] Where appropriate, any of the aforementioned preferred features may be included in any of the aforementioned aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0080] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0081] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating the operation mode of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figure 1 A block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device 100 or a vapor generating device (also known as an electronic cigarette) is shown. For the purposes of this description, it will be understood that the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" are interchangeable.

[0083] The aerosol generating device 100 has a body portion 112 including a controller 102, and an electrical system including at least one battery 104 and at least one supercapacitor 106. The electrical system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes. Reference is made herein to only one battery 104 and one supercapacitor 106; however, those skilled in the art will understand that, where appropriate, the electrical system may include one or more batteries and one or more supercapacitors, and the reference to “battery” may cover “at least one battery” and the reference to “supercapacitor” may cover “at least one supercapacitor.” As described below, the controller 102 is configured to control the power flow to the supercapacitor 106 and the power flow to the battery 104 based on the selected operating mode.

[0084] In this example, heater 108 is contained within body portion 112. In this example, as... Figure 1 As shown, a heater 108 is disposed in a cavity 110 or chamber within a body portion 112. The cavity 110 is accessed through an opening 110A in the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is arranged to receive an associated aerosol generating consumable 114. The aerosol generating consumable may contain aerosol generating material, such as a tobacco stick containing tobacco. The tobacco stick may be similar to a conventional cigarette. The cross-section of the cavity 110 is approximately equal to the cross-section of the aerosol generating consumable 114, and its depth is 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 (that is, the end portion 110B of the cavity 110 away from the cavity opening 110A), and a second end portion 114B of the aerosol generating consumable 114 away from 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 the aerosol above the consumable. Figure 1 In the example, heater 108 is arranged in cavity 110 such that aerosol generating consumable 114 engages heater 108 when inserted into cavity 110. Figure 1In one example, heater 108 is arranged as a tube within the cavity such that when the first end portion 114A of the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the cavity, heater 108 substantially or completely surrounds the portion of the aerosol generating consumable 114 within the cavity 110. Heater 108 may be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater, a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. Heater 108 may include a plurality of heating elements arranged sequentially along the axial length of the cavity, which can be activated (i.e., energized) independently in sequence. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be arranged as an elongated piercing member (e.g., in the form of a needle, rod, or blade) within the cavity; in this embodiment, the heater may be arranged to penetrate the aerosol generating consumable and engage 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, the heating element is disposed 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. Then the induction heater heats the heating element through induction.

[0085] Heater 108 is arranged to heat aerosol-generating consumable 114 to a predetermined temperature to generate aerosols during the aerosolization process. The aerosolization process can be viewed as the time it takes for the apparatus to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating consumable 114. In the example where aerosol-generating consumable 114 is a tobacco stick, it comprises tobacco. Heater 108 is arranged to heat the tobacco without burning it to generate aerosols. That is, heater 108 heats the tobacco to a predetermined temperature below the tobacco's combustion point, thereby generating tobacco-based aerosols. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that aerosol-generating consumable 114 does not necessarily need to include tobacco, and any other substance suitable for aerosolization (or vaporization), particularly by heating it without burning it, can be used in place of tobacco.

[0086] The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the supercapacitor 106 and the power flow of the battery 104 based on selected operating modes. Operating modes include preheating mode, float charging mode, post-processing mode, and charging mode.

[0087] The progression from preheating mode to float mode and then to post-processing mode can be seen from... Figure 2In preheating mode 202, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 is heated to a predetermined temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosol generating consumable 114. The preheating phase can be considered as the time for executing the preheating mode, such as the time taken for the heater 108 to reach the predetermined temperature. When the heater reaches the predetermined temperature, the controller ends preheating mode 202 and selects float charge mode 204. In float charge mode 204, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the electrical system to maintain the heater 108 substantially at the predetermined temperature, thereby generating aerosol for inhalation by a consumer. The float charge phase can be considered as the time for executing the float charge mode, such as the time after the preheating phase for the heater 108 to aerosolize an aerosol generating consumable 114 (or at least a portion thereof). Optionally, after the float charge mode, post-process mode 206 is initiated. The post-process mode will be described later. The post-process phase can be considered as the time for executing the post-process mode.

[0088] In charging mode, the supercapacitor 106 and battery 104 of the power system are charged from an external power source connected to the aerosol generating device 100. The charging mode will be described in more detail later.

[0089] During the preheating mode, when the heater 108 is heated to a predetermined temperature, and during the float charging mode, when the heater 108 is maintained at a constant temperature, the battery 104 can provide power to the heater 108. In this example, the battery 104 can charge the supercapacitor 106 in float charging mode. In this example, the battery 104 is a high-energy battery, such as a battery using lithium-ion, aluminum-ion, or zinc-ion technology, or any other suitable type of battery.

[0090] Supercapacitor 106 can provide power to heater 108 in preheating mode. In some examples, supercapacitor 106 can store enough charge to provide power to heater 108 for one or more preheating stages; that is, supercapacitor 106 can store enough energy to provide power to heat heater 108 to a predetermined temperature once or multiple times. In some examples, supercapacitor 106 can provide power to heater 108 in float charge mode. In such examples, supercapacitor 106 can store enough charge to provide power to heater 108 in float charge mode to aerosolize one or more tobacco sticks. In some examples, supercapacitor 106 can have a total voltage <5V and a maximum voltage above 3V. Preferably, supercapacitor 106 is more powerful than a battery but has sufficient energy storage capacity to provide power to heater 108 to heat heater 108 to a predetermined temperature at least once in preheating mode, and in some examples is used to aerosolize an aerosol-generating consumable 114 in float charge mode.

[0091] The supercapacitor 106 can be any suitable energy storage unit based on supercapacitor technology. In some examples, the supercapacitor 106 can be a hybrid supercapacitor, an asymmetric supercapacitor, or a pseudo-supercapacitor.

[0092] The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 based on a selected operating mode. The controller 102 may be a microcontroller unit including a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions for operating the aerosol generating device 100, including instructions for executing the selected operating mode, and the one or more processors being configured to execute these instructions.

[0093] The different operating modes of the aerosol generating device 100 will now be described in more detail.

[0094] Preheating mode

[0095] When a user initiates the aerosol generation process using the aerosol generating device 100, the controller 102 selects a preheating mode. This preheating mode can be triggered by the controller determining that the consumer is pressing / has pressed the heating button on the device 100. Alternatively, the preheating mode can be triggered by the activation of gesture control, such as by the consumer shaking or tapping the device. In this example, an indicator (such as a light-emitting diode integrated into the device) can be arranged to indicate that preheating is complete and the consumer can inhale the generated aerosol.

[0096] In preheating mode, controller 102 controls the power flow from the electrical system to heater 108 to heat heater 108 to a predetermined temperature or operating temperature. The predetermined temperature may be pre-stored at controller 102 of aerosol generating apparatus 100. For example, the predetermined temperature may be a preset, known temperature at which aerosol generating material is heated to generate aerosol. In some examples, the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 210°C to 250°C, or more preferably 220°C to 240°C, or even more preferably 230°C or approximately 230°C, to provide a desired user experience. Preheating can be considered a stage of increasing the temperature of heater 108 to reach the predetermined temperature in float charge mode.

[0097] In some examples, the preheating heater may include applying up to 30W of power from the electrical system to the heater for 10 seconds; however, it should be understood that these parameters are variable to provide a minimum heating time. Due to the associated high power capacity, supercapacitors can provide very rapid preheating, especially compared to preheating using batteries alone.

[0098] In a first example of the preheating mode, an electrical system is used to heat the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 to a predetermined temperature. More specifically, the controller 102 is configured to control both the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 to supply power to the heater 108 during the preheating mode. That is, power is supplied to the heater 108 from a combination of the supercapacitor 106 and the battery 104 in order to heat the heater 108 to the predetermined temperature.

[0099] Supercapacitor 106 is advantageous because its high capacity and rapid energy delivery provide very rapid preheating of heater 108. The combination of supercapacitor 106 and battery 104 is beneficial because battery 104 can provide the necessary additional power if supercapacitor 106 alone does not store enough energy or cannot store enough energy to provide the power required to heat heater 108 to a predetermined temperature. Using supercapacitor 106 in conjunction with battery 104 during preheating reduces the stress applied to battery 104 compared to using battery 104 alone. Reducing the stress applied to battery 104 can reduce the safety risks associated with a stressed battery 104 and extend the lifespan of battery 104.

[0100] In a second example of the preheating mode, an electric system is used to heat the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 to a predetermined temperature. More specifically, during the preheating mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the supercapacitor 106 to provide power to the heater 108 without requiring the battery 104 to also provide power to the heater 108. That is, during the preheating mode, the controller 102 only controls the supercapacitor 106 to provide power to the heater 108, while the battery 104 is not used to provide power to the heater 108 during the preheating mode. This is advantageous because the high capacity and rapid energy delivery of the supercapacitor 106 allow for very rapid preheating of the heater 108. Not using the battery 104 in the preheating mode prevents stress on the battery 104 during preheating of the heater 108, thereby improving the battery 104's lifespan. Furthermore, this allows a higher level of energy to be stored in the battery 104 for use in the float charging mode following the preheating mode.

[0101] The controller 102 may store operating instructions for one or more of the exemplary preheating modes described above, and execute different preheating modes as needed, for example, depending on the specific hardware considerations associated with the aerosol generating device 100.

[0102] When the heater 108 has reached the predetermined temperature, the preheating mode ends and the float charging mode is started.

[0103] Float charging mode

[0104] When the controller 102 determines that the preheating mode has successfully heated the heater 108 to the predetermined temperature, the controller 102 selects the float charging mode.

[0105] In float charge mode, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 is essentially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature (which may be a predetermined temperature or the operating temperature) using the power system. That is, information related to the temperature of the heater 108 is fed back to the controller 102; when the heater temperature is below the predetermined aerosol generating temperature, the controller 102 increases the power applied to the heater 108 to increase the temperature; when the heater temperature is above the predetermined aerosol generating temperature, the controller 102 decreases the power applied to the heater 108 to decrease the temperature. The controller 102 controls the power flow from the power system to maintain the heater essentially at the aerosol generating temperature.

[0106] During float charging mode, controller 102 also controls battery 104 to charge supercapacitor 106. That is, battery 104 is controlled to both directly power heater 108 to maintain a predetermined temperature and simultaneously power supercapacitor 106 to charge it. In this example of float charging mode, controller 102 can control only battery 104 to power heater 108 without supercapacitor 106 providing power to heater 108. This is advantageous because it allows supercapacitor 106 to be charged, preparing it for future aerosolization processes, should another preheating mode be required.

[0107] In another example of float charge mode, supercapacitor 106 can provide power to heater 108 independently. For example, supercapacitor 106 can be configured to store sufficient energy to power heater 108 to aerosolize one or more aerosol generating consumables 114 in float charge mode.

[0108] In a further example of the float charging mode, the combination of battery 104 and supercapacitor 106 can be used together at the start of the float charging mode. When the power level of supercapacitor 106 drops to a certain level, only battery 104 can provide power to heater 108, while also providing power to charge supercapacitor 106.

[0109] The float charging mode ends when the controller 102 determines that the aerosolization process has ended. For example, the controller 102 can determine that the aerosolization process has ended when the consumer releases the heater 108 button, when no airflow is detected within a predetermined time period, or when a predetermined aerosolization process timer expires. The aerosolization process can end when the consumer has completely aerosolized the aerosol generating consumable 114 or has aerosolized the desired amount of aerosol generating consumable 114.

[0110] Post-process mode

[0111] Optionally, when the controller 102 determines that the float charging mode has ended, the controller 102 can select a post-start mode, which is a mode that is started after the aerosolization process.

[0112] When the supercapacitor 106 is not properly or fully recharged by the battery 104 during float charge mode, the process post-mode is initiated after float charge mode.

[0113] In post-process mode, controller 102 is configured to control battery 104 to continue charging supercapacitor 106 beyond the end of float mode if supercapacitor 106 is not fully charged (or properly charged) at the end of float mode.

[0114] When consumers complete their aerosolization process, battery 104 may not have provided sufficient charge to supercapacitor 106 during float charging mode to allow supercapacitor 106 to be fully (or substantially) recharged. That is, supercapacitor 106 may not be adequately charged to perform the subsequent preheating mode. In this case, controller 102 determines that supercapacitor 106 is not fully charged (or adequately charged to perform the subsequent preheating mode) and then controls battery 104 to continue charging supercapacitor 106 beyond the end of float charging mode (i.e., after the aerosolization process or float charging mode has been completed) until supercapacitor is fully (or substantially) recharged for the subsequent preheating mode.

[0115] This is advantageous because it ensures that the supercapacitor 106 stores sufficient charge for subsequent or future preheating modes without requiring the user to connect the device to an external power source to charge the supercapacitor 106, even if the aerosolization process is not long enough for the supercapacitor 106 to be fully recharged by the battery 104 during float charging mode. In other words, if the consumer performs only a brief aerosolization process, the supercapacitor 106 can still be recharged for the preheating mode of the next aerosolization process. In addition to this improvement in user experience, this also reduces the need to alternatively or additionally use the battery 104 to power the heater 108 in subsequent preheating modes, as the supercapacitor 106 will store enough energy to do so. This reduces stress on the battery 104 during subsequent preheating modes, thus avoiding a potential reduction in the battery 104's lifespan.

[0116] Charging mode

[0117] When the controller 102 determines that the aerosol generating device 100 is connected to an external power source, it selects the charging mode.

[0118] In this example, the external power source can be a power source connected to the aerosol generating device 100 via a wired connection, such as AC power or a power bank. In this example, the wired or wireless connection can be in the form of a USB cable connected to the aerosol generating device 100 via a USB port in the aerosol generating device 100. Specifically, the USB connection can be a micro-USB connection or a USB-C connection. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that any other suitable type of wired or wireless power connection can be used. The charging mode can be activated by the controller 102 upon determining that an external power source has been connected to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0119] In the first example of the charging mode, controller 102 is configured to control supercapacitor 106 to charge from an external power source connectable to aerosol generating device 100 until supercapacitor 106 is fully charged. Then, controller 102 controls battery 104 to charge from the external power source. Only supercapacitor 106 is charged, and then only battery 104 is charged. That is, supercapacitor 106 has a higher charging priority than battery 104 because supercapacitor 106 is charged before battery 104. In this way, aerosol generating device 100 will be able to perform a preheating mode, making the subsequent aerosolization process at least partially possible even if the power system itself is not fully charged, because supercapacitor 106 for preheating mode has been preferentially charged.

[0120] In a second example of the charging mode, controller 102 is configured to control supercapacitor 106 to charge from an external power source connectable to aerosol generating device 100 until supercapacitor 106 reaches a predetermined charge level. Then, controller 102 is configured to control both supercapacitor 106 and battery 104 to charge from the external power source. Only supercapacitor 106 is charged until it reaches the predetermined charge level, and then both battery 104 and supercapacitor 106 are charged. That is, controller 102 determines the charge level of supercapacitor 106 and controls only supercapacitor 106 to charge until it reaches a point close to full charge, for example, by comparing the charge level with a predetermined charge level (i.e., a predetermined charge threshold) stored at controller 102. When controller 102 determines that supercapacitor 106 has been charged to the predetermined charge threshold, controller 102 controls both supercapacitor 106 and battery 104 to charge from the external power source. Supercapacitor 106 can be considered to have a higher charging priority than battery 104 until it reaches the predetermined charge threshold. This method provides high utilization of the full charging power available from the external power source.

[0121] In some examples, the predetermined charge may be greater than 50% of a full charge, or preferably in the range of 60%-90% of a full charge, or more preferably in the range of 70%-80% of a full charge.

[0122] In a third example of the charging mode, controller 102 is configured to control both supercapacitor 106 and battery 104 to charge from an external power source connectable to aerosol generating device 100. More specifically, controller 102 controls both supercapacitor 106 and battery 104 to charge from the external power source when the external power source has suitable power capability. That is, when the external power source is able to deliver power at a sufficiently high level, battery 104 and supercapacitor 106 are charged simultaneously (i.e., battery 104 and supercapacitor 106 are given equal charging priority). When aerosol generating device 100 is connected to an external power source, controller 102 can determine whether the external power source has suitable power capability; controller 102 can compare the power capability or power delivery level of the external power source with a predetermined power delivery threshold stored at controller 102. When the power delivery level of the external power source reaches or exceeds the predetermined power delivery threshold, controller 102 controls both battery 104 and supercapacitor 106 to charge simultaneously. This charging mode is advantageous because it provides charging for the power system without the risk that the supercapacitor 106 will not be properly charged to perform the preheating mode for subsequent aerosolization processes.

[0123] If the supercapacitor 106 is not properly charged, it may be unable to perform the subsequent aerosolization process because the preheating mode may not be able to be performed; the charging mode of the power system described above avoids this problem by ensuring that the supercapacitor 106 is properly charged.

[0124] The controller 102 can store one or more of the above-described charging modes and execute different charging modes as needed, for example, based on specific hardware considerations associated with the aerosol generating device 100 and / or an external power source. The above-described charging modes are advantageous because they provide rapid charging after the power system has been fully discharged, for use with one or more aerosol generating consumables in subsequent aerosolization processes. This reduces the waiting time in the aerosolization process. These examples of rapid charging can allow the power system to be rapidly charged to a state where it stores sufficient energy to aerosolize multiple (e.g., two) aerosol generating consumables.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the controller 102 can be configured to perform any of the above-described operating modes in a manner that is appropriately combined with each other.

[0126] The processing steps performed by controller 102 as described herein can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or storage device associated with the main control unit. Computer-readable media can include both non-volatile and volatile media. Volatile media can include semiconductor memory and dynamic memory, etc. Non-volatile media can include optical discs and magnetic disks, etc.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the foregoing embodiments described are not limiting; features of each embodiment may be appropriately incorporated into other embodiments.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: A power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, wherein the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes; and A controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected operating mode; Among these multiple operating modes is a float charge mode, in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is essentially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and wherein, in this float charge mode, the controller is configured to: Control the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, These multiple operating modes further include a post-process mode, wherein, in this post-process mode, the controller is configured to: When the at least one supercapacitor is substantially not charged at the end of the float charge mode, the at least one battery is controlled to continue charging the at least one supercapacitor in the post-process mode beyond the end of the float charge mode.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple operating modes further include a first preheating mode, in which the electric system is used to heat the heater associated with the aerosol generating device to a predetermined temperature, and wherein, in the first preheating mode, the controller is configured to: Control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple operating modes further include a second preheating mode, in which the electric system is used to heat the heater associated with the aerosol generating device to a predetermined temperature, and wherein, in the second preheating mode, the controller is configured to: The at least one supercapacitor is controlled to provide power to the heater without the at least one battery providing power to the heater.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple operating modes further include a first charging mode, wherein, in the first charging mode, the controller is configured to: The at least one supercapacitor is controlled to be charged from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, and then the at least one battery is controlled to be charged from the external power source.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple operating modes further include a second charging mode, wherein, in the second charging mode, the controller is configured to: The at least one supercapacitor is controlled to be charged from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge, and then both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery are controlled to be charged from the external power source.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein, The reserved power consumption: More than 50% of full charge.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the predetermined power is 60% to 90% of full charge.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the predetermined power is 70% to 80% of full charge.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple operating modes further include a third charging mode, wherein, in this third charging mode, the controller is configured to: The at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery are controlled to be charged from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein, In this third charging mode, the controller is configured to: When an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device has suitable power capability, the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery are controlled to be charged from the external power source.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one supercapacitor includes at least one hybrid supercapacitor and / or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and / or at least one pseudo supercapacitor.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one supercapacitor is configured to store sufficient energy to power the associated heater so as to aerosolize at least one aerosol generating consumable that can be received in the aerosol generating apparatus.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aerosol generating device is arranged to receive aerosol generating consumables, wherein the aerosol generating consumables include tobacco sticks.

15. A method for controlling the power system of an aerosol generating device, wherein, The power system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes, and the method includes: The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled by the controller based on the selected operating mode; and Among these multiple operating modes is a float charge mode, in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and in this float charge mode, the method further includes: The controller controls the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and The controller controls at least one battery to charge at least one supercapacitor.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control an electrical system of an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein... The power system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes; These instructions cause one or more processors to: The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled based on the selected operating mode; and Among these multiple operating modes is a float charge mode, in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is essentially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and in this float charge mode, the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: Control the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

17. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: A power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, wherein the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes; and A controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected operating mode; and The multiple operating modes include a preheating mode and / or a charging mode, and further include a float charging mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and wherein, in the float charging mode, the controller is configured to: Control the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

18. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein, These multiple operating modes further include a post-process mode, wherein, in this post-process mode, the controller is configured to: When the at least one supercapacitor is substantially not charged at the end of the float charge mode, the at least one battery is controlled to continue charging the at least one supercapacitor in the post-process mode beyond the end of the float charge mode.

19. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein, The preheating mode includes a first preheating mode in which the electric system is used to heat the heater associated with the aerosol generating device to a predetermined temperature, and wherein, in the first preheating mode, the controller is configured to: Control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater.

20. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein, The preheating mode includes a second preheating mode in which the electric system is used to heat the heater associated with the aerosol generating device to a predetermined temperature, and wherein, in the second preheating mode, the controller is configured to: The at least one supercapacitor is controlled to provide power to the heater without the at least one battery providing power to the heater.

21. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein, The charging mode includes a first charging mode, wherein the controller is configured to: The at least one supercapacitor is controlled to be charged from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, and then the at least one battery is controlled to be charged from the external power source.

22. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein, The charging mode includes a second charging mode, wherein the controller is configured to: The at least one supercapacitor is controlled to be charged from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge, and then both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery are controlled to be charged from the external power source.

23. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein, The reserved power consumption: More than 50% of full charge.

24. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 23, wherein the predetermined power is 60% to 90% of full charge.

25. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 23, wherein the predetermined power is 70% to 80% of full charge.

26. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein, The charging mode includes a third charging mode, in which the controller is configured to: The at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery are controlled to be charged from an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device.

27. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein, In this third charging mode, the controller is configured to: When an external power source that can be connected to the aerosol generating device has suitable power capability, the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery are controlled to be charged from the external power source.

28. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein, The at least one supercapacitor includes at least one hybrid supercapacitor and / or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and / or at least one pseudo supercapacitor.

29. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein, The at least one supercapacitor is configured to store sufficient energy to power an associated heater to aerosolize at least one aerosol generating consumable that can be received in the aerosol generating apparatus.

30. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein, The aerosol generating device is arranged to receive aerosol generating consumables, wherein the aerosol generating consumables include tobacco sticks.

31. A method for controlling the power system of an aerosol generating device, wherein, The power system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the power system can operate in multiple selectable operating modes, including a preheating mode and / or a charging mode, and the method includes: The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled by the controller based on the selected operating mode. The multiple operating modes further include a float charge mode, in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and wherein, in the float charge mode, the method further includes: Control the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control an electrical system of an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein... The power system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes, including a preheating mode and / or a charging mode. These instructions cause one or more processors to: The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled based on the selected operating mode. The multiple operating modes further include a float charge mode, in which the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature, and wherein, in the float charge mode, these instructions cause the one or more processors to: Control the power flow of the electrical system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generating device substantially at the aerosol generating temperature; and Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

33. An aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat a tobacco rod, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: A power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, wherein the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes; and A controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected operating mode; During the aerosolization process, these operating modes include a preheating mode and a float charging mode. In the preheating mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature. In the float charging mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod. The controller is configured to: Controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in this preheating mode; and Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the float charging mode.

34. A method for controlling an electrical system of an aerosol generating device configured to heat a tobacco stick, wherein, The power system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes, and the method includes: The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled by the controller based on the selected operating mode; In the aerosolization process, these operating modes include a preheating mode and a float charging mode. In the preheating mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature. In the float charging mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco rod. The method further includes: Controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in this preheating mode; and Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the float charging mode.

35. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control an electrical system of an aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat a tobacco stick, wherein... The power system includes at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the power system can operate in a variety of selectable operating modes, wherein these instructions cause the one or more processors to: The power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and the power flow of the at least one battery are controlled based on the selected operating mode. During the aerosolization process, these operating modes include a preheating mode and a float charging mode. In the preheating mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and in the float charging mode, the heater associated with the aerosol generating device is substantially maintained at the aerosol generating temperature of the tobacco stick. Furthermore, these instructions cause the one or more processors to: Controlling the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater in this preheating mode; and Control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor in the float charging mode.

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