Aerosol-generating devices and systems including inductive heating arrangements and methods of operating the same

Abstract

A method (800) for controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device (200) is provided. The method comprises: during a first heating phase, during which a user operates the aerosol-generating device (200) to produce aerosol, performing (820) a calibration procedure for defining a first calibration value and a second calibration value of the induction heating arrangement (320), wherein the first calibration value is associated with a first calibration temperature of a susceptor (160) inductively coupled to the induction heating arrangement, the second calibration value is associated with a second calibration temperature of the susceptor, wherein the susceptor is configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate (110); and during a second heating phase, controlling (840) power provided to the induction heating arrangement to maintain a target operating value of the induction heating arrangement within the first calibration value and the second calibration value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an induction heating apparatus for heating an aerosol forming matrix. The invention also relates to an aerosol generating apparatus including such an induction heating apparatus and a method for controlling aerosol generation in the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generation devices may include an electrically operated heat source configured to heat an aerosol-forming matrix to generate aerosols. The electrically operated heat source may be an induction heating device. An induction heating device typically includes a sensor inductively coupled to a sensor. The sensor generates an alternating magnetic field, which causes heating within the sensor. Typically, the sensor is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming matrix, and heat is transferred primarily from the sensor to the aerosol-forming matrix via conduction. The temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix can be controlled by controlling the temperature of the sensor. Therefore, for such aerosol generation devices, accurate monitoring and control of the sensor temperature is important to ensure optimal aerosol generation and delivery to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The goal is to provide accurate, reliable, and inexpensive temperature monitoring and control for induction heating devices.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling aerosol generation in an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus may include an induction heating device and a power supply for providing power to the induction heating device. The method may include: during a user operation of the aerosol generating apparatus to generate aerosols, during a first heating phase, performing a calibration process for defining a first calibration value and a second calibration value for the induction heating device, wherein the first calibration value is associated with a first calibration temperature of a sensor inductively coupled to the induction heating device, and the second calibration value is associated with a second calibration temperature of the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to heat an aerosol forming matrix; and during a user operation of the aerosol generating apparatus, during a second heating phase, controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to maintain a target operating value of the induction heating device within the first calibration value and the second calibration value.

[0005] Performing a calibration process during user operation of the aerosol generating device, and using the calibration values ​​obtained from this process to control the power supplied to the induction heating unit, means that the calibration values ​​used to control the heating process are more accurate and reliable compared to performing the calibration process during manufacturing. This also improves flexibility and cost-effectiveness, as the aerosol generating device can be calibrated for more than one type of sensor. This is particularly important for sensors that are part of a separate aerosol generating article, rather than part of the aerosol generating device itself. In such cases, calibration during manufacturing would be impossible.

[0006] An induction heating device may include a DC / AC converter and an inductor connected to the DC / AC converter. The inductor may be arranged to be inductively coupled to the device. A power source may continuously supply power to the inductor via the DC / AC converter. The current, conductance, or resistance of the induction heating device may be determined based on measurements of the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter and, optionally, the DC supply voltage of the power source.

[0007] The second calibration temperature of the receptor can correspond to the Curie temperature of the receptor material. The first calibration temperature of the receptor can correspond to the temperature at which the receptor material is at maximum permeability.

[0008] The receptor may include a first receptor material having a first Curie temperature and a second receptor material having a second Curie temperature, wherein the second Curie temperature is lower than the first Curie temperature. The second temperature of the receptor may correspond to the second Curie temperature of the second receptor material.

[0009] The first and second receptor materials are preferably two separate receptor materials bonded together and thus in close physical contact with each other, thereby ensuring that the two receptor materials have the same temperature due to thermal conduction. The two receptor materials are preferably two layers or strips bonded together along one of their main surfaces. The receptor may also include a third layer of receptor material. The third layer of receptor material may be made of the first receptor material. The thickness of the third layer of receptor material may be less than the thickness of the second layer of the second receptor material.

[0010] The first calibration value may be a first conductance value, the second calibration value may be a second conductance value, and the target operating value may be a target conductance value. Performing the calibration process may include the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductance value associated with the sensor; (iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the conductance value reaches a maximum value, wherein the conductance value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and (iv) monitoring the conductance value until the conductance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the conductance value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0011] Monitoring conductance values ​​may include measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Monitoring conductance values ​​may also include measuring the DC voltage at the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter. This is because there is a monotonic relationship between the actual conductance of the sensor (which cannot be determined if the sensor is part of the article) and the apparent conductance determined in this way (because the sensor will impart conductance to the LCR circuit to which it will be coupled), since most of the load (R) will be due to the resistance of the sensor. The conductance is 1 / R. Therefore, when we refer to the conductance of the sensor in this text, we are actually referring to the apparent conductance when the sensor forms part of a separate aerosol-generating article.

[0012] The calibration process may also include repeating steps (i) to (iv) in response to determining that the conductance value has reached a minimum. The first calibration value and the second calibration value may correspond to the conductance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition of steps (i) to (iv).

[0013] The first calibration value may be a first resistance value, the second calibration value may be a second resistance value, and the target operating value may be a target resistance value. Performing the calibration process may include the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the resistance value associated with the sensor; iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the resistance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the resistance value at the minimum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and iv) monitoring the resistance value until the resistance value reaches a maximum value, wherein the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0014] Monitoring the resistor value can include measuring the DC current drawn from the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Monitoring the resistor value can also include measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0015] Performing the calibration process may also include repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the resistance value has reached its maximum value. The first calibration value and the second calibration value may correspond to the resistance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition of steps i) to iv).

[0016] The first calibration value can be a first current value, the second calibration value can be a second current value, and the target operating value can be a target current value.

[0017] Performing the calibration process may include the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the current value associated with the sensor; iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the current value reaches a maximum value, wherein the current value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and iv) monitoring the conductance value until the conductance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the current value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0018] Monitoring current values ​​can include measuring the DC current drawn from the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Monitoring current values ​​can also include measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0019] Performing the calibration process may also include repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the current value has reached a minimum. The first calibration value and the second calibration value may correspond to the current values ​​measured during at least the first repetition of steps i) to iv).

[0020] The calibration process is both rapid and reliable, without delaying aerosol generation. Furthermore, the repeated calibration steps significantly improve subsequent temperature conditioning because heat has more time to distribute within the matrix.

[0021] The method may further include performing a calibration process during the second heating phase in response to the detection of one or more of the following: a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of user aspirations, and a predetermined voltage value of the power supply.

[0022] Conditions may change during user operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the sensor may move relative to the induction heating device, the power supply (e.g., a battery) may lose some efficiency over time, and so on. Therefore, performing a calibration process periodically ensures the reliability of the calibration values, thereby ensuring optimal temperature regulation is maintained throughout the use of the aerosol generating device.

[0023] The method may further include performing a preheating process during the first heating phase. The preheating process may be performed before the calibration process, and the preheating process may have a predetermined duration.

[0024] The preheating process may include the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor at the power source; and (iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the conductivity value reaches a minimum.

[0025] The preheating process may further include repeating steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends, if the conductivity value reaches a minimum before the end of the predetermined duration. The predetermined duration allows heat to diffuse within the matrix in a timely manner to reach the minimum conductivity value measured during the calibration process, regardless of the physical conditions of the matrix (e.g., whether the matrix is ​​dry or wet). This ensures the reliability of the calibration process.

[0026] The preheating process may further include stopping the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the conductivity of the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process. The sensor is preferably incorporated into an aerosol generating article configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus. Aerosol generating articles not configured for use with an aerosol generating apparatus will not exhibit the same behavior as authorized aerosol generating articles. Specifically, the conductivity of the sensor will not reach a minimum value during the predetermined duration of the preheating process. Therefore, this prevents the use of unauthorized aerosol generating articles.

[0027] The preheating process may include the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the resistance value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the resistance value reaches its maximum value.

[0028] If the resistance value reaches its maximum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process, steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process can be repeated until the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0029] If the resistance value associated with the sensor does not reach its maximum value during the predetermined duration of the preheating process, the operation of the aerosol generating device can be stopped.

[0030] The preheating process may include the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the current value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the current value reaches a minimum.

[0031] If the current value reaches its minimum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process, steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process can be repeated until the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0032] If the current value associated with the sensor does not reach its minimum value during the predetermined duration of the preheating process, the operation of the aerosol generating device can be stopped.

[0033] During the preheating process, power can be continuously supplied to the sensor via a DC / AC converter.

[0034] The calibration process can be performed in response to the detection of the end of a predetermined duration of the preheating process. The preheating process can also be performed in response to the detection of user input. The user input may correspond to user activation of the aerosol generating device.

[0035] The aerosol generating apparatus can be configured to removably receive an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article includes the sensor and the aerosol forming matrix, and wherein the preheating process is performed in response to the detection of the presence of the aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating apparatus. The predetermined duration can be between 10 seconds and 15 seconds.

[0036] The sensor is preferably incorporated in an aerosol generating article configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus. Aerosol generating articles not configured for use with an aerosol generating apparatus will not exhibit the same behavior as authorized aerosol generating articles. Specifically, the conductivity of the sensor will not reach a minimum during a predetermined duration of the preheating process. Therefore, this prevents the use of unauthorized aerosol generating articles.

[0037] Controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device during the second heating phase may also include controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the target operating value stepwise from a first target operating value associated with a first operating temperature of the sensor to a second target operating value associated with a second operating temperature of the sensor. The first operating temperature may be sufficient to cause the aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol.

[0038] The power supplied to the induction heating device is controlled to cause a stepwise increase in the sensor temperature, enabling the generation of an aerosol over a sustained period of time that covers a full user experience of multiple inhalations, such as 14 inhalations, or a predetermined time interval, such as 6 minutes, where delivery (nicotine, flavor, aerosol volume, etc.) is substantially constant for each inhalation throughout the entire user experience. Specifically, the stepwise increase in sensor temperature prevents a reduction in aerosol delivery due to matrix depletion and reduced heat diffusion over time. Furthermore, the stepwise increase in temperature allows heat to diffuse within the matrix at each step.

[0039] The first operating temperature can be between 150 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius, and the second operating temperature can be between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between the first operating temperature and the second operating temperature can be at least 30 degrees Celsius.

[0040] A stepwise increase in the target operation value may include at least three consecutive steps, each with a duration.

[0041] Controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device may further include, for each step, maintaining a target operating value of the induction heating device at a value associated with the corresponding step for the duration of that step. Maintaining the target operating value of the induction heating device may include determining one of a current value, a conductance value, or a resistance value associated with the sensor, and adjusting the power supplied to the induction heating device based on the determined conductance value.

[0042] The duration of each step is at least 10 seconds. The duration of each step can be between 30 seconds and 200 seconds. The duration of each step can be between 40 seconds and 160 seconds. The duration of each step can be predetermined. The duration of each step can correspond to a predetermined number of suctions from the user. The first step of a series of steps can have a longer duration than subsequent temperature steps.

[0043] The power supply can deliver power to the sensor in multiple pulses via a DC / AC converter, with each pulse separated by a time interval.

[0044] Controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device may include controlling the time interval between each of a plurality of pulses.

[0045] Controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device can include controlling the length of each of a plurality of pulses.

[0046] The first and second heating stages can be the user operation stages of the aerosol generating device.

[0047] The first calibration temperature can be between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius, and the second calibration temperature can be between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between the first and second calibration temperatures can be at least 50 degrees Celsius.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus may include: a power supply for providing a DC supply voltage and a DC current; and power electronics connected to the power supply. The power electronics may include: a DC / AC converter and an inductor, the inductor being connected to the DC / AC converter for generating an alternating magnetic field when excited by an alternating current from the DC / AC converter, the inductor being coupled to a sensor configured to heat an aerosol forming matrix; and a controller. The controller may be configured to: during a user-operated aerosol generating apparatus generating aerosols, during a first heating phase, perform a calibration process for defining a first calibration value and a second calibration value for the power electronics, wherein the first calibration value is associated with a first calibration temperature of the sensor, and the second calibration value is associated with a second calibration temperature of the sensor; and during a user-operated aerosol generating apparatus generating aerosols, during a second heating phase, control the power supplied to the power electronics to maintain a target operating value of the power electronics within the first calibration value and the second calibration value.

[0049] The power supply can continuously supply power to the sensor via a DC / AC converter.

[0050] The second calibration temperature of the sensor may correspond to the Curie temperature of the sensor material. The first calibration temperature of the sensor may correspond to the temperature at which the sensor material is at maximum permeability. The first calibration value may be a first conductivity value, the second calibration value is a second conductivity value, and the target operating value is a target conductivity value. Performing the calibration process may include the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor; (iii) interrupting the power supply to the power electronics when the conductivity value reaches a maximum value, wherein the conductivity value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and (iv) monitoring the conductivity value until the conductivity value reaches a minimum value, wherein the conductivity value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0051] Monitoring conductance can include measuring the DC current drawn from the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Monitoring conductance can also include measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0052] The calibration process may also include repeating steps (i) to (iv) in response to determining that the conductance value has reached a minimum. The first calibration value and the second calibration value may correspond to the conductance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition of steps (i) to (iv).

[0053] The first calibration value may be a first resistance value, the second calibration value may be a second resistance value, and the target operating value may be a target resistance value. Performing the calibration process may include the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the resistance value associated with the sensor; iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the resistance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the resistance value at the minimum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and iv) monitoring the resistance value until the resistance value reaches a maximum value, wherein the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0054] Monitoring the resistor value can include measuring the DC current drawn from the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Monitoring the resistor value can also include measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0055] The calibration process may also include repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the resistance value has reached its maximum value.

[0056] The first and second calibration values ​​may correspond to the resistance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

[0057] The first calibration value may be a first current value, the second calibration value may be a second current value, and the target operating value may be a target current value. Performing the calibration process may include the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the current value associated with the sensor; iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the current value reaches a maximum value, wherein the current value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and iv) monitoring the conductance value until the conductance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the current value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0058] Monitoring current values ​​can include measuring the DC current drawn from the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter. Monitoring current values ​​can also include measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0059] Performing the calibration process may also include repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the current value has reached a minimum. The first calibration value and the second calibration value may correspond to the current values ​​measured during at least the first repetition of steps i) to iv).

[0060] The controller can also be configured to perform a calibration process during the second heating phase in response to the detection of one or more of the following: a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of user suctions, and a predetermined voltage value of the power supply.

[0061] The controller can also be configured to perform a preheating process during the first heating phase. The controller can be configured to perform the preheating process prior to the calibration process, and the preheating process has a predetermined duration.

[0062] The preheating process may include the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor at the power supply; and (iii) interrupting the power supply to the power electronics when the conductivity value reaches a minimum. During the preheating process, the power supply continuously supplies power to the sensor via a DC / AC converter.

[0063] The controller can also be configured to repeat steps i) to iii) of the preheating process until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends if the conductivity value reaches a minimum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0064] The controller can also be configured to generate a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generating device if the conductivity value of the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0065] The preheating process may include the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the resistance value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the resistance value reaches its maximum value.

[0066] The controller can also be configured to repeat steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the resistance value reaches its maximum value before the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends, until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends.

[0067] The controller can also be configured to generate a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generating device if the resistance value associated with the sensor does not reach its maximum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0068] The preheating process may include the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the current value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the current value reaches a minimum.

[0069] The controller can also be configured to repeat steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the current value reaches a minimum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0070] The controller can also be configured to generate a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generating device if the current value associated with the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process. The controller can also be configured to perform a calibration process in response to detecting the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0071] The controller can be configured to perform a preheating process in response to the detection of user input. The user input may correspond to a user activating the aerosol generating device.

[0072] The controller can be configured to perform the preheating process in response to detecting the presence of an aerosol-generating article within a predetermined threshold distance of the sensor. The predetermined duration of the preheating process can be between 10 and 15 seconds.

[0073] Controlling the power supplied to the power electronics during the second heating phase may also include controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the target operating value stepwise from a first target operating value associated with a first operating temperature of the sensor to a second target operating value associated with a second operating temperature of the sensor.

[0074] The initial operating temperature is sufficient to allow the aerosol-forming matrix to form an aerosol.

[0075] The first operating temperature can be between 150 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius, and the second operating temperature can be between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between the first operating temperature and the second operating temperature can be at least 30 degrees Celsius.

[0076] A stepwise increase in the target operation value may include at least three consecutive steps, each with a duration.

[0077] Controlling the power supplied to the power electronics may also include maintaining the target operating value of the power electronics at the value associated with the corresponding step for the duration of the corresponding step for each step.

[0078] Maintaining the operating conductance value of the power electronics may include determining one of a current value, conductance value, or resistance value associated with a sensor, and adjusting the power supplied to the power electronics based on the determined conductance value. The power electronics may also include a current sensor configured to measure the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter. The power electronics may also include a voltage sensor configured to measure the DC supply voltage of the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter. The duration of each step may be at least 10 seconds. The duration of each step may be between 30 seconds and 200 seconds. The duration of each step may be between 40 seconds and 160 seconds. The duration of each step may be predetermined. The duration of each step may correspond to a predetermined number of user pumps. The first step of a series of steps may have a longer duration than subsequent steps.

[0079] A power source can supply power to the sensor in multiple pulses via a DC / AC converter, each pulse separated by a time interval. Controlling the power supplied to the power electronics can include controlling the time interval between each of the multiple pulses. Controlling the power supplied to the power electronics can also include controlling the length of each of the multiple pulses.

[0080] The first and second heating stages can be the user operation stages of the aerosol generating device.

[0081] The first calibration temperature can be between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius, and the second calibration temperature can be between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between the first and second calibration temperatures can be at least 50 degrees Celsius.

[0082] The power electronics may also include a matching network for matching the impedance of the sensor to the impedance of the receiver.

[0083] The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a housing having a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol forming matrix and a sensor.

[0084] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol generation article as described above. The aerosol generation article may include an aerosol forming matrix and a receptor.

[0085] The sensor may include a first layer composed of a first material and a second layer composed of a second material, wherein the first material is configured to be in physical contact with the second material. The first material may be one of aluminum, iron, and stainless steel, and the second material is nickel or a nickel alloy. The first material may have a first Curie temperature, and the second material may have a second Curie temperature. The second Curie temperature may be lower than the first Curie temperature. A second calibration temperature may correspond to the second Curie temperature of the second sensor material.

[0086] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating apparatus" refers to an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol forming matrix to generate an aerosol. An aerosol generating apparatus may interact with one or both of an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming matrix or a cylinder comprising an aerosol forming matrix. In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus may heat the aerosol forming matrix to promote the release of volatile compounds from the matrix. Electrically operated aerosol generating apparatus may include an atomizer, such as an electric heater, to heat the aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol.

[0087] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol forming matrix. When the aerosol forming matrix forms part of an aerosol generation article, the aerosol generation system refers to the combination of the aerosol generation apparatus and the aerosol generation article. In an aerosol generation system, the aerosol forming matrix and the aerosol generation apparatus cooperate to generate aerosols.

[0088] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Volatile compounds can be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming matrix. Alternatively, in some cases, volatile compounds can be released through chemical reactions or by mechanical stimulation, such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming matrix can be solid or may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming matrix may be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0089] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable. Aerosol-generating articles comprising an aerosol-forming matrix (including tobacco) may be referred to as tobacco sticks.

[0090] The aerosol forming matrix may include nicotine. The aerosol forming matrix may include tobacco, for example, a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol forming matrix upon heating. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix may include homogeneous tobacco material, such as cast tobacco. The aerosol forming matrix may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol forming matrix may include a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the matrix upon heating. The aerosol forming matrix may include non-tobacco materials. The aerosol forming matrix may also include aerosol forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0091] As used herein, an "aerosol cooling element" refers to a component of an aerosol-generating article located downstream of the aerosol-forming matrix, such that during use, aerosols formed from volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming matrix pass through and are cooled by the aerosol cooling element before being inhaled by the user. Aerosol cooling elements have a large surface area but result in a low pressure drop. Filters and other mouthpieces that generate high pressure drops (e.g., filters formed from fiber bundles) are not considered aerosol cooling elements. Chambers and cavities within aerosol-generating articles are not considered aerosol cooling elements.

[0092] As used herein, the term "mouthpiece" refers to a portion of an aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating device, or aerosol-generating system that is placed in the user's mouth for direct inhalation of aerosols.

[0093] As used herein, the term "sensor" refers to an element comprising material capable of converting magnetic field energy into heat. When a sensor is placed in an alternating magnetic field, the sensor is heated. The heating of the sensor may be a result of at least one of induced hysteresis losses and eddy currents in the sensor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the sensor material.

[0094] As used herein when referring to an aerosol generating apparatus, the terms "upstream" and "front," and "downstream" and "rear," are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of a component of the aerosol generating apparatus with respect to the direction of air flow through it during use of the aerosol generating apparatus. An aerosol generating apparatus according to the invention includes a proximal end through which aerosols exit the apparatus in use. The proximal end of the aerosol generating apparatus may also be referred to as an inlet end or a downstream end. The inlet end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as an upstream end. Components or parts of a component of the aerosol generating apparatus may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions with respect to the airflow path of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0095] As used herein when referring to aerosol-generating articles, the terms "upstream" and "front," and "downstream" and "rear," are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction of air flow through it during use of the aerosol-generating article. An aerosol-generating article according to the invention includes a proximal end through which aerosols exit the article during use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the orifice or downstream end. The orifice is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of an aerosol-generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol-generating article. The front portion of a component or part of an aerosol-generating article is the portion closest to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The rear portion of a component or part of an aerosol-generating article is the portion closest to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0096] As used herein, the term "inductive coupling" refers to the heating of a sensor when it is penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. Heating is caused by the generation of eddy currents in the sensor. Heating is also caused by hysteresis losses.

[0097] As used in this article, the term “suction” refers to the action of a user drawing aerosol into their body through their mouth or nose.

[0098] As used herein, the term "value associated with current" refers to a value determined based on a current measurement, such as current value, conductance value, and resistance value. Current measurement is performed at the heating device (also known as a power electronics device). Specifically, DC current can be measured at the input side of a DC / AC converter.

[0099] As used in this article, the term "extreme value" refers to the maximum or minimum value of a function or a set of values ​​within a given range or the entire range.

[0100] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0101] Example Ex1: A method for controlling aerosol generation in an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus including an induction heating device and a power supply for providing power to the induction heating device, and the method comprising: during a user operation of the aerosol generating apparatus to generate aerosols, during a first heating phase, performing a calibration process for defining a first calibration value and a second calibration value for the induction heating device, wherein the first calibration value is associated with a first calibration temperature of a sensor inductively coupled to the induction heating device, and the second calibration value is associated with a second calibration temperature of the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to heat an aerosol forming matrix; and during user operation of the aerosol generating apparatus, during a second heating phase, controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to maintain a target operating value of the induction heating device within the first calibration value and the second calibration value.

[0102] Example Ex2: According to the method of Example Ex1, the second calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the Curie temperature of the material of the sensor, and the first calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the temperature at which the material of the sensor is at maximum permeability.

[0103] Example Ex3: According to the method of Example Ex1 or Ex2, the sensor includes a first sensor material having a first Curie temperature and a second sensor material having a second Curie temperature, wherein the second Curie temperature is lower than the first Curie temperature, and wherein the second calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the second Curie temperature of the second sensor material.

[0104] Example Ex4: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the first calibration value is a first conductance value, the second calibration value is a second conductance value, and the target operating value is a target conductance value.

[0105] Example Ex5: According to the method of Example Ex4, the calibration process includes the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor; (iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the conductivity value reaches a maximum value, wherein the conductivity value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and (iv) monitoring the conductivity value until the conductivity value reaches a minimum value, wherein the conductivity value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0106] Example Ex6: According to the method of Example Ex5, monitoring the conductance value includes measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0107] Example Ex7: According to the method of Example Ex6, monitoring the conductance value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0108] Example Ex8: The method according to any one of Examples Ex5 to Ex7, wherein performing the calibration process further includes repeating steps (i) to (iv) in response to determining that the conductance value has reached a minimum.

[0109] Example Ex9: According to the method of Example Ex8, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the conductance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps (i) to (iv).

[0110] Example Ex10: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the first calibration value is a first resistance value, the second calibration value is a second resistance value, and the target operating value is a target resistance value.

[0111] Example Ex11: According to the method of Example Ex10, the calibration process includes the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the resistance value associated with the sensor; iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the resistance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the resistance value at the minimum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and iv) monitoring the resistance value until the resistance value reaches a maximum value, wherein the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0112] Example Ex12: According to the method of Example Ex11, monitoring the resistance value includes measuring the DC current drawn from the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0113] Example Ex13: According to the method of Example Ex12, monitoring the resistance value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0114] Example Ex14: The method according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex13, wherein performing the calibration process further includes repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the resistance value has reached its maximum value.

[0115] Example Ex15: According to the method of Example Ex14, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the resistance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

[0116] Example Ex16: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the first calibration value is a first current value, the second calibration value is a second current value, and the target operating value is a target current value.

[0117] Example Ex17: According to the method of Example Ex16, the calibration process includes the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the current value associated with the sensor; iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the current value reaches a maximum value, wherein the current value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and iv) monitoring the conductance value until the conductance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the current value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0118] Example Ex18: According to the method of Example Ex17, monitoring the current value includes measuring the DC current drawn from the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0119] Example Ex19: According to the method of Example Ex18, monitoring the current value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0120] Example Ex20: The method according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex19, wherein performing the calibration process further includes repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the current value has reached a minimum.

[0121] Example Ex21: According to the method of Example Ex20, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the current values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

[0122] Example Ex22: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 21 further includes: during the second heating phase, performing the calibration process in response to detecting one or more of the following: a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of user suctions, and a predetermined voltage value of the power supply.

[0123] Example Ex23: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex22 further includes performing a preheating process during the first heating phase, wherein the preheating process is performed before the calibration process, and wherein the preheating process has a predetermined duration.

[0124] Example Ex24: According to the method of Example Ex23, the preheating process includes the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor at the power source; and (iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the conductivity value reaches a minimum value.

[0125] Example Ex25: The method according to Example Ex24 further includes repeating steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the conductivity value reaches a minimum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process, until the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0126] Example Ex26: The method according to Example Ex24 further includes: stopping the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the conductivity value associated with the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0127] Example Ex27: According to the method of Example Ex23, the preheating process includes the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the resistance value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the resistance value reaches its maximum value.

[0128] Example Ex28: The method according to Example Ex27 further includes repeating steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the resistance value reaches its maximum value before the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends, until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends.

[0129] Example Ex29: The method according to Example Ex27 further includes: stopping the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the resistance value associated with the sensor does not reach its maximum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0130] Example Ex30: According to the method of Example Ex23, the preheating process includes the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the current value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the current value reaches a minimum value.

[0131] Example Ex31: The method according to Example Ex30 further includes repeating steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the current value reaches a minimum value before the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends, until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends.

[0132] Example Ex32: The method according to Example Ex30 further includes: stopping the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the current value associated with the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0133] Example Ex33: The method according to any one of Examples Ex23 to Ex32, wherein, during the preheating process, power is continuously supplied from the power source to the sensor via the DC / AC converter.

[0134] Example Ex34: The method according to any one of Examples Ex23 to Ex33, wherein the calibration process is performed in response to detecting the end of a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0135] Example Ex35: The method according to any one of Examples Ex23 to Ex33, wherein the preheating process is performed in response to the detection of user input.

[0136] Example Ex36: According to the method of Example Ex35, wherein the user input corresponds to the user activating the aerosol generating device.

[0137] Example Ex37: The method according to any one of Examples Ex23 to Ex33, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to removably receive an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article includes the sensor and the aerosol forming matrix, and wherein the preheating process is performed in response to detecting the presence of the aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0138] Example Ex38: The method according to any one of Examples Ex23 to Ex37, wherein the predetermined duration is between 10 seconds and 15 seconds.

[0139] Example Ex39: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex38, wherein controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device during the second heating phase further includes controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the target operating value stepwise from a first target operating value associated with a first operating temperature of the sensor to a second target operating value associated with a second operating temperature of the sensor.

[0140] Example Ex40: The method of Example Ex39, wherein the first operating temperature is sufficient to cause the aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol.

[0141] Example Ex41: According to the method of Example Ex40, the first operating temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius, and the second operating temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius, and the temperature difference between the first operating temperature and the second operating temperature is at least 30 degrees Celsius.

[0142] Example Ex42: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex41, the stepwise increase of the target operation value includes at least three consecutive steps, each step having a predetermined duration.

[0143] Example Ex43: According to the method of Example Ex42, the control of the power supplied to the induction heating device further includes, for each step, maintaining the target operating value of the induction heating device at a value associated with the corresponding step for the duration of the corresponding step.

[0144] Example Ex44: According to the method described in Example Ex43, maintaining the target operating value of the induction heating device includes determining one of a current value, a conductance value, and a resistance value associated with the sensor, and adjusting the power supplied to the induction heating device based on the determined value.

[0145] Example Ex45: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex44, the duration of the steps is at least 10 seconds.

[0146] Example Ex46: The method according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex44, wherein the duration of the steps is between 30 seconds and 200 seconds.

[0147] Example Ex47: The method of any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex44, wherein the duration of the steps is between 40 seconds and 160 seconds.

[0148] Example Ex48. The method of any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex47, wherein the duration of each step is predetermined.

[0149] Example Ex49: The method according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex44, wherein the duration of the step corresponds to the predetermined number of pumps by the user.

[0150] Example Ex50: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex44, the first step of the continuous staircase has a longer duration than the subsequent steps.

[0151] Example Ex51: According to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex49, the induction heating device includes the DC / AC converter and the sensor connected to the DC / AC converter.

[0152] Example Ex52: According to the method of Example Ex51, power is continuously supplied to the sensor from the power source via the DC / AC converter.

[0153] Example Ex53: According to the method of Example Ex51 or Ex52, power is supplied to the sensor from the power source via the DC / AC converter in multiple pulses, each pulse being separated by a time interval.

[0154] Example Ex54: According to the method of Example Ex53, controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device includes controlling the time interval between each of the plurality of pulses.

[0155] Example Ex55: According to the method of Example Ex53, controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device includes controlling the length of each of the plurality of pulses.

[0156] Example Ex56: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex55, wherein the first calibration temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius, and the second calibration temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius, and wherein the temperature difference between the first calibration temperature and the second calibration temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius.

[0157] Example Ex57: An aerosol generating apparatus includes: a power source for providing a DC supply voltage and a DC current; power electronics connected to the power source, wherein the power electronics includes: a DC / AC converter; and a sensor connected to the DC / AC converter for generating an alternating magnetic field when excited by an alternating current from the DC / AC converter, the sensor being coupleable to a receptacle configured to heat an aerosol forming matrix; and a controller configured to: during a user-operated aerosol generating apparatus generating aerosols, during a first heating phase, perform a calibration process for defining a first calibration value and a second calibration value for the power electronics, wherein the first calibration value is associated with a first calibration temperature of the receptacle, and the second calibration value is associated with a second calibration temperature of the receptacle; and during a user-operated aerosol generating apparatus generating aerosols, during a second heating phase, control the power supplied to the power electronics to maintain a target operating value of the power electronics within the first calibration value and the second calibration value.

[0158] Example Ex58: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex57, wherein power is continuously supplied to the sensor from the power source via the DC / AC converter.

[0159] Example Ex59: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex57 or Ex58, wherein the second calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the Curie temperature of the material of the sensor.

[0160] Example Ex60: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex59, wherein the first calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the temperature at which the material of the sensor is at maximum permeability.

[0161] Example Ex61: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex60, wherein the first calibration value is a first conductivity value, the second calibration value is a second conductivity value, and the target operating value is a target conductivity value.

[0162] Example Ex62: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex61, wherein performing the calibration process includes the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor; (iii) interrupting the power supply to the power electronics when the conductivity value reaches a maximum value, wherein the conductivity value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and (iv) monitoring the conductivity value until the conductivity value reaches a minimum value, wherein the conductivity value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0163] Example Ex63: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex62, wherein monitoring the conductivity value includes measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0164] Example Ex64: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex63, wherein monitoring the conductivity value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0165] Example Ex65: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex62 to Ex65, wherein performing the calibration process further includes repeating steps (i) to (iv) in response to determining that the conductivity value has reached a minimum.

[0166] Example Ex66: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex65, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the conductivity values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps (i) to (iv).

[0167] Example Ex67: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex60, wherein the first calibration value is a first resistance value, the second calibration value is a second resistance value, and the target operating value is a target resistance value.

[0168] Example Ex68: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex67, wherein performing the calibration process includes the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the resistance value associated with the sensor; iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the resistance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the resistance value at the minimum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and iv) monitoring the resistance value until the resistance value reaches a maximum value, wherein the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0169] Example Ex69: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex68, wherein monitoring the resistance value includes measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0170] Example Ex70: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex69, wherein monitoring the resistance value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0171] Example Ex71: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex68 to Ex70, wherein performing the calibration process further includes repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the resistance value has reached its maximum value.

[0172] Example Ex72: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex71, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the resistance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

[0173] Example Ex73: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex60, wherein the first calibration value is a first current value, the second calibration value is a second current value, and the target operating value is a target current value.

[0174] Example Ex74: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex73, wherein performing the calibration process includes the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the current value associated with the sensor; iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the current value reaches a maximum value, wherein the current value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and iv) monitoring the conductivity value until the conductivity value reaches a minimum value, wherein the current value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

[0175] Example Ex75: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex74, wherein monitoring the current value includes measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0176] Example Ex76: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex75, wherein monitoring the current value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0177] Example Ex77: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex74 to Ex76, wherein performing the calibration process further includes repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the current value has reached a minimum.

[0178] Example Ex78: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex77, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to current values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

[0179] Example Ex79: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex78, wherein the controller is further configured to perform the calibration process during the second heating phase in response to detecting one or more of the following: a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of user aspirations, and a predetermined voltage value of the power supply.

[0180] Example Ex80: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex79, wherein the controller is further configured to perform a preheating process during the first heating phase, wherein the controller is configured to perform the preheating process before the calibration process, and wherein the preheating process has a predetermined duration.

[0181] Example Ex81: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex80, wherein the preheating process includes the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor at the power supply; and (iii) interrupting the power supply to the power electronics when the conductivity value reaches a minimum value.

[0182] Example Ex82: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex81, wherein the controller is further configured to repeat steps i) to iii) of the preheating process until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends if the conductivity value reaches a minimum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0183] Example Ex83: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex81 or Ex82, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the conductivity value of the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0184] Example Ex84: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex80, wherein the preheating process includes the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the resistance value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the resistance value reaches a maximum value.

[0185] Example Ex85: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex84, wherein the controller is further configured to repeat steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the resistance value reaches its maximum value before the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends, until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends.

[0186] Example Ex86: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex84, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the resistance value associated with the sensor does not reach a maximum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0187] Example Ex87: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex80, wherein the preheating process includes the following steps: i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitoring the current value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the current value reaches a minimum value.

[0188] Example Ex88: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex87, wherein the controller is further configured to repeat steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the current value reaches a minimum value before the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends, until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends.

[0189] Example Ex89: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex87, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the current value associated with the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0190] Example Ex90: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex80 to Ex89, wherein, during the preheating process, power is continuously supplied from the power source to the sensor via the DC / AC converter.

[0191] Example Ex91: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex80 to Ex90, wherein the controller is configured to perform the calibration process in response to detecting the end of a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

[0192] Example Ex92: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex80 to Ex91, wherein the controller is configured to perform the preheating process in response to detecting user input.

[0193] Example Ex93: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex92, wherein the user input corresponds to the user activating the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0194] Example Ex94: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex80 to Ex91, wherein the controller is configured to perform the preheating process in response to detecting the presence of an aerosol generating article within a predetermined threshold distance of the sensor.

[0195] Example Ex95: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex80 to Ex94, wherein the predetermined duration is between 10 seconds and 15 seconds.

[0196] Example Ex96: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex95, wherein controlling the power supplied to the power electronics during the second heating phase further includes controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to cause the target operating value to increase stepwise from a first target operating value associated with a first operating temperature to a second target operating value associated with a second operating temperature.

[0197] Example Ex97: An aerosol generating apparatus of Example Ex96, wherein the first operating temperature is sufficient to cause the aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol.

[0198] Example Ex98: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex97, wherein the first operating temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius, and the second operating temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius, and wherein the temperature difference between the first operating temperature and the second operating temperature is at least 30 degrees Celsius.

[0199] Example Ex99: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex96 to 98, wherein the stepwise increase of the target operating value comprises at least three consecutive steps, each step having a duration.

[0200] Example Ex100: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex99, wherein controlling the power supplied to the power electronics further includes, for each step, maintaining the target operating value of the power electronics at a value associated with the corresponding step for the duration of the corresponding step.

[0201] Example Ex101: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex100, wherein maintaining a target operating value for the power electronics includes determining one of a current value, a conductance value, and a resistance value associated with the sensor, and adjusting the power supplied to the power electronics based on the determined value.

[0202] Example Ex102: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex101, wherein the power electronics further includes a current sensor configured to measure the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0203] Example Ex103: According to the aerosol generating apparatus of Example Ex102, the power electronics further include a voltage sensor configured to measure the DC supply voltage of the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

[0204] Example Ex104: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex104, wherein the duration of the step is at least 10 seconds.

[0205] Example Ex105: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex104, wherein the duration of the step is between 30 seconds and 200 seconds.

[0206] Example Ex106: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex103, wherein the duration of the step is between 40 seconds and 160 seconds.

[0207] Example Ex107: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex106, wherein the duration of each step is predetermined.

[0208] Example Ex108: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex100 to 103, wherein the duration of the step corresponds to a predetermined number of suctions by a user.

[0209] Example Ex109: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex106, wherein the first step of the continuous steps has a longer duration than the subsequent steps.

[0210] Example Ex110: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex106, wherein power is supplied to the sensor from the power source via the DC / AC converter in multiple pulses, each pulse being separated by a time interval.

[0211] Example Ex111: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex110, wherein controlling the power supplied to the power electronics includes controlling the time interval between each of the plurality of pulses.

[0212] Example Ex112: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex110, wherein controlling the power supplied to the power electronics includes controlling the length of each of the plurality of pulses.

[0213] Example Ex113: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to 111, wherein the first calibration temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius, and the second calibration temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius, and wherein the temperature difference between the first calibration temperature and the second calibration temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius.

[0214] Example Ex114: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex113, wherein the power electronics further includes a matching network for matching the impedance of the sensor with the impedance of the sensor.

[0215] Example Ex115: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex114 further includes a housing having a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article includes the aerosol forming matrix and the sensor.

[0216] Example Ex116: An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol generation article of any one of Examples Ex56 to Ex15, wherein the aerosol generation article comprises the aerosol forming matrix and the sensor.

[0217] Example Ex117: An aerosol generation system according to Example Ex116, wherein the sensor comprises a first layer composed of a first material and a second layer composed of a second material, wherein the first material is configured to be in physical contact with the second material.

[0218] Example Ex118: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex117, wherein the first material is one of aluminum, iron and stainless steel, and wherein the second material is nickel or a nickel alloy.

[0219] Example Ex119: An aerosol generation system according to Example Ex117 or Ex118, wherein the first material has a first Curie temperature and the second material has a second Curie temperature, wherein the second Curie temperature is lower than the first Curie temperature.

[0220] Example Ex120: An aerosol generation system according to Example Ex119, wherein the second calibration temperature corresponds to the second Curie temperature of the second sensor material. Attached Figure Description

[0221] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0222] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generated article is shown;

[0223] Figure 2A It shows the use of with Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus used in conjunction with an aerosol generating product.

[0224] Figure 2B It shows the relationship with Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus connected to an aerosol generating product.

[0225] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the induction heating device of the aerosol generation apparatus described in Figure 2;

[0226] Figure 4 It shows about Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the electronic components of the described induction heating device;

[0227] Figure 5 It is about Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the inductor in the LC load network of the described induction heating device;

[0228] Figure 6 It is a graph of DC current versus time that illustrates the remotely detectable change in current that occurs when the sensor material undergoes a phase transition associated with its Curie point.

[0229] Figure 7 The temperature profiles of the sensors during operation of the aerosol generation device are shown; and

[0230] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling aerosol generation in the aerosol generating apparatus of Figure 2. Detailed Implementation

[0231] Figure 1An aerosol generating article 100 is shown. The aerosol generating article 100 includes four elements arranged coaxially: an aerosol forming matrix 110, a support element 120, an aerosol cooling element 130, and a mouthpiece 140. Each of these four elements is a substantially cylindrical element, each having substantially the same diameter. These four elements are arranged sequentially and defined by an outer packaging 150 to form a cylindrical strip. An elongated receptor 160 is located within and in contact with the aerosol forming matrix 110. The receptor 160 has a length approximately the same as the length of the aerosol forming matrix 110 and is positioned along the radial central axis of the aerosol forming matrix 110.

[0232] The receptor 160 comprises at least two different materials. The receptor 160 is in the form of an elongated strip, preferably having a length of 12 mm and a width of 4 mm. The receptor 160 comprises at least two layers: a first layer of a first receptor material disposed in physical contact with a second layer of a second receptor material. The first and second receptor materials may each have a Curie temperature. In this case, the Curie temperature of the second receptor material is lower than that of the first receptor material. The first material may not have a Curie temperature. The first receptor material may be aluminum, iron, or stainless steel. The second receptor material may be nickel or a nickel alloy. The receptor 160 can be formed by electroplating at least one patch of the second receptor material onto the strip of the first receptor material. The receptor can also be formed by wrapping the strip of the second receptor material over the strip of the first receptor material.

[0233] The aerosol generating article 100 has a proximal or oral end 170 and a distal end 180 located at the end of the aerosol generating article 100 opposite to the oral end 170, which the user inserts into his or her mouth during use. Once assembled, the aerosol generating article 100 preferably has an overall length of about 45 mm and a diameter of about 7.2 mm.

[0234] In use, air is drawn by the user from the distal end 180 through the aerosol generating article 100 to the inlet end 170. The distal end 180 of the aerosol generating article 100 can also be described as the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 100, while the inlet end 170 of the aerosol generating article 100 can also be described as the downstream end of the aerosol generating article 100. The element of the aerosol generating article 100 located between the inlet end 170 and the distal end 180 can be described as upstream of the inlet end 170, or alternatively as downstream of the distal end 180. The aerosol forming matrix 110 is positioned at the distal or upstream end 180 of the aerosol generating article 100.

[0235] The support element 120 is located immediately downstream of and adjacent to the aerosol forming matrix 110. The support element 120 may be a hollow cellulose acetate tube. The support element 120 positions the aerosol forming matrix 110 at the farthest end 180 of the aerosol generating article 100. The support element 120 also serves as a spacer to separate the aerosol cooling element 130 of the aerosol generating article 100 from the aerosol forming matrix 110.

[0236] The aerosol cooling element 130 is located immediately downstream of and adjacent to the support element 120. In use, volatile substances released from the aerosol forming matrix 110 are delivered along the aerosol cooling element 130 toward the port 170 of the aerosol generating article 100. The volatile substances can be cooled within the aerosol cooling element 130 to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol cooling element 130 may include a coiled and aggregated polylactic acid sheet defined by a package 190. The coiled and aggregated polylactic acid sheet defines a plurality of longitudinal channels extending along the length of the aerosol cooling element 130.

[0237] The mouthpiece 140 is positioned directly downstream of and adjacent to the aerosol cooling element 130. The mouthpiece 140 includes a conventional cellulose acetate tow filter with low filtration efficiency.

[0238] To assemble the aerosol-generating article 100, the four elements 110, 120, 130, and 140 are aligned and tightly wrapped within an outer packaging 150. The outer packaging can be conventional cigarette paper. The receptor 160 can be inserted into the aerosol-forming matrix 110 during the process of forming the aerosol-forming matrix 110, before assembling the plurality of elements to form a strip.

[0239] Figure 1 The aerosol generating article 100 shown is designed to work with an aerosol generating device, such as... Figure 2A The aerosol generating apparatus 200 shown is coupled to generate aerosols. The aerosol generating apparatus 200 includes a housing 210 having a cavity 220 configured to receive an aerosol generating article 100. The aerosol generating apparatus 200 also includes an induction heating device 230 configured to heat the aerosol generating article 100 used to generate aerosols. Figure 2B The aerosol generating apparatus 200 is shown when the aerosol generating article 100 is inserted into the cavity 220.

[0240] Induction heating device 230 Figure 3The diagram is shown as a block diagram. The induction heating device 230 includes a DC power supply 310 and a heating device 320 (also referred to as a power electronics device). The heating device includes a controller 330, a DC / AC converter 340, a matching network 350, and an inductor 240.

[0241] DC power supply 310 is configured to provide DC power to heating device 320. Specifically, DC power supply 310 is configured to provide DC supply voltage (V) to DC / AC converter 340. DC ) and DC current (I DC Preferably, the power source 310 is a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source 310 can be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source 310 may require recharging. For example, the power source 310 may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation for approximately six minutes, or for multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power source 310 may have sufficient capacity to allow for a predetermined number of discontinuous starts of the suction or heating device.

[0242] The DC / AC converter 340 is configured to supply a high-frequency alternating current to the inductor 240. As used herein, the term "high-frequency alternating current" refers to an alternating current having a frequency between about 500 kHz and about 30 MHz. High-frequency alternating current may have a frequency between about 1 MHz and about 30 MHz (e.g., between about 1 MHz and about 10 MHz, or, for example, between about 5 MHz and about 8 MHz).

[0243] Figure 4 The electrical components of the induction heating device 230 are schematically shown, particularly the DC / AC converter 340. The DC / AC converter 340 preferably includes a Class E power amplifier. The Class E power amplifier includes a transistor switch 410, which includes a field-effect transistor 420, such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor; a transistor switch supply circuit, indicated by arrow 430, for supplying a switching signal (gate-source voltage) to the field-effect transistor 420; and an LC load network 440 including a parallel capacitor C1 and a capacitor C2, and an inductor L2 corresponding to inductor 240 connected in series. Furthermore, the DC power supply 310, including the choke coil L1, is shown supplying a DC supply voltage V. DC DC current I DC It draws power from DC power supply 310 during operation. Figure 5 The diagram shows in more detail the ohmic resistance R representing the total ohmic load of 450, which is the ohmic resistance R of the inductor L2. coil The ohmic resistance R of the 160 sensor load The sum of .

[0244] Although the DC / AC converter 340 is described as including a Class E power amplifier, it should be understood that the DC / AC converter 340 can use any suitable circuit that converts DC current to AC current. For example, the DC / AC converter 340 may include a Class D power amplifier containing two transistor switches. As another example, the DC / AC converter 340 may include a full-bridge power inverter having four switching transistors operating in pairs.

[0245] Back Figure 3 Sensor 240 can receive alternating current from DC / AC converter 340 via matching network 350 to optimally suit the load, but matching network 350 is not required. Matching network 350 may include a small matching transformer. Matching network 350 can improve the power transfer efficiency between DC / AC converter 340 and sensor 240.

[0246] like Figure 2A As shown, sensor 240 is located near the distal portion 225 of cavity 220 of aerosol generating apparatus 200. Therefore, the high-frequency alternating current supplied to sensor 240 during operation of aerosol generating apparatus 200 causes sensor 240 to generate a high-frequency alternating magnetic field within the distal portion 225 of aerosol generating apparatus 200. The alternating magnetic field preferably has a frequency between 1 MHz and 30 MHz, preferably between 2 MHz and 10 MHz, for example, between 5 MHz and 7 MHz. Figure 2B As can be seen, when the aerosol generating article 100 is inserted into the cavity 200, the aerosol forming matrix 110 of the aerosol generating article 100 is positioned adjacent to the sensor 240, such that the sensor 160 of the aerosol generating article 100 is located within this alternating magnetic field. When the alternating magnetic field penetrates the sensor 160, it causes heating of the sensor 160. For example, eddy currents are generated in the sensor 160, resulting in the sensor being heated. Further heating is provided by hysteresis losses within the sensor 160. The heated sensor 160 heats the aerosol forming matrix 110 of the aerosol generating article 100 to a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn downstream through the aerosol generating article 100 and inhaled by the user.

[0247] The controller 330 may be a microcontroller, preferably a programmable microcontroller. The controller 330 is programmed to regulate the power supply from the DC power supply 310 to the induction heating device 320 in order to control the temperature of the sensor 160.

[0248] Figure 6 The DC current I drawn from power supply 310 is shown as the temperature of sensor 160 (indicated by the dashed line) increases. DC The relationship with time. DC current I drawn from power supply 310. DCMeasured at the input side of DC / AC converter 340. For the purposes of this illustration, it can be assumed that the voltage V of power supply 310 is... DC The apparent resistance remains approximately constant. When the sensor 160 is induced to heat, the apparent resistance of the sensor 160 increases. This increase in resistance is observed as the DC current I drawn from the power supply 310. DC The DC current decreases as the temperature of sensor 160 increases under constant voltage. Eddy currents are induced in the high-frequency alternating magnetic field provided by sensor 240 close to the sensor surface; this effect is known as the skin effect. The resistance in sensor 160 depends partly on the resistivity of the first sensor material, the resistivity of the second sensor material, and partly on the depth of the skin layer in each material available for inducing eddy currents; the resistivity, in turn, depends on temperature. When the second sensor material reaches its Curie temperature, it loses its magnetic properties. This leads to an increase in the skin layer available for eddy currents in the second sensor material, which in turn leads to a decrease in the apparent resistance of sensor 160. As a result, the detected DC current I decreases as the skin depth of the second sensor material begins to increase. DC The resistance increases temporarily, then begins to decrease. This is in... Figure 6 The point at which the current is considered a valley (local minimum) continues to increase until it reaches its maximum depth in the skin, coinciding with the point where the second receptor material has lost its spontaneous magnetic property. This point is called the Curie temperature. Figure 6 The value at this point is considered a local maximum. At this point, the second sensor material has undergone a phase transition from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic state to a paramagnetic state. Sensor 160 is now at a known temperature (the Curie temperature, which is an intrinsic material-specific temperature). If, after reaching the Curie temperature, sensor 240 continues to generate an alternating magnetic field (i.e., the power supplied to the DC / AC converter 340 is uninterrupted), the eddy currents generated in sensor 160 will flow against the resistance of sensor 160, thus continuing Joule heating in sensor 160, and consequently, the resistance will increase again (the resistance will have a temperature polynomial dependence, which for most metallic sensor materials can be approximated as a cubic polynomial dependence for our purposes), and as long as sensor 240 continues to supply power to sensor 160, the current will begin to decrease again.

[0249] Therefore, as from Figure 6 As can be seen, within certain temperature ranges of the sensor 160, the apparent resistance of the sensor 160 (and the corresponding current I drawn from the power supply 310) is... DCThe apparent resistance (1 / R) of the sensor 160 can vary with the temperature of the sensor 160 in a strictly monotonic relationship. This strictly monotonic relationship allows the temperature of the sensor 160 to be definitively determined based on a defined apparent resistance or apparent conductance (1 / R). This is because each defined value of the apparent resistance represents only a single value of temperature, and there is no ambiguity in the relationship. The monotonic relationship between the temperature of the sensor 160 and the apparent resistance allows the temperature of the sensor 160 to be determined and controlled, and therefore allows the temperature of the aerosol forming matrix 110 to be determined and controlled. This can be achieved by at least monitoring the DC current I drawn from the DC power supply 310. DC To remotely detect the apparent resistance of sensor 160.

[0250] Controller 330 monitors at least the DC current I drawn from power supply 310. DC Preferably, the DC current I drawn from power supply 310 is monitored. DC and DC power supply voltage V DC Both. Controller 330 adjusts the power supply to heating device 320 based on either conductance or resistance value, where conductance is defined as DC current I. DC With DC supply voltage V DC The ratio, and the resistance is defined as the DC supply voltage V. DC With DC current I DC The ratio. The heating device 320 may include a current sensor (not shown) to measure the DC current I. DC The heating device may optionally include a voltage sensor (not shown) to measure the DC supply voltage V. DC The current sensor and voltage sensor are located on the input side of the DC / AC converter 340. DC current I DC and optional DC supply voltage V DC The feedback channel provides power to the controller 330 to control the further supply of AC power P to the sensor 240. AC .

[0251] The controller 330 can control the temperature of the sensor 160 by maintaining the measured conductance or resistance value at a target value corresponding to the target operating temperature of the sensor 160. The controller 330 can use any suitable control loop, for example, by using a proportional-integral-derivative control loop, to maintain the measured conductance or resistance value at the target value.

[0252] To utilize the strictly monotonic relationship between the apparent resistance (or apparent conductance) of sensor 160 and the temperature of sensor 160, during user operation to generate aerosols, the conductance or resistance value associated with the sensor and measured at the input side of DC / AC converter 340 is maintained between a first calibration value corresponding to a first calibration temperature and a second calibration value corresponding to a second calibration temperature. The second calibration temperature is the Curie temperature of the second sensor material. Figure 6 (as shown in the current diagram). The first calibration temperature is a temperature greater than or equal to the sensor temperature at which the skin depth of the second sensor material begins to increase (causing a temporary decrease in resistance). Therefore, the first calibration temperature is a temperature greater than or equal to the temperature at which the second sensor material is at maximum permeability. The first calibration temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius lower than the second calibration temperature. At least the second calibration value can be determined by calibrating the sensor 160, as will be described in more detail below. The first and second calibration values ​​can be stored as calibration values ​​in the memory of the controller 330.

[0253] Since conductance (resistance) will have a polynomial dependence on temperature, it will act non-linearly with temperature. However, the first and second calibration values ​​are chosen such that this dependence can be approximated as a linear relationship between the first and second calibration values, because the difference between the first and second calibration values ​​is small, and both values ​​fall within the upper portion of the operating temperature range. Therefore, to adjust the temperature to the target operating temperature, the conductance is adjusted using a linear equation based on the first and second calibration values. For example, if the first and second calibration values ​​are conductance values, the target conductance value corresponding to the target operating temperature can be given as follows:

[0254] G 目标 =G 较低 +(x×ΔG)

[0255] Where ΔG is the difference between the first conductance and the second conductance, and x is the percentage of ΔG.

[0256] The controller 330 can control the power supplied to the heating device 320 by adjusting the duty cycle of the switching transistor 410 of the DC / AC converter 340. For example, during heating, the DC / AC converter 340 continuously generates an alternating current to the heating sensor 160, while the DC supply voltage V is constant for a 100-millisecond cycle. DC and DC current I DCThe measurement can preferably be performed every millisecond. If the controller 330 monitors the conductance, the duty cycle of the switching transistor 410 decreases when the conductance reaches or exceeds a value corresponding to the target operating temperature. If the controller 330 monitors the resistance, the duty cycle of the switching transistor 410 decreases when the resistance reaches or falls below a value corresponding to the target operating temperature. For example, the duty cycle of the switching transistor 410 can be reduced to approximately 9%. In other words, the switching transistor 410 can switch to a mode where it generates a pulse only every 10 milliseconds and lasts for 1 millisecond. During this 1-millisecond on-state (conduction state) of the switching transistor 410, the DC supply voltage V is measured. DC and DC current I DC The value of determines the conductance. As the conductance decreases (or the resistance increases) to indicate that the temperature of the sensor 160 is below the target operating temperature, a series of pulses at the drive frequency selected by the system are supplied to the gate of the transistor 410 again.

[0257] The controller 330 can supply power to the sensor 240 in the form of a continuous series of pulses of current. Specifically, power can be supplied to the sensor 240 in a series of pulses, each pulse separated by a time interval. The continuous pulse series may include two or more heating pulses and one or more probe pulses between the continuous heating pulses. The heating pulses have an intensity, for example, that heats the sensor 160. The probe pulses are isolated power pulses of such intensity that they do not heat the sensor 160, but instead obtain feedback on a conductance or resistance value, and then feedback on the evolution (decrease) of the sensor temperature. The controller 330 can control the power by controlling the duration of the time interval between the continuous heating pulses supplying power to the sensor 240 from the DC power supply. Alternatively, the controller 330 can control the power by controlling the length (in other words, the duration) of each continuous heating pulse supplying power to the sensor 240 from the DC power supply.

[0258] The controller 330 is programmed to perform a calibration process to obtain a calibration value, at which conductivity is measured at a known temperature of the sensor 160. The known temperature of the sensor can be a first calibration temperature corresponding to a first calibration value and a second calibration temperature corresponding to a second calibration value. Preferably, the calibration process is performed each time the user operates the aerosol generating apparatus 200, for example, each time the user inserts the aerosol generating article 100 into the aerosol generating apparatus 200.

[0259] During the calibration process, controller 330 controls DC / AC converter 340 to continuously or intermittently supply power to sensor 240 to heat sensor 160. Controller 330 measures the current I drawn from the power source. DC and optional power supply voltage V DC This monitors the conductance or resistance associated with sensor 160. (As mentioned above...) Figure 6 As discussed, when the heating sensor 160 is activated, the measured current decreases until a first inflection point is reached, and then the current begins to increase. This first inflection point corresponds to a local minimum conductance (local maximum resistance). The controller 330 can record the local minimum conductance (or local maximum resistance) as a first calibration value. The controller can record the conductance or resistance value as the first calibration value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the minimum current was reached. This can be based on the measured current I. DC and the measured voltage V DC To determine the conductance or resistance. Alternatively, one can assume the supply voltage V. DC The power supply 310 has known characteristics and is substantially constant. The temperature of the sensor 160 at the first calibration value is referred to as the first calibration temperature. Preferably, the first calibration temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius. More preferably, when the aerosol forming matrix 110 contains tobacco, the first calibration temperature is 320 degrees Celsius. The first calibration temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius lower than the second calibration temperature.

[0260] As the controller 330 continues to control the power supplied by the DC / AC converter 340 to the sensor 240, the measured current increases until a second inflection point is reached and a maximum current (corresponding to the Curie temperature of the second sensor material) is observed before the measured current begins to decrease. This inflection point corresponds to a local maximum conductance (local minimum resistance). The controller 330 records the local maximum conductance (or local minimum resistance) as a second calibration value. At the second calibration value, the temperature of the sensor 160 is referred to as the second calibration temperature. Preferably, the second calibration temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. When the maximum value is detected, the controller 330 controls the DC / AC converter 340 to interrupt the power supply to the sensor 240, resulting in a decrease in the temperature of the sensor 160 and a corresponding decrease in its conductance.

[0261] Due to the shape of the pattern, this process of continuously heating sensor 160 to obtain a first calibration value and a second calibration value can be repeated at least once. After interrupting the power supply to sensor 240, controller 330 continues to monitor conductance (or resistance) until a third inflection point corresponding to a second minimum conductance value (second maximum resistance value) is observed. When the third inflection point is detected, controller 330 controls DC / AC converter 340 to continuously supply power to sensor 240 until a fourth inflection point corresponding to a second maximum conductance value (second minimum resistance value) is detected. Controller 330 stores the conductance or resistance value at or after the third inflection point as the first calibration value and the conductance or resistance value at the fourth inflection point current as the second calibration value. Repeated measurements corresponding to the inflection points of minimum and maximum measured currents significantly improve subsequent temperature regulation during aerosol generation by the user-operated device. Preferably, controller 330 regulates power based on the conductance or resistance values ​​obtained from the second maximum and second minimum values, which is more reliable because heat will have more time to distribute within the aerosol forming matrix 110 and sensor 160.

[0262] To further improve the reliability of the calibration process, the controller 310 can optionally be programmed to perform a preheating process prior to the calibration. For example, if the aerosol forming matrix 110 is particularly dry, or under similar conditions, calibration can be performed before heat has diffused within the aerosol forming matrix 110, thereby reducing the reliability of the calibration values. If the aerosol forming matrix 110 is moist, the sensor 160 takes longer to reach the trough temperature (due to the water content in the matrix 110).

[0263] To perform the preheating process, controller 330 is configured to continuously supply power to sensor 240. As described above, the current initially decreases as the temperature of sensor 160 increases until it reaches a minimum value. During this phase, controller 330 is configured to wait for a predetermined period of time to allow sensor 160 to cool before continuing heating. Therefore, controller 330 controls DC / AC converter 340 to interrupt the power supply to sensor 240. After the predetermined period of time, controller 330 controls DC / AC converter 340 to supply power until it reaches a minimum value. At this point, controller controls DC / AC converter 340 to again interrupt the power supply to sensor 240. Controller 330 again waits for the same predetermined period of time to allow sensor 160 to cool before continuing heating. Heating and cooling of sensor 160 are repeated during the predetermined duration of the preheating process. The predetermined duration of the preheating process is preferably 11 seconds. The predetermined combined duration of the preheating process after the calibration process is preferably 20 seconds.

[0264] If the aerosol forming matrix 110 is dry, the first minimum temperature of the preheating process is reached within a predetermined time period, and power interruptions are repeated until the end of the predetermined time period. If the aerosol forming matrix 110 is wet, the first minimum temperature of the preheating process is reached near the end of the predetermined time period. Therefore, performing the preheating process within the predetermined duration ensures that, regardless of the physical conditions of the matrix 110, there is sufficient time for the matrix 110 to reach a minimum temperature to be ready for continuous feeding and to reach the first maximum temperature. This allows for calibration as early as possible, but still avoids the risk that the matrix 110 may not reach the minimum temperature beforehand.

[0265] Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 100 can be configured such that it always reaches a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process. If the minimum value is not reached during the predetermined duration of the preheating process, this may indicate that the aerosol generating article 100, which includes the aerosol forming matrix 110, is not suitable for use with the aerosol generating apparatus 200. For example, the aerosol generating article 100 may include an aerosol forming matrix 110 that is different from or of lower quality than the aerosol forming matrix 110 intended for use with the aerosol generating apparatus 200. As another example, if the aerosol generating article 100 and the aerosol generating apparatus 200 are manufactured by different manufacturers, the aerosol generating article 100 may not be configured for use with the heating device 320. Therefore, the controller 330 can be configured to generate a control signal to stop the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 200.

[0266] The preheating process can be performed in response to receiving user input, such as when the user activates the aerosol generating device 200. Alternatively, the controller 330 can be configured to detect the presence of the aerosol generating article 100 in the aerosol generating device 200 and can perform the preheating process in response to detecting the presence of the aerosol generating article 100 in the cavity 220 of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0267] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the conductivity versus time of the heating curve of sensor 160. The graph illustrates two consecutive heating stages: a first heating stage 710, which includes the aforementioned preheating process 710A and calibration process 710B, and a second heating stage 720 corresponding to the user's operation of the aerosol generating device 200 to generate aerosols. Although... Figure 7 The diagram is shown as a graph of conductance versus time, but it should be understood that the controller 330 can be configured to control the heating of the sensor during the first heating phase 710 and the second heating phase 720 based on the measured resistance or current as described above.

[0268] Furthermore, although the techniques for controlling the heating of the sensor during the first heating phase 710 and the second heating phase 720 have been described above based on a determined conductance value or a determined resistance value associated with the sensor, it should be understood that the techniques described above can be performed based on the current value measured at the input of the DC / AC converter 340.

[0269] As from Figure 7 As can be seen, the second heating stage 720 includes multiple conductivity steps, corresponding to multiple temperature steps from the first operating temperature of the receptor 160 to the second operating temperature of the receptor 160. The first operating temperature of the receptor is the lowest temperature at which the aerosol-forming matrix will form a sufficient volume and amount of aerosol to provide a satisfactory experience upon user inhalation. The second operating temperature of the receptor is the highest temperature at which the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​desired to be heated for user inhalation of the aerosol. The first operating temperature of the receptor 160 is greater than or equal to... Figure 6 The first calibration temperature of the sensor 160 at the valley of the current graph shown. The first operating temperature can be between 150 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius. The second operating temperature of the sensor is less than or equal to the second calibration temperature of the sensor 160 at the Curie temperature of the second sensor material. The second operating temperature can be between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius. The difference between the first operating temperature and the second operating temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius. The first operating temperature of the sensor is the temperature at which the aerosol forming matrix 110 forms an aerosol such that an aerosol is formed during each temperature step.

[0270] It should be understood that Figure 7 The number of temperature steps shown is exemplary, and the second heating stage 720 includes at least three consecutive temperature steps, preferably between two and fourteen temperature steps, and most preferably between three and eight temperature steps. Each temperature step may have a predetermined duration. Preferably, the duration of the first temperature step is longer than the duration of subsequent temperature steps. The duration of each temperature step is preferably longer than 10 seconds, preferably between 30 and 200 seconds, and more preferably between 40 and 160 seconds. The duration of each temperature step may correspond to a predetermined number of user suctions. Preferably, the first temperature step corresponds to four user suctions, and each subsequent temperature step corresponds to one user suction.

[0271] During the duration of each temperature step, the temperature of the sensor 160 is maintained at the target operating temperature corresponding to the respective temperature step. Therefore, during the duration of each temperature step, the controller 330 controls the power supplied to the heating device 320 such that the conductivity is maintained at a value corresponding to the target operating temperature of the respective temperature step as described above. The target conductivity value for each temperature step can be stored in the memory of the controller 330.

[0272] For example, the second heating stage 720 may include five temperature steps: with a duration of 160 seconds and a target conductivity value G. 目标 =G 较低 The first temperature step is +(0.09×ΔG), with a duration of 40 seconds and a target conductivity value G. 目标 =G 较低 A second temperature step of +(0.25×ΔG), with a duration of 40 seconds and a target conductivity value G. 目标 =G 较低 The third temperature step is +(0.4×ΔG), with a duration of 40 seconds and a target conductivity value G. 目标 =G 较低 The fourth temperature step is +(0.56×ΔG), with a duration of 85 seconds and a target conductivity value G. 目标 =G 较低 The fifth temperature step is +(0.75×ΔG). These temperature steps correspond to temperatures of 330°C, 340°C, 345°C, 355°C, and 380°C.

[0273] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method 800 for controlling aerosol generation in aerosol generating apparatus 200. As described above, controller 330 can be programmed to execute method 800.

[0274] The method begins at step 810, where controller 330 detects user operation of the aerosol generating device 200 for generating aerosols. Detecting user operation of the aerosol generating device 200 may include detecting user input, such as user activation of the aerosol generating device 200. Alternatively, detecting user operation of the aerosol generating device 200 may include detecting that the aerosol generating article 100 has been inserted into the aerosol generating device 200.

[0275] In response to a user operation detected in step 810, controller 330 may be configured to perform an optional preheating process described above. At the end of a predetermined duration of the preheating process, controller 330 performs a calibration process as described above (step 820). Alternatively, controller 330 may be configured to proceed to step 820 in response to a user operation detected at step 810. After completing the calibration process, controller 330 performs a second heating phase in which an aerosol is generated at step 840.

[0276] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. In such cases, the number A may be considered as including a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A method for controlling aerosol generation in an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising an induction heating device and a power supply for providing power to the induction heating device, and the method comprising: During the user operation of the aerosol generating device to generate aerosols, during the first heating phase, a calibration process is performed to define a first calibration value and a second calibration value for the induction heating device, wherein the first calibration value is associated with a first calibration temperature of a sensor inductively coupled to the induction heating device, and the second calibration value is associated with a second calibration temperature of the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to heat the aerosol forming matrix. as well as During user operation of the aerosol generating device, during the second heating phase, the power supplied to the induction heating device is controlled to maintain the target operating value of the induction heating device within the first calibration value and the second calibration value. The calibration process includes the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the value associated with the current associated with the sensor; and (iii) interrupting the power supply to the induction heating device when the value reaches a first extreme value, wherein the value associated with the current at the first extreme value corresponds to the second calibration value. (iv) Monitor the value until it reaches a second extreme value, wherein the value associated with the current at the second extreme value corresponds to the first calibration value, and The calibration process further includes repeating steps (i) to (iv) in response to determining that a value associated with the current has reached the second extreme value, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to values ​​associated with the current measured during at least the first repetition of steps (i) to (iv).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the Curie temperature of the material of the sensor, and wherein the first calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the temperature at which the material of the sensor is at maximum permeability.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor comprises a first sensor material having a first Curie temperature and a second sensor material having a second Curie temperature, wherein the second Curie temperature is lower than the first Curie temperature, and wherein the second calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the second Curie temperature of the second sensor material.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first calibration value is a first conductance value, the second calibration value is a second conductance value, and the target operating value is a target conductance value.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein step (ii) of the calibration process includes monitoring a conductivity value associated with the sensor; step (iii) of the calibration process includes interrupting power supply to the induction heating device when the conductivity value reaches a maximum value, wherein the conductivity value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and step (iv) of the calibration process includes monitoring the conductivity value until the conductivity value reaches a minimum value, wherein the conductivity value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein monitoring the conductance value comprises measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein monitoring the conductance value further comprises measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein performing the calibration process further comprises repeating steps (i) to (iv) in response to determining that the conductance value has reached a minimum.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the conductance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition of steps (i) to (iv).

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first calibration value is a first resistance value, the second calibration value is a second resistance value, and the target operating value is a target resistance value.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein step ii) of the calibration process includes monitoring a resistance value associated with the sensor; step iii) of the calibration process includes interrupting power supply to the induction heating device when the resistance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the resistance value at the minimum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and step iv) of the calibration process includes monitoring the resistance value until the resistance value reaches a maximum value, wherein the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein monitoring the resistance value comprises measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein monitoring the resistance value further comprises measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein performing the calibration process further comprises repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the resistance value has reached its maximum value.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the resistance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

16. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first calibration value is a first current value, the second calibration value is a second current value, and the target operating value is a target current value.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein step ii) of the calibration process includes monitoring a current value associated with the sensor; step iii) of the calibration process includes interrupting power supply to the induction heating device when the current value reaches a maximum value, wherein the current value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and step iv) of the calibration process includes monitoring a conductance value until the conductance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the current value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein monitoring the current value includes measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein monitoring the current value further comprises measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein performing the calibration process further comprises repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the current value has reached a minimum.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the current values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

22. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: During the second heating phase, the calibration process is performed in response to the detection of one or more of the following: a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of suctions by the user, and a predetermined voltage value of the power supply.

23. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising performing a preheating process during the first heating phase, wherein the preheating process is performed prior to the calibration process, and wherein the preheating process has a predetermined duration.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the preheating process comprises the following steps: (i) Controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) Monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor at the power source; (iii) interrupting the power supply to the sensor when the conductivity value reaches its minimum value.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising repeating steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends if the conductivity value reaches a minimum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising: If the conductivity value associated with the sensor does not reach its minimum value during the predetermined duration of the preheating process, the operation of the aerosol generating device is stopped.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the preheating process comprises the following steps: i) control the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitor the resistance value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupt the power supply to the sensor when the resistance value reaches its maximum value.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising repeating steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends if the resistance value reaches a maximum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising: If the resistance value associated with the sensor does not reach its maximum value during the predetermined duration of the preheating process, the operation of the aerosol generating device is stopped.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein the preheating process comprises the following steps: i) control the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitor the current value associated with the sensor at the power source; and iii) interrupt the power supply to the sensor when the current value reaches a minimum value.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising repeating steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends if the current value reaches a minimum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising: If the current value associated with the sensor does not reach its minimum value during the predetermined duration of the preheating process, the operation of the aerosol generating device is stopped.

33. The method according to claim 23, wherein, During the preheating process, power is continuously supplied to the sensor from the power source via a DC / AC converter.

34. The method of claim 23, wherein the calibration process is performed in response to detecting the end of a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

35. The method of claim 23, wherein the preheating process is performed in response to the detection of user input.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the user input corresponds to user activation of the aerosol generating device.

37. The method of claim 23, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to removably receive an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article includes the sensor and the aerosol forming matrix, and wherein the preheating process is performed in response to detecting the presence of the aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating apparatus.

38. The method of claim 23, wherein the predetermined duration is between 10 seconds and 15 seconds.

39. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device during the second heating phase further comprises controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device to increase the target operating value stepwise from a first target operating value associated with a first operating temperature of the sensor to a second target operating value associated with a second operating temperature of the sensor.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the first operating temperature is sufficient to cause the aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the first operating temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius, and the second operating temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius, and wherein the temperature difference between the first operating temperature and the second operating temperature is at least 30 degrees Celsius.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein the stepwise increase of the target operating value comprises at least three consecutive steps, each step having a predetermined duration.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device further comprises, for each step, maintaining a target operating value of the induction heating device at a value associated with the corresponding step for the duration of the corresponding step.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein maintaining the target operating value of the induction heating device includes determining one of a current value, a conductance value, and a resistance value associated with the sensor, and adjusting the power supplied to the induction heating device based on the determined value.

45. The method of claim 39, wherein the duration of the steps is at least 10 seconds.

46. ​​The method of claim 39, wherein the duration of the steps is between 30 seconds and 200 seconds.

47. The method of claim 39, wherein the duration of the steps is between 40 seconds and 160 seconds.

48. The method of claim 39, wherein the duration of each step is predetermined.

49. The method of claim 39, wherein the duration of the step corresponds to a predetermined number of pumps by the user.

50. The method of claim 39, wherein the first step of the continuous staircase has a longer duration than the subsequent steps.

51. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the induction heating device comprises a DC / AC converter and an inductor connected to the DC / AC converter.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein power is continuously supplied to the sensor from the power source via the DC / AC converter.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein power is supplied to the sensor from the power source via the DC / AC converter in a plurality of pulses, each pulse being separated by a time interval.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device includes controlling the time interval between each of the plurality of pulses.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein controlling the power supplied to the induction heating device includes controlling the length of each of the plurality of pulses.

56. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first calibration temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius, and the second calibration temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius, and wherein the temperature difference between the first calibration temperature and the second calibration temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius.

57. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: The power supply is used to provide DC supply voltage and DC current; Power electronic devices connected to the power source, wherein the power electronic devices include: DC / AC converter; and A sensor, connected to the DC / AC converter, for generating an alternating magnetic field when excited by an alternating current from the DC / AC converter, the sensor being coupled to a sensing element configured to heat an aerosol-forming matrix; and Controller, the controller is configured to: During the aerosol generation process, while the user operates the aerosol generating device to generate aerosols, during a first heating phase, a calibration process is performed to define a first calibration value and a second calibration value for the power electronics, wherein the first calibration value is associated with a first calibration temperature of the sensor, and the second calibration value is associated with a second calibration temperature of the sensor; and During the aerosol generation process, while the user operates the aerosol generating device to produce aerosols, during the second heating phase, the power supplied to the power electronics is controlled to maintain the target operating value of the power electronics within the first calibration value and the second calibration value. The calibration process includes the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring a value associated with the current connected to the sensor; (iii) interrupting the power supply to the power electronics when the value reaches a first extreme value, wherein the value associated with the current at the first extreme value corresponds to a second calibration value; and (iv) monitoring the value until it reaches a second extreme value, wherein the value associated with the current at the second extreme value corresponds to the first calibration value. The calibration process further includes repeating steps (i) to (iv) in response to determining that a value associated with the current has reached the second extreme value, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to values ​​associated with the current measured during at least the first repetition of steps (i) to (iv).

58. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 57, wherein power is continuously supplied to the sensor from the power source via the DC / AC converter.

59. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the second calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the Curie temperature of the material of the sensor.

60. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 59, wherein the first calibration temperature of the sensor corresponds to the temperature at which the material of the sensor is at maximum permeability.

61. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the first calibration value is a first conductivity value, the second calibration value is a second conductivity value, and the target operating value is a target conductivity value.

62. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 61, wherein step (ii) of performing the calibration process includes monitoring a conductivity value associated with the sensor; step (iii) of performing the calibration process includes interrupting power supply to the power electronics when the conductivity value reaches a maximum value, wherein the conductivity value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and step (iv) of performing the calibration process includes monitoring the conductivity value until the conductivity value reaches a minimum value, wherein the conductivity value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

63. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 62, wherein monitoring the conductivity value comprises measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

64. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 63, wherein monitoring the conductivity value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

65. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 61, wherein performing the calibration process further includes repeating steps (i) to (iv) in response to determining that the conductivity value has reached a minimum.

66. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the conductivity values ​​measured during at least the first repetition of steps (i) to (iv).

67. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the first calibration value is a first resistance value, the second calibration value is a second resistance value, and the target operating value is a target resistance value.

68. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 67, wherein step ii) of the calibration process includes monitoring a resistance value associated with the sensor; step iii) of the calibration process includes interrupting power supply to the power electronics when the resistance value reaches a minimum value, wherein the resistance value at the minimum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and step iv) of the calibration process includes monitoring the resistance value until the resistance value reaches a maximum value, wherein the resistance value at the maximum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

69. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 68, wherein monitoring the resistance value comprises measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

70. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 69, wherein monitoring the resistance value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

71. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 67, wherein performing the calibration process further comprises repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the resistance value has reached its maximum value.

72. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to the resistance values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

73. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the first calibration value is a first current value, the second calibration value is a second current value, and the target operating value is a target current value.

74. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 73, wherein step ii) of the calibration process includes monitoring a current value associated with the sensor; step iii) of the calibration process includes interrupting power supply to the power electronics when the current value reaches a maximum value, wherein the current value at the maximum value corresponds to the second calibration value; and step iv) of the calibration process includes monitoring the current value until the current value reaches a minimum value, wherein the current value at the minimum value corresponds to the first calibration value.

75. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 74, wherein monitoring the current value comprises measuring the DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

76. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 75, wherein monitoring the current value further includes measuring the DC voltage at the power supply at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

77. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 74, wherein performing the calibration process further includes repeating steps i) to iv) in response to determining that the current value has reached a minimum.

78. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 77, wherein the first calibration value and the second calibration value correspond to current values ​​measured during at least the first repetition in steps i) to iv).

79. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 57 or 58, wherein the controller is further configured to perform the calibration process during the second heating phase in response to detecting one or more of the following: a predetermined duration, a predetermined number of user aspirations, and a predetermined voltage value of the power supply.

80. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 57 or 58, wherein the controller is further configured to perform a preheating process during the first heating phase, wherein the controller is configured to perform the preheating process prior to the calibration process, and wherein the preheating process has a predetermined duration.

81. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the preheating process comprises the following steps: (i) controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the temperature of the sensor; (ii) monitoring the conductivity value associated with the sensor at the power supply; (iii) interrupting the power supply to the power electronics when the conductivity value reaches its minimum value.

82. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 81, wherein the controller is further configured to repeat steps i) to iii) of the preheating process until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends if the conductivity value reaches a minimum value before the end of the predetermined duration of the preheating process.

83. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 81, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a control signal to stop operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the conductivity value of the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

84. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the preheating process comprises the following steps: i) control the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitor the resistance value associated with the sensor at the power supply; and iii) interrupt the power supply to the sensor when the resistance value reaches its maximum value.

85. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 84, wherein the controller is further configured to: repeat steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the resistance value reaches a maximum value before the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends, until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends.

86. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 84, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a control signal to stop operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the resistance value associated with the sensor does not reach a maximum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

87. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the preheating process comprises the following steps: i) control the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the temperature of the sensor; ii) monitor the current value associated with the sensor at the power supply; and iii) interrupt the power supply to the sensor when the current value reaches a minimum value.

88. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 87, wherein the controller is further configured to: repeat steps (i) to (iii) of the preheating process if the current value reaches a minimum value before the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends, until the predetermined duration of the preheating process ends.

89. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 87, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a control signal to stop operation of the aerosol generating apparatus if the current value associated with the sensor does not reach a minimum value during a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

90. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 80, wherein, During the preheating process, power is continuously supplied from the power source to the sensor via the DC / AC converter.

91. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 80, wherein the controller is configured to perform the calibration process in response to detecting the end of a predetermined duration of the preheating process.

92. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 80, wherein the controller is configured to perform the preheating process in response to detecting user input.

93. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 92, wherein the user input corresponds to user activation of the aerosol generating apparatus.

94. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 80, wherein the controller is configured to perform the preheating process in response to detecting the presence of an aerosol-generated article within a predetermined threshold distance of the sensor.

95. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the predetermined duration is between 10 seconds and 15 seconds.

96. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 57 or 58, wherein controlling the power supplied to the power electronics during the second heating phase further comprises controlling the power supplied to the power electronics to increase the target operating value stepwise from a first target operating value associated with a first operating temperature to a second target operating value associated with a second operating temperature.

97. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the first operating temperature is sufficient to cause the aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol.

98. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 97, wherein the first operating temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius, and the second operating temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius, and wherein the temperature difference between the first operating temperature and the second operating temperature is at least 30 degrees Celsius.

99. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 96, wherein the stepwise increase of the target operating value comprises at least three consecutive steps, each step having a duration.

100. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 99, wherein controlling the power supplied to the power electronics further comprises, for each step, maintaining a target operating value of the power electronics at a value associated with the corresponding step for the duration of the corresponding step.

101. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 100, wherein maintaining a target operating value for the power electronics comprises determining one of a current value, a conductance value, and a resistance value associated with the sensor, and adjusting the power supplied to the power electronics based on the determined value.

102. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 101, wherein the power electronics further comprises a current sensor configured to measure a DC current drawn from the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

103. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 102, wherein the power electronics further comprises a voltage sensor configured to measure the DC supply voltage of the power source at the input side of the DC / AC converter.

104. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 100, wherein the duration of the step is at least 10 seconds.

105. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 100, wherein the duration of the step is between 30 seconds and 200 seconds.

106. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 100, wherein the duration of the step is between 40 seconds and 160 seconds.

107. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 100, wherein the duration of each step is predetermined.

108. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 100, wherein the duration of the step corresponds to a predetermined number of user aspirations.

109. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 100, wherein the first step of the continuous steps has a longer duration than the subsequent steps.

110. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 57 or 58, wherein power is supplied to the sensor from the power source via the DC / AC converter in a plurality of pulses, each pulse being separated by a time interval.

111. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 110, wherein controlling the power supplied to the power electronics includes controlling the time interval between each of the plurality of pulses.

112. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 110, wherein controlling the power supplied to the power electronics includes controlling the length of each of the plurality of pulses.

113. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the first calibration temperature is between 150 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius, and the second calibration temperature is between 200 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius, and wherein the temperature difference between the first calibration temperature and the second calibration temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius.

114. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the power electronics further comprises a matching network for matching the impedance of the sensor with the impedance of the sensor.

115. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 57 or 58, further comprising a housing having a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article includes the aerosol forming matrix and the receptor.

116. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any one of claims 57 to 115; and an aerosol generation article, wherein the aerosol generation article comprises the aerosol forming matrix and the receptor.

117. The aerosol generation system of claim 116, wherein the sensor comprises a first layer composed of a first material and a second layer composed of a second material, wherein the first material is configured to be in physical contact with the second material.

118. The aerosol generation system of claim 117, wherein the first material is one of aluminum, iron, and stainless steel, and wherein the second material is nickel or a nickel alloy.

119. The aerosol generation system according to claim 117 or 118, wherein the first material has a first Curie temperature and the second material has a second Curie temperature, wherein the second Curie temperature is lower than the first Curie temperature.

120. The aerosol generation system of claim 119, wherein the second calibration temperature corresponds to the second Curie temperature of the second material.

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