Modular device

Abstract

An apparatus is provided that includes a control module for a modular aerosol-generating device. The control module includes: a first connector configured to removably operatively couple a module of a first type to the control module; and a second connector configured to removably operatively couple a module of a second type to the control module. The control module is configured to control the first and second types of modules when the first and second types of modules are coupled to the control module. A corresponding method is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in conjunction with a modular aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Many current designs of aerosol generating devices do not have a clear separation between the heater, controller and battery parts, all of which are housed in one housing. If even one part of such a device fails, such as battery aging, the entire device needs to be discarded, which is not environmentally friendly. In addition, with current designs, if there is any new version of the product, the consumer needs to buy a new entire device. Summary of the invention

[0003] It would be desirable to have a modular design for an aerosol generating device.To better address one or more of these issues, the present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for use in conjunction with a modular aerosol generating device.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a control module for a modular aerosol generating device. The control module may comprise a first connector configured to removably operatively couple a module of a first type to the control module. The control module may comprise a second connector configured to removably operatively couple a module of a second type to the control module. The control module may be configured to control the first and / or second type of module when the first and / or second type of module is coupled to the control module.

[0005] The control module may be configured to detect a subtype of a first type of module coupled to the control module, and control the coupled first type of module based on the detected subtype. Similarly, the control module may be configured to detect a subtype of a second type of module coupled to the control module, and control the coupled second type of module based on the detected subtype. The control module may be configured to obtain operating instructions for the coupled first or second type of module based on the detected subtype, and use the obtained operating instructions to control the coupled module. In other words, the control module may be configured to respond to the coupling of the first or second type of module by obtaining and using an appropriate operating instruction for the subtype of the coupled module. The operating instructions may include firmware for the detected subtype.

[0006] The control module may be configured to store operating instructions for one or more of the subtypes of the first or second type of modules. The control module may also include a storage device for storing the operating instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the device may also include a communication circuit system, and the control module is configured to obtain the operating instructions by downloading the operating instructions from an external computing device using the communication circuit system. The external computing device may include, for example, a personal computing device, a remote server, such as a cloud server, etc.

[0007] The control module may be configured to detect the subtype of a module of the first or second type coupled to the control module based on data transmitted from the coupled module.Such data transmission may occur during a handshake protocol.

[0008] The control module can be configured to authenticate a first or second type of module coupled to the control module. The control module can be configured to authenticate the first or second type of module based on one or more credentials provided to the control module. Additionally or alternatively, the control module can be configured to authenticate the first or second type of module based on one or more certificates provided to the control module.

[0009] The module of the first type may be one of a plurality of interchangeable modules of the first type. The control module may be configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generating device by selectively interchanging modules of the first type. Similarly, the module of the second type may be one of a plurality of interchangeable modules of the second type. The control module may be configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generating device by selectively interchanging modules of the second type. The first type may be different from the second type.

[0010] The first type of module may include a heater module. The subtype of the heater module may be based on the heating technology used by the heater module. The subtype of the heater module may indicate that the heater module uses one or more heating technologies, including: resistive heating technology; induction heating technology; infrared heating technology.

[0011] The second type of module may include a power module. The subtype of a power module may be based on the power technology used by the power module.

[0012] The control module may be configured to allow for the exchange of heater modules that use different heating technologies, and / or to allow for the exchange of power modules that use different power technologies.

[0013] The device may also include at least a third type of module. One example of a third module may include a module for extracting data (usage data, fault data, etc.) from the control module, for example during repair.

[0014] The apparatus may further comprise at least one module of the first and / or second type of modules, optionally wherein the at least one module comprises one or more of storage, control circuitry and communication circuitry.

[0015] The device may also include a first type and a second type of module, wherein the control module, the first module and / or the second module have the same size. Additionally or alternatively, the control module, the first module and / or the second module have the same cross-sectional area. Additionally or alternatively, the control module, the first module and / or the second module have the same cross-sectional profile.

[0016] The control module, the first module and / or the second module comprise the same or corresponding connectors. In this way, the device can be manufactured so that it does not matter which of the two connectors of the control module is used for which type of module, for example, so that it does not matter which end of the control module the user connects the heater module or the power module, respectively.

[0017] The first connector may be located at or toward a first end of the control module. The second connector may be located at or toward a second end of the control module. The first end may be opposite the second end. This may advantageously make it easier to connect the first type of module and the second type of module to the control module.

[0018] The first connector and the second connector may be the same type of connector. This may advantageously mean that it does not matter to which end of the control module a user connects the first type of module and the second type of module respectively.

[0019] At least one of the connectors of the control module, such as at least one of the first connector and the second connector, can be configured to form a connector pair with a complementary connector of a corresponding module of the first or second type. The connector pair can be configured to provide a mechanical connection between the control module and the corresponding module of the first or second type. Additionally or alternatively, the connector pair can be configured to provide an electrical connection between the control module and a corresponding module of the first type module or the second type module. Additionally or alternatively, the connector pair can be configured to provide an optical connection between the control module and the corresponding module of the first or second type. As used herein, "optical connection" can refer to a connection that uses light to carry information (e.g., using LEDs and photodiodes) for optical communication of data.

[0020] The connector pair may be configured to enable data transfer between the control module and a corresponding module of the first or second type. Additionally or alternatively, the connector pair may be configured to enable power transfer between the control module and a corresponding module of the first or second type. The connector pair may be configured to enable both power and data transfer between the control module and a corresponding module of the first or second type.

[0021] One connector of the connector pair may be a male connector, and the other connector may be a female connector. Alternatively, the connectors of the connector pair may be neither male nor female. For example, the connector may include a magnetic connector, which may be neither male nor female.

[0022] One of the connectors of the connector pair may include a first retaining element configured to reversibly engage a corresponding second retaining element on the other connector of the connector pair. One of the first retaining element and the second retaining element may include a recess. The other of the first retaining element and the second retaining element may include a protrusion configured to engage the recess. The protrusion may include a ridge and the recess may include a groove. At least one of the first retaining element and the second retaining element may be elastically deflectable to allow the first retaining element to reversibly engage the second retaining element. The elastically deflectable retaining element may include a cantilever that is elastically deflectable from an engaged position to a released position. The elastically deflectable retaining element may include a base, the cantilever being mounted to the base, for example, at an inclined angle. At least one of the first retaining element and the second retaining element may include a friction enhancing material for increasing friction between the retaining elements.

[0023] At least one of the modules may include an extendable portion that may be configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The extendable portion may be configured to engage another of the modules when in the extended position and release the other module when in the retracted position. The extendable portion may be configured to move from the extended position to the retracted position by compressing a region of a housing of at least one of the modules.

[0024] The apparatus may further comprise a first type of module and / or a second type of module which may be coupled to the control module to form a modular aerosol generating device.The modular aerosol generating device thus formed may constitute the second aspect of the present invention.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising: the aerosol generating device of the second aspect; and an aerosol generating article.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling a modular aerosol generating device (e.g. the aerosol generating device of the second aspect). The method may comprise controlling a first type of module removably coupled to a control module. The method may also comprise controlling a second type of module removably coupled to the control module.

[0027] The method may include detecting a subtype of a module of a first type coupled to a control module, and controlling the coupled module of the first type based on the detected subtype. Similarly, the method may include detecting a subtype of a module of a second type coupled to a control module, and controlling the coupled module of the second type based on the detected subtype. The method may include obtaining operational instructions for a coupled module of the first or second type based on the detected subtype, and controlling the coupled module using the obtained operational instructions. In other words, the method may include responding to the coupling of a module of the first or second type by obtaining and using operational instructions appropriate for the subtype of the coupled module. The operational instructions may include firmware for the detected subtype.

[0028] The method may include storing operating instructions for one or more of the subtypes of modules of the first or second types. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include obtaining the operating instructions by downloading the operating instructions from an external computing device.

[0029] The method may include detecting a subtype of a module of the first or second type coupled to the control module based on data transmitted from the coupled module.

[0030] The method may include authenticating a first or second type of module coupled to the control module. The method may include authenticating the first or second type of module based on one or more provided credentials. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include authenticating the first or second type of module based on one or more provided certificates.

[0031] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computing system configured to execute the method of the fourth aspect.

[0032] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform the method of the fourth aspect.

[0033] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform the method of the fourth aspect.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Ex. 1. An apparatus comprising a control module for a modular aerosol generating device, the control module comprising:

[0036] a first connector configured to removably operatively couple a first type of module to the control module; and

[0037] a second connector configured to removably operatively couple a module of a second type to the control module;

[0038] Wherein the control module is configured to control the first type of modules and the second type of modules when the first type of modules and the second type of modules are coupled to the control module.

[0039] Ex. 2. The apparatus of Ex. 1, wherein the control module is configured to detect a subtype of the first type of module coupled to the control module, and to control the coupled first type of module based on the detected subtype.

[0040] Ex. 3. The apparatus according to Ex. 1 or Ex. 2, wherein the control module is configured to detect a subtype of the module of the second type coupled to the control module, and to control the coupled module of the second type based on the detected subtype.

[0041] Ex.4. A device according to Ex.2 or Ex.3, wherein the control module is configured to obtain operating instructions of the connected module of the first type or the connected module of the second type based on the detected subtype, and use the obtained operating instructions to control the connected modules.

[0042] Ex.5. A device according to Ex.4, wherein the operating instructions include firmware for the detected subtype.

[0043] Ex.6. A device according to Ex.4 or Ex.5, wherein the control module is configured to store operating instructions for one or more of the subtypes of the first type of modules and / or one or more of the subtypes of the second type of modules.

[0044] Ex.7. An apparatus according to Ex.6, wherein the control module further comprises a storage device for storing the operating instructions.

[0045] Ex. 8. The apparatus according to any one of Ex. 4-Ex. 7 further includes a communication circuit system, wherein the control module is configured to obtain the operation instruction by downloading the operation instruction from an external computing device using the communication circuit system. The external computing device may include, for example, a personal computing device, a remote server, such as a cloud server, etc.

[0046] Ex.9. An apparatus according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.8, wherein the control module is configured to respond to the connection of the first type of module and / or the second type of module by obtaining and using appropriate operating instructions for the subtype of the connected module.

[0047] Ex.10. An apparatus according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.9, wherein the control module is configured to detect a subtype of the first type of module and / or the second type of module based on data transmitted from a connected module.

[0048] Ex. 11. An apparatus according to any one of Ex. 1-Ex. 10, wherein the control module is configured to authenticate the first type of module and / or the second type of module connected to the control module.

[0049] Ex.12. An apparatus according to any of Ex.1-Ex.11, wherein the control module is configured to authenticate the first type of module and / or the second type of module based on one or more credentials provided to the control module.

[0050] Ex.13. A device according to any of Ex.1-Ex.12, wherein the control module is configured to authenticate the first type of module and / or the second type of module based on one or more certificates provided to the control module.

[0051] Ex.14. An apparatus according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.13, wherein the first type of module is one of a plurality of interchangeable modules of the first type, and wherein the control module is configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generating device by selectively interchangeable modules of the first type.

[0052] Ex.15. An apparatus according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.14, wherein the second type of module is one of a plurality of interchangeable modules of the second type, and wherein the control module is configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generating device by selectively interchangeable modules of the second type.

[0053] Ex.16. An apparatus according to any of Ex.1-Ex.15, wherein the first type is different from the second type.

[0054] Ex. 17. An apparatus according to any of Ex. 1-Ex. 16, wherein the first type of module comprises a heater module.

[0055] Ex. 18. An apparatus according to Ex. 17, wherein the subtype of the heater module is based on the heating technology used by the heater module.

[0056] Ex.19. An apparatus according to Ex.18, wherein the subtype of the heater module indicates that the heater module uses one or more heating technologies, the heating technologies comprising: resistive heating technology; induction heating technology; infrared heating technology.

[0057] Ex.20. An apparatus according to any of Ex.1-Ex.19, wherein the second type of module comprises a power module.

[0058] Ex.21. An apparatus according to Ex.20, wherein the subtype of the power module is based on the power technology used by the power module.

[0059] Ex.22. An apparatus according to any of Ex.1-Ex.21, wherein the control module is configured to allow the exchange of heater modules using different heating technologies, and / or to allow the exchange of power modules using different power technologies.

[0060] Ex.23. The device according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.22 further includes at least a third type of module.

[0061] Ex.24. The device according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.23 also includes at least one of the first type of modules and / or at least one of the second type of modules, wherein the at least one module of the first type and / or at least one module of the second type includes one or more of a storage device, a control circuit system, and a communication circuit system.

[0062] Ex.25. The device according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.24 further includes a module of the first type and a module of the second type, wherein the control module, the module of the first type and / or the module of the second type have the same size.

[0063] Ex.26. The device according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.25 further includes a module of the first type and a module of the second type, wherein the control module, the module of the first type and / or the module of the second type have the same cross-sectional area.

[0064] Ex.27. The device according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.26 also includes the first type of module and the second type of module, wherein the control module, the first type of module and / or the second type of module have the same cross-sectional profile.

[0065] Ex.28. The device according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.27 further includes a module of the first type and a module of the second type, wherein the control module, the module of the first type and / or the module of the second type include the same or corresponding connectors.

[0066] Ex.29. A device according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.28, wherein at least one of the connectors of the control module is configured to form a connector pair with a complementary connector of the first type of module or a complementary connector of the second type of module.

[0067] Ex. 30. An apparatus according to Ex. 29, wherein the connector pair is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module.

[0068] Ex. 31. A device according to Ex. 29 or Ex. 30, wherein the connector pair is configured to provide an electrical connection between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module.

[0069] Ex.32. A device according to any of Ex.29-Ex.31, wherein the connector pair is configured to provide an optical connection between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module.

[0070] Ex.33. A device according to any of Ex.29-Ex.32, wherein the connector pair is configured to enable data transmission between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module.

[0071] Ex.34. A device according to any of Ex.29-Ex.33, wherein the connector pair is configured to enable power transmission between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module.

[0072] Ex.35. A device according to any of Ex.29-Ex.34, wherein the connector pair is configured to enable transmission of both power and data between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module.

[0073] Ex.36A. An apparatus according to any of Ex.29-Ex.35, wherein one of the connectors of the connector pair is a male connector and the other connector is a female connector.

[0074] Ex.36B. An apparatus according to any of Ex.29-Ex.35, wherein the connector of the connector pair is neither male nor female.

[0075] Ex.36C. An apparatus according to any of Ex.29-Ex.35 and Ex.36B, wherein the connector comprises a magnetic connector.

[0076] Ex.37. A device according to any of Ex.29-Ex.36, wherein one of the connectors of the connector pair includes a first retaining element, and the first retaining element is configured to reversibly engage a corresponding second retaining element on the other connector of the connector pair.

[0077] Ex. 38. An apparatus according to Ex. 37, wherein one of the first retaining element and the second retaining element includes a recess, and the other of the first retaining element and the second retaining element includes a protrusion configured to engage the recess.

[0078] Ex. 39. An apparatus according to Ex. 38, wherein the protrusion comprises a ridge and wherein the recess comprises a groove.

[0079] Ex.40. An apparatus according to any one of Ex.37-Ex.39, wherein at least one of the first retaining element and the second retaining element is resiliently deflectable to allow the first retaining element to reversibly engage the second retaining element.

[0080] Ex.41. An apparatus according to Ex.40, wherein the elastically deflectable retaining element includes a cantilever, which is elastically deflectable from an engaged position to a released position.

[0081] Ex.42. An apparatus according to Ex.41, wherein the resiliently deflectable retaining element includes a base, and the cantilever is mounted to the base at an inclined angle.

[0082] Ex.43. An apparatus according to any one of Ex.37-Ex.42, wherein at least one of the first retaining element and the second retaining element includes a friction enhancing material for increasing friction between the retaining elements.

[0083] Ex.44. An apparatus according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.43, wherein at least one of the modules includes an extendable portion, the extendable portion being configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the extendable portion is configured to engage another module of the modules when in the extended position and to release the other module when in the retracted position.

[0084] Ex.45. An apparatus according to Ex.44, wherein the extendable portion is configured to be movable from the extended position to the retracted position by compressing a region of the housing of the one module.

[0085] Ex.46. The device according to any one of Ex.1-Ex.45 also includes a module of the first type and a module of the second type, and the module of the first type and the module of the second type can be connected to the control module to form a modular aerosol generating device, optionally wherein each of the control module, the module of the first type and the module of the second type has its own shell.

[0086] Ex.47. An aerosol generating system comprising:

[0087] An aerosol generating device according to Ex. 46; and

[0088] Aerosol-generating articles.

[0089] Ex.48. A method of controlling a modular aerosol generating device, such as an aerosol generating device according to Ex.46, the method comprising:

[0090] controlling a module of a first type removably coupled to the control module; and

[0091] Controlling a module of a second type removably coupled to the control module.

[0092] Ex.49. The method according to Ex.48, comprising detecting a subtype of a module of the first type coupled to the control module, and controlling the coupled module of the first type based on the detected subtype.

[0093] Ex.50. The method according to Ex.48 or Ex.49, comprising detecting a subtype of a module of the second type coupled to the control module, and controlling the coupled module of the second type based on the detected subtype.

[0094] Ex.51. The method according to Ex.49 or Ex.50 includes obtaining operating instructions of the connected module of the first type or the connected module of the second type based on the detected subtype, and using the obtained operating instructions to control the connected modules.

[0095] Ex.52. A method according to Ex.51, wherein the operating instructions include firmware for the detected subtype.

[0096] Ex.53. A method according to Ex.51 or Ex.52, comprising storing operating instructions for one or more of the subtypes of the first type of module and / or one or more of the subtypes of the second type of module.

[0097] Ex.54. A method according to any one of Ex.51-Ex.53, comprising obtaining the operating instructions by downloading the operating instructions from an external computing device.

[0098] Ex.55. A method according to any of Ex.48-Ex.54, comprising responding to the connection of the first or second type of module by obtaining and using appropriate operating instructions for the subtype of the connected module.

[0099] Ex.56. A method according to any one of Ex.48-Ex.55, comprising detecting a subtype of a module of the first type or a subtype of a module of the second type connected to the control module based on data transmitted from the connected module.

[0100] Ex.57. A method according to any one of Ex.48-Ex.56, comprising authenticating the first type of module or the second type of module connected to the control module.

[0101] Ex.58. A method according to any of Ex.48-Ex.57, comprising authenticating the first type of module or the second type of module based on one or more provided credentials.

[0102] Ex.59. A method according to any of Ex.48-Ex.58, comprising authenticating the first type of module or the second type of module based on one or more provided certificates.

[0103] Ex.60. A computing system configured to perform a method according to any one of Ex.48-Ex.59.

[0104] Ex.61. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform the method of any one of Examples Ex.48-Ex.59.

[0105] Ex.62. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform a method according to any one of Ex.48-Ex.59.

[0106] In another aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided that includes an outer shell, wherein the shell houses three modules, the modules including: (1) a heater module; (2) a main PCBA module; and (3) a battery module, wherein each module has its own shell, and wherein each module is connected to the other modules via a connector. In yet another aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided that includes three main modules: (1) a heater module; (2) a main PCBA module; and (3) a battery module, wherein each module has its own shell, and wherein each module is connected to the other modules via a connector.

[0107] The modular design of an aerosol generating device as described herein allows consumers to interchange the heating method, for example from a heating blade to an induction coil heating, or to repair or replace a faulty module without replacing the entire device. The modular design promotes standardization and unification between different versions and platforms. The modular design facilitates the manufacture, assembly and maintenance of the modules.

[0108] Standardization of connector arrangements and interlocking between modules helps reduce assembly time and interchangeability of different modules. Modularity can increase versatility in the use of aerosol generating devices.

[0109] Automatically selecting appropriate operating instructions for a connected module based on its type and / or sub-type helps implement a modular design of an aerosol generating device by increasing the intelligence of the control module and increasing the interchangeability of connectable modules, while providing the user with greater flexibility in selecting the technology used by the connectable modules.

[0110] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may include, for example, hard-wired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores), state machine circuitry, and / or firmware storing instructions executed by the programmable circuitry, alone or in any combination. Modules may collectively or individually be embodied as circuitry that forms part of one or more devices or systems as described herein.

[0111] As used herein, the term "obtaining" may include, for example, receiving from another system, device, or process; receiving via interaction with a user; loading or retrieving from a storage device or memory; measuring or capturing using a sensor or other data acquisition device.

[0112] The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, unless otherwise indicated or clear from the context, the terms "a" and "an" as used herein should generally be interpreted as meaning "one or more" to refer to the singular.

[0113] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the phrases "one or more of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" as used herein are intended to mean all possible permutations of one or more of the listed items. That is, the phrase "A and / or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B), and the phrase "A, B, and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0114] The term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. In addition, the terms "comprising", "including", "having" and the like can be used interchangeably in this article.

[0115] The present invention may include one or more aspects, examples or features in isolation or combination, whether specifically disclosed in that combination or disclosed separately.Any optional feature or sub-aspect of one of the above aspects is applicable to any other aspect.

[0116] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0117] A detailed description will now be given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

[0118] Figure 1A and 1B A modular aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0119] Figure 2 Shown in more detail Figure 1A and 1B a control module for an aerosol generating device;

[0120] Figure 3A -D shows in more detail Figure 1A and 1B an interchangeable heater module for an aerosol generating device;

[0121] Figure 4A and 4B Shows Figure 1A and 1B a power module for an aerosol generating device;

[0122] Figure 5A -C shows a connector device according to the present disclosure;

[0123] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the present disclosure; and

[0124] Figure 8A computing system that can be used in accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0125] Figure 1A and 1B A modular aerosol generating device 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. The modular aerosol generating device 100 comprises a control module 102, a heater module 104 and a power module 106. The heater module 104 and the power module 106 are reversibly coupled to the control module 102. A main housing 108 may house the modules. Any one or more of the modules may also comprise its own separate housing.

[0126] The aerosol generating device 100 is designed as a handheld device that can be used by a user to consume aerosol generated by an aerosol generating article (not shown), for example, in one or more use processes (also referred to as "experiences" or "experience processes"). Typically, an aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, and / or a tube including a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more of a liquid, a solid, and a gel, or one or more of a liquid, a solid, and a gel. In order to generate an aerosol during use or consumption, a heater module provides heat to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. An exemplary aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol-forming substrate, which is often assembled in the form of a stick together with other elements or components. The shape and size of such a stick can be configured to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating device, more specifically at least partially inserted into a heater module. Other exemplary aerosol generating articles may include a tube containing a liquid that can evaporate during consumption of the aerosol by the user. In addition, the shape and size of such a tube can be configured to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly mounted to the aerosol generating device, and refilled by inserting liquid into the cartridge.

[0127] The aerosol generating device 100 has a modular design. The heater module 104 is one of a plurality of interchangeable heater modules. Figure 1BDepicted is a non-limiting example comprising three interchangeable heater modules 104A, 104B, and 104C. Heater module 104A comprises an electromagnetic induction heating engine. Heater module 104B comprises a resistive heating engine comprising a resistive heating element. The resistive heating element may be a heater blade or pin for internally heating an aerosol generating article. The resistive heating element may be an external heater, such as a heater rolled into a tube into which the aerosol generating article may be inserted. Heater module 104C comprises a hot wire engine, such as a coil wrapped around a core. Thus, there are at least three sub-types of modules of type "heater", each using a different heating technology. Although Figure 1A and 1B 1, the power module 106 may represent one of a plurality of interchangeable power modules using different power technologies. The control module 102 is configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generating device 100 by selectively interchanging heaters and / or power modules, for example, interchanging heater modules using different heating technologies and / or interchanging power modules using different power technologies.

[0128] Figure 2 The control module 102 is shown. The control module 102 includes at least one connector (not shown) configured to removably operatively couple the power module 106 to the control module 102. The connector (not shown) may be a male connector for connecting with a female connector of the power module 106, or a female connector for connecting with a male connector of the power module 106.

[0129] In some embodiments, the female connector can be a female USB connector for connecting to a male USB connector of a power module. In some embodiments, the male connector can be a male USB connector for connecting to a female USB connector of a power module.

[0130] The control module 102 is also provided with at least one connector 200 configured to removably operatively couple the heater module 104 to the control module 102. This connector may be, for example, Figure 2 , for connecting to the female connector of the heater module. Alternatively, the connector 200 may be a female connector for connecting to the male connector of the heater module 104, for example, the connector 200 may be a female connector for connecting to the male connector of the heater module 104. Figure 3A , 3B , 3C is connected to the female connector of the male connector 300 of one of the heater modules 104A, 104B, 104C.

[0131] In some embodiments, the female connector can be a female USB connector for connecting to a male USB connector of a heater module. In some embodiments, the male connector can be a male USB connector for connecting to a female USB connector of a heater module.

[0132] The control module 102 includes a control circuit system (not shown) configured to control one or more functions of the aerosol generating device 100, including the functions of the heater module 104 and / or the power module 106. The control circuit system may include one or more processors and / or microprocessors for data processing. The control module 102 also includes a data storage device for storing data, such as pre-loaded firmware of various subtypes for the heater module 104 and / or the power module 106, as described below. In order to communicate with each other and / or with an external computing device, each module may include at least one communication interface. The communication interface may be configured for wireless communication, for wired communication, or for both wireless communication and wired communication. For example, the communication interface may be configured for coupling via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection (including BLE), a mobile phone network, a 3G / 4G / 5G connection, etc., an edge connection, an LTE connection, a bus connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a radio connection, a near field connection, an IoT connection, or any other connection using any appropriate communication protocol. In addition, the control module 102 may include at least one energy storage device for storing electrical energy for use before connecting the power module 106. The control module 102 may have a width of 35.0 mm and a depth of 20.0 mm. The housing of the control module 102 may be a main housing 108, and the housing of the control module may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle. Preferably, the material has high temperature resistance and low toxicity.

[0133] The control module 102 is configured to detect the connection of the heater module 104 and / or the connection of the power module 106 via the connector. In addition, the control module 102 is configured to detect the subtype of the connected heater module 104, and control the connected heater module 104 based on the detected subtype. In addition, the control module 102 is configured to detect the subtype of the connected power module 106, and control the connected power module 106 based on the detected subtype. Specifically, the control module 102 is configured to obtain firmware for the detected subtype of the heater module 104 and / or for the detected subtype of the power module 106, and use the obtained firmware to control the connected modules. In a non-limiting example, the control module is configured to store firmware of different subtypes of the heater module and / or the power module, and retrieve the appropriate firmware from the storage device based on the detected subtype. The retrieved firmware is then used to control the heater module 104 and / or the power module 106. The control module 102 may be configured to install the firmware before using it. In addition to or in lieu of firmware pre-stored on the control module 102 , firmware may be retrieved from a storage device on a coupled module and / or downloaded from an external data source (eg, an external computing device such as the cloud).

[0134] The control module 102 can be configured to detect the subtype of the module based on the data transmitted from the connected module. In one example, the module can exchange identification information, such as a model number, during a handshake protocol performed after the connection, and the identification information can be used by the control module 102 to select the appropriate firmware. The data exchanged during the handshake protocol can be used to determine whether the connected module is real or fake. The control module 102 can be configured to authenticate the connected module, for example, based on one or more credentials and / or certificates provided to the control module 102. When the module is first connected to the control module, the manufacturer can pre-install such authentication information on the module for subsequent authentication. In a non-limiting example, the control module 102 can communicate with a certificate authority (CA) to obtain a digital certificate that proves the validity of the public key pre-stored on the connected module. Authentication can be one-way or two-way.

[0135] Figure 3A -C illustrate heater modules 104A-C, respectively. Each of the heater modules 104A-C includes at least one male connector 300 for mating with at least one female connector of the control module 102. Thus, each of the heater modules 104A-C is configured to mate with the control module 102. Figure 2, except that connector 200 is a female connector. Each of heater modules 104A-C has the same size and shape, or at least the same cross-sectional area and profile (without a housing), to facilitate their interchangeability. The volumes of the modules may be the same or different. Any of heater modules 104A-C may be easily coupled to control module 102 using a connector such as Figure 3D The heater module 104 may have a width of 35.0 mm, a height of 35.0 mm, and a depth of 20.0 mm. The housing of the heater module 104 may be formed of the same material as one or more of the other modules. The heater module 104 includes a receptacle 110 for an aerosol generating article and an electrical circuit system 112 (e.g., Figure 1A ), the circuit system is used for control and / or communication and / or data storage. The heater module 104 may include any suitable number of heating elements. For example, the heater module 104 may include two, three, four, five or six or more heating elements. The heating elements may be appropriately arranged so as to most effectively heat the aerosol generating substrate. The heating element may include a resistive material, such as a heating blade or a heating wire. The heating element may alternatively include an infrared heating element or an induction heating element.

[0136] Figure 4A and 4B A power module 106 is shown. The power module 106 is configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 100, in particular to the heater module 104 and / or the control module 102. The power module 106 may include at least one energy storage device for the aerosol generating device 100. The at least one energy storage device may, for example, include at least one battery, at least one accumulator, at least one capacitor or any other energy storage device. At least one battery may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium-based battery, such as lithium cobalt acid (LCO), lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or a lithium polymer battery. The energy storage device may be configured to supply electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 100. The energy storage device may be (re)chargeable. Electrical energy may be provided to the energy storage device from a power socket by a matching device, for example or via a charger. The power module 106 may include a battery connector for receiving the supplied electrical energy to recharge the energy storage device. The power module 106 may also include circuitry for control and / or communication and / or data storage. In a non-limiting example, the power module 106 has a width of 35.0 mm, a height of 35.0 mm / 45.0 mm, and a depth of 20.0 mm. The housing of the power module 106 may be formed of the same material as one or more of the other modules.

[0137] Figure 4Aand 4B Also shown is a module interlock 400 in accordance with the present disclosure. The module interlock 400, shown here as forming a portion of the power module 106, includes an extendable portion, in this example, in the form of at least one resiliently deflectable locking clip 402. The locking clip 402 is configured to engage a corresponding area (not shown) on the control module 102 when in an extended position so as to retain the power module 106 and the control module 102 in an interlocked arrangement. The locking clip 402 is movable from an extended position to a retracted position to release the control module 102. The locking clip 402 is movable from an engaged position to a retracted position by compression applied to a cantilevered area 404 of the housing of the power module 106 at a location indicated by "A", which causes the locking clip 402 to deflect inwardly so as to release the locking clip 402 from engagement with the control module 102.

[0138] The power module 106 is Figure 4A and 4B Depicted as including a USB-C type connector 406 for connecting to a corresponding connector on the control module 102. However, it should be understood that the connection between the modules can alternatively be achieved via cables, metal pins, universal connectors, or connectors such as USB-A, USB-B, USB-mini, USB-micro, SD, miniSD, and microSD. In addition, it should be understood that the module interlocking as shown in these figures is not dependent on the connector arrangement.

[0139] Figure 5A -C shows a connector device according to the present disclosure. Figure 5A The male connector 500 is shown in FIG. The male connector 500 corresponds to Figure 2 The connectors 200 and 300 shown in Figures 1 and 3 are in the form of guide pins in this example. The guide pins 500 are configured to form a connector pair with a complementary female connector (not shown). Figure 5B , a locking clip 550 for use with a corresponding female connector is shown. As shown, the locking clip 550 includes a protrusion in the form of a ridge 552 that is configured to engage a notch in the form of a groove 502 in the guide pin 500. The locking clip 550 includes a cantilever 554 and a base 556 on which the cantilever 554 is mounted. The cantilever 554 is resiliently deflectable to allow the ridge 552 to reversibly engage the groove 502. In particular, the cantilever 554 is resiliently deflectable from an engaged position in which the ridge 552 engages the groove 502 to a released position in which the ridge 552 disengages from the groove 502. Thus, the locking clip 550 helps to limit the movement of the guide pin 500 when in the engaged position. One or more of the ridge 552 and the groove 502 may include a friction enhancing material, such as rubber, to increase friction therebetween. As shown in FIG. Figure 5C, the base 556 may be mounted to the support surface 560 of the corresponding module at an angle of bevel or tilt 558 to create more grip to promote engagement between the ridge 552 and the groove 502. A plurality of such ridges and grooves may be provided, for example, based on the length of the guide pin 500 and / or the locking clip 550. The male connector may include one or more extensions that may be retracted, for example, by compression to remove the male connector from the female connector. One or both of the guide pin 500 and the locking clip 550 may be made of metal. The locking clip 550 may include a lip 559 to promote sliding engagement with the guide pin 500.

[0140] Reference again Figure 5A , the dimensions of the guide pin 500 in a non-limiting example are as follows:

[0141] a: 3.00mm (range 1.5mm to 8.5mm);

[0142] b: 2.0 mm (range 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm);

[0143] c: 0.89 mm (range 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm);

[0144] d: 0.2 mm (range 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm);

[0145] e: 1.05mm (range 0.85mm to 1.5mm);

[0146] f: 2.0mm (range 1.2mm to 2.5mm);

[0147] g: 0.8mm (range 0.6mm to 1.5mm);

[0148] h: 1.0mm (range 0.6mm to 1.2mm).

[0149] refer to Figure 5B and 5C , the dimensions of the locking clip 550 in the non-limiting example shown are as follows:

[0150] 1: 2.5mm (range 2.0mm to 4.0mm);

[0151] 2: 2.0mm (range 1.5mm to 2.5mm);

[0152] 3: 4.0mm (range 2.5mm to 5.0mm);

[0153] 4: 2.0mm (range 1.5mm to 2.5mm);

[0154] 5: 4.0mm (range 3.5mm to 6.0mm);

[0155] 6: 2.0mm (range 1.5mm to 2.5mm);

[0156] 7: 0.6mm (range 0.4mm to 1.0mm);

[0157] 8: 0.2mm (range 0.2mm to 0.5mm);

[0158] 9: 1.2mm (range 1.0mm to 2.0mm);

[0159] 10: 0.4mm (range 0.35mm to 2.0mm).

[0160] Figure 5B The angles shown in the non-limiting example are as follows:

[0161] α: 135° (range 1° to 160°);

[0162] β: 90° (range 65° to 140°);

[0163] γ: 100° (range 95° to 115°);

[0164] τ: 0.5° (range 0° to 1.5°).

[0165] The connector pair is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the modules. Optionally, the connector pair can also be configured to provide an electrical connection and / or an optical connection between the modules. In this way, the connector pair can be configured to enable power and / or data to be transmitted between the modules. This transmission can be unidirectional or bidirectional. For example, the connector can be configured to allow both power and data to be transmitted simultaneously. If the connector only allows power transmission, data can be transmitted via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). In any example described herein, the module may include i) only a female connector; ii) only a male connector; iii) both a female connector and a male connector.

[0166] Figure 6 A method 600 of controlling a modular aerosol generating device is shown. The method 600 may be performed, for example, by the control module 102. The method 600 comprises the following steps: controlling 602 a first type of module (e.g., a heater module 104) coupled to the control module 102; and controlling 604 a second type of module (e.g., a power module 106) coupled to the control module 102.

[0167] Figure 7 shows that it can be used to perform Figure 6Method 700 may include one or more of the following steps: detecting 702 a connection of a corresponding module to control module 102; detecting 704 a subtype of the connected module; obtaining 706 an operation instruction of the connected module based on the detected subtype; and controlling the connected module using 708 the obtained operation instruction.

[0168] Figure 8 An exemplary computing system 800 that can be used in accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein is shown. The computing system 800 can form part of or include any desktop, laptop, server, or cloud-based computing system. The computing system 800 includes at least one processor 802 that executes instructions stored in a memory 804. The instructions can be, for example, instructions for implementing functions described as being performed by one or more components described herein or instructions for implementing one or more methods described herein. The processor 802 can access the memory 804 via a system bus 806. In addition to storing executable instructions, the memory 804 can also store session inputs, scores assigned to session inputs, and the like.

[0169] The computing system 800 further includes a data storage device 808 accessible by the processor 802 via the system bus 806. The data storage device 808 may include executable instructions, log data, etc. The computing system 800 also includes an input interface 810 that allows external devices to communicate with the computing system 800. For example, the input interface 810 can be used to receive instructions from an external computer device, from a user, etc. The computing system 800 also includes an output interface 812 that interfaces the computing system 800 with one or more external devices. For example, the computing system 800 can display text, images, etc. with the aid of the output interface 812.

[0170] It is contemplated that external devices that communicate with the computing system 800 via the input interface 810 and the output interface 812 may be included in an environment that provides substantially any type of user interface with which a user may interact. Examples of user interface types include graphical user interfaces, natural user interfaces, and the like. For example, a graphical user interface may accept input from a user using (multiple) input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a remote control, and the like, and provide output on an output device such as a display. In addition, a natural user interface may enable a user to interact with the computing system 800 in a manner that is not subject to the constraints imposed by input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a remote control, and the like. In contrast, a natural user interface may rely on speech recognition, touch and touch recognition, gesture recognition on and near the screen, mid-air gestures, head-eye tracking, speech and language, vision, touch, gestures, machine intelligence, and the like.

[0171] In addition, although shown as a single system, it should be understood that the computing system 800 may be a distributed system. Thus, for example, several devices may communicate via a network connection and may jointly perform the tasks described as being performed by the computing system 800.

[0172] The various functions described herein can be implemented by hardware, software or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the function can be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage medium that can be accessed by a computer. For example, but not limited to, such computer-readable storage media may include FLASH storage media, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the required program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer. As used herein, disks and discs include optical disks (CDs), laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks and blue-ray disks (BDs), wherein disks (disks) generally reproduce data magnetically, and discs (disks) generally reproduce data optically with lasers. In addition, the propagated signal can be included in the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media also include communication media, which include any media that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. For example, the connection can be a communication medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of communication media. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0173] Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), program-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), program-specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chip (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0174] Applicants hereby independently disclose each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, as long as such features or combinations can be implemented according to the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art based on the specification as a whole, regardless of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problem disclosed herein, and are not limited to the scope of the claims. Applicants indicate that various aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual features or combinations of features.

[0175] It must be noted that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different categories. Specifically, some examples are described with reference to methods, while other examples are described with reference to devices. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate from this specification that, unless otherwise notified, any combination of features belonging to one category, in addition to any combination of features, any combination between features relating to different categories is also considered to be disclosed by the present application. However, all features may be combined to provide more synergistic effects than the simple addition of the features.

[0176] Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such showing and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art through study of the drawings, the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0177] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0178] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising a control module for a modular aerosol generating device, the control module comprising: a first connector configured to removably operatively couple a module of a first type to the control module; as well as a second connector configured to removably operatively couple a module of a second type to the control module; Wherein the control module is configured to control the first type of modules and the second type of modules when the first type of modules and the second type of modules are coupled to the control module. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control module is configured to detect a subtype of the first type of module coupled to the control module and to control the coupled first type of module based on the detected subtype.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to obtain an operation instruction of the connected first type module or the connected second type module based on the detected subtype, and use the obtained operation instruction to control the connected module.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control module is configured to respond to the coupling of a module of the first type or a module of the second type by obtaining and using operating instructions appropriate to the sub-type of the coupled module.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control module is configured to authenticate a module of the first type or a module of the second type coupled to the control module.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first type of module is one of a plurality of interchangeable modules of the first type, and wherein the control module is configured to enable a user to reconfigure the modular aerosol generating device by selectively interchanging modules of the first type.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first connector and the second connector of the control module is configured to form a connector pair with a complementary connector of the first type of module or with a complementary connector of the second type of module, and the connector pair is configured to enable both power and data to be transmitted between the control module and the first type of module or the second type of module.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the modules includes an extendable portion, the extendable portion being configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the extendable portion is configured to engage another of the modules when in the extended position and to release the other module when in the retracted position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the extendable portion is configured to be movable from the extended position to the retracted position by compressing a region of the housing of the at least one module including the extendable portion.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a module of the first type and a module of the second type, the modules of the first type and the modules of the second type being connectable to the control module to form a modular aerosol generating device.

11. An aerosol generating system comprising: The aerosol generating device according to claim 10; as well as Aerosol-generating articles.

12. A method of controlling a modular aerosol generating device, the method comprising: controlling a module of a first type removably coupled to the control module; as well as Controlling a module of a second type removably coupled to the control module.

13. A computing system configured to perform the method according to claim 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform the method according to claim 12.

15. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform the method of claim 12.

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