Aerosol-generating device with acoustic sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device (10) configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device (10) includes an acoustic sensor (26), a controller (28), and a heating element (24). The heating element (24) is configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol-generating device (10). The acoustic sensor (26) is configured to detect an acoustic signal generated within the aerosol-generating device (10) while heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The controller (28) is configured to determine a temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate based on the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor (26). The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device (10) and an article (12) or cartridge. The invention also relates to a method of controlling an aerosol-generating device (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. The present invention relates to a method of controlling an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] There are known aerosol generating devices for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices can heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilized without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be in solid form or in liquid form. The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article can have a strip shape for inserting the aerosol generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating device. A heating element can be arranged in or around the heating chamber so as to heat the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. Additionally or alternatively, a cartridge including a liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be attached to or inserted into the aerosol generating device to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To ensure optimal conditions during heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, the temperature within the device is typically monitored. This temperature monitoring is typically carried out via a temperature sensor. However, such a temperature sensor cannot always be easily implemented into the heating chamber. For example, it may be difficult to implement in a sealed heating chamber.

[0004] There is a desire to provide an aerosol generating device that provides monitoring of the heating conditions within the aerosol generating device. There is a desire to provide an aerosol generating device that provides real-time monitoring of the temperature within the aerosol generating device. There is a desire to provide an aerosol generating device that provides easy monitoring of the temperature within the aerosol generating device. There is a desire to provide an aerosol generating device that provides reliable monitoring of the temperature within the aerosol generating device.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device can include an acoustic sensor, a controller, and a heating element. The heating element can be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol generating device. The acoustic sensor can be configured to detect an acoustic signal generated within the aerosol generating device when heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The controller can be configured to determine the heating conditions of the heated aerosol-forming substrate based on the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol - forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may include an acoustic sensor, a controller, and a heating element. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol - forming substrate received in the aerosol generating device. The acoustic sensor may be configured to detect an acoustic signal generated within the aerosol generating device when heating the aerosol - forming substrate. The controller may be configured to determine the temperature of the heated aerosol - forming substrate based on the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol - forming substrate. The aerosol generating device includes an acoustic sensor, a controller, and a heating element. The heating element is configured to heat the aerosol - forming substrate received in the aerosol generating device. The acoustic sensor is configured to detect an acoustic signal generated within the aerosol generating device when heating the aerosol - forming substrate. The controller is configured to determine the temperature of the heated aerosol - forming substrate based on the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

[0008] Acoustic signals are a phenomenon well - known in daily life. The sound of glass breaking or ice cracking are examples of sounds that we can hear from different objects subjected to stresses such as mechanical or thermal loads. An acoustic signal is a phenomenon where materials whose internal structure undergoes irreversible changes, for example due to crack formation or temperature gradients, generate sound waves and ultrasonic waves. The sources of acoustic signals in different materials are unique: leaks, friction, impacts, chemical reactions, changes in the size of magnetic domains are several examples of sources that generate acoustic emission waves. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of acoustic emission waves generated by sources of different natures directly depend on material properties and environmental factors. More specifically, studies have shown that acoustic emissions are generated during many chemical reactions and can be easily detected and monitored via a microphone placed in close proximity to the chemical reaction vessel / location. They can be collected as transient signals or continuously recorded as a curve of acoustic power versus time: the power spectral density (or simply the power spectrum).

[0009] The heating of the heating element of the aerosol generating device may generate acoustic signals produced by the components of the aerosol generating device. These acoustic signals may be generated, for example, by the vibration of the components of the aerosol generating device. These acoustic signals can be detected by the acoustic sensor within the device. By detecting the acoustic signals generated when heating the heating element, the heating condition can be monitored.

[0010] In addition, heating the aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol-generating device can generate characteristic acoustic signals. Such acoustic signals can be emitted by the heated aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can generate different acoustic signals according to the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate is subjected. The heated aerosol-forming substrate can generate acoustic signals because its kinetic energy changes with temperature. A specific amplitude of the acoustic signal can be associated with different stages of the heating curve of the aerosol-forming substrate. The generated acoustic signal can depend on the type of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. For example, if a solid or liquid aerosol-forming substrate is used. This substrate can also be in the form of a gel. By detecting, with an acoustic sensor, the acoustic signals generated when heating the aerosol-forming substrate, real-time monitoring of the temperature inside the aerosol-generating device can be provided. By detecting, with an acoustic sensor, the acoustic signals generated when heating the aerosol-forming substrate, easy monitoring of the temperature inside the aerosol-generating device can be provided. By detecting, with an acoustic sensor, the acoustic signals generated when heating the aerosol-forming substrate, reliable monitoring of the temperature inside the aerosol-generating device can be provided.

[0011] The acoustic signal can be generated by one or both of the heating element and the heated aerosol-forming substrate. The acoustic signal can be generated by the heated heating element. The acoustic signal can be emitted by the heated heating element. The acoustic signal can be generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The acoustic signal can be emitted by the heated aerosol-forming substrate. The acoustic signal can include a plurality of acoustic signals.

[0012] The controller can be configured to analyze the acoustic signals detected by the acoustic sensor. The controller can be configured to perform spectral component analysis on the acoustic signals. The spectral component analysis can highlight the density and amplitude of the acoustic signals at each stage. The controller can be configured to compare the analyzed acoustic data with the stored acoustic signals.

[0013] The heating element and the acoustic sensor can be connected to the controller. The heating element and the acoustic sensor can be electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] The aerosol-generating device can include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be configured to determine the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. The controller can be configured to compare the temperature determined by the temperature sensor with the temperature determined based on the detected acoustic signals.

[0015] The controller can be configured to control the heating element based on the acoustic signals detected by the acoustic sensor. The controller can be configured to monitor the heating of the heating element. The controller can be a microcontroller.

[0016] An acoustic sensor may include at least one microphone, preferably at least one MEMS microphone. The MEMS microphone may operate based on the capacitive principle. The MEMS microphone is a miniature device that offers significant advantages. The MEMS microphone has a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low power consumption, good sensitivity, and strong vibration resistance. Additionally, the MEMS microphone is small enough to be included in tightly integrated electronic products. The acoustic sensor may include a plurality of acoustic sensors, preferably microphones, more preferably MEMS microphones. The acoustic sensor may include two, three, four, five, or six microphones, preferably MEMS microphones. The plurality of acoustic sensors may be symmetrically arranged around the aerosol-forming substrate. The plurality of microphones may be the same or may be of different types. Using different types of acoustic sensors and placing the acoustic sensors at different positions may allow for coverage of a larger dynamic range for detecting acoustic signals. Using a plurality of acoustic sensors may also improve the spatial resolution of the detection.

[0017] The acoustic sensor may be placed in contact with the surface of the aerosol-generating device. The acoustic sensor may be placed in contact with the surface of the housing of the aerosol-generating device. By placing the acoustic sensor in contact with the surface of the aerosol-generating device, an acoustic signal transmitted through the corresponding surface material of the aerosol-generating device can be detected.

[0018] The acoustic sensor may also be placed away from the surface of the aerosol-generating device. For example, the acoustic sensor may be placed suspended in the open space within the aerosol-generating device. By placing the acoustic sensor away from the inner surface of the aerosol-generating device, the acoustic sensor can be mechanically decoupled from the surface of the aerosol-generating device. In this configuration, the acoustic sensor may be particularly sensitive to acoustic signals transmitted from the aerosol-forming substrate to the acoustic sensor via the air within the internal volume of the aerosol-generating device.

[0019] The acoustic sensor may be directly connected to an electronic board. This approach is particularly suitable if the acoustic sensor is a MEMS microphone. The MEMS microphone may be arranged to be integrated with the electronic circuitry of the electronic board. Such a system may allow for sufficient amplification and noise reduction and may thus facilitate subsequent signal processing.

[0020] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or both of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. During heating, the aerosol-forming substrate may undergo a phase change. The phase change may emit a characteristic acoustic signal. The acoustic sensor may detect the characteristic acoustic signal emitted during the phase change of the aerosol-forming substrate. The controller may be configured to detect the phase change of the aerosol-forming substrate. The controller may be configured to determine the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate based on the detected phase change of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0021] The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aqueous aerosol-forming substrate. During heating of such an aerosol-forming substrate at about 95°C, cavitation may start to occur, which may cause an acoustic signal. This acoustic signal may be detected by an acoustic sensor.

[0022] The aerosol-forming substrate may include a sound marker. The sound marker may be configured to generate an acoustic signal at a predetermined temperature. The sound marker may be configured to generate an ad-hoc acoustic signal. The acoustic sensor may be configured to detect the acoustic signal of the sound marker, preferably an ad-hoc signal. The controller may be configured to identify the acoustic signal generated by the sound marker, preferably an ad-hoc signal. The controller may be configured to determine the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate by the acoustic signal generated by the sound marker, preferably by an ad-hoc signal. The sound marker may be embedded in the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The acoustic signal generated by the sound marker may be used to set a reference point for controlling the heating temperature.

[0023] The sound marker may include one or more of crystals, polymers, and graphite. The sound marker may emit an acoustic signal due to a phase change. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more sound markers.

[0024] The aerosol-generating device may include a heating chamber. The heating chamber may be configured to receive the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be heated in the heating chamber. The heating chamber may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The heating chamber may be a hollow tubular portion. The heating chamber may be shaped like a cube or a parallelepiped. The heating chamber may include a cylindrical wall. The heating chamber may be elongated. The heating chamber may include a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end may include a bottom wall. The heating chamber may include metal. The heating chamber may include stainless steel. The heating chamber may be made of metal, preferably stainless steel. The heating chamber may be configured to transmit the acoustic signal generated in the heating chamber to the acoustic sensor when heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0025] The acoustic sensor may be arranged adjacent to the heating chamber. Alternatively, the acoustic sensor may be arranged in the heating chamber. The acoustic sensor may be arranged in the cylindrical wall of the heating chamber. The acoustic sensor may be arranged in the bottom wall of the heating chamber.

[0026] The heating chamber may include a sound transmission element. The heating chamber may be a sound transmission element. The heating chamber may include metal that provides sound transmission. The heating chamber may be made of one or more of metal, glass, and plastic. The sound transmission element may be configured to transmit the acoustic signal generated in the heating chamber to the acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor may be arranged on the wall of the heating chamber including the sound transmission element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the heating chamber can be a hollow tubular portion including a sound transmission element, and the acoustic sensor can be located outside the heating chamber. The sound transmission element can transmit the acoustic signal generated in the heating chamber to the acoustic sensor located outside the heating chamber. Thus, the heating chamber can be more simplified.

[0028] The aerosol generating device can include a liquid storage portion. The microphone can be arranged adjacent to the liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion can include a liquid aerosol forming matrix. The liquid storage portion can be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0029] The heating element can be a resistive heating element. The resistive heating element can include a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials can include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material can optionally be embedded in, encapsulated by, or coated with an insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physical and chemical properties.

[0030] The resistive heating element can include a mesh. The heating element can alternatively include a grid-shaped structure, a tubular shape, or a coil shape. The heating element can include a mesh heater. The mesh heater can include a heater body and at least one mesh. The mesh heater can be configured as a resistive metal heater. The at least one mesh can include a plurality of conductive filaments configured to form a single mesh. The filaments can be provided with a woven or non-woven fabric. The conductive filaments can define voids between the filaments, and the voids can have a width between 10 μm and 100 μm. Preferably, the filaments create capillary action in the voids such that, in use, the matrix to be vaporized is drawn into the voids, thereby increasing the contact area between the heater and the matrix.

[0031] The conductive filaments may comprise any suitable conductive material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, for example, doped ceramic semiconductors, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Preferred materials for the conductive filaments are 304, 316, 304L, 316L stainless steels, and graphite. Preferably, stainless steel, nichrome wire, aluminum, or tungsten is used.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may comprise a liquid wicking material. The liquid wicking material may transport a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from a liquid storage portion to a heating element, preferably a mesh heater. The liquid wicking material may comprise a capillary material. The capillary material may be in contact with the conductive filaments of the mesh heater. The capillary material may extend into the voids between the filaments. The heater may draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the voids by capillary action.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may comprise an acoustic sensor adjacent to the heating element. The acoustic sensor may be configured to detect an acoustic signal emitted by the heated element (preferably a heated mesh). The controller may be configured to analyze the acoustic signal emitted by the heated heating element (preferably a heated mesh). The controller may be configured to detect overheating of the heated heating element (preferably a heated mesh). If the mesh operates in a dry state, the mesh heater may produce a different acoustic signal. The controller may be configured to detect such a dry state of the heated mesh. When the mesh heater overheats, it may produce a different acoustic signal. The controller may be configured to detect such an overheated state of the heated mesh heater. The controller may be configured to detect depletion of the cartridge including the mesh heater when detecting an acoustic signal generated by the heated mesh heater.

[0034] In one embodiment, the heating element may comprise one or more heating vanes. The heating vanes may comprise one or more of a plurality of resistive tracks on an electrically insulating substrate. The heating vanes may be mounted on the bottom wall of a heating chamber. The heating vanes may be configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating article. The heating vanes may comprise an acoustic transmission element. The heating vanes may be configured to transmit an acoustic signal generated within the heating chamber to the exterior of the heating chamber. The acoustic sensor may be disposed at a distal end of the bottom wall. The heating vanes may transmit the acoustic signal through the bottom wall of the heating chamber.

[0035] In one embodiment, the heating element may comprise one or both of a multi-strand wire and an inductive mesh. Such a heating element may produce a different acoustic signal if it is in a pre-dried state or a fully dried state. The controller may be configured to detect such a pre-dried or dried state of the heating element.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the heating element can be an induction heating element. The induction heating element can include at least one inductor coil. The inductor coil can be arranged at least partially around the heating chamber of the body. The inductor coil can be configured to heat a susceptor material contained in an aerosol-generating article received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The acoustic sensor can be arranged adjacent to the inductor coil. Thus, the acoustic sensor can detect an acoustic signal generated by the inductor coil. By detecting the acoustic signal of the inductor coil, the inductor coil can be monitored. By monitoring the inductor coil, aging can be detected. The acoustic signal generated by the inductor coil can be analyzed by the controller. When the coil ages, the inductor coil can generate a different acoustic signal. The controller can be configured to detect a change in the acoustic signal generated by the induction coil. Thus, the controller can be configured to detect the aging of the induction coil. If the controller detects coil aging, the controller can be configured to provide a signal to the user.

[0037] The aerosol-generating device can include a memory unit configured to store the detected acoustic signal. The controller can include a memory unit. The memory unit can include reference data for acoustic signals of various aerosol-forming substrates. The memory unit can include reference data for acoustic signals of various aerosol-generating articles. The controller can be configured to compare the analyzed acoustic signal with the reference data stored in the memory unit.

[0038] The aerosol-generating device can include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can be removable. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating device can include the mouthpiece. The user can draw on the mouthpiece. Alternatively, the user can draw on an aerosol-generating article received within the aerosol-forming device. The acoustic sensor can be configured to detect a draw on the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device. The acoustic sensor can be configured to detect a draw on an aerosol-generating article received within the aerosol-generating device.

[0039] In one embodiment, the heating element can be an induction heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate can be a liquid. The acoustic sensor can be arranged in a channel arranged parallel to the draw detection channel.

[0040] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system, which system comprises the device described herein and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may be configured to be at least partially received within the aerosol generating device. A controller may be configured to identify the received aerosol generating article based on an acoustic signal generated during heating of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may comprise a memory unit storing reference data for a variety of aerosol generating articles. The aerosol generating article may comprise at least one sound marker. The aerosol generating article may comprise a solid aerosol forming substrate. At least one sound marker may be embedded within the solid aerosol forming substrate. The controller may be configured to identify the received aerosol generating article based on an acoustic signal generated by the heated sound marker.

[0041] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system, which system comprises the device described herein and a cartridge comprising an aerosol forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a liquid storage portion.

[0042] The controller may be able to identify the aerosol generating article, in particular an authorized aerosol generating article. The controller may be able to operate differently depending on the type of the identified aerosol generating article. This may be advantageous if different types of aerosol generating articles are to be used with a single aerosol generating device. Exemplarily, a first type of aerosol generating article may enable a different user experience compared to a different second type of aerosol generating article. It may be convenient for the user to have an aerosol generating device comprising a controller capable of operating these two different aerosol generating articles in different modes. For example, this avoids the user having to own a variety of different devices, each for a specific type of aerosol generating article.

[0043] The first operating mode may also differ from the second operating mode in terms of the heating curve of the heating element of the aerosol generating device.

[0044] The heating curve of the heating element may include one or more of the following: the operating duration of the heating element, the maximum temperature of the heating element, the minimum temperature of the heating element, the average temperature of the heating element, and the temperature curve of the heating element. The temperature curve may include one or more temperature set points to which the aerosol-forming substrate and / or the heating element are heated. Exemplarily, in a first operating mode, it may be desirable to have a larger aerosol volume per puff. This can be achieved by, for example, one or both of a higher maximum temperature and a higher average temperature of the heating element. In a second operating mode, it may be desirable to have a lower aerosol volume per puff. This can be achieved by, for example, one or both of a lower maximum temperature and a lower average temperature of the heating element. In another example, in a first operating mode, it may be desirable to have a faster aerosol delivery. This can be achieved by, for example, a faster temperature increase in the temperature curve of the heating element. In a second operating mode, it may be desirable to have a slow aerosol delivery. This can be achieved by, for example, a slower temperature increase in the temperature curve of the heating element.

[0045] The first operating mode may differ from the second operating mode in at least two of the following:

[0046] a predetermined maximum number of puffs before ending each respective operating mode;

[0047] a predetermined maximum duration before ending each respective operating mode;

[0048] a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before ending each respective operating mode.

[0049] Particularly preferably, the first operating mode may have a predetermined maximum number of puffs and a predetermined maximum duration before ending the first operating mode. The second operating mode may have a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated and a predetermined maximum duration before ending the second operating mode.

[0050] The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 20 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 19 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 18 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 17 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 16 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 15 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 14 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 13 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 12 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 11 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 10 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 9 times. The predetermined maximum number of puffs may be 8 times.

[0051] The predetermined maximum number of puffs of the first operating mode may be 10 times or less. The predetermined maximum number of puffs of the second operating mode may exceed 10 times.

[0052] The predetermined maximum number of puff operations in the first operation mode may be 14 or less. The predetermined maximum number of puff operations in the second operation mode may exceed 14.

[0053] The predetermined maximum number of puff operations in the first operation mode may be 18 or less. The predetermined maximum number of puff operations in the second operation mode may exceed 18.

[0054] The predetermined maximum number of puff operations in the second operation mode may be lower than the predetermined maximum number of puff operations in the first operation mode.

[0055] The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 10 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 9 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 8 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 7 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 6 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 5 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 4 minutes. The predetermined maximum duration may be less than 3 minutes.

[0056] The predetermined maximum duration in the first operation mode may be 4 minutes or shorter. The predetermined maximum puff number in the second operation mode may exceed 4 minutes.

[0057] The predetermined maximum duration in the first operation mode may be 6 minutes or shorter. The predetermined maximum puff number in the second operation mode may exceed 6 minutes.

[0058] The predetermined maximum duration in the first operation mode may be 8 minutes or shorter. The predetermined maximum puff number in the second operation mode may exceed 8 minutes.

[0059] The predetermined maximum duration in the second operation mode may be lower than the predetermined maximum duration in the first operation mode.

[0060] The controller may be configured to select a heating curve of the aerosol generating device according to an acoustic signal detected by an acoustic sensor.

[0061] The controller may be configured to select different heating curves for each different type of aerosol generating article.

[0062] The controller may include a memory. The memory may include prestored reference data. The reference data may include reference acoustic signals. Each reference acoustic signal may correspond to an aerosol generating article of a specific type.

[0063] The controller may be configured to start an operation mode according to the type of the detected aerosol generating article, preferably the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

[0064] The controller may be configured to adjust one or more of the following based on the identified article type: the current amplitude supplied to the heating element of the aerosol generating device; the current frequency supplied to the heating element; the power supply time period; the temperature of the heating element; the signal for powering the heating element; and the maximum number of power pulses of the heating element.

[0065] Increasing or decreasing the current amplitude supplied to the heating element can increase or decrease the heating temperature of the heating element. Increasing or decreasing the current frequency supplied to the heating element can increase or decrease the heating temperature of the heating element. Increasing or decreasing the power supply time period of the heating element can increase or decrease the heating duration of the heating element. The signal for powering the heating element can effect the power supply to the heating element or disable the power supply to the heating element. The combined duration of heating element activation can be controlled by the signal for powering the heating element. The maximum number of power pulses of the heating element can determine the maximum number of puffs. Each power pulse sent to the heating element can correspond to one user puff.

[0066] The present invention also relates to a method of controlling the aerosol generating device described herein, the method comprising: detecting, by an acoustic sensor, an acoustic signal generated by heating an aerosol-forming substrate, transmitting the detected acoustic signal to a controller, and determining, by the controller, a heating condition of the heated aerosol-forming substrate based on the detected acoustic signal.

[0067] The present invention may also relate to a method of controlling the aerosol generating device described herein, the method comprising: detecting, by an acoustic sensor, an acoustic signal generated by heating an aerosol-forming substrate, transmitting the detected acoustic signal to a controller, and determining, by the controller, a heating condition such as temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate based on the detected acoustic signal.

[0068] The method may further comprise analyzing, by the controller, the acoustic signal. The method may further comprise controlling, by the controller, the operation of the heating element based on the determined heating condition such as temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate.

[0069] The aerosol-generating device in the method may include a memory unit, and the controller may be configured to evaluate an acoustic signal. The controller may be configured to evaluate the acoustic signal based on a predefined diagnostic model. The predefined diagnostic model may be developed based on the use of machine learning techniques. For this purpose, a dataset of experimentally recorded acoustic signals may be used to train the controller. Such signals include desired and undesired acoustic signals. A portion of this dataset may be used as a training set to adjust the controller. Once the controller is adequately adjusted, the controller settings may be verified and validated by using another portion of the dataset. The validation dataset is used to further adjust the parameters of the controller and repeat the training until a diagnostic model that performs well on the validation dataset is obtained. The final test set may be used to finally evaluate the performance of the diagnostic model.

[0070] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device or system or a part thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to the heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the area closest to the open end of the chamber, while the term "distal" refers to the area closest to the closed end.

[0071] The term "adjacent" may mean a distance of up to 7 millimeters. The term "adjacent" may mean a distance of up to 5 millimeters. The term "adjacent" may mean a distance of up to 3 millimeters. The term "adjacent" may mean a distance of up to 1 millimeter.

[0072] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user by sucking or puffing at the mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the device. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may include a substrate portion and a mouthpiece portion, the substrate portion including an aerosol-forming substrate, and the mouthpiece portion including filter material.

[0073] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid form or may be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used synonymously.

[0074] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with one or both of an aerosol-generating article and a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

[0075] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device and one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol generating article. In such a system, the aerosol generating device and one or both of the aerosol generating article and the cartridge cooperate to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0076] The aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt substrate. Alternatively, a substrate may be provided that is nicotine-free, tobacco-free, and free of any plant-based materials.

[0077] The aerosol-forming substrate may include plant-based materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material that includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may include homogenized plant-based materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may include homogenized tobacco materials. The homogenized tobacco materials may be formed by coalescing particulate tobacco.

[0078] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol-forming agent. An aerosol-forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use and is substantially thermally resistant to degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol-forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerol. If present, the aerosol-forming agent content of the homogenized tobacco materials may be equal to or greater than 5 weight percent by dry weight, and preferably is 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients such as flavorants.

[0079] As used herein, a "receptor" or "receptor element" means an element that becomes hot when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the receptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the receptor element is positioned in thermal contact or close thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol generating article or cartridge. In this way, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the receptor such that an aerosol is formed.

[0080] An aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may be elongate. The housing 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-fragile. The housing may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, for example, a button for initiating heating of the aerosol generating device or a display for indicating the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0081] The aerosol generating device may include a power source. The power source may need to be recharged and may have a capacity such that it can store sufficient energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for approximately six minutes or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the heating element. The aerosol generating device may include a charging port for recharging the power source.

[0082] The power source may be a direct current (DC) power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a DC power source having a DC power source voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC power source current in the range of 1 ampere to 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). The aerosol generating device may advantageously include a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power source into an alternating current. The DC / AC converter may include a class D, class C, or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is supplied to an induction coil.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0085] An acoustic sensor;

[0086] A controller; and

[0087] A heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol-generating device, wherein the acoustic sensor is configured to detect an acoustic signal generated within the aerosol-generating device when heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein the controller is configured to determine a heating condition, preferably a temperature, of the aerosol-forming substrate being heated based on the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

[0088] Example Ex2: The aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1, wherein the acoustic signal is generated by one or both of the heating element and the heated aerosol-forming substrate.

[0089] Example Ex3: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the controller is configured to analyze the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

[0090] Example Ex4: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element and the acoustic sensor are connected to the controller.

[0091] Example Ex5: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to determine the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein the controller is configured to compare the temperature determined by the temperature sensor with the temperature determined based on the detected acoustic signal.

[0092] Example Ex6: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the controller is configured to control the heating element based on the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

[0093] Example Ex7: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the heating of the heating element.

[0094] Example Ex8: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the acoustic sensor comprises at least one microphone, preferably at least one MEMS microphone.

[0095] Example Ex9: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or both of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0096] Example Ex10: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a sound marker, and wherein the sound marker is configured to generate an acoustic signal at a predetermined temperature.

[0097] Example Ex11: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex10, wherein the sound marker comprises one or more of a crystal, a polymer, and graphite.

[0098] Example Ex12: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a heating chamber, wherein the acoustic sensor is arranged adjacent to the heating chamber, or wherein the acoustic sensor is arranged in the heating chamber.

[0099] Example Ex13: An aerosol generating device according to Example Ex12, wherein the heating chamber comprises a sound transmission element, wherein the sound transmission element is configured to transmit an acoustic signal generated in the heating chamber to the acoustic sensor.

[0100] Example Ex14: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a liquid storage portion, wherein the acoustic sensor is arranged adjacent to the liquid storage portion.

[0101] Example Ex15: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is a resistive heating element, preferably a resistive heating element comprising a mesh; or wherein the heating element is an inductive heating element, preferably an inductive heating element comprising at least one inductor coil.

[0102] Example Ex16: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the controller is a microcontroller.

[0103] Example Ex17: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a memory unit configured to store the detected acoustic signal, preferably wherein the controller comprises the memory unit.

[0104] Example Ex18: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the acoustic sensor is configured to detect a puff on the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device or to detect a puff on an aerosol generating article received within the aerosol generating device.

[0105] Example Ex19: An aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising a device according to any one of the preceding examples and an aerosol generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating article is configured to be at least partially received within the aerosol generating device.

[0106] Example Ex20: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex19, wherein the controller is configured to identify the received aerosol generating article based on an acoustic signal generated during heating of the aerosol generating article.

[0107] Example Ex21: An aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising an apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex18 and a cartridge comprising the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0108] Example Ex22: A method of controlling an aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex18, the method comprising:

[0109] detecting, by the acoustic sensor, the acoustic signal generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate;

[0110] transmitting the detected acoustic signal to the controller; and

[0111] determining, by the controller, a heating condition of the heated aerosol-forming substrate preferably as the temperature based on the detected acoustic signal.

[0112] Example Ex23: The method according to Example Ex22, comprising analyzing the acoustic signal by the controller.

[0113] Example Ex24: The method according to any one of Examples Ex22 or Ex23, comprising controlling an operation of the heating element by the controller based on the determined temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate.

[0114] Example Ex25: The method according to any one of Examples Ex22 to Ex24, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a memory unit, and wherein the controller is configured to evaluate the acoustic signal, preferably wherein the controller is configured to evaluate the acoustic signal based on a predefined diagnostic model.

[0115] Example Ex26: The method according to Example Ex25, wherein the predefined diagnostic model is developed based on the use of machine learning techniques.

[0116] Features described with respect to one embodiment may equally apply to other embodiments of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0117] The present invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0118] Figure 1A a 3D view showing an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article, Figure 1B a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol-generating device;

[0119] Figure 2A a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol-generating device, Figure 2B a cross-sectional view showing an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article;

[0120] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device is shown;

[0121] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device and a cartridge is shown, and

[0122] Figure 5 Two acoustic signals of two different aerosol generating articles are shown. Detailed description

[0123] Figure 1A A 3D view of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device 10 and an aerosol generating article 12 is shown. The aerosol generating article 12 includes a matrix portion (not shown) containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a mouthpiece portion 14. Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 10 is shown. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing 16, which includes a cavity 18. The cavity 18 defines a heating chamber into which the aerosol generating article 12 can be inserted. The heating chamber is defined by a cylindrical wall 20 and a bottom portion 22. The cavity 18 includes heating blades 24 mounted to the bottom portion 22.

[0124] The aerosol generating device 10 includes an acoustic sensor 26 at the distal end of the bottom wall 22. The acoustic sensor 26 is a microphone, preferably a MEMS microphone. The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a controller 28, a power source 30, and a charging port 32.

[0125] The aerosol generating article 12 can be inserted into the cavity 18 until the heating blades 24 are fully inserted into the aerosol generating article 12. The heating blades 24 heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol generating article 12, thereby generating an acoustic signal (not shown). The heating blades 24 include a transmission element 34 at the distal end. The transmission element 34 transmits the acoustic signal through the bottom wall 22 to the microphone 26. Then, the detected acoustic signal is transmitted to the controller 28 via wiring 36. The controller 28 is connected to the battery portion via wiring 38. The heating blades 24 are also connected to the controller via wiring (not shown). The controller 28 analyzes the acoustic signal to determine the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. Based on the determined temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, the controller controls the heating blades 24.

[0126] Figure 2AA cross-sectional view of an inductive aerosol-generating device 40 is shown. The aerosol-generating device 40 includes a cavity 18 for inserting an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate (not shown). The aerosol-generating device 40 includes an inductor coil 42 disposed around a cylindrical wall 20 of a heating chamber. A microphone 26 is disposed adjacent to the cylindrical wall 20. The microphone 26 is attached to the housing 16. The microphone 26 is disposed adjacent to the inductor coil 42. The inductor coil 42 and the microphone 26 are connected to a controller 28 (not shown). The controller 28 includes a memory unit 44. The memory unit 44 is configured to store acoustic signals generated by the heated aerosol-forming substrate or generated by the inductor coil 42. The memory unit 44 includes a reference signal of the acoustic signal of the aerosol-generating article.

[0127] An aerosol-generating article comprising a susceptor material (not shown) can be inserted into the cavity 18. When the inductor coil 42 is activated, the susceptor material of the aerosol-generating article is heated, thereby also heating the aerosol-forming substrate of the article. When the aerosol-forming substrate is heated, an acoustic signal is generated by the aerosol-forming substrate. The acoustic signal emitted within the cavity 18 is then transmitted via the cylindrical wall 22 of the heating chamber to the microphone 26, where it is detected by the microphone 26. The detected acoustic signal is then transmitted from the microphone 26 to the controller 28. The controller 28 analyzes the acoustic signal and can also compare the acoustic signal with a reference signal stored in the memory unit 44. Based on the analyzed acoustic signal, the controller 28 determines the temperature of the heated aerosol-forming substrate. According to the determined temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, the controller 28 controls the inductor coil 42.

[0128] Additionally, the microphone 26 can detect an acoustic signal generated by the inductor coil 42. The controller can compare the analyzed acoustic signal of the inductor coil 42 with a reference signal of the acoustic signal stored in the memory unit 44.

[0129] Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system including an inductive aerosol-generating device 40 and an aerosol-generating article 46 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 46 includes a sound marker 48 and a susceptor material (not shown). When the susceptor material of the aerosol-generating article 46 is heated by the induction coil 42, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate increases, and thus the ambient temperature of the sound marker 48 increases. When a predetermined temperature is reached, the sound marker 48 undergoes a phase change, thereby emitting a characteristic acoustic signal (not shown). The acoustic signal is then detected by the microphone 26. The acoustic signal of the sound marker 48 can be used to identify the aerosol-forming article. Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic signal of the sound marker 48 can be used to set a reference point for controlling the heating temperature.

[0130] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of another aerosol-generating device 50 is shown. The aerosol-generating device 50 includes a chamber 18 that includes a resistive coil 52, a liquid wicking element 54, and a liquid storage portion 56. The liquid wicking element 54 delivers a liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored within the liquid storage portion 56 to the resistive coil 52, where the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is heated to form an aerosol. The aerosol (not shown) is discharged at the mouth end 58. Microphones 26 and 26' are positioned around the resistive coil 52. The chamber 18 may include a plurality of microphones 26 and 26'. The plurality of microphones may be arranged symmetrically. Air enters the aerosol-generating device 50 at the air inlet 60. The heater 52 and the microphones 26 and 26' are connected to a controller 28.

[0131] During use, the resistive coil 52 is powered by a power source 30, thereby heating the resistive coil 52. When the resistive coil 52 is heated, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the liquid wicking element 54 evaporates. The evaporation of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate generates an acoustic signal, which is then detected by the microphones 26 and 26'. The detected acoustic signal is transmitted to the controller 28, where it is analyzed to determine the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0132] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system including an aerosol-generating device 60 and a cartridge 62 is shown. The cartridge includes a liquid storage portion 64 containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, a mesh heater 66, and a heater mount 68. The mesh heater 66 is in contact with a liquid wicking material (not shown) that delivers the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion 64 to the mesh heater 66. The cartridge includes an electrical connection portion (not shown) connected to the controller 28. The device may also include a mouthpiece 70. The mouthpiece 70 may be removable or partially removable, for example via a hinge (not shown). Thus, the depleted cartridge 62 can be removed from the aerosol-generating device 60 and replaced with a new cartridge 62.

[0133] The aerosol-generating device 60 includes a microphone 26 that is positioned adjacent to the heater mount 68 and the mesh heater 66. The microphone is connected to the controller 28 via a wiring 72. The heater mount 68 may be configured to transmit an acoustic signal generated by the heated mesh heater 66 to the microphone 26. The microphone 26 detects the acoustic signal generated by the heated mesh heater 66.

[0134] The mouthpiece 70 may also include a microphone 26'. The microphone 26' detects an acoustic signal generated by the heated aerosol-forming substrate.

[0135] Figure 5Shows the spectra of two acoustic signals 74 and 76 generated by two different aerosol-generating articles over a 20-second period. The acoustic signals 74 and 76 were generated during a user experience, during which the substrate was heated from ambient temperature to approximately 200 °C. The aerosol-generating articles differ in their aerosol-forming substrate composition. The x-axis of the spectra represents time (in seconds), and the y-axis represents the recorded amplitudes of the detected acoustic signals 74 and 76. It can be seen that the aerosol-generating articles produce different characteristic acoustic signals. The acoustic signals show increased oscillations at approximately 12.5 seconds. This increased oscillation indicates that the increase in the acoustic signal occurs at or near a temperature of approximately 120 °C. The signals are shifted and are thus characteristic of the corresponding aerosol-generating article.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol - forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising: an acoustic sensor; a controller; and a heating element, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the aerosol - forming substrate received in the aerosol generating device, wherein the acoustic sensor is configured to detect an acoustic signal generated within the aerosol generating device when heating the aerosol - forming substrate, and wherein the controller is configured to determine a heating condition, preferably a temperature, of the heated aerosol - forming substrate based on the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic signal is generated by one or both of the heating element and the heated aerosol - forming substrate, and preferably wherein the controller is configured to analyze the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

3. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to determine the temperature of the heated aerosol - forming substrate, and wherein the controller is configured to compare the temperature determined by the temperature sensor with the temperature determined based on the detected acoustic signal.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to control the heating element based on the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic sensor.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the heating of the heating element.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol - forming substrate comprises a sound marker, and wherein the sound marker is configured to generate an acoustic signal at a predetermined temperature.

7. According to claim 6, wherein the sound marker comprises one or more of a crystal, a polymer, and graphite.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a heating chamber, wherein the acoustic sensor is arranged adjacent to the heating chamber or wherein the acoustic sensor is arranged within the heating chamber.

9. An aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising the device according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating article comprising the aerosol - forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating article is configured to be at least partially received in the aerosol generating device.

10. The aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to identify the received aerosol generating article based on the acoustic signal generated during heating of the aerosol generating article.

11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to identify the type of the received aerosol generating article based on the acoustic signal generated during heating of the aerosol generating article.

12. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol-generating device in a first operating mode when a first type of aerosol-generating article is detected, and wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol-generating device in a second operating mode when a second type of aerosol-generating article is detected.

13. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the first operating mode differs from the second operating mode in one of the following: A predetermined maximum number of puffs before ending each respective operating mode; A predetermined maximum duration before ending each respective operating mode; A predetermined maximum volume of aerosol generated before ending each respective operating mode.

14. An aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising the device and the cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the cartridge comprising the aerosol-forming substrate.

15. A method of controlling an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising: Detecting, by the acoustic sensor, the acoustic signal generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate; Transmitting the detected acoustic signal to the controller; And Determining, by the controller, a heating condition of the heated aerosol-forming substrate preferably as the temperature based on the detected acoustic signal.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising analyzing, by the controller, the acoustic signal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 or 16, comprising controlling, by the controller, the operation of the heating element based on the determined heating condition of the heated aerosol-forming substrate preferably as the temperature.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a memory unit, and wherein the controller is configured to evaluate the acoustic signal, preferably wherein the controller is configured to evaluate the acoustic signal based on a predefined diagnostic model.

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